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14 ALASKA NEWS December political update
38 MOVIE REVIEW Steve Elliott on Baked in Brookyn
48 DR. SCANDERSON The vegetation stage is crucial
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Meet the brothers behind Anchorage’s first licensed Cannabis producer
Story by Wes Abney Photos by Oscar Avellaneda-Cruz
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Hope you were nice this year.
2016
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editor’s note
DEC. 2016 ISSUE #8
The need for our country’s politicians to fully embrace the voter’s mandate for access to Cannabis is more important than ever Contact editor Wes Abney to place an
advertisement or become a drop-off location to display our magazine. You can also feel free to just share feedback, send pitches, articles, story ideas and hot news tips. This is all our plant.
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No news is good news, but we want to hear from you if we didn’t get something accurate in a previous edition.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this following the election last month. But not because of who won or lost (I felt the Bern), but for how our country has been divided by the process and the results. Waves of hatred and fear have risen from both sides of the aisle, and the result has not been pretty. I truly believe the United States is the greatest country on Earth. But we have undeniable problems that are seemingly getting worse, and that doesn’t change with the president. Our biggest problem is our disconnect with our fellow bothers and sisters, our fellow citizens and our collective democracy at the core. For every person in the country who voted, there was a voice that chose not to be heard, and a vote that wasn’t cast. I know many of us are feeling nervous, angry, scared or even happy about the election. Four years seems like a long time, but it really isn’t, and just three years from now we will all be listening to the pundits arguing about the next election. Let’s put all that aside and get real. Our country needs healing, and it will only come from brotherly love and by people living and leading by example. Do unto others as you would like to be treated should be the theme of 2017. Our country is made up of people of every race, religion, creed and origin, and that is what makes it beautiful. We must remember that we all are human, with the same wants and needs and fears, and focus on Editor Wes Abney last month what makes us similar, not different. We must use that understanding to at Danksgiving in Portland make America and the world a better place and a safer place for all of us, Rehashed on pg. 24 whether we choose to grow a plant or make any other personal decision. I urge everyone reading this to put aside the politics and remember what we have to be thankful for, and what we have to fight for that is within our control. We can’t change the president for another four years, but we can work hard to change the world we are all living in. Be kind, be strong, and have faith that as a people, we will work our way through this and be both better and wiser for it.
national
By WES ABNEY | ILLUSTRATION by BRANDON VOSIKA
Recreational
California The Adult Use of Marijuana Act passed with 58 percent of Californians voting in support. The hotly contested act regulates recreational Cannabis and only time will tell how it affects the state’s medical marijuana industry. Adults can now possess up to one ounce and six plants at home.
Nevada This bittersweet initiative passed allowing adults to possess up to one ounce of pot and only allows them to grow at home if they don’t live within 25 miles of a dispensary. There is also a 15 percent excise tax imposed to bring in new revenue. Clearly meant for tourism, the homegrow limitation will likely be challenged in coming years. Maine Adults here will now be able to possess 2.5 ounces at home. The new law allows for six flowering and 12 vegetative plants per household and ensures that 40 percent of grower licenses go to small scale farms. Maine will be the first state to allow consumption and social clubs to open for adult use!
Massachusetts
This is the closest thing to true legalization passed this year. Adults can now enjoy one ounce in public, 10 ounces at home and the law allows for homegrown while limiting taxes to 5.75 percent.
Arizona The battle for legalization in AZ was hotly contested by prohibitionist groups pushing anti-pot ads with outright false claims and bad science. Unfortunately, it was enough for the measure to be narrowly defeated at the polls. Prop 205 would have allowed for personal possession of an ounce and six plants at home. Pot advocates are already prepping there for a 2018 legalization push.
Green Party How Americans Voted for Cannabis
While the nation tore itself apart on social media over the Trump vs. Clinton showdown, many Americans voted for something far more important to lovers of Cannabis: medical and recreational legalization. Pot was on the ballot in nine states and, by and large, Americans showed widespread support for making Cannabis available. And luckily for our movement, these were Cannabis laws that will help promote understanding of this amazing plant. We put together this breakdown for people to understand the enormous changes coming to states all across the country and what actually happened at the polls. Florida After a devastating loss in the last election, a whopping 78 per-
Medicinal
cent of voters in Florida approved the use of medical marijuana. The system will create producer, processor and retailer licenses as well as allowing patients to cultivate their own medicine!
Montana Out of all the states that have wrestled with MMJ, Montana has been the toughest battleground. After creating a system that was based on providers and caregivers and patients, the laws were repealed in 2012 with federal and local raids. This election rolls back the old laws, allowing patients to grow for themselves and provide for others, including options for retail locations. North Dakota Another bittersweet victory in North Dakota will allow patients to have access starting in 30 days when the Department of Health begins to implement the new law. Patients will only be able to grow their own pot if they live outside a 40-mile range of a dispensary. Still, with some of the harshest laws in the country for pot, this marks a major victory for patient access!
Arkansas This Bible Belt state became the first to legalize medical use of Cannabis with a major victory for patients. The law is still extremely limited — only four to eight producers and 40 dispensaries licensed statewide — but it is a major victory over the current reign of prohibition.
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dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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national
STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion. managing to raise substantial new revenues. A recent Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) report found that Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington have benefitted from a dramatic decrease in marijuana arrests and convictions, as well as increased tax revenues since the adult possession of marijuana became legal. At the same time, these states did not experience increases in youth marijuana use or traffic fatalities. “This is the most momentous Election Day in history for the movement to end marijuana prohibition,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. “From Los Angeles to Boston, voters are casting their ballots in favor of sensible marijuana policy reforms. Today’s results are right in line with national polls showing record-high support for making marijuana legal.” “Marijuana reform won big across America on Election Day – indeed, it’s safe to say that no other reform was approved by so many citizens on so many ballots this year,” said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the DPA. “But the prospect of Donald Trump as our next president concerns me deeply. The progress we’ve made … will be very much at risk when Donald Trump enters the White House.” “It’s clear from the results tonight that legal marijuana is much more popular with voters than the president-elect and many U.S. senators and governors are,” said Tom Angell, executive director at Marijuana Majority. “It’s time for more politicians to start respecting the will of the voters by treating marijuana policy as the important and mainstream issue it is.” “Voters have spoken clearly in states across the country,” said National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith. “More than 16 million voters, including in two of the three most populated states in the nation, chose legal, regulated Cannabis programs that promote safety, boost the economy, help sick patients and address social injustices.”
THIS IS THE MOST MOMENTOUS ELECTION DAY IN HISTORY FOR THE MOVEMENT TO END MARIJUANA PROHIBITION
Election 2016: Calif., Mass., Nev., AND Maine Legalize; Fla., Ark., ND Go Medical
Initiatives legalizing marijuana in one form or another were passed in seven states this election season.
