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MARIJUANA HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING AND ADDICTIVE. MARIJUANA IMPAIRS CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION, AND JUDGMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER ITS INFLUENCE. THERE ARE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING.

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THIS IS A MARIJUANA PRODUCT. MARIJUANA HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING AND ADDICTIVE. MARIJUANA IMPAIRS CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION AND JUDGEMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER ITS INFLUENCE. THERE ARE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.

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DECEMBER 2017

20 GARDEN PROFILE Matanuska Wonder Woman | Anchorage

BUDTENDER PROFILE Peteri Faaliga of Alaskan Leaf

BUDSHOT Send us your best Potography

Highliday Gift Guide 40 Reviews by Alaska Leaf staf f | Photo by Daniel Berman

07 08 12 14 16 20 22 24 28 32 38 42 46 50 52 54

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note National News Alaska Update Gorilla Glue 2018 Predictions Garden Profile Budtender of the Month Highly Likely Profile Strain of the Month Gift Guide Recipes Book Review Budshot Growtech Breeder of the Month Behind The Strain

ON THE COVER Art by Joshua Boulet Seattle-based illustrator Joshua Boulet created a custom cover for each of our editions. BACK ISSUES/OREGON//ALASKA

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This is a marijuana product. Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

contents

TASTY RECIPES

MAKE SOME DANK DIPPERS By Laurie Wolf | Photos by Bruce Wolf

ALASKA LEAF

the truth about the plant you thought you knew, IN every issue.

editor’s note 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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FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Wes Abney

PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER

Daniel Berman

CONTRIBUTORS KELLY BJÖRK, ILLUSTRATION JOSHUA BOULET, COVER ART STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS SIMONE FISCHER, HEALTH & SCIENCE NESSE PHOTO, PHOTOGRAPHY DR. SCANDERSON, GROWTECH DR. SCOTT D. ROSE, HEALTH ALIZA SHERMAN, FEATURES ERIC SKELTON, DESIGN PACER STACKTRAIN, FEATURES BRANDON VOSIKA, ILLUSTRATION LAURIE & BRUCE WOLF, RECIPES ANNIKA WOLTERS, EDITING

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No news is good news, but if we have made an error you would like us to address in the next issue, please reach out.

DEC. 2017 ISSUE #20

Happy Highlidays from Alaska Leaf!

I’m a complete sap for the stoner Christmas theme, and I hope you enjoy our look this month as much as I do. There is something that is completely perfect about Santa sitting down with a bong and some medicated cookies and milk after the end of his toy run, and in a perfect world, we would all be eating infused Christmas goodies together. Check out our gift guide so you can be a stoned Santa, white elephant or however you choose to celebrate the holiday season. December features a new section called Breeder of the Month, brought to us by Seeds Here Now. The section will explore the faces and work behind the strains we know and love, and the cutting edge of genetics. This month’s Breeder is Ray Bowser III, better known as Odie Diesel, who bred the infamous Oregon Diesel and Dr. Who, among many other fabulous strains. Check out the profile to see what else he’s created, and what inspires him to innovate with Cannabis genetics. This issue also covers the Gorilla Glue lawsuit, pitting an adhesive company against a Cannabis company in a no-holds-barred legal battle for trademark rights, that has big implications for the Cannabis industry. Check out the story by Matthew Meyers, which includes a Q&A with a trademark attorney. We also have great new patient and budtender profiles, new dispensaries to explore and a ton of tasty and delicious products and recipes to try out. Many thanks and blessings to all who enjoy the Leaf and support our ability to publish this magazine. It has been a gift to bring the Leaf to our readers, and I hope you like our edition as much as I do!

Wes Abney dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

national

STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion.

Californians Might Pay 70 Percent More for Legal MARIJUANA California’s legal Cannabis marketplace, coming in January 2018, will bring plenty of new fees and taxes. Buyers are going to experience sticker shock when they visit legal marijuana stores next month, according to industry experts. “Eighths” that is, one-eighth ounces of medical Cannabis, cost about $35 for good quality Cannabis in Los Angeles. But when legal sales begin and additional taxes kick in, that same purchase in the EVEN TRIM recreational market will cost WILL BE $50 or $60. That’s a jump of up TAXED BY THE STATE, to 70 percent. TO THE Even trim will be taxed by the TUNE OF $4 state, to the tune of $4 a pound. A POUND That means a garbage bag containing seven or eight pounds of trim would exceed the current market price of about $50 by five or six times. “All it would become is compost,” said Ryan Jennemann of THC Design in Los Angeles, whose company uses the leaves to manufacture oil concentrates. Next year’s high taxation is “just going to help the illicit market thrive,” according to Donnie Anderson, an LA medical grower and seller. “The existing black market for Cannabis may prove a formidable competitor to legal markets if new taxes lead to higher prices than available from illicit sources,” warned a November report from financial analysts Fitch Ratings.

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Congressman Burns Sessions For ‘Good People Don’t Smoke Marijuana’ Comment Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) last month When confronted by Cohen, Sessionsdid his usual. burned Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his “Good He tried to lie out of it, blaming it on 1980s “fashion.” people don’t smoke marijuana” comment. That’s interesting, since his statement was made in “You said one time that good people don’t smoke 2016, and is on film. marijuana,” Cohen told Sessions. “Which of these “I explained how, when I became United States people would you say are not good people?” Cohen Attorney in 1981 and the drugs were being asked, looking at a list of prominent Republicans. used widely, over a period of years, it became “Well, let me explain how that unfashionable, unpopular and it was CONGRESSMAN STEVE occurred,” Sessions said. seen as such that good people didn’t COHEN PUT SESSIONS ON “Is John Kasich a good person?” use marijuana,” Sessions said. “That THE DEFENSE, LISTING PROMINENT REPUBLICANS Cohen pressed. “George Pataki, was the context of that statement.” WHO HAVE PUBLICLY Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, ADMITTED TO USING POT His “Good people don’t smoke Ted Cruz? Jeb Bush, George Bush, marijuana” comment wasn’t in the Arnold Schwarzenegger, Judge Clarence Thomas?” 1980s, as he implied. He made this statement in “Which of those are not good people?” Cohen asked. April 2016, according to The Washington Post. Sessions was clearly taken aback and put on the “In states where they’ve got medical marijuana, defense. Cohen made the brilliant move of not only they have 25 percent less opioid use. It gives people forcing Sessions to defend his ridiculous statement; a way to relieve pain without using opioids, which He also cornered Sessions into admitting his inevitably leads to death and crime. So, I’d hope opposition to Cannabis wasn’t based on science. you’d take a look at that,” Cohen told Sessions.

Quoted “IT WOULD NOT BE AN APPROPRIATE USE OF FEDERAL RESOURCES TO GO AFTER A MOTHER BECAUSE HER CHILD HAS EPILEPTIC SEIZURES AND HAS FOUND SOMETHING THAT CAN HELP AND HAS HELPED.” —RUSTY PAYNE, spokesperson with the DEA, on the federal government’s decision stop Indiana police forces from arresting CBD oil users in the state.

STUDY: Two-Thirds of Patients Stop Using Opioids After Starting Medical Marijuana Two of every three patients who start medicinal Cannabis stop using opioid painkillers, according to preliminary results of a new study from Aclara Research. Aclara, which specializes in patient and consumer insights within the Cannabis industry, released the preliminary results of its latest study examining patient usage of medical Cannabis and the impact on prescription opioid usage. The study, which was conducted in partnership with a group of pharmacist professionals active within the Cannabis industry, found 67 percent of patients stopped using opioid medications after using medical Cannabis. The study also found that 30 percent of patients stopped using prescription drugs completely after using medical Cannabis.

