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ALASKA NEWS UPDATE: RECREATIONAL STORES SLOWLY START TO OPEN Pg. 12

EDIBLES

VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS THAT WILL GET YOU HIGH FROM LAURIE & BRUCE WOLF Pg. 32 HEALTH & SCIENCE

SIMONE FISCHER PLANS A CANNABIS DATE NIGHT FOR STAYING HOME ISSUE 10

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PART 1 OF 2 OF DR. SCANDERSON'S GUIDE TO SOW VS. CLONE Pg. 50

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We hope a secret admirer made us one of these Cannabis chocolate hearts...

12 ALASKA NEWS Legal Cannabis stores opening

20 FEATURE Q&A Arctic Herbery’s Bryant Thorp

50 DR. SCANDERSON How to choose: seeds vs. clones

RECIPES PG.

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Story by Laurie Wolf Photos by Bruce Wolf

07 08 10 12 14 18 20 22 24 28 34 36 38 42 44 46 50 52 54

E D I TO R ’S N OT E N AT I O N A L N E WS N AT I O N A L N E WS A L AS K A U P DAT E H I G H LY L I K E LY FUZZYBUDZ GALLERY ARCTIC HERBERY Q&A GREENJAR PROFILE T I M E RC U P F E AT U R E CENTERFOLD BOOK REVIEW TASTY RECIPES SAT I VAS VS . I N D I CAS SURVIVING THE COLD CA N N A B I S DAT E N I G H T SEX AND CANNABIS G R O W T E C H P A R T 1 of 2 B U D S H OT S U B M I S S I O N S BEHIND THE STRAIN

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FEB. 2017 ISSUE #10

It may be cold outside, but the grow lights are keeping plants warm across the state right now! It’s hard to explain how beautiful a 70-degree indoor grow is

in the middle of winter, with cola-heavy plants swaying lightly in the breeze. I wish the very best this winter for everyone pushing to get their gardens going for recreational or personal use! The legal Cannabis marketplace is slowly getting better each month, and while the supply and demand issues are still present, most stores are able to have at least a limited supply of product at all times right now. I know it feels slow, but it also feels exciting! The industry is slowly taking shape, and good things are definitely coming. This issue features a cool interview with Bryant Thorp, the owner of Arctic Herbery, which was the first store to open a few months back in Anchorage. He shared some of what it was like to get open and how it took 2 1/2 years to get there. We also interview Caleb Saunders from Green Jar, a headshop and dispensary that will open in March. Saunders and others worked tirelessly to help swing the moratorium vote in the Mat-Su Borough and allow Cannabis businesses to open! I also had the pleasure of interviewing Larry Twersky, CEO of TimerCap, a company that is pushing for new opiate packaging and labeling requirements and awareness, as well as their product that helps patients track their dosing. TimerCaps are also a great tool for medical Cannabis patients! Our issue also features a solid roundup of our usual departments, including a story on staying warm this winter by Dr. Rose and a new Growtech from Dr. Scanderson. I especially like the story from Simone Fishcher about how to have a great Cannabis date night, something we definitely recommend for this Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone gets to enjoy a little green this V-day, because single or not, Mary Jane will always give you love. Thanks for reading!

national

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

Arkansas Limits Medical Marijuana Licenses to Those With OVER $1 Million In Assets

North American pot Consumers Spent $53.5 Billion in 2016 Arcview Market Research released the findings of their first-of-its-kind report