It was the biggest day ever at the ballot box for
laws. Arizona voters, meanwhile, said no thanks bud. Election Day 2016 was a watershed moment to Measure 205, the flawed legalization initiative for the movement to end marijuana prohibition, appearing on the ballot there. with the results expected to accelerate efforts to Heading into the election, four states — legalize Cannabis in states across Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and “IT ’ S SAFE TO SAY the United States at the federal Washington — had already adopted THAT NO OTHER level and internationally. laws that legalize, regulate and tax REFORM WAS Voters in California, Nevada, marijuana for adult use, and 25 APPROVED BY SO Massachusetts and Maine on Nov. 8 MANY CITIZENS ON states had adopted comprehensive approved ballot initiatives to legalize, SO MANY BALLOTS” medical marijuana laws. regulate and tax marijuana for adult By shifting away from use. Initiatives legalizing medical marijuana were counterproductive marijuana arrests and approved in Florida, Arkansas and North Dakota, focusing instead on public health, states that while Montana voters passed a measure that have legalized marijuana are diminishing many would expand existing state medical marijuana of the worst harms of the War on Drugs, while
“IT’S CLEAR FROM THE RESULTS TONIGHT THAT LEGAL MARIJUANA IS MUCH MORE POPULAR WITH VOTERS THAN THE PRESIDENT-ELECT AND MANY U.S. SENATORS AND GOVERNORS ARE.” 10/DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
Quoted texas lawmakers look to decriminalize New legislation would be a major change of pace for the remarkably weed-hating Lone Star State
a bill to reduce penalties for simple marijuana “This bill is about good government and possession was introduced in the Texas House of efficient use of resources,” Rep. Moody said. Representatives on Nov. 15. HB 81, introduced “Arrests and criminal prosecutions of lowby Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso), would remove level marijuana cases distract law enforcement the current criminal penalties for possession of and prosecutors, leaving fewer resources for small amounts of marijuana and replace them violent crime.” with a civil citation and a fine. “State penal statutes regarding the possession The decriminalization bill, which is co- of small amounts of marijuana are antiquated sponsored by Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping and costly,” Sen. Rodríguez said. Springs), would make possession of one ounce “The state and local governments expend or fewer of marijuana a nonmillions of dollars prosecuting “Arrests and criminal and criminal offense punishable incarcerating these prosecutions of by a fine of $250. Under nonviolent drug offenders. low-level marijuana current law, possession of two In addition, those convicted cases distract law ounces or less is a Class A often suffer collateral, enforcement and misdemeanor punishable by disproportionate consequences, prosecutors, leaving up to a $2,000 fine and 180 such as an inability to find fewer resources for days in jail. employment or access certain violent crime.” This is the second time benefits, like student financial — Rep. Joe Moody Rep. Moody has introduced aid or housing assistance.” legislation to remove criminal penalties for “We commend Rep. Moody for introducing simple possession. Last session, this proposal meaningful legislation on the first day of the preearned the support of more than 40 co-sponsors filing period,” said Heather Fazio, spokesperson in the House and was approved by the House for Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy. Criminal Jurisprudence Committee before the “His dedication to sensible policies in Texas is session closed. admirable, and we are proud to support HB 81,” Sen. José Rodríguez (D-El Paso) introduced Fazio said. “Imposing a civil penalty instead of a companion decriminalization bill, SB 170. criminal penalties makes good sense as it frees The Texas Association of Business and up resources that could be used in ways that dozens of grassroots advocacy organizations, better serve our communities.” including Texans for Accountable Government “No one deserves to have their lives derailed and the Texas Young Republicans Federation, due to a criminal conviction for possessing a supported the bill. substance that is safer than alcohol.”
“TRUMP’S NOMINATION OF SENATOR SESSIONS FOR THE POSITION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD SEND A CHILL DOWN THE SPINE OF THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WHO SUPPORT MARIJUANA LAW REFORM” — ERIK ALTIERI (NORML Executive Director) on Donald Trump’s nomination of longtime marijuana law reform opponent Jeff Sessions for attorney general.
Quick Hits! 30 53 212
Percent increase in marijuana sales occur on the day before Thanksgiving each year (“Weed Wednesday”) according to a new report from Bloomberg News. Percent of Denver voters passed Initiative 300, allowing public social marijuana use at permitting businesses like bars and cafés.
Million dollars in marijuana sales were reported in 2016’s second quarter in Washington, inching closer to total liquor sales during the same time period ($249 million).
DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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national
STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion.
Arizona Legalization Campaign addresses loss of PropOSITION 205 The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA) on Nov. 15 issued an official statement regarding the narrow defeat of Proposition 205 in Arizona. Ballots are still being counted, but as of 8:10 a.m. on Nov. 15, the proposal to end marijuana prohibition in Arizona had received 1,158,655 votes in favor (48.23 percent) and 1,243,883 votes against (51.77 percent). “We thank the more than 1 million Arizona voters who cast their ballots in favor of ending the failed policy of marijuana prohibition,” said CRMLA chairman J.P. Holyoak. “We are disappointed the initiative came up short, but we are encouraged by the impressive amount of support
it received given this was the first time voters had considered such a proposal. Fortunately, Arizona’s medical marijuana program remains strong and patients will be able to continue safely and legally obtaining marijuana through a regulated system.” Some of the “No” votes on Prop 205 came from medical marijuana patients and dispensary owners, many of whom were concerned that state officials would “pull a Washington” on them by allowing recreational marijuana to subsume and replace the medical Cannabis market. P Patients in Washington saw their formerly thriving medical marijuana scene reduced to nothing within three and a half years after I-502 passed there.
Weed for Warriors Project Calls on VA to Stop Blocking Vet MMJ Access The Weed for Warriors Project, a nonprofit Warriors Project. “Weed for Warriors Project should not dedicated to helping veterans find relief from service-related disabilities through need to remind the VA that two-thirds of medical marijuana, on Nov. 11 called our servicemen and women who return on the U.S. Department of Veterans home from deployments in the Middle East, and more than half of Affairs (VA) to finally stop “WE LOOK FORWARD older veterans suffer from blocking the legal, ethical TO THE VA FINALLY chronic pain,” Wyatt said. and responsible use of TAKING A COURAGEOUS, “There’s also about 2.7 medical marijuana and SENSIBLE, RESPONSIBLE million American veterans safer medical alternatives POSITION ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA” of the Iraq and Afghanistan for veterans. wars, and at least 20 “With eight of nine states voting in favor of responsible percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans marijuana reforms this past election, it who suffer from PTSD and/or depression.” “We look forward to the VA finally taking is clear that more Americans than ever recognize that our nation’s drug policies a courageous, sensible and responsible are a failure,” said Brandon L. Wyatt, position on medical marijuana and national policy advisor for the Weed for comprehensive healthcare,” Wyatt said.