While Aclara Research said the full study will be released in early 2018, key preliminary findings from the research study include: • Sixty-seven percent of patients stopped using opioid medications after using medical Cannabis. 29 percent reported a decrease in the number of opioid medications after starting medical Cannabis. •Thirty-five percent of respondents stopped using prescription drugs after using medical Cannabis. • Eighty-seven percent of pharmacists participating in the study said Cannabis should be legal for medical usage. Only 15 percent of patients are talking to their pharmacist about medical Cannabis. Instead, more than 40 percent of patients said they obtain information about medical Cannabis from the internet and social media.

Quick Hits! 3.7 89 350,000

Million dollars in tax Cannabis revenue has been collected in Alaska since the first marijuana stores opened in the state.

Marijuana grow operations were shut down in Washington in 2017, according to a new report from Northwest Public Radio.

Michigan residents signed a petition to legalize recreational marijuana in the state; this is 100,000 more than was required to get this initiative on the 2018 ballot.

dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

national

STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion.

will cannabis be the Biggest Winner Of 2018 Election?

More politicians are realizing that marijuana reform is a winning issue. November’s election was a resounding win for Cannabis law reform efforts. And in 2018, with all 435 Congressional seats up for grabs, along with 33 seats in the Senate and 36 governorships, the stakes will be even higher. The newly elected governors in New Jersey and Virginia campaigned on marijuana legalization and decriminalization, respectively. Neither candidate’s opponent support either legalization, or changing current Cannabis policies. Local marijuana ballot measures were approved by voters in Athens, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan. Incoming New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy made marijuana legalization a key part of his platform, even including it in his primary victory speech in June. Murphy wants Cannabis to be legal for adults 21 and older within 100 days of taking office. He’s said he’s ready to sign a legalization bill when it arrives on his desk. “The criminalization of marijuana has only served to clog our courts and cloud people’s futures, so we will legalize marijuana,” Murphy said after he won the Democratic primary, reports German Lopez at Vox. “And while there are financial benefits, this is overwhelmingly about doing what is right and just.” “Candidates across the country should take notice, as Phil Murphy won the governor’s seat soundly because of, not in spite of, his open and vocal support for legalizing marijuana—a position supported by 65 percent of New Jersey voters and 64 percent of Americans nationwide,” National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Executive Director Erik Altieri said of the election. Virginia Governor-elect Ralph Northam championed marijuana decriminalization on the campaign trail, often bringing it up during debates and on social media. Northam often described the issue in racial justice terms during the run up to FOLLOWING OUR BIG WINS AT the election, reports Tom Angell at Forbes. THE BALLOT BOX A change to Democratic control of the state’s IN 2016, LAST RESULTS House of Delegates could help the new governor NIGHT’S SHOW THAT move Cannabis legislation when he takes office. MARIJUANA “Following our big wins at the ballot box in REFORM ONLY CONTINUES TO 2016, last night’s results show that marijuana GAIN MOMENTUM reform only continues to gain momentum,” Sam Tracy said, Marijuana Majority board member. “Next year, multiple states will be voting on whether to legalize marijuana for medical or adult use, and candidates in races for state and federal office will be asked about these issues, so they’d do well to come up with good answers,” Tracy said. “As the public becomes even more supportive of legalization, we expect these victories to continue.”

10/dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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political update

By ALIZA SHERMAN for ALASKA LEAF | ILLUSTRATION by BRANDON VOSIKA

CANNABIS LEGALIZATION NEWS AROUND ALASKA

DECEMBER M A R I J UA N A C O N T R O L B O A R D D E L AY S TA K I N G A C T I O N O N O N - S I T E C O N S U M P T I O N

During its November meetings, the Marijuana Control Board (MCB) postponed for the third time any action on the legalization of onsite consumption, this time until April 2018. Brandon Emmett, a Fairbanks-based industry representative on the MCB, initially presented the measure that would allow adults to legally consume Cannabis at designated public venues. Some industry experts say that another delay on the decision regarding onsite consumption is a missed opportunity for Alaska. “We can’t possibly have it set up for our upcoming tourist season,” Kim Kole said, owner of Raspberry Roots in Experts say that another delay Anchorage and a board member of the Alaska Marijuana on the decision Industry Association. “It’s three members of the MCB who regarding on-site are afraid to be pioneers in this industry. Instead of being consumption is a missed opportunity innovative leaders, they just want to trail behind other more for Alaska. progressive states.” Because of lack of time, the board also decided to have an extra meeting in November to complete the review of more than half of the 50 marijuana license applications slotted for the original meeting that were not addressed. OWNERSHIP OF ALASKA MARIJUANA BUSINESSES

C O N C E R N S O V E R C A N N A B I S T E S T R E S U LT S

Alaska Cannabis testing results are being called into question. CannTest, an Anchorage-based company licensing Cannabis testing technology from a California-based company, Steep Hill, contacted the media recently to point out discrepancies in THC amounts in Cannabis products. Steep Hill Alaska submitted test results from its customers’ Cannabis along with test results customers obtained from the company’s competitor, CannTest. The results were purported to be vastly different, with all of CannTest results showing higher amounts of THC than found by Steep Hill. Steep Hill also allegedly went to local marijuana shops, purchased products tested by CannTest, and retested them. The company then claimed that it found the THC amounts were significantly lower than the testing data attributed to CannTest. CannTest released a statement on its company Facebook page asserting errors in Steep Hill’s analysis. CannTest listed several variables that could produce divergent results including differences in the weight used for analysis, sample choice variations and sample handling issues. “Such discrepancy undermines consumer confidence, gives ammunition to prohibitionists and detracts from our business as well as that of all other licensees,” CannTest’s statement read. “While we take issue with the implication that this discrepancy may be due to malicious or incompetent conduct on our part, we agree this issue should not be ignored.” CannTest also stated that without cooperation from Steep Hill to study the testing processes and results, determining the issues would be challenging. An Internet search of Steep Hill reveals that Berkley-based Steep Hill is often quoted in the media as an authority on Cannabis testing in the Lower 48. In some articles, Steep Hill suggests that competitors “fudge the numbers.” The Marijuana Control Board (MCB) recently formed a committee to address Cannabis testing.

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According to Alaska state law, only Alaska residents can buy into licensed marijuana businesses. The Marijuana Control Board (MCB) tries to root out any non-residents or convicted felons attempting to own a piece of any legal marijuana venture. A loophole in the way the current regulations read allows landlords to be given some equity in a marijuana business in lieu of rent but those landlords currently do not need to be listed on the license as a partial owner. Any license owners of marijuana businesses usually go through rigorous steps, including a background check and fingerprinting, before the licenses are approved. At press time, the MCB was planning to vote on whether or not to require that landlords meet the same licensee requirements as other co-owners of marijuana businesses if they accept an ownership stake in exchange for rent. Another decision would be whether the percentage arrangements with landlords already standing would need to be adjusted to bring the arrangement into compliance if the new regulations go through. C A N N A B I S J O B FA I R R E T U R N S TO A N C H O R AG E

The Anchorage Cannabis Business Association (ACBA) is holding its second Job Fair for the Cannabis industry from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown. Attendees can take part in workshops and classes and connect with companies based in the Anchorage municipality including retail, cultivation, manufacturing and testing operations as well as ancillary businesses such as accessory shops. More information available at Facebook.com/AnchorageCBA.

OPINION

By MATTHEW MEYERS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN THE AGE OF CANNABIS

O WILL GORILLA GLUE VS. GG STRAINS CHANGE INDUSTRY INFRINGEMENT?