Cannabis consumers in the United States spent an consumer spending sets Cannabis apart from estimated $53.5 billion on marijuana in 2016, most other major consumer-market investment according to a new market estimate. The number opportunities throughout history,” said Troy Dayton, includes legal, medical and black market sales. CEO of Arcview Market Research. “In contrast to Arcview Market Research, a publisher of comparable markets with fast growth from zero to Cannabis market research, released the first ever tens of billions in recent decades — such as organic estimate of the entire North American Cannabis foods, home video, mobile or the internet — the market in the 5th Edition of the State Cannabis industry doesn’t need to of Legal Marijuana Markets Report. “THIS IS THE create demand for a new product MOST DYNAMIC This report finds that legal or innovation; it just needs to move MARKET I HAVE regulated marijuana sales in North demand for an already widely-popular ANALYZED SINCE America totaled $6.9 billion in product into legal channels.” THE EARLY DAYS 2016, a 34 percent increase from “This is the most dynamic market I OF THE INTERNET IN THE 1990S.” 2015. Legal sales are projected have analyzed since the early days of to grow at a compound annual the internet in the 1990s,” said Tom growth rate of 26 percent, from $6.9 billion Adams, Arcview Market Research’s new editorin 2016 to an estimated $21.6 billion by 2021. in-chief. “Just one example: a huge surge in private While all categories of legal Cannabis products equity investment in 2014 and 2015 helped drive enjoyed healthy growth, the growth of alternative the number of brands with concentrates in Colorado methods of consumption outpaced that of traditional stores from 465 to 975 in one year. flower sales, according to the report. For example, “The largest brand grew its sales 84 percent in the alternative methods jumped from 30 percent of total first nine months of 2016, but several competitors legal sales in the first quarter of 2014 to 45 percent posted triple-digit growth rates such that it barely in the third quarter of 2016 in Colorado. held on to its share of the market in a very crowded “The enormous amount of existing, if illicit, field,” Adams said.

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Forget about mom-and-pop operators having a chance to compete in medical marijuana cultivation in Arkansas. It’s a millionaires-only club. Arkansas voters in November approved Issue 6, an amendment legalizing medical marijuana. But it didn’t take long for state bureaucrats to hastily erect high financial hurdles, preventing the “riff-raff ” from becoming a part of the potentially lucrative new industry. State regulators on Jan. 3 voted unanimously to require any cultivation facility applicant in the state to show either a surety bond worth $1 million or assets of $1 million plus $500,000 in cash on hand before its application will be accepted. These steep financial requirements are separate from the initial application fee for growers, reports Benjamin Hardy at the Arkansas Times, which the panel set at $15,000 during its last meeting. Only half of that is refundable if your application fails, so if you can’t afford to throw $7,500 up a razorback’s ass, then holler “sooEEE!” then you can’t afford to even apply. With that decision, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission went a long way towards ensuring that the kind of medicinal Cannabis golden age experienced in states like California (where it lasted 20 years) won’t ever have the chance to bloom in Dixie. Only five cultivation licenses will be issued statewide in Arkansas. At their Tuesday meeting, the Commission reversed a decision they made last month, deciding not to require the cultivators to be geographically distributed across the state, reports the Arkansas Times. The new law allows from 20 to 40 dispensaries, which will distribute Cannabis to patients. Dispensaries will be allowed to grow up to 50 plants themselves; beyond that, they will depend on the five state-licensed millionaire cultivators.

Quoted

CBD Wars: Petition Filed Challenging DEA Classification of ‘Marihuana Extracts’ Hoban Law Group on Jan. 13 filed a petition in San CBD products from industrial hemp lawfully Francisco’s United States Court of Appeals for cultivated pursuant to the Agricultural Act of the Ninth Circuit to challenge what appears to 2014. be the DEA’s attempt to control cannabidiol 3. Centuria Natural Foods Inc., which (CBD), an otherwise lawful substance. lawfully imports certain exempted parts of the In an overreach of authority and without Cannabis plant, and CBD oils and derivatives consulting Congress, the Drug Enforcement therefrom. Administration (DEA) on Dec. 14, 2016, issued The recent Final Rule substantially impacts its Final Rule: the “Establishment of New Drug businesses long operating in compliance with Code for Marihuana Extract.”The change could existing laws that now could be facing significant potentially devastate developing change in existing policy. These CBD businesses and consumer, adverse impacts are caused by the “THE DEA’S FINAL RULE textile and manufacturing industries Final Rule’s attempt to create a drug EXCEEDS THE related to industrial hemp and other code encompassing all cannabinoids AUTHORITY lawfully derived cannabinoids. as Schedule I substances without GRANTED BY “This is an action beyond the reflecting the parts of the Cannabis CONGRESS.” DEA’s authority,” said Bob Hoban, plant that are Congressionally managing partner of Hoban Law Group, which exempted from the definition of “marihuana” specializes in Cannabis law and policy. “This under the Controlled Substances Act and/or Final Rule serves to threaten hundreds, if not are exempted from treatment as a controlled thousands of growing businesses with massive substance. economic and industry expansion opportunities, “Unfortunately, the DEA’s Final Rule exceeds all of which conduct lawful business compliant the authority granted by Congress and is with existing policy as it is understood and in inconsistent with the language of the Controlled reliance upon the federal government.” Substance Act and other laws applying to The petition is on behalf of three petitioners: industrial hemp,” Hoban Law Group’s press 1. The Hemp Industries Association, an release states. “The genus Cannabis sativa L. industrial hemp trade organization representing contains over 80 cannabinoids, such as those an array of industrial hemp industry actors. commonly known as tetrahydrocannabinol 2. RMH Holdings LLC, which sources its (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).”

“WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL YEARS TO SEE HOW REGULATION WORKS IN COLORADO AND WASHINGTON, AND WE HAVE LEARNED IMPORTANT LESSONS FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES.” — SCOTT SLATER (Rhode Island State Rep.) on the introduction of a bill to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in Rhode Island.

Quick Hits! 1.8 25 26

Million Massachusetts voters had their wishes postponed when lawmakers delayed the establishment of state retail Cannabis stores until July 1, 2018. Percent price drop occurred in the wholesale marijuana market in Colorado over the last year, eventually settling at a price of $1,471 per pound. Percent annual growth rate of North American legal Cannabis sales projected between 2016 and 2021.

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national

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

4+ Years After Legalization, Another Home Grow Bill Introduced in Wash. A home grow bill has been introduced in the Washington Legislature that would finally allow adults to grow their own marijuana. But wait a minute, those in other areas of the country may be thinking. Didn’t you guys already legalize weed several years ago? Well, sorta. But it’s still a felony to grow, because our “legalization” law sucks. Yep, Washington is the only state in the Union that allows retail marijuana sales, but doesn’t permit it to be grown at home for recreational use. Medical marijuana patients, for now, are still grudgingly allowed to grow four plants, but that number used to be 15 plants before recreational legalization. The new home grow bill, HB 1092, was introduced on Jan. 11 by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), who has for a while now been a good friend to the Cannabis community. If enacted, adults 21 and older would be legally able to grow up to six plants on private premises, with an allowed yield up to 24 ounces. (I know, I know! That’s only 4 ounces per plant.) The bill would limit home grows to a

maximum of up to 48 ounces of legal harvest per residence, even if more than two adults live in the home. “NORML believes that criminalizing the personal cultivation of Cannabis is an arbitrary prohibition that has absolutely no basis in public safety,” the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws announced in a public statement. Yes, it’s been a long, hard haul for Washington state residents who want to be able to grow their own Cannabis. That doesn’t seem such an unreasonable request in a state where marijuana has ostensibly been legal since 2012. But now it’s 2017, and you can still catch a quick felony for trying to provide your own recreational supply rather than patronizing the retail establishments allowed by I-502. “Washington has been fairly unique in that it doesn’t allow for recreational home grow; even Colorado, who legalized before Washington, allows for it,” attorney Daniel Shortt told Zosha Millman at the Seattle PI. “So in some ways it makes sense that we’re seeing this kind of legislation.”

Mass. Lawmakers Delay Legal Pot Stores Until July 2018 Separate provisions in the law It took less than an hour and only about a half-dozen Massachusetts lawmakers to eliminating penalties for adults who quietly undo the will of 1.8 million voters. privately possess or grow personal use According to The Boston Globe, the quantities of Cannabis took effect on “extraordinary move” by lawmakers Dec. 15. That wouldn’t change under the took place in an “informal” legislative measure. “We are very disappointed that the session with “just a half-dozen legislators present.” It would undo a big part of the Legislature has decided to alter Question 4 in an informal session with new marijuana law. very little notice regarding With little debate and “THE proposed changes,” said without taking any public ARROGANCE Jim Borghesani, who led AND HUBRIS testimony, Massachusetts LAWMAKERS the Question 4 legalization House and Senate ARE SHOWING campaign in Massachusetts. lawmakers on Dec. 28 voted TOWARD “The arrogance and to significantly amend and VOTERS IS hubris lawmakers are delay implementation of toward voters Massachusetts’ voter-initiated REMARKABLE.” showing is remarkable,” said Erik marijuana legalization law. The vote sets the stage to delay the Altieri, executive director of NORML. establishment of state-licensed retail “The voters have spoken and it is Cannabis stores from Jan. 1, 2018 to incumbent on legislators to carry out their July 1, 2018. The state now exists in a will. Massachusetts was the first state in legal gray zone, with marijuana being the nation to impose criminal penalties on marijuana – doing so in 1914. After legal to possess, but still illegal to sell. The delay still needs to be approved by more than a century of this failed policy, Gov. Charlie Baker. It flies in the face of it is time to bring prohibition to an end in the law approved by voters in November. Massachusetts.”