“AS A FORMER DOPE DEALER MYSELF, I CAN SAY WITH A FAIR DEGREE OF CONFIDENCE THAT SEVERELY RESTRICTING THE AVAILABILITY OF ‘LEGAL’ MARIJUANA (AND OTHERWISE JACKING THE PRICE WITH A 37 PERCENT EXCISE TAX) CREATES A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR BLACK MARKET DEALERS”
12/DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
Quoted — J.D. TUCCILLE, contributing editor, Reason.com, in response to law enforcement authorities overseeing the closure of hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries across Washington state.
alaska
By ALIZA SHERMAN for ALASKA LEAF | ILLUSTRATION by BRANDON VOSIKA
THE LATEST FROM ANCHORAGE
Family-owned Cannabis retail store Enlighten Alaska LLC is set to open in mid-December. The shop will carry available marijuana products and accessories in time for holiday shopping. Jane Stinson will handle inventory and compliance while her son, Evan, and daughter, Leah, will manage the storefront. The company will be one of many Anchorage-based licensees participating in the Anchorage Cannabis Business Association’s first job fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on C Street and International Airport Road. The event, originally scheduled for October, was delayed to give Alaska marijuana licensees time to work through the licensing process and be closer to their opening dates for a better handle on their employment needs and hiring plans. The event includes an expo and several learning sessions, including a Marijuana Handler Card class, and will bring together a wide variety of Alaska canna-businesses and people seeking jobs in the industry. A LITTLE TROUBLE AND A LOT OF ACTIVITY
Alaskans are still abuzz about the Marijuana Control Board (MCB) rejecting a license application for the first time. At the board’s Oct. 28 meeting, the MCB rejected Wildflower Holdings LLC’s application. The business in question was discovered to be owned by Arizona-based company Happiedaze LLC, and Alaska does not permit non-residents to engage in any direct or indirect financial investment in a marijuana license in the state. It remains to be seen if residency restrictions in Alaska will be loosened like they have been in other states such as Oregon. Anchorage-based retail licensee Arctic Herbery ran into some trouble after local media reported the owner, Bryant Thorp, was giving away marijuana samples from his yet-unopened store. The state did not take action against the retailer while the Anchorage Assembly will revisit the issue at its Dec. 6 meeting. BRINGING THE STATE TOGETHER
The Alaska Marijuana Industry Association (AMIA) is making a slow and considerate expansion across the state to begin to unify voices in the Cannabis industry. A local chapter affiliated with AMIA recently formed in Fairbanks where some of the first marijuana licensees are already doing business. An AMIA spokesperson said that efforts are being made to establish presences in Kenai, Juneau, Mat-Su and Southeast. The AMIA is dividing the state into regions and rural licensees can affiliate with a local chapter for networking and resource sharing. A goal of the AMIA is inclusion and that means ensuring rural and remote licensees are not left out. HAPPENINGS ON THE KENAI
DECEMBER
POLITICAL
UPDATE Licensed retail marijuana shops begin to open up
14/DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
The licensed retail marijuana stores High Bush Buds in Soldotna and Red Run Cannabis Company in Kenai may be open by press time, says Jeremiah Emmerson of the Alaska Small Cultivators Association. More good news as three Limited Marijuana Cultivation Facilities enter the final stages of licensing: Green Rush Gardens LLC in Sterling, Terra House LLC in Soldotna and Peace Frog Botanicals LLC in Kenai. Peace Frog Botanicals co-owner Dollynda Phelps, a board member for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Marijuana Task Force, said the company passed their state inspection on Oct. 20 and are currently up and running with their first expected harvest coming in on Dec. 10. She and her husband Jerry, a co-owner in the company, plan to produce four to five pounds of product biweekly and report their first six harvests are already claimed. High Bush Buds and Red Run Cannabis Company will be carrying their products. NEWS FROM REMOTE ALASKA
Action sports athlete Jimmy Blaze has traveled the world doing stunts for television, movies and live-action sports shows such as monster trucks, freestyle motocross, snowmachine races and the X-Games. Blaze now operates a cultivation facility in Chitina, AK, called Flying High Investments LLC as well as Tundra Fire LLC, a cultivation facility and retail store in Nome that he anticipates opening before 2016 ends. “Chitina is a very challenging place to do business in because it is so far from Anchorage and so far from any type of hardware stores or hydroponic stores. You have be very careful on your supplies that you need,” Blaze explained.
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LEAF
opinion
By ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTOS by GAGE SKIDMORE
DONALD TRUMP’S PLAN FOR POT? IT’S THE BIGGEST QUESTION FACING THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY AND MOVEMENT IN 2017 To answer this, we need to look at a variety of statements, political positions and do a bit of guesswork. Please keep in mind that this is not a pro- or anti-Trump analysis, and that this is all conjecture until time answers all questions. The progression of Cannabis laws has marched along at a rapid pace since Obama took office in 2008, and many credit his administration as being more tolerant to pot than previous administrations. But there are many ways to paint his picture of Cannabis policy. More medical Cannabis raids and federal charges were filed for pot under Obama than under Bush, but the growth in the MMJ industry during his time in office was 1,000 times that while under Bush. The first states to legalize, Washington and Colorado, were also under Obama, with many more in the following years adding medical or recreational Cannabis programs. Regardless of whether Obama’s federal government was pro- or anti-Cannabis, the industry and movement has moved forward for the last eight years, and all eyes are now on the new administration. Although his campaign was relatively light on the issue of Cannabis, Trump has made strong arguments about other issues that he feels are state rights (abortion was a headline example). In fact, until Trump’s proposed attorney general was announced to be Jeff Sessions, who famously said that he liked the KKK until he heard they smoked pot, there wasn’t a lot for the pot industry to fear from the president-elect. The Sessions announcement has created waves of anxiety and fear in the industry. We must not let this frightening sentiment dictate our industry. Following policy trends and statements over
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the last year and a half, it stands to reason that policy to include fewer human rights, increased a Trump administration would allow individual private prisons, more restrictive sentencing and states to govern Cannabis laws as they see fit, rea potential revamping of the War on Drugs. All gardless of its attorney general. But don’t expect bad things for the American people. How will to see federal drug law reform under Trump, or this likely affect the pot industry? That’s a doua continuation of Obama’s historic pardoning of ble-edged sword. hundreds of non-violent drug offenders. Here’s For states that have legalized weed and are earnSessions on Obama’s pot stance: ing tax revenue from the proceeds, don’t expect a “I think one of [Obama’s] great failures, it’s obSessions/Trump administration to change a thing. vious to me, is his lax treatment in comments on As a state’s rights issue combined with the masmarijuana. It reverses 20 years almost of hostility sive amounts of taxable revenue, the sale of Canto drugs that began really when Nannabis will go on in the markets where Why is Cannabis cy Reagan started ‘Just Say No.’” it is regulated and legal. But states like Sessions has also swallowed the important to you? Montana that just reinvigorated a free Email 150-300 words reefer madness pill that Nacy Reagan to nwleaf@gmail.com market and patient-supplied medical pushed down the American mindsets Cannabis system, states that are just through programs like D.A.R.E. But this is no now pushing for MMJ, or patients in black market different than the head of the DEA saying that states trying to provide their own medicine had she believed heroin and Cannabis were equally better watch out. Because the black helicopters dangerous. could be circling, especially if Congress doesn’t re“We need grown-ups in charge in Washingnew the spending package that prevents funding ton saying marijuana is not the kind of thing that spent on Cannabis by law enforcement/DEA if ought to be legalized, it ought to be minimized, the state law is protected. that it is in fact a very real danger. You can see Expect a lot of blustering about this, both from the accidents, traffic deaths related to marijuana,” Trump and Sessions but also from the pot indusSessions said. “And you’ll see cocaine and heroin try. There will be many Chicken Littles. increase more than it would have, I think.” Legalization isn’t going backwards, but we as Clearly the man is in complete denial about a country must be concerned about overall drug Cannabis. And denial is the right word, because policy, prison policy, sentencing reform and a host the scientific evidence is widely available and of other issues that this new administration is backed by the government’s own patent on Canhandling. And we also must continue to fight the nabis as a medicine. changes that legalization has already brought to So what does all this mean for pot? patient rights, such as heavy taxation and limitaFirst off, Sessions is not in place or confirmed tions on personal freedoms. Let’s make our counas attorney general. Yet. But he likely will be. And try better by fighting for drug and prison reform, if he is, we can expect America’s drug and prison and leave the partisan politics for the birds.
highly likely
By PACER STACKTRAIN for ALASKA LEAF
Column # 7
Highlighting amazing Cannabis pioneers who helped pave the way to greater herbal acceptance.