STI CKY

S I T U AT I O N

hio-based Gorilla Glue and GG strains of Nevada have finally settled an intellectual property lawsuit over their Gorilla Glue #4, which must now be called GG4 or simply Original Glue. Critically, the settlement agreement does not call for GG strains to pay any damages to Gorilla Glue. But it must pay for the cost of its own rebranding. The estimate for such effors total close to $250,000 but at least that money goes to people within the industry and not paid out in a settlement and leaving GG strains and partners out of a job. If Cannabis is going to be accepted into the status quo, we need to make sure that as an industry we’re finding original ways of marketing products.Cannabis is supposed to boost your creativity. We are seeing more strains than ever entering the marketplace, sometimes too many to warrant fully stable genetics. It’s not uncommon to come across plays on already popular brand names such as Girl Scout Cookies, Zkittles, Gorilla Glue, Candyland, Dr. Who. The list goes on. It was never considered that companies could face legal repercussions for infringing on an existing brand name and identity because everything was illegal to start with. But in this wonderful and complicated age of legalization, we have websites advertising these strains potentially diverting traffic away from the existing brand’s page, among other marketing activities. I still believe we need more creative and original branding in this industry. No Cannabis business should count on being able to use the marks of an established brand in any industry. There are professional branding specialists waiting to help you create the best brand without any infringement on previous brands. The mainstreaming of Cannabis is a double-edged sword. Each time we force a strain name change, through a settlement or through a banned name, the burden falls on the consumers, who are already overwhelmed looking for which strains are right for them. They’re forced to decode acronyms and the subtle name changes, adding to the chaos at the cash register.

14/dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF Gorilla Glue settled for no damages, but forced a name change

Are there protections for Cannabis brands?

What protections are there for Cannabis brands from

being copied by non-industry companies? Is the law Yes, there are multiple ways that a Canbalanced here for Cannabis vs. non-Cannabis brands? nabis business can collect enforceable IP Trademark enforcement (i.e. stopping somerights for its brand. Trademarks include one else from using your trademark) hinges names, logos, designs, slogans and other on the legal standard “likelihood of consumer identifiers that distinguish one business’ confusion.” goods or services from another business’ This standard requires evaluating multiple goods or services. Attorney Sean Clancy factors with special emphasis on the similarity of Trademark rights are tied to use in comEmerge Law Group the marks, the relationship between the goods merce with specific goods or services (e.g. Port land or services offered under the marks, whethLeafly for a Cannabis information website er the mark is “famous,” consumers’ degree of care, and app; Electric Lettuce for retail Cannabis services; likelihood of product expansion, similarity of trade and Squib for Cannabis-infused candy). advertising channels and other circumstances. Trademark rights are enforceable as a result of state Trademark is already a murky area of law for convencommon law, state registrations and under federal law tional industries because trademark rights vary widely but the enforceability of these rights varies widely dedepending upon those factors and facts of each case. pending upon the goods or services and exactly how the In the Cannabis industry, it’s even murkier because trademark is used. there is basically no case law. Common law trademark rights start when a trademark We have the conventional trademark rules is first used in commerce with specific goods or services, that lay out those likelihood of confusion without the need for any registration. factors so, theoretically, if a recreational Common law rights are limited to the territory and Cannabis retailer had a distinctive brand scope of use. If a Cannabis business is legal in a state, with good name recognition and established common law trademark principles should apply for trademark rights within its territory through Cannabis brands in that state. But it is a big pain to evidence of use and/or registrations, that confidently prove common law trademark territory, scope Cannabis retailer should have a good case and seniority date based solely on cobbled together eviunder the likelihood of confusion factors to dence like sales records and marketing budgets. For that prevent, say, a wine retailer from using the reason, state trademark registrations are recommended same name in the same territory. to help cement trademark rights. However, different states vary on the scope of regisCan you at least protect your IP from other tration rights and whether they grant registrations or not Cannabis brands? Yes. These cases are easier for Cannabis businesses. Washington and Oregon do because the likelihood of confusion factors grant Cannabis registrations, for example, but California can be more obviously satisfied within the still does not. Federal trademark registrations entail the same industry. And we are already seeing strongest, broadest rights but the United States Patent Cannabis brand disputes. If one business and Trademark Office will refuse to register a trademark is first using a name within a state and has for goods or services that violate the federal Controlled trademark registrations for the name, a later Substances Act. business using the same name, or a confusThat said, businesses that sell Cannabis can still apply ingly similar name in the same state, selling the same for ancillary goods or services that are legal in interstate things would be infringing and could likely be stopped. commerce (e.g. certain types of information services, merchandise, smoking-related accessories, web sites What advice can you offer Cannabis entrepreneurs who want to etc.) with varying success. avoid putting their brand at legal risk? Separately, copyright law covers original works of Before committing to a brand, perform some level of creative authorship fixed in a tangible medium of trademark clearance research (the more the better) to expression. In terms of “branding” this could include, determine what brands exist out there that might be the for example, design materials, pictures, websites and same or similar, especially within the same industry and photographs. Copyright offers protection from certain geographic area. No matter how cool or original you types of copying under federal law regardless of whether think your brand is, if another brand is similar, touches the copyrightable works relate to Cannabis. So, copying similar goods or services or if it’s someone else’s famous someone else’s photo of a Cannabis flower is still copybrand, you should take a hard look at the risk of putting right infringement under federal law, even though the your entire business behind it. flower itself might be illegal under federal law.

A trademark lawyer like me can save enormous hassle and headache by helping with the branding process and advising about the risks beforehand. Aside from nailing down various Intellectual Property rights, much of what I do involves assessing risks so people can make informed decisions and hopefully avoid expensive problems later. Preventative brand protection is not every business’ main priority when they have state and local licenses, building permits, real estate, employees, investors, buyers, harvesting, processing and a million other things to focus on. Being forced to alter your brand name after building a business around it can be incredibly disruptive later on. The brand is the thing that people use to find you; even if you aren’t forced to pay money damages in a trademark lawsuit, losses and costs involved with reinventing your brand can be dire. A little time and care upfront can save a huge headache later.

WOULD CANNABIS CONSUMERS AND ADHESIVE CONSUMERS REALLY HAVE BEEN CONFUSED?

YOU SHOULD TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE RISK OF PUTTING YOUR ENTIRE BUSINESS BEHIND IT. The Drug Enforcement Agency can point to more than a few examples in their stash where Cannabis brands appear to infringe on mainstream brands.

Is there any upcoming legislation on this?

California has followed the federal policy of refusing to register trademarks for goods and services that violate the Federal Controlled Substances Act, including Cannabis-touching goods and services. Assembly Bill 64 would have changed that, but as far as I know, it stalled out in a legislative committee. I have heard rumblings that California will allow some state trademarks related to Cannabis as its recreational licensing system comes online, but have not seen these confirmed. What is your opinion on GG strains’ case?

The Cannabis company probably made a smart business decision to suck it up, change the name, and settle the case before it got too expensive. But if you really walk through the trademark infringement legal standard and the likelihood of consumer confusion factors (similarity of goods, similarity of marketing channels, product line expansion, etc.) I think the Cannabis company had a decent shot at defending itself from the adhesive company. Would Cannabis consumers and adhesive consumers really have been confused? Personally, I kind of doubt it but they never tried the case so we’ll never know how it would have come out. Given the settlement outcome and similar outcomes with the Stash Tea cases, for example, I would not be surprised if more non-Cannabis companies try to stop Cannabis companies from using similar brand names. No one wants to be the next test case but I would love to see a Cannabis company stand up for themselves and win. That said, my top advice is still to engage in trademark clearance upfront, take care in selecting your brand and avoid conflicts with existing brands before they start.

Matthew Meyers is a Cannabis journalist, activist and frequent contributor to Oregon Leaf, based in Hood River.

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OPINION

By WES ABNEY

HIGH HOPES T

he Alaskan Cannabis industry generated nearly $1 million in tax revenue in the month of November alone. Generated by 66 growers, this sum signals a continued trend of growth and market stability heading into the peak of winter.

16/dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

1. By this time next year, the average price per pound wholesale will be halved. 2. Retail pricing of Cannabis will drop to the $10 to $15 per gram range, but dispensaries will begin dictating wholesale pricing and keeping a larger cut of the sell-through profit. 3. Supply will still be short this summer when tourism delivers a huge boom to the industry, but by next winter, the scales will tip permanently toward oversupply. 4. New brands & products will disrupt the companies that found initial success by being first to market. 5. Growers that price gouged and leveraged dispensaries will begin to lose business as availability and supply rises and dispensaries have a choice in who to buy from. 6. Consumers will enjoy better selection and pricing, especially by next fall as tourism ends and the marketplace becomes ultracompetitive. 7. On-site consumption will finally become a reality and a framework or policy should begin next year. 8. Alaskans are going to smoke a lot of fire!

Photo by Flickr/Dogs&Music

In 2017, we saw several Cannabis bans proposed, and while all were struck down by voters, the sentiment of the prohibitionist movement will surely be softened by this number. Alaska needs money, badly. Legal Cannabis gave $4,694,645 in funds to the state, a number that we can all be proud of. As the cultivators begin to hit stride and produce solid yields, the turbulent economics of the last year will settle as the legal pot bubble bursts, and prices begin to stabilize. The last year of legal Cannabis sales saw a tremendous amount of change, from the first sale in Fairbanks to a burgeoning system of producers, processors and retailers competing statewide for revenue and supply. The theme of the year is supply and demand, with the demand skewed by retailers desperate for products. Don’t expect this to continue much longer. We predict that 2018 will be the last year 2018 will be of growers dictating pricing or availability. the last year In developed markets such as Washington of growers and Oregon, the failure rate of farms is easily dictating pricing ten times that of dispensaries, with pot selling on average for $2 a gram. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a Doom’s Day prediction. Balance in the system will bring better pricing and products to consumers, and force all companies in the industry to innovate and remain competitive. The free market nature of the Alaskan Cannabis market will benefit everyone, and that’s something to look forward to. If the state can use the momentum behind the tax revenue and a year of problem-free Cannabis sales to push for on-site consumption, Alaska could have the best functioning recreational Cannabis system in the world. To all the potrepreneurs who are part of this growing industry, thank you. Through hard work, risk, investment and real passion, the first year of legal sales was a major success. We, here at the Leaf, applaud the people who help make this industry happen, and can’t wait to see what the new year brings!

Eight predictions heading into 2018

ALASKA

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Voted best pot shop in Anchorage! Largest selection of flower Passionate Cannabis Professionals Family owned & Operated 2600 spenard Rd 907.290.8559 www.enlightenak.com

Sun - Wed 10am - 8pm Thurs - Sat 10am - 10pm

“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.

CANNABIS

JOB FAIR January 20, 2018 Ready to jump start your career in the cannabis Industry?

Free Admission Marijuana Handler Card Classes 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 5pm Local Canna-Business Booths 11am - 5pm Bring your Resume!

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109 W International Airport Rd

www.anchoragecannabisbusinessassociation.com

garden profile

By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by NESSEPHOTO

MATANUSKA MEDICINE WOMAN V

anessa Lifton is the Matanuska Medicine Woman, a title she earned in 1990s after publicly providing medicine for her son, who was in a life threatening car accident. The young child was severely impacted by the accident, prescribed pharmaceuticals and barely clinging to life. Vanessa had been around Cannabis since the 70s, and knew she had to do something for her son. “I had to bring my boy back to life,” Lifton said. “I went into full-blown cultivation in 1999. I was very well aware of the risk, but my son’s quality of life was more important. Until somebody can walk in those shoes and endure the recovery process as a parent, they won’t understand. I was willing to risk anything in the world to improve my son’s condition.” Over the next two decades, Lifton worked at her craft, developing strains and treatments that helped her son on his lifelong path to healing. While still limited by the horrific accident, today her son is 35 and can walk and talk and is able to live comfortably, thanks to Cannabis. Now that perceptions and times have changed, Lifton said felt comfortable coming out of the Cannabis closet to start a business. “Legalization removes all the fears I lived in for years. It stopped me from having friendships, relationships, because I had to hide and couldn’t tell anyone what I did,” Lifton said.

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in glass emblazoned with “Starting this business feels like As a limited grow on a istheirencased MMW logo. freedom, a dream come true, to “The branding is a long-term stratebe able to talk and tell people weekly perpetual crop, about our experiences.” the family can continue gy to stay in the market, the market will change really soon, a lot of people will Her other boys, Zallman Lifton to produce consistent, come and go, but through our brandand Anthony Olivieri watched her ing will find our niche and stay there, healing work over the years, and quality Cannabis and it’s a longevity thing,” Oliveri said. began convincing her to go into honor their roots. Lifton said that love is the key to all the recreational market when the of the work that they do at the grow. vote came up. Finally feeling comfortable, the three “The Matanuska Medicine Woman is a light on the sat down and created a family business in the form of business to show the human cause, the healthy need a limited grow. and the bright light that this can bring to life,” she said. “All the time that she spent working to find medicine “The healer part of the plant. I hope the boys take for her son, now we can share that for Alaska, and a business vision and grow, for me I felt starting small that’s the connection we want,” Oliveri intoned. and loving what they do was most important, and they “It’s a lot of work but it’s rewarding, and we are the do! I can’t even say how proud I am of this.” owners and the operators. We’re only 23, and think we might be the youngest in the game right now.” For Oliveri and the Matanuska Medicine Woman team, preserving the brand isn’t just about the heritage, it’s also a strategy to survive and thrive as the Cannabis market changes over time. As a limited grow on a weekly perpetual crop, the family can continue to produce consistent, quality Cannabis and honor their roots. They grow strains such as OG Kush, Super Lemon Haze, AK Blackberry and more, providing product to MatanuskaMedicineWoman.com The Green Jar and Alaska Buds. Their premium flower

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 1300 SQ. FOOT FACILITY 500’ OF GROW CANOPY

THE LEGACY OF THE MATANUSKA MEDICINE WOMAN IS LIVING ON IN THE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS MARKET AS A TRUE FAMILY OPERATION FOCUSED ON MAKING CHANGE AND DEVELOPING AN ENDURING BRAND.

Owner-operator Vanessa Lifton with her sons, Anthony Olivieri left, and Zallman Liston.

FEATURE

By WES ABNEY | NESSEPHOTO.COM for ALASKA LEAF

FIRST CANNABIS EXPERIENCE? I was born in American Samoa, a territory in the South Pacific, and I came up here in 1999. I’m the middle child of seven with really strict parents, so I didn’t really know anything about pot until I smoked for the first time around 19. The first time I got high I threw up! It just hit me out of nowhere and I got super sick after, it was because I wasn’t expecting how intense it was. Later on, as I got to know the plant more and I met people who knew more about it, my perspective changed. I loved the energy I got from it, taking my mind to a different level and seeing things in a whole different view. That’s how I knew that Cannabis was the thing for me.

Each month, the Alaska Leaf magazine crew meets to select one special budtender that stands above the rest! Tell us who you think should be the next Alaska Leaf Budtender of the Month and why they deserve it!

PETERI FAALIGA

Usually people either know what they want or they have a lot of questions. The regular customers will come and I help them out by finding something specific. I help people deciding indica or sativa, edible or shatter, something to relax or get energy, and I always give them my best advice. It’s why my customers come back, I’m always honest with them and what I feel like is the truth. I don’t try to sell people on products, I just share the truth and help them decide.

I’ve been budtending since August. I finally decided to get my card and told myself that the first company that would give me a job I would give it my all and kill it, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Our grower grows good weed, and I’m the man right there that gets to push the product out. Alaskan Leaf has been amazing, and our location has an open window where you can see the plants that we grow. I don’t just budtend either, I do a little of everything, package up the flower, trim — water the plants — I’m kind of like the whole package, which is what I love the most.