PETE DAVIDSON
SNL’S VOCAL CANNABIS ADVOCATE Pete Davidson is not a household name… yet. However, if you’re a fan of “Saturday Night Live,” you’ll probably recognize his face. At 20, Davidson was one of the youngest members to join the late-night sketch comedy show’s cast. Davidson’s life story thus far is both fascinating and tragic. His father was a New York City firefighter who died in service during the 9/11 attacks. His father’s death had a profound effect on him, and eventually led him to start doing stand-up comedy at the age of 16. His boyish looks, deadpan delivery and NYC swagger made him a crowd favorite and lead to on-air gigs with outlets like MTV, Jimmy Kimmel and now, “Saturday Night Live.” Davidson openly uses medical marijuana for the pain caused by his chronic medical condition: Crohn’s disease. After experimenting with prescription drugs for years, he tried Cannabis and found that it alleviated the pain, noting that, “I found that the things the doctors were prescribing me, and seeing all these doctors and trying new things, weed was the only thing that would help me eat.” In 2015, he told High Times magazine, “I wouldn’t be able to perform on ‘SNL’ if I couldn’t smoke weed.” Since then, Davidson has become an outspoken advocate of the medicinal use of Cannabis, and has been a vocal opponent of the New York state medical program, which he sees as flawed and too difficult for patients to participate in. Davidson is also highly vocal about Cannabis user stereotypes, which he sees as outmoded and improper. “I work really fucking hard and I take care of my shit and I need weed in order to do that,” said Davidson, who went on to note that Cannabis actually improves his comedic abilities; without Cannabis, he would be in too much pain to perform. Even his boss, “SNL” creator and producer Lorne Michaels, is aware of the situation, and said, “Pete’s really focused for someone who mostly talks about how much pot he smokes.” Davidson performed in his first televised stand-up special (titled “SMD”) for Comedy Central on Oct. 29. Davidson is also the youngest person we’ve profiled yet in our Highly Likely series. That’s a good thing, because we’ll need more of his generation to help shed the harmful stigma that’s been attached to this beneficial herb over the last century.
“ I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO PERFORM ON ‘SNL’ IF I COULDN’T SMOKE WEED.”
18/dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
feature
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ for ALASKA LEAF
BUD BROTHERS
Fuzzy Budz Owners Jamie & Troy Millhouse share some insights on their journey to becoming Anchorage’s first licensed producers.
20/dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
First things first. How did you come up with the name Fuzzy Budz? My brother Troy’s nickname has been “Fuzzy” since he was born. He had about three fuzzy hairs for the first three years, and that was about it! The nickname stuck and we thought it was a fun way to name the company. Our other Cannabis brand is Alaska Green Light, and we are hoping to start the new green light district.
Congratulations on being the first licensed producer in Anchorage! How does it feel to finally get here? It still blows my mind to be on Northern Lights and growing pot, legally. The reality still hasn’t set in.
It was a lot of work for you guys to get here. How far along are you now? It’s been a little over a month since we got plants in, [we] should have been going a long time ago, but we had so many delays with city. We’ve had setbacks in our zoning, in licensing … the city had to make a special ordinance for us to even start operating. We basically got delayed because of how the state set things up, but the ordinance allows us to grow before starting retail. But we made it through, and now we’re coming up on three weeks into flower!
It’s great to hear that things are going well. But it wasn’t easy for you, or anyone trying to do this. What was most surprising about the process? It's been a battle, and it felt like taking one step forward and three back, but we never gave up. We have a strong team, and we were actually too fast for [the city], and we stayed on them and never gave them a break. We have thousands of hours on this. It started two years ago, and we kept on riding with it. We stayed on it, and we are very driven people. The most surprising part is that we’ve got easily a quarter million into the project, and ours is a small building, a 2,000 grow and a tiny retail. The whole process is very expensive; we thought we could do it for $100,000.
To keep fighting so hard for this shows how much you believe in Cannabis. What got you and your brother started in the industry? I’ve wanted to grow weed since the ‘80s when it came up on the Anchorage ballot and failed. We have always smoked and enjoyed the plant. But what really did it for me was watching my mother battle cancer. During the last two weeks of her life we got her to try a high-CBD strain, and when she smoked it she instantly got out of bed and had her pain level go all the way down to a four. She never took pharmaceuticals and was a tough woman, and to see her get comfort and quality of life at the end blew my mind.
How did that lead into or influence your plans for growing or producing? We definitely want to grow high-CBD strains for people and offer a chance to help as well as sell highTHC recreational pot. Right now we have 17 strains growing and are narrowing it down to our favorite seven. All our strains right now are high-THC as we are prepping for the market. We are going to have two retail stores on the overall
property because of the way the state set things up. So our first one will be AK Fuzzy Budz retail, a small appointment-only store retail that's hooked onto the same building, a one-window little store for people who don't want to go into the large or busy stores. I know a lot of doctors, lawyers, professionals or people needing advice and help who can discreetly get their stuff and leave with no fuss or muss. This spring we will have the other retail open, AK Green Light, which will be a full-scale retail store with every type of product available.
What surprises you about the green rush and what lessons have you learned? My family has been in business and I was raised in business since ‘72, and my brother has the largest granite business in Anchorage. While everyone is talking about making money, I laugh inside. This is about making a living and doing something you love and believe in to do. I have the coolest job in the world. I think a lot of these people have green eyes. We were gonna start with an 11,000-squarefoot building and my dad sat me down and said, “if I’d started big in my business, I wouldn't be here today.” So we slowed down and looked carefully at the market. Half the block is ours; we own the buildings and yet we still chose to go slow, and now we are outgrowing our first grow space, but in a good way.
What would you tell people working on their licenses or entering the industry? Start small and within your means. Then, if something goes wrong and you have a crop failure, you will struggle but not go out of business. The people with massive loans and payments are going to struggle then. Or, when price wars or other market changes come down the road, my best advice is: Don't give up. Keep rolling. Every setback, you’ve got to pick yourself up and do not stop. I talked to a couple guys getting discouraged and told them don't do that. Don't delay. And whenever you think you’re done, you’re not done.
What are your goals for producing, and what strains are you growing? Our place is small, and there's not a plant I don't touch every single day, sometimes two to three times a day. You get big and those plants don't get love. Our goals are to be consistent and grow the best strains we can grow; we have some beautiful plants. My personal favorite strains are Gummy Bears, Blue Dream, Blue Angels, Critical Sensi Star, Vanilla Lush, Blackwater, Grease Monkey. Those are my overall favorites; we will see about my brother’s favorites too. That's why we started with so many strains, to let the public tell us; the market will let us know.
DON’T GIVE UP. KEEP ROLLING. EVERY SETBACK, YOU’VE GOT TO PICK YOURSELF UP AND DO NOT STOP. When will you be fully licensed and able to sell? We are hoping to be open by the third week of January, selling our own flower out of the retail store. We won’t have any other products, but there won’t be any available then anyways. I doubt we will have enough pot to sell any other stores, so it will be our strains, and top/middle/bottom shelf options for people. We have some great strains that we know how to grow, and are excited to have true top shelf available for people to try.