WHY DO YOU LIKE WORKING WHERE YOU DO?

We’re a super small, tight knit company, very family oriented and an amazing team. It’s perfect! I really like the growing aspect, I’m getting trained to do metric and put in products, so I’m in touch with the inside, and I get to get my hands dirty in the grow. I trim and make sure it looks alaskan leaf pretty and presentable, and I AlaskanLeaf.com work hard to take care of my 1211 W 36th Ave, customers to make sure they Anchorage want to keep coming in. My favorite part is providing good product to the people who come in!

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO CONSUME?

Our location has an open window where you can see the plants that we grow.

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Our AK Gorilla and the Moose & Lobsta are some true fire, we got some shatter of AK Gorilla and it’s mind blowing. It’s flavorful and energetic and once I take a hit of that, it’s work time. I get packaging and get to it. Outside of our shop, everybody is growing good stuff, and I think that while the industry overall can improve it’s going to get there.

HOW DO YOU HELP CUSTOMERS FIND THE RIGHT CANNABIS FOR THEIR NEEDS?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BUDTENDER AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?

I don’t have a favorite way to smoke because I smoke everything. Low grade to top shelf, shatter to hash, I try it all. Every strain is special and unique in its own way. I don’t have a favorite strain, but I like trying new things. Dabbing might be my favorite, but I love flower, like a conversational smoke. It’s the best to roll up with your buddies and have a conversation, it’s amazing.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CANNABIS STRAINS, EFFECTS AND TERPENE PROFILES?

budtender of the month Peteri is a driven and caring budtender who helps each customer with a thoroughness that inspires. She appreciates every manner of Cannabis strain and enjoys any opportunity to try out new strains. Far from being just a budtender, Peteri works on packaging, trimming and maintaining the on-site garden.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS OUTSIDE THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? I hang out with my nieces and nephews, and I do my good deeds for my family and help with the kids. Other than that, I really like to hang out and product test, hanging out with my friends and smoking. Family, friends and smoking good trees!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO MENTION? I want to say RIP Theresa, we all miss Potluck. That’s what got me into the industry and I love this. I never would have thought in a million years I would be doing what I am doing now.

Send your suggestions for Budtender of the Month to NWLeaf@gmail.com

highly likely

By PACER STACKTRAIN for ALASKA LEAF

Column # 20

Highlighting amazing Cannabis pioneers who helped pave the way to greater herbal acceptance.

SETH ROGEN the perpetually smirking canadian has made a career out of playing hardworking stoners we love

Seth Rogen’s “stoner comedian” persona is legendary. Seth Rogen is the reason Cannabis is legal in 29 states. Bear with me, and I’ll explain why this 30–something comedian from Vancouver, B.C. is the greatest force for the normalization of Cannabis in our lifetime. Rogen relocated to the United States in his early twenties to pursue a career in Hollywood and lived in Portland for a short time. He landed a supporting role on Freaks and Geeks just prior to the show being cancelled and started writing, a talent that would serve him well throughout his career, for Da Ali G Show on HBO. He made his first appearance on film with a minor role in Donnie Darko. His breakthrough role in film came in Judd Apatow’s debut film The 40-Year-Old Virgin, then Knocked Up and Funny People. In each of these films, the audience gets the feeling that Rogen is playing versions of himself, that’s part of what makes this actor so endearing and what makes him such a strong force as a Cannabis advocate. It was around this time that Rogen met Evan Goldberg, who he would team up with to write some modern Cannabis film classics such as Superbad, Pineapple Express and This is the End. In each of his films Rogen’s characters have Cannabis in common, and while many of his characters are your typical lovable teenage or 20-something stoner, Rogen and his partners make an effort to demonstrate that, while Cannabis is a good time, it’s ultimately not dangerous. Watch any interview with him and you’ll find that the actor and filmmaker talks about his Cannabis use casually and without a hint of shame. In fact, I get the feeling that we’ll look back on these interviews and this period of time as the beginning of the shift toward normalization. On a recent episode of the now defunct Any Given Wednesday show on HBO, Rogen described one of his first experiences with herb to host Bill Simmons. “In high school, there was a place run out of a guy’s basement that was an all-you-can-eat weed buffet. And you would pay $10 and there was the weirdest collection of people there. I remember the first time I smoked weed was like with a 65-year-old person. You would pay and they’d put out nachos, pizza, tacos made with weed. It was amazing,” Rogen said. In 2014, when asked about how he would like to be perceived as a Cannabis user, Rogen told Rolling Stone “I consider myself more of a pothead than a stoner. A pothead has the connotation of being someone who just smokes a lot of pot and has stopped thinking about it.” Rogen added, “For the first few years that people smoke weed, they’re always trying to classify it and qualify it, ‘Is this bad weed, is this

ROGEN’S HONESTY AND WILLINGNESS TO NOT BE ASHAMED IN PUBLIC ABOUT HIS PERSONAL USE IS SOMETHING THAT IS NEEDED FROM MORE INDIVIDUALS.

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good weed, what is it doing?’ Eventually, it just is what it is, and I’ve been there for, like, 10 years. It’s so stupid, but I don’t think about it anymore.” Rogen is an activist and a member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, where he’s advocated for legalization nationwide. In a 2009 interview for Playboy, he lamented the hypocrisy of prohibition. “When I first came to LA, I got caught smoking weed on a beach in Malibu and had to go to court. It was the craziest thing ever. I was thinking, ‘We’re in Los Angeles. There are probably 400 people getting murdered at this second, and these two cops are taking an hour to write up my court summons for smoking a joint on the beach.’ That just seemed so fucking ridiculous to me.” Is Seth Rogen the reason the veil of Cannabis misinformation and prohibition is being lifted? Perhaps, though one thing is for sure: Rogen’s honesty and willingness to not be ashamed in public about his personal use is something that is needed from more individuals. Whether it was intentional or not, through Rogen and Goldberg’s characters: America started to see Cannabis as the innocuous, fun and often funny part of society that’s been marginalized for too long.

Thepacerstacktrain@gmail.com Instagram: @ThePacerStackTrain

907-258-6878

620 E Whitney Rd., Anchorage, AK 99501

info@canntest.com Our Potency Profiles All Come With High-Resolution Micoscopic Photography of Your Samples. We Are Proud To Offer This Service At No Additional Charge.

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We whack your bush and pack your bud! A STATEWIDE MOBILE CANNABIS TRIMMING AND PACKAGING SERVICE FOR BUSY CULTIVATORS

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• TRIMMING DRY I WET I MACHINE • PACKAGING & LABELING GET IN TOUCH • JOINT ROLLING SHAKER I HAND-ROLL (907) 687-9093 • DRYING & CURING ASSISTANCE VISIT US ONLINE BUSHWACKERSALASKA.COM • PRE-DEFOLIATION BUSHWACKERSANDPACKERS • BUD QUALITY & QUANTITY CONTROL • CULTIVATION ASSISTANCE TRANSPLANT I CLONING I CONSTRUCTION

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ALASKA Leaf

GROWN BY

PERMAFROST DISTRIBUTORS

FROSTED LEMONADE 21.84%

THC 0.09% CBD

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Liberally coated in sticky trichomes, this is a truly frosty strain worthy of the hype

STRAIN OF THE MONTH REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF | PHOTO by CHASE GRIFFITH

hile an ice cold frosted lemonade might not warm your winter up, this delicious treat will definitely help brighten your day with a fresh hit of citrus and THC. The Frosted Lemonade is an in-house phenotype of Super Lemon Haze grown exclusively at Permafrost. The strain lives up to its name, with beautiful looks and a pure smell of fresh squeezed lemonade. Liberally coated in sticky trichomes, this is a truly frosty strain worthy of the hype. The sativa-dominant hybrid high is gentle and relaxing while imparting a pleasant euphoric energy. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no heart race or anxiety with this strain, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as refreshing and calming as a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day. Perfect for a day out or just a day spent relaxing, Frosted Lemonade delivers wonderful hybrid effects. available from The team at Permafrost Alaska Fireweed Distributors worked hard Bad Gramm3r dialing in the garden and High Bush Buds Permafrost Distributors this fifth crop is the proof!

dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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At this time we are only offering our products to licensed distributors. If you would like to be a processor/distributor in your area please contact: rob@eblunt.com (907) 351-8207

eblunt.com @ ebluntvapes Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram

alaska leaf

Highliday Gift Guide 32/dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Reviews by Alaska Leaf staff Art by Kelly Bjรถrk

1. Safer Shirts

alaska leaf

Spread the truth about Cannabis and help send shirts around the world. SaferShirts.org

2. Bong Bombs Bong bombs use a combination of carbonization and an infusion of essential oils to ease the harshness of smoking and were first used by their creator to help alleviate his asthma. Available in 10 packs for only $4 each. Bongbombs.life

3. Canna Coasters Cute and vibrant patterns add a fun theme to any coffee table! $5 from Etsy seller MessyJessyBags

4. Twisty Glass Mini Offering style and function, pack this glass blunt and slowly twist the flower through. 7Pipe.com

5. Eco Firma Pachecos Premium blended handcrafted smokes made with sustainably grown flower from Eco Firma Farms. Available in single packs ($8), three-packs ($20), and five-packs ($30). EcoFirmaFarms.com

6. Sweet Cannabis Toko Pen

Ideal for chronnoisseurs, the oil is Co2 extracted and formulated with live terpenes and source material grown without pesticides. Pen and .5g cartridge combo ($50). SweetCannabis.com

7. Pax Era The latest offering from the veteran vapers at Pax boasts bluetooth connectivity to a Pax App so you can control temps down to the digit. We dig the new “pod” cartridge system, ultra portable design and affordable $20 price tag, (.5g cartridge pods $40-$60 at local shops). PaxVapor.com

8. J-Red Glass Diamond Knot Cap-less design features multiple chambers that increase the overall surface area inside the quartz. When heated, the oil runs through the chambers and is vaporized thoroughly, minimizing residual oil and maximizing the effects. $120 Standard, $230 E-Knot JRedGlass.com

9. Empower CBD Salts Luxurious blend of Epsom, Pink Himalayan and ethically-sourced Dead Sea salts with essential oils and organic hemp offers relief from pain & stress. $12/4oz or $30/16oz. EmpowerWhiteLabel.com

10. Cannabis Stockings

Available in a variety of designs, grab one and load it up. $30 from Etsy seller MessyJessyBags

11. Seattle Nightlight Never stub your toe on the way to munchies again. $17. AlchemyCrafts.com

12. Aurora Pen Sleek, variable voltage dab pen with atomizer options like dual quartz rods. $70. DrDabber.com

13. Growler Stash Pouch

Large capacity and super soft with a durable zipper and four pockets. $48. Etsy/MessyJessyBags

14. True Terpenes Blue Dream Give the taste and flavor of a strain to someone and enjoy food-grade terps. $30 Buy-Terpenes.com

15. Tight Pac Cases These waterproof precision molded containers form a scent-proof vacuum seal. TightPac.com

16. CVault Curing and Storage Container Available in varying sizes for personal or commercial use from $18 to $135. CVaultStorage.com

17. Home Drug Test Put this kit in their stocking, let them know how concerned you are about their Cannabis use and remind them it’s still federally illegal. Available at most drug stores for $6- $10. Amazon.com

18. Cannador

4 5

There’s no more stylish way to travel with Cannabis than with this Ballistic-Nylon Travel Case containing quarter- or half-oz. glass containers, modular storage & airtight zipper. Cannador.com

19. Nirvana Pipes These Gandalf-style toke tools make an affordable gift for any pipe smoker. $15-25. Amazon.com

20. Newport Torch The Newport name is no stranger to hash oil enthusiasts. With a lifetime warranty, this adjustable and lockable torch is all you could ever need. Find them at cigar shops. $45. NewportButane.com

21. Blacklight Dabber This elegant dab tool dazzles with free floating pink dust and cool shapes. $30 @DollhouseGlass

22. Pot Leaf Socks Show off your Cannabis style and stay cozy this winter with some pot socks. $10. Amazon.com

23. Raw King Size Slim Papers with Tips Chemical and flavor-free, these papers burn cleanly and seal up nice and tight. $2-$5/pack of 32.

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Highliday Gift Guide

19 20

18 13

14 15

6 11 8 7 9 10 Photo by @bermanphotos

recipes

By LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF

HIGHLIDAY EATS THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR TO BAKE AND GET BAKED. TO MELT AND MELLOW OUT. THESE SIMPLE RECIPES ARE FESTIVE AND FABULOUS. THE DIPPERS AND CRUNCHIES MAKE AWESOME GIFTS FOR THE 21+ CROWD. HAPPY HIGHLIDAYS FROM THE KITCHEN OF LAURIE & MARYJANE!

WISHLIST

3 cups quick cook oatmeal 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup shredded coconut 2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 tablespoons canna-butter 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup cocoa

e bin nd m o sa lc ow berrie of b rge ran ons a la eal, c lespo n I e 1. oatm o tab bin m o the but tw nut. n c naall coco epa r, can a c u e e o til a th a s r, butt d coc tly un at n I 2. suga ilk an equen th. He ing the ter, m Stir fr moo stirr , but der. re is s nutes i w u t o m x p mi to r2 the tly fo y. ure s and t x i l n e ge stant ot m erri e h cranb mix. e con h t ll to lac dd al 3. A oatme. Stir wespoon ppaper d the onut able wax l an . s t coc ng a ies on to coo inute i k t s m U coo men 30 ng the arch bout maini ies, a p or den, the re cook here. har inkle on the to ad Spr onut gently ies coc ssing ook c 4 pre s2

NO-BAKE CANNABIS CRUNCHIES 38/dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

WISHLIST

2 cups Greek non-fat vanilla yogurt 4 teaspoons canna-coconut oil 10 oz. frozen raspberries or 2 cups fresh 1-2 tablespoons honey, as desired 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Place the yogurt in a strainer on top of a bowl and let sit in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight.

2. Puree the raspberries in a food

processor, adding a bit of honey as desired for some extra sweetness.

Serves four elves

RED RASPBERRY FOOL

3. Remove the yogurt from the fridge;

discard the liquid and place in a bowl. Stir in the oil. Whisk to fluff.

4. With a spatula, fold raspberry puree

and the chocolate chips into the infused yogurt. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Lay pretzels on wax paper and place your decorations on flat plates.

2. In microwave safe

bowls, melt the chocolate chips on medium power for 1-3 minutes. Stir the canna-butter into bowls, four teaspoons per bowl. Check after 30 seconds.

3. Dip pretzel rods in the

melted infused chocolate and roll in the decorations. Lay the pretzels on wax paper until chocolate sets, approximately 30 minutes.