What do you think the next six months hold for the pot market, and how do you feel about the chance to get started? I think it's going to be absolutely crazy, watching the two dispensaries open in Valdez and Fairbanks, and they are selling out and calling me all the time. Fairbanks had 300 people in one day; the other one sold out in one day. I think the market is going to be very strong at first and everyone is gonna come in and want to buy pot. But we aren’t looking for just the one-time novelty buyers. We are looking for red wine drinkers, the ones who will come back and buy our stuff by name and want our top shelf. Most of all, I'm just glad it's finally legal. The most exciting thing is we are the first ones doing it on Northern Lights, a very busy street, and it's crazy to me. I'm just excited about the future and growing, already getting ready to do blueprints on our 4K building, and I have a lot of options to expand. We’re going to call it the Green Light District, and we are excited to share this with people.
dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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DanksGiv rehashed
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
24/nov. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
Nov. 19, 2016
I Service, Portland | More photos at Facebook.com/nwleaf
ving
Oregon Leaf celebrated fall and Cannabis with dank giveaways and plenty of medicated Thanksgiving fun! Danksgiving returned for a second helping this year in Portland with a whole new look and a ton of fun surprises for attendees. This year’s event was split into two portions: a general public session and a pot industry session. Both events were three hours long and completely free to those who registered in advance. With over 300 attendees per session, the air at the venue was thick with smoky cheer as patrons celebrated the joy of Danksgiving. Each attendee was given a gift bag filled with magazines, Kush Tourism guides, flower from Eco Firma Farms, Wild West Growers, and Troutman Farms, a half-gram EBlunt filled with distillate, medicated sugar from OCO, a 15mg Squib from Lunchbox Alchemy, and a 50mg Sensi Sweet juice. There was also a full dab bar from Lions Den, a rosin squishing station by Dark Horse Genetics, a CBD chill zone put on by Quill, and a ton of pie and snacks. The industry portion was catered with a fully medicated meal, with six deep-fried infused turkeys provided by Skunk Train Farms and Ocean Grown Cannabis. Attendees also enjoyed medicated mini pumpkin pie bites from Laurie and MaryJane, and their medicated stuffing that was incredibly tasty. Also infused in the full Danksgiving meal were potatoes and mushrooms, and infused cranberry sauce. There was plenty of food and good cheer, and the celebration left everyone full of good food, Cannabis and the spirit of Danksgiving. The only thing asked of attendees was to write what they were dankful for on one of three 10-foot-tall signs placed out front, where different colored sharpies and pens gave everyone the chance to be creative. With the world and the Cannabis industry at large in transitioning times, plagued by uncertainty and confusion, Danksgiving was a great opportunity for people to come together, put aside politics, pick up a bowl or dab and give thanks. We hope to see everyone again next year and many more happy faces at the 2017 Danksgiving!
dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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ANCHORAGE'S 1ST LICENSED CULTIVATOR
ALASKA LEAF
STRAIN OF THE MONTH By WES ABNEY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN
L
ike little boulders of dense THC in three different natural states, these Moon Rocks, also called Cannabis caviar, will take you to outerspace! Although this could be considered a Strain and Concentrate of the Month combined all in one, we don’t mind the opportunity to blast off. Caviar is traditionally made in a multi-step process, with the first being to take a dense and solid strain with small to medium-sized nugs and roll them in oil, usually BHO but sometimes FECO or CO2. This leaves the bud with a sticky coating of oil, which is then carefully rolled in kief or solventless bubble hash. The grade of the finished caviar depends greatly on the quality of the products it is made from, and how it is cured before smoking. Needless to say, this is not an easy process, and when done with low-grade product or improperly cured, the end result is a bowl that can light on fire, burn improperly, and either waste or deliver a harsh smoke that is not pleasurable. Luckily for us and smokers everywhere, the team at Dynamic Harvest did a great job developing their caviar. Each tight nugget of AK-47 is rolled in BHO and then dusted and rolled in a light blond kief. When we opened a container, we found the kief was nicely dried and melded to the bud, and that breaking pieces of the bud open held the layered integrity together. We liked snapping the buds in half to load in a bowl, leaving the kief side up, which allows the hash to bubble and melt into the flower as the bowl is first fired up. Smoking a bowl of caviar is different than regular flower. To start, you want to use the lighter’s flame on as small a section of the overall bowl as possible, allowing the kief and oil to melt and slowly combust. Once the bowl is cherrying, deep tokes can be taken, with a small bowl lasting five minutes or longer with continuous puffing. The smoke from this caviar was light and sweet in the lungs but heavy on exhale as the three-way THC combo goes to work. This is a heavy high, hitting body and mind equally and quickly, and lasts for several hours. We enjoyed smoking bowls before chilling to a movie or before a nice relaxing autumn walk. But be warned: a little goes a long way, which also explains the elevated price per gram, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. There’s a lot of love (plus kief and oil) that goes into this product. Look for caviar on the recreational market this spring as Alaska producers begin making products like this and more with local flower, hash oil and keif!
TRIFOR
WE LIKED SNAPPING THE BUDS IN HALF TO LOAD IN A BOWL, LEAVING THE KIEF SIDE UP, WHICH ALLOWS THE HASH TO BUBBLE AND MELT INTO THE FLOWER AS THE BOWL IS FIRST FIRED UP.
MOON
RCE ROCKS
50.1% 0.28% 0.75%
THC CBD TERPENES GROWN & PROCESSED BY DYNAMIC HARVEST IN WASHINGTON dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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Alaska Farm Franchises now available in Fairbanks and Kenai
Warehouse Opening October! We are your custom wholesale distributors with delivery available
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We source organic soil, cocoa, and perlite, plus fertilizer locally in Alaska with fish bone meal from the Bering Sea. We offer special pricing for all new licensees, department and retail stores and wholesale pricing customers. Double ended lights starting at $250 | Full nutrient lines & accessories available | Lighting and ballast needs at the best rates.
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Come watch us grow!
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feature
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN | STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ
32/dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
2016
GGUIIFDT E
feature
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
StinkSack Bags @TheGluu $5-10+
Whether storing a gram or a pound, look for smellproof bag options for you and yours this holiday.
RozTek Equinox @TheGluu Squish bud with this $69 handheld heat press designed for small-batch rosin extraction.
PIECES BY @PaperclipPottery $50-70 Art meets function with these striking hand pipes from the New York artist.
Fez dry herb vaporize @FezVapor $99.99 Seattle-based co. created this powerful herb vape for on-the-go.
Storage Jars @VanderPop $29-39 Keep your pot safe in an airtight, light-blocking jar of style and purpose.
34/dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
LEAF JEWELRY @BluntedObjects $39-49
When fashion requires personality
Dab Wallet @TheGluu $5 Grab a stash of clamshell dab holders made from premium silicone.
Potful Cards @PotfulGifts $5 Forget Hallmark and send your friends something they’ll keep on the mantle.
Trinitree Apparel TrinitreeDist.com $25 Our foliage might look different, but our roots all share the same earth. Trinitree offers a range of 100% organic cotton apparel that promotes unity and progress for all.