WISHLIST

1-2 cups dark chocolate chips 4 teaspoons canna-butter 1-2 cups white chocolate chips 4 teaspoons canna-butter 8 pretzel rods Assorted holiday candies

DANKDIPPERS dec. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Reviews

By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com

THE CANNABIS GROW BIBLE GROWING TIPS FOR EVERY LEVEL OF GARDENER By GREG GREEN, 3RD EDITION, 2017, 690 PAGES, $40

t’s really no exaggeration to describe Greg Green’s Cannabis Grow Bible as a magnum opus. Its sheer heft (690 pages) and broad coverage of the topic sets a lofty standard for books on Cannabis horticulture. Green hails from Ireland, making him rather unique among the increasingly crowded field of marijuana grow experts. The first two editions of his comprehensive and well-presented book struck a chord with growers, leading to sales of more than 55,000 copies of the first edition and 100,000 copies of the second. Now the third edition of the Bible delivers fully updated information, with new sections on organics, hydroponics and LED lighting along with more than 1,100 color photos. Methods for growers who want to maximize yield and potency are the “draw” of this book. Green’s signature style blends a solid understanding of Cannabis botany with practical advice regarding the day-to-day challenges of maintaining a high-yield garden. The book covers everything from selecting the best genetics, to dealing with pests and predators, to concealing your crop from prying eyes, to germinating seeds, making clones and growing buds. In particular, it gives an excellent explanation of the “Sea of Green” technique, which gives a high yield using fewer plants, which is important information for growers are often penalized for exceeding a certain number of plants. As a grower who loves to use seeds, particularly in making interesting crosses, I loved the chapter on “How to Breed Cannabis.” Pollen collecting, seed storage and the principles of simple plant breeding and genetics are clearly explained. If you want to learn more about both indoor and outdoor growing techniques, soil and hydroponic grows, organic gardening and hash extraction, you’ll find abundant information on those topics. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate grower or a pro, you can benefit from the breadth and depth of information presented. Professionals in particular will benefit from the chapters covering advanced systems and breeding.

WHETHER YOU’RE A BEGINNER, AN INTERMEDIATE GROWER OR A PRO, YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM THE BREADTH & DEPTH OF INFORMATION PRESENTED

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WE SELL CLONES AND SEEDS! WE HAVE A WIDE SELECTION OF FLOWER, EDIBLES, PRE-ROLLS, AND CONCENTRATES. $30 DAB RIGS!

1211 W. 36TH ANCHORAGE, AK

ALASKANLEAF.COM

ALASKANLEAFCOMPANY@GMAIL.COM

907-770-0262

Now Available In

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Facebook / Google+ / Instagram For a distributor near you call or email:

(907) 351-8207 rob@eblunt.com

HEMP

CBD THC FREE !

budshot Grants Pass, Oregon

Grown by Applegate River Roots

BLUE CITY DIESEL

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Photo by Kristen Angelo

@APOTFARMERSDAUGHTER

Got sweet garden/bud photos? Share them with us and they might appear here in a feature spread next month! Please email your top 2-3 high-resolution images (use a digital SLR) to nwleaf@gmail.com along with the usual details on who to credit for the strain, breed, grow and photographer!

Blue City Diesel is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid originating from Blueberry and NYC Diesel. It has a smooth citrus-berry aroma and flavor, and provides a moderate body high accompanied by a sense of relaxation and euphoria absent of fatigue or couch lock

growtech

KEEP THE PRIORITY UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVING QUICKLY DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF INDOOR GROWS “Boy, am I glad I waited ‘till the last possible moment to do that,” said no gardener ever! There are a few pervasive rules when it comes to indoor gardening, and perhaps none is more pervasive than the rule of keeping the priority. This simply means doing everything as quickly as possible, with success. Waiting until tomorrow is never a good idea in the garden. The benefits of completing each task at its earliest possible point are exponential. In this month’s Growtech, we will be reviewing just a fraction of the benefits those who keep the priority are spoiled with. This article will focus on is the first four weeks of bloom. If not simply because so many physical changes happen during this stage, keeping the priority virtually dictates the outcome of the round. Each of the points highlighted below are outcomes only of keeping up with the training, selecting, tuning and bending work that goes on during this stage.

BY ALASKA LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON

Plant Health and Vigor Bending and tuning your plants contribute meaningfully to plant development and vigor. It’s the tuning portion that actually creates the result I am pointing to. By changing the position of the apical growing tip(s) of the plant you’re also diffusing and dispersing powerful auxins and hormones responsible for such a wide variety of biological functions, the most cutting edge science is still at a loss in knowing the specificities and extent of each. One results is that it initiates several biological functions in the plant as well as accelerates growth processes. The result is an improvement to plant health and vigor. Stronger, Faster Roots and Shoots Another result discovered and verified through peer reviewed study is the increased growth rates of branches

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and also play in the reindeer games. Anyone else who has performance insurance as part of their protocols will benefit from keeping the priority as those plants that are going to fail catastrophically and need to be replaced are revealed significantly earlier allowing the insurance plants to be most effective in their role of catching up to the round already in flower.

and shoots, as well a more rapidly developing rhizosphere. Training and tuning provides a similar benefit below grade as it does above. When plant growth is directed laterally, so is root growth and vice versa. Allowing the plant to form a wide, reaching crown during this stage allows for complete use of the medium and large root balls compared to untrained plants. Indoors there is a limited capacity below ground so maximizing growth potential requires maximizing use of the medium that is available. Significantly Improved SAR Response Systemic Autoimmune Response (SAR) is a fancy way of describing the plant’s existing bio-defense mechanisms. All plants come equipped with a fierce set of resources available that can be utilized anytime it falls under attack from pests, disease or any other pathogens. These systems are only effective when the plant’s health is at or near peak performance. By keeping the priority and instilling vigor and health along with increased growth rates to rudimentary areas of the plant structure one is able to achieve such potentials and as a result bacteria, spores and pests stand little chance at effectively infusing an epidemic. The Final Shape is Revealed Keeping the priority requires completing a task at the earliest available time. Many tasks, however, exist in a flexible time range. Newer gardeners will have a more difficult time estimating the final result of the plant in this stage compared to someone whose seen a round mature on a daily basis several times. Nevertheless, when tuning a branch or site selection are done at the earliest possible moment it becomes easier to see what the final shape of the plant is going to be. Granted, when I started doing selection, the majority was com-

pleted between days 18-21 now it’s closer to day seven, it never ceases to amaze me how the plant will show glimpses of her final form within a day or two of completing the process. Growth and Light are Directed Efficiently Being so limited by our light source indoors, it’s even more important to ensure the priority is kept during this stage as the plant will respond to the areas where light exposure penetrates. By executing tuning and selection at the earliest possible moment, the plant understands where growth is needed. Further, less of plant’s energy and resources are directed toward sites, branches, leaves and other areas that are going to end up getting selected out eventually and more time on just the areas the gardener selects. Increased Recovery Time By keeping the priority there are more days available for the plant to recover as well as aggressively develop. Because this period is fixed, it’s beneficial to use as many of the days during the period devoted only to rapid development while still ensuring the shape of the canopy is achieved. Because these two goals are somewhat opposed to the benefits of tuning and bending dominant tops and areas of the canopy at the earliest possible time, is amplified through the plant’s ability to recover and spend more time in aggressive development and less time recovering from a training. Catastrophic Failure Happens Earlier I’ve found counting on failure to be an asset. As someone who has a fixed number of spaces available for plants it’s imperative that each site performs. Sometimes none fail, sometimes a few do. As a result I always keep a couple “insurance” plants so that I can keep up

Improved Bloom Cycle When maximum vigor, health and development are married with careful but deliberate training the plant moves through this period most rapidly. Lots of changes are going on and in order to complete them, all systems must be healthy and happy. Just one that isn’t can prevent the plant from carrying out critical biological functions allowing it to progress to the next point in development causing it to spend longer, for instance, stretching than setting. By keeping the priority, plants rocketing through the stages of development in the earlier point progressing to the final canopy shape and space faster. The result is a plant which spends more of the total growing cycle in stages that humans typically find more desirable, namely bulking and ripening. Those stages only stand to be shortened, should the initial portion of the grow require more time for any reason, adding more days to the cycle isn’t a resolution to this issue. In other words the gestational time is fixed, keeping the priority allows you to maximize it. Keeping in mind that this principle is being applied to only one stage and only one task associated with development, it is easy to imagine how when it’s applied to other areas the same exponential number of benefits explode into one’s perspective. As a professional procrastinator keeping these thoughts and ideas at the forefront of my awareness serves as a motivation and inspiration to complete the day’s tasks with exuberance. I hope some wears off on you too. If you have questions regarding the order of priority please don’t hesitate to contact me at DrScanderson@protonmail.com and as always, Happy Gardening!

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GRowing

Q&A by SIMONE FISCHER & PACER STACKTRAIN | PHOTO by @BERMANPHOTOS

BREEDER MONTH OF THE

RAYMOND BOWSER III

Our first Breeder of the Month also goes by Odie Diesel and he’s one of the best Cannabis breeders we’ve ever encountered. Bowser is a second generation grower who learned at a young age the ins and outs and best practices for growing from working alongside his father. Bowser applied that knowledge and developed growing and breeding techniques that are the envy of America’s Cannabis economy. Bowser is an in-demand consultant and one of the Northwest’s most important research and development botanists working today.

Can you describe your selection process from start to finish?

It usually takes two to four years before a strain is ready to go to market. I will pop several seeds to see what the strain consistency is. If I don’t find a keeper in a five-pack of seeds, most likely I won’t keep it. I cruise through hundreds of clones, too. We use our test gardens to gather strain data. My testers report back with real data on the progress which helps me get a bigger picture of strain potential. I want real world feedback. I am not trying to teach people how to grow. I just want to know how my plants grow with different regiments. I usually check in bi-weekly with my testers, not just for the end result, but how the strain grows even before flower. I am looking for fasems, intermodal spacing, leaf patterns and general plant health. What strain makes you the most proud? The one I haven’t

How did you start growing weed? I started growing weed when I was 14 years old.

I was filling pots, making sure there were two dozen worms per pot and cleaning leaves. I was essentially the dishwasher of the job and I fell in love with it. The first Cannabis strain I ever grew was Hashplant with my father. My godfather at the time, was the president and founder of a bike club in Colorado. I was raised around bikers; it’s where a lot of my ethics come from. It was normal for me to go to the clubhouses and the meets. All of our original growing back then was indoor, even going into the 90s because of prohibition. Hydroponics in basements was how we learned how to use nutrients. When did you start Breeding? In Colorado, we took a Hashplant and crossed it to

created yet. The next one. More than anything I want to see how people respond to what I do. Honestly, it’s not about me or what I like. It’s about the consumer and the patient, and what they’re getting out of it. I’m trying to find medical applications for Cannabis, and we’ve used a sort of questionnaire with patients to measure their dosage, ailment and treatment with the Cannabis we provide. We’re most interested in solving multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome, migraines and fibromyalgia. Favorite vintage strain? Jamaican Blue Mountain, one of

the California Red Hair. I wouldn’t say it was a successful cross, but it was okay. It was a fast producer, so we grew it. We had an eight week off mom and out the door. It had too much sativa in it, so it didn’t pan out in the long run. Occasionally you would find a good pheno, but I wouldn’t want to sell it to anybody. I started seriously breeding in the early 90s. I began seed testing for TGA and began doing my own stuff on my side.

the most exotic varieties I’ve worked with. It was an outdoor strain, so it had a motor memory for outdoor, and when I [brought] it indoors it just kept failing. We had to try to inbreed it inside, cross it with a male we’d grown, to get it used to functioning indoors. Jamaican Blue Mountain is not a landrace but an inbred line, and I’ve had it over a decade.

When did breeding click for you? Well, I had kids and took off for a while in terms

Thoughts on “Hype Strains?” I’d describe a “hype strain”

of growing to focus on raising them. I moved to Oregon from Colorado in 2003. When I got here, I knew I wanted to participate in the Cannabis scene. Specifically, I wanted to stick out by having better Cannabis genetics than everyone else. At a grow shop in Salem I randomly met and started up a conversation with Dioxide from TGA seeds, who gifted me Timewreck. We got a plant that popped one branch of pollenated sacks, which we clipped and quarantined. We then pollinated a few different plants which resulted in: X with Chem Dawg created our Wet Dawg X with Super Silver Haze created our Touch of Gray X with UK Cheese created Brie X with Medicine Woman created our Mad Scientist These were some of our first “winner” strains and started our process, which exists to this day, of sourcing outside female plants to cross with our males. Homegrown Natural Wonders is a family business, and I primarily work with my kids Ray and Donovan. Our love for Cannabis transcends generations.

as a herm cross that gained infamous attention across the country. I’ve always been more about medicinal effect over looks. Quality will always stand, so you don’t have to constantly release new, potentially unstable genetics. Like I said before, I usually wait at least two and up to four years before I am comfortable releasing a strain to the public. The first strain test I did was on Oregon Diesel in Colorado in 2010, by a lab that got shut down by the DEA and wiped the data. After that, I found Pat Marshall at Sunrise Analytical. Best thing you can do is to hire a good lawyer. No one, not even [patent-holders] are protected on a federal level because of the scheduling. My strain names are trademarked — GMO Cannabis strains, all hemp, umbrella patents on strains — realistically [it’s all] federally illegal.

OWNER AND FOUNDER // HOMEGROWN NATURAL WONDERS SEED COMPANY

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HONESTLY, IT’S NOT ABOUT ME OR WHAT I LIKE. IT’S ABOUT THE CONSUMER AND THE PATIENT, AND WHAT THEY’RE GETTING OUT OF IT.

BEHIND THE STRAIN

Drop me a line

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LEMON FUNK F2 DrScanderson@protonmail.com

YouTube.com/DrScandersonGt

HOW SHE GROWS

The f2 selection are hearty starters that

root quickly and with ease. From there you can immediately start to see the divergence in the growth pattern. She is a bit slower to generate a root ball although she responds extremely well to topping, growing into an almost perfectly shaped bush with just a topping or two. The plants enjoy high amounts of Nitrogen and Carbon early on in flower. The dominant phenotype stays shorter and bushier, stretching only to improve her structure and make bud site more evenly spaced.

BAG APPEAL & SMOKE REPORT one thing clear about this plant is that she

is a yielder. Challenging the jar width with every entry Lemon Funk throws down. Full of trichomes the classic Skunk look, but with a more even and neat, densely packed spear shaped flowers more reminiscent of Chem and Sour Diesel side of the family. The terpenes are strong and piercing and span the range of lemon rind, lemon blossom baked lemon chiffon pie with a mild but distinct Chem and Kush background. The flavor immediately delivering a lip smacking sweet pink lemonade taste with an unmistakable sour.

EFFECTS lemon funk delivers a crazy potent soaring

sativa effect. When you need to get up and go, the Lemon Funk doesn’t let you down. Creative, eye opening and inspiring, taking bong tokes of these blooms reminds me of the York Peppermint Patty commercials giving cool refreshing sensation lemon zest candy and fun! Real breeding and selection is boasted in spades with this plant making it easy to find “the one” phenotype you’re looking for. This plant all but replaces one of my all-time favorites, the Super Lemon Haze and is sure to be a favorite amongst all the lemon appreciators.

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Flowers in 55-65 days

TAKING BONG TOKES OF THESE BLOOMS REMINDS ME OF THE YORK PEPPERMINT PATTY COMMERCIALS

BY ALASKA LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON

BREEDER: Dirt Brothers Genetics GENETICS: [Lemon Skunk x Lemon Tree x (Chem D x Sour D)] LINEAGE: Bringing a very special Lemon line to seed form, these breeders

have done it again. After carefully selecting the first filial generation (f1’s), they found a selection that beat expectations for terpenes, flower time, stability and structure.

Photo by ILoveGrowingMarijuana.com