OptiFlavor Banger @TheGluu $49.99 Savor the flavor of the season and dabs with this scientific banger.
Terpene Preservation Lab @TheGluu $10 Never spill your oil again with this silicone dab pad. They also have dab timers.
Shine papers @ShinePapers $55 Show off your rolling skills in gold with high end shine papers!
2016
GGUIIFDT E Grinder Cards @VanderPop $29 Enjoy everything you need to roll up in one easy package.
dec. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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WARM UP recipes
By LAURIE WOLF for ALASKA LEAF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF for ALASKA LEAF
SAVE ME SOUP I have recently fallen in love with tofu. It’s strange; I swore it would never happen. Last week I made this soup and used extra-firm tofu instead of the meat. Quite good on a chilly, rainy night.
1. In a large soup pot, heat the canna-oil. Add the beef and sausage, sauté 7-9 minutes. Drain off fat. Add the caraway seeds, marjoram, peppers, carrots and onion and sauté for 10-12 minutes. Add the garlic and the cabbage, cover, and cook an additional 10 minutes. 2. Add 6 cups of water along with the tomatoes, raisins, paprika, salt and pepper. Simmer for about 45 minutes. Serves 6.
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons canna oil 1 pound ground beef or turkey ½ pound Italian/turkey sausage 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 2 cups mixed chopped bell peppers 2 cups peeled and sliced carrots 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves minced garlic 3 cups coarsely chopped cabbage 6 cups water 28-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes ½ cup raisins, optional 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika 3 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper to taste
38/DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
If you can, take some time this season to invite over a few friends and remember how fortunate we all are. Lucky to have a home and good company and beautiful food on our tables. Hopefully said food has been cooked with some wonderful cannabis, raising the bar even higher.
COZY MEALS HELP KEEP YOU HIGH AND HAPPY OVER THE HOLIDAYS.
SALMON IN FOIL 1. Heat oven to 340. Cut either parchment or foil into 14-inch length. Place the salmon in the center of the foil. Repeat with all the pieces. Top each piece of salmon with chili powder, pepper, salt, peas and carrots. 2. In a small bowl, combine the cilantro cannabutter and lime juice. Divide the butter mixture over the salmon. Top with the lime slices. Bring the edges of the foil up and crimp in a loose tent shape. Bake 15 minutes. 3. Carefully open the packets. Discard the lime slices. Place on a plate and spoon the salsa over each portion. Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
CHICKEN PANZANELLA 1. Heat oven to 450. In a small pan, add one cup of olive oil and 12 cloves of garlic. Slowly confit the garlic till tender. In a skillet, pan sear the chicken pieces and place on a baking sheet until all pieces are seared. 2. Place in a 450 degree oven to roast. Cut up chunks of day-old bread and drizzle with olive oil and salt — about four cubes of bread per person. Place in oven to toast.
My favorite restaurant in Portland serves this chicken dish that I thought couldn’t get better. Then, I added Cannabis. Honestly it doesn’t make it taste better, but it’s fun.
3. Once chicken is cooked through, remove from pan and keep warm. Discard oil from pan, adding 1-2 tablespoons of canna-oil. Add 1/3 cup of pitted oil-cured black olives, the confit garlic and 4 cups of chicken stock. Scrape the bottom of the pan to get all the crust. Taste, add salt and pepper and chopped parsley. Remove toasted bread and place on plates. Spoon the sauce over the warm croutons. Top with an arugula salad dressed with your favorite vinaigrette and warm roasted chicken. Done!
4 6-ounce pieces of skinless salmon 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups frozen peas 1 cup shredded carrots ¼ cup chopped cilantro 4 tablespoons canna-butter or canna-oil 2 tablespoons lime juice ¾ cup salsa, mild to hot 12 thin lime slices
INGREDIENTS For the Chicken
1 cup good quality olive oil 12 garlic cloves, peeled 4 chicken breasts, boneless 4 chicken thighs, boneless 16 good size chunks of day-old bread, drizzled with olive oil and coarse salt 1/3 cup pitted black olives 4 cups chicken stock Salt Pepper Parsley
For the salad
1 bunch arugula, cleaned and dried on clean dishtowel. ¼ cup sherry vinegar ¾ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons canna-oil 1 tablespoon sugar 1 non-Teflon pan
DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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Reviews
By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com
DIRECTED by RORY ROONEY, 2016 // 86 MINUTES, $3.99 AMAZON VIDEO
BAKED IN BROOKLYN From corporate America to ganjaprenuer
If
you’d told me yesterday that one of my favorite movies of 2016 would be about a pill-gobbling pot dealer who doesn’t even like to smoke pot, I might have argued with you. Today, though, after screening “Baked In Brooklyn,” I’d have to admit you were right. In the film, an impressive directorial debut for Rory Rooney, a newly unemployed college graduate named David Sharpiro decides to sell marijuana on the streets of Manhattan to makes end meet after losing his corporate cubicle job at a New York City consulting firm. Things get off to a quick start after Sharpiro (“The Big Bang Theory’s” Josh Brener) advertises his wares online, but that’s where the plot twists come in. With a new beautiful, pot-smoking girlfriend (played by the stunning Alexandra Daddario) who is nonetheless skeptical of his new career, a rapid increase in clientele, and the growing threats of being caught or killed, David soon realizes he’s in way over his head. His roommates are equally skeptical of his plan, but let him go ahead with it. But as David’s new pot-selling job takes over his life, his friends begin to resent him, and the fear of being beat up becomes all too real. I was never bored for even one minute of this great film, and recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a fun hour and a half in the Big Apple.
DAVID SOON REALIZES HE’S IN WAY OVER HIS HEAD. 40/DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
eoscreativemedia.com Travis Madden (907) 854-7547
A LA S KA’ S CA N N A B I S S E C U R I T Y LEADERS
health & science
KRATOM
THE NEWEST TARGET OF THE WAR ON DRUGS
H
provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, this temporary ban ow crazy is the War on Drugs in America? would last for a period of at least two years, beginning a process Well, the Drug Enforcement Administraof permanent Schedule I status. tion (DEA) recently tried to fast track kraBY ALASKA LEAF The fact that kratom has become widely available and perceived tom, an herb native to Southeast Asia, to SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR as a recreational drug seemed to have offended the DEA. The DR. SCOTT D. ROSE Schedule I narcotic status and then changed explanation of its ban noted, “kratom had never been approved its mind. Kratom has been used widely for by the government for any use.” The DEA figures if a psychoaccenturies to ease pain, boost work performance, tive substance is not explicitly permitted, it should be prohibited. The reduce anxiety, diminish PTSD and wean people from opiate addiction. DEA pointed to an increase in the number of calls to poison control cenIn recent years the herb has gained a following in the United States, sold by ters related to kratom as a justification for acting swiftly, without seeking online merchants and head shops as an herbal medicine, dietary supplement input from other government agencies, and with no opportunity for pubor legal high. Kratom has been in the crosshairs of the DEA since it anlic comment. In the emergency scheduling notice published in the Federal nounced in 2013 that there is no legitimate medical use for kratom. Kratom Register, the DEA cited a July 2016 report was almost labeled a Schedule I narcotic due to the temporary scheduling from the CDC that claimed kratom was “an provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. Public outcry from online peemerging public health threat.” According titions, social media groups, protests, researchers (who would be stopped to the CDC, kratom-related calls to poison in their tracks on continuing current and future research on kratom), and control centers rose from 26 calls in 2010 letters from 51 members of Congress forced an unprecedented action by to 263 in 2015 — a total of 660 calls over the DEA to reverse its decision to ban kratom, which is legal in the U.S., at a six-year period. In comparison, in 6 years, least for now. poison centers received 23,303 calls about At the end of August 2016, the DEA declared an emergency ban on caffeine and 66,300 calls about essential oils. kratom. The ban was to go into effect as early as the end of September In the 11th hour, the ban was dropped 2016, placing kratom into Schedule I narcotic status alongside heroin, (for now). The DEA’s spokesman, Melvin LSD, and yes, even Cannabis. According to the temporary scheduling
PUBLIC PRESSURE KEEPS THE HERB UNREGULATED FOR NOW, ENCOURAGING USERS AND RESEARCHERS SEEKING A SAFER ALTERNATIVE TO OPIOIDS
44/DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
Patterson, has responded to the public backlash that included a White House petition with over 135,000 signatures calling on the DEA to delay this “hasty decision.” Many thought that the intent was to ban the herb so Big Pharma could make it into a pharmaceutical pill. “I don’t see it being Schedule II [or higher] because that would be a drug that’s highly addictive. Kratom is at a point where it needs to be recognized as medicine,” Patterson told the Washington Post, seemingly contradicting his employer’s position. “I want the kratom community to know that the DEA does hear them,” Patterson said. “Our goal is to make sure this is available to all of them.” Patterson also said the reaction to the ban ‘‘was eye-opening for me personally.” The DEA, which has a long “record of ignoring both science and public opinion,” has responded to an outcry by the public in an unprecedented act by reversing its decision, perhaps representing a cultural shift around access to such herbs. However, kratom advocates and researchers are cautious about how much they celebrate. The DEA could still put the substance on an emergency ban at a later time, or the agency could permanently schedule the plant, a process that can take a couple of years. Kratom is still on the DEA’s list of Drugs and Chemicals of Concern and is still illegal under local laws in Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin, Indiana, Arkansas and Alabama. Public pressure keeps the herb unregulated for now, encouraging users and researchers who seek a safer alternative to opioids.
WHAT IS KRATOM? Kratom, or mitragyna speciosa (also known as ketum), is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia in such countries as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Kratom is used in folk medicine as a stimulant (at low doses), sedative (at high doses), recreational drug, pain killer, medicine for diarrhea and treatment for opiate addiction. Many people report that kratom is an effective treatment for arthritis, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and fibromyalgia. In 1836, kratom was reportedly used as an opium substitute in Malaysia. Kratom was also used as an opium substitute in Thailand in the 19th century. Rates of kratom use appears to be increasing among those who have been self-managing chronic pain with opioids, especially those purchased without a prescription. Many are cycling (but not quitting) their opiate use, thereby reducing opiate intake, trading the opiates for a less toxic substance. There is evidence that the alkaloid compounds in kratom can have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and/or muscle relaxant effects, and might hold a key to developing powerful next-generation drugs that can treat pain but not cause some of the devas-
tating side effects of conventional painkillers including morphine, oxycodone or other opioids. Data suggest that kratom is used predominantly by adults therapeutically, and a recent survey by the Pain News Network, which polled over 6,000 users, found that over 50 percent use it for acute and/or chronic pain, almost 15 percent for anxiety, 10 percent for opioid dependency and less than 2 percent for recreational use. The poll found that kratom was predominantly used for back/spinal pain, migraines and fibromyalgia. Remember that the effects are dose-dependent, having stimulant-like effects at low dose and opiate or sedating effects at higher doses. Kratom can be taken in a number of ways. It’s a natural botanical herb that can be used in combination with other dietary supplements, steeped as tea, taken in powder form as a paste or mixed in food, or in capsule form. If taken in excess over long periods of time, kratom consumers may experience dependence similar to caffeine dependence. Stopping cold turkey is ill-advised; gradually taper use to stave off negative withdrawal effects. Kratom products are not recommended for use by minors or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dr. Scott D. Rose is a Naturopathic Acupuncturist in the Seattle, Washington area. DEC. 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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GROWTECH
THE VEGETATIVE STAGE M ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET...
the Cannabis plant’s life. ost people are connected with the Can During the vegetative period, significantly fewer functions, nabis plant through its dried and reactions and changes occur compared to the regenerative (flower) cured end form. In many ways, it BY ALASKA LEAF phase. As a result, gardening practices are easily compartmentalwould seem that the further from the SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR ized accordingly. Plants in the more than 18 hours of light peend result we dive into the cultivation DR. SCANDERSON riod are, in general, building root mass or developing foliage and process, the less glamorous the content shoots; that’s it. The pace of growth is roughly consistent throughout becomes. People seem to react more to depending on the area the plant is prioritizing its energy for. There is the picture or discussions of late-flowering plants than they do a photo no accelerated stretch period, flower setting, or extreme changes in biomass of a spot on an early growing plant beaming with health and vigor. (comparatively), so a gardener need only provide support and focus on one So many products are designed to increase yields and density and there is function or process rather than many. Feeding schedules may be focused on almost a prejudice towards frost over everything. Any experienced gardener will supporting either the development of the rhizosphere (weeks one to three) or tell you that if you want all the flash and excitement of cultivating highly actufoliage and shoots (weeks two to three and beyond). Similarly, foliar feeding alized percentages of potential outcomes in your Cannabis garden, many of the with formulas that promote prolific root development can be very helpful for maximums and limitations for possible achievement for the round are created younger plants with smaller root masses to feed with. Foliar feeding is also an during the grow or vegetative phase. excellent way for all gardens to add in beneficial bacteria and other organic The newest forms of prohibition — wrapped up in highly deceptive “legalcompounds, and inoculates as preventative maintenance against pests and disization” ballot initiatives — put still more pressure on gardeners to overlook eases during the earlier stages when plants are usually more vulnerable. the high costs of gardening with quality as the apex priority. More and more The vegetative period is also where training the plant’s growth patterns to facilities are being set up to minimize veg times in favor of higher production, suit your growing space and methods is both easiest and most effective. Startpushing the grow portion of the process still further back out the egresses of ing training techniques while the plants are still very small saves quite a bit of valuable Cannabis growing knowledge. In response to the apparent marginaltime as smaller plants are easier to manipulate and have less going on. Training ization of information regarding the grow phase, this month’s Growtech will plants also stimulates root growth, which is an excellent complement to the focus on the benefits and features that makes this time such a pivotal period in
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first few weeks of veg. When starting training in the first few weeks, I’ve always found more success using the very lowest form of stress training (VLST?) is best as it’s very easy to shock plants at a time when recovery may become impossible. A little bit can go a long way so long as it’s gently and consistent. Plants always respond best to gradual changes, so applying training techniques early and often through the early vegetative period sets the plants up for success when using more rigorous training in later veg and early flower. Options for creating precisely the structure that maximizes your space are more plentiful during early and mid-vegetative stages. At a certain point in a plant’s untrained development, opportunities to create bends and shapes become more limited compared to the potential adverse impacts it may have on recovery time. By starting when all parts of the plant are completely flexible, the world is your oyster, so to speak. Bending and shaping the main stem or dominant secondary shoots is both easy, fast and has little impact on the plant’s vigor and pace of development when performed properly. By selecting and manipulating each and every shoot, node and flower site, you help the plant direct energy and resources towards only the areas you ultimately are hoping to cultivate, which decreases time and increases the health of the plant. Perhaps the most comforting characteristic of the vegetative period is that the timeframe is flexible. I can hear many recreational production managers cringe at such a maxim, just one of many scorching examples of how quality can fall by the wayside in favor of the almighty dollar, but in reality, if the plant’s health is the pinnacle of concern, this period should remain entirely flexible. It goes for as long as it needs to until the plants develop to the point they should be to initiate flower. Again contributing towards a gardener’s ability to train and develop the best structure, the vegetative period accommodates error. Overtrained plants, broken stocks, pH lock out, nutrient deficiency and even overgrown plants can all be improved by simply adding more time to the vegetative period to allow for recovery or repair, and then pick up where you left off in the plant’s development. This is in stark contrast to the flower period, where mistakes cannot be taken back and every day is the single most important day of the plant’s life. By training the plant early, you are preparing it to handle the more aggressive techniques that often become necessary for larger, more robust adolescents; similarly veg gives an excellent opportunity to apply progressive light treatment. During this flexible and forgiving stage, it’s a great time to match the plant’s
development, feeding and training schedule with the amount and type of light you are feeding from. Many people enjoy the benefits of T5 lighting for clones and they can make a great solution for lighting vegetative plants as well. But issues arise for those who apply T5 lighting exclusively during veg when they attempt to flower the plants under HID lamps without accounting for significant transition. An alternative is to start with a small amount of T5 lighting, then slowly increase the number T5 lamps being used for full lighting until the maximum has been reached. When the plants begin the middle and later stages of veg, it’s a great time to start applying some HID lighting to them. Apply a low amount initially, slowly improving to full strength. Lighting progression should be completed entirely prior to initiating flower. All of these areas of setting up and carrying out a healthy and effective vegetative period are combined harmoniously in an effort to set up the most important portion: a seamless transition into flower. Plants that reach their final stages of veg with extreme vigor, high integrity structure and balanced branching in the environment designated for them to finish in is the only way to start a flower round, in my book. Nothing can create a more significant leg up in flower than a perfect transition. When the only change the plant at this stage is exposed to is an increased dark period, your flower run is off to a
THE VEGETATIVE STAGE IS WHERE TRAINING THE PLANT’S GROWTH PATTERNS TO SUIT YOUR GROWING SPACE IS BOTH EASIEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE
stellar start. That means finishing stretch earlier and with less height improvement, faster and fuller flower set, and the ever so important early and aggressive onset of diamond-sprinkled, tightly packed clusters of trichomes making buds so frosty, uploading them online would violate the community usage policies and ultimately break the internet. Perhaps known as the massively underrated step child of the famous and flashy “flower” period, the vegetative period is not to be overlooked. It’s where you have the opportunity to create graduating layers of your gardening style and gently introduce them to the plants. It also allows your plants to respond, telling you what you did right and where your technique can improve. Creating the shape the plant will grow from and be supported by goes down in veg most effectively as well as adaptation to the style of nutrient delivery and intensity of light. All these factors actualizing in a dynamic environment where timeframes are indefinite sets up the breath of potential for the plant’s life. It’s a period to be experienced, enjoyed and learned from. Happy Gardening!!!
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+ Many More Breeders To Choose From
budshot
PHOTO by JAMIE COLSON
Got sweet garden/bud photos? Share them with us and they might appear here next month! Email your top 3-5 not-taken-with-a-phoneunless-they-were-superduper-steady highresolution images to nwleaf@gmail.com along with details on what’s being grown, what effects it is known for, how it helps and why you like to grow it, plus any photo credits.
GROWN BY DREAD MEDS
QUEEN
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Euphoric & stimulating, this refreshingly earthy hybrid offers up a hint of grapefruit on the exhale. Queen’s potent effects are great for quickly relieving stress and pain.
BEHIND THE STRAIN
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SOUR DIESEL IBL While she might be tricky to learn to grow and difficult to pair with other varieties of Cannabis, for those who seek to learn her lessons goes the spoil of her highly coveted blooms.
BAG APPEAL & SMOKE REPORT sour d is my favorite strain.
She throws down large, tightly packed flowers that have smaller calyxs packed with tightly spaced resin heads. It’s not the three layers of frost-covered, rainbow-colored flowers that we see in today’s world of Cannabis, but for those who enjoy the taste and smell of this wonderful plant, few strains come close. Cracking the jar brings an eye-watering-sour-skunk-fuel punch that will destroy all other odors in the room. The sour skunky citrus that uppercuts your nose when you open the jar quickly gives way to a chemy, cleaner scent of a tennis balls soaked in floor stripper ... or something like that. Spicy, tangy smoke that expands to lung-busting proportions abused my tongue, delivering blow upon blow of sour, chemical-fuel flavor. A couple of horse-style nose coughs lets me know I’ve hit my limit and I teeter on the edge of a cough explosion. I keep it together before relieving my lungs of several pillows of smoke. The cool flavors rushing out add a delicious layer of lemon, minty Band-aids to an already skunky, chemy coating.
HOW IT GROWS this one isn’t for beginners.
BY ALASKA LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON
Her best flowers are produced when trained into a shorter, wider bush rather than a taller conical shape.
LINEAGE
A clone-only sister to OG Kush, both alleged to be direct descendants of the original Chemdawg bag seeds, the Sour Diesel traveled east, originally to New York, where she took the Cannabis world by storm. Shortly afterward, Sour D migrated a bit farther to a UMass Amherst grow room where an accidental pollination ended up creating a legend. Rezdog from Reservoir Seeds then worked the line over many years to produce an IBL and is considered the f irst to bring this clone into a stable seed line.
GENETICS: ORIGINAL DIESEL ([CHEM DAWG X MSS] X SENSI NL) X DNL BREEDER: RESERVOIR SEEDS FLOWER TIME: 70-75 DAYS
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It grows fast and tall. If you plan to veg for more than a week or two, training for height mitigation is a must. With early training, you can grow a bushier plant that will stretch well into flower, making her an excellent choice for those running larger plants with trellis supports. Once she flips to 12/12, the fun begins. Lots of training and attention must be given to corral her aggressive stretch. It’s not uncommon for a 250 percent to 300 percent stretch. Having equatorial heritage, she loves lots of highintensity light but doesn’t respond well to heat or variation in climate. The best flowers are produced when trained into a shorter, wider bush rather than a taller conical shape. She will take high levels of nitrogen and calcium into Week 6 of flower and benefits from high magnesium in mid- to late bloom. I’ve also found she will finish more completely by increasing the dark period toward the end of bloom.
EFFECTS ingesting
a well-cured run of Sour Diesel is similar to a competitive sport. Starting with the overwhelming flavors that stay on the palate for minutes, a sharp racy onset is in store. Cutting through the confusion of a scattered mind and delivering a jolting boost, Sour Diesel comes on quick. The true effects of the plant can only be experienced 10 to 15 minutes after a dose. The energetic onset merges with a euphoric, bubbly, creative state that provides ample inspiration for self-expression and a gleeful, unsolicited happiness.