“TO HAVE SUCH A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE CONCLUDE THAT THERE ARE BENEFITS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOULD BOOST THE CASE FOR FEDERAL REFORM.” 10/FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Quoted — MICHAEL COLLINS (deputy director of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance) on the National Academy of Sciences’ groundbreaking report citing conclusive evidence that marijuana can be used as a medicine.

political update

By ALIZA SHERMAN for ALASKA LEAF | ILLUSTRATION by BRANDON VOSIKA “Many of the stores in Fairbanks have been closed or experienced reduced hours due to lack of supply statewide,” said Brandon Emmett, board president for the Alaska Marijuana Industry Association. “In an effort to prohibit outside business interests and bad actors in Alaska’s Cannabis industry, the Marijuana Control Board has created a situation where very few businesses exist and those that do currently exist are small.” Emmett said that three large-scale production facilities are currently under construction in Fairbanks, plus one concentrates manufacturing facility, all of which have been approved by the local government. ON THE KENAI

The Alaska Small Cultivators Association (ASCA) announced a campaign to assist industry development on the Kenai Peninsula Borough that will start up by the fall. The organization is acSupply and demand cepting donations towards developing this effort. take top priority in “We hope voters will choose ‘no’ on their ballot, and we growing AK market will more than likely distribute neutral information to the public teaching them what a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ vote means,” said Jeremiah Emmerson, ASCA’s executive director. “In addition, we will provide education on the overall benefits of commercialization.” High Bush Buds, a retailer in Soldotna, is now open and opened with products from three cultivators: Peace Frog Botanicals, Green Rush Gardens and Budding Alaska. The store carried approximately 17 strains ranging in price from $14 to $19 per gram. As with other retailers, they were sold out of product at press time and anticipating more soon. Coming soon to the Kenai are Permafrost Distributors in Nikiski, with product that may be available by March, and Alaska Bud Bros Aerogardens in Kasilof that is still in the inspection phase but should have plants growing by early February. TESTING FOR THC

CannTest is the only Cannabis testing facility currently licensed and operating in the state. Word is, the turnaround time on Cannabis testing is good. The company recently released some statistics of product they tested through the end of 2016. So far, they have tested a total of 218 flower samples from 14 licensed companies — seven from the Fairbanks area and seven from elsewhere around Alaska. Eighteen of the samples tested over 20 percent total THC, 111 tested over 15 percent total THC. The highest THC level was the Quantum Kush at 26.62 percent THC. The CannTest Facebook Page has more results and testing definitions. GETTING THE RUNAROUND

February 2017 BIG MONEY AND SHORT SUPPLY

BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE SOME BUD?

The Alaska Cannabis industry contributed over $81,000 in taxes during the month of November, the first full month of sales by licensed marijuana cultivators, up from $10,400 in October. Seven marijuana retailers across the state paid taxes to the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Tax Division. Cultivators are subject to state tax at $50 per ounce of bud and $15 per ounce of other parts of the plant including trim. Taxes came from almost 100 pounds of bud and 10 pounds of trim. Half of the tax revenue goes into the general fund and the balance goes to programs to reduce repeat criminal offenders. The state projects $3 million will go into the new “recidivism reduction fund” in 2017 from marijuana taxes.

Money will be hard to come by from legal marijuana sales if something isn’t done about the supply problem. Licensed marijuana retail stores across the state are reducing their days and hours of operation while they are unable to obtain product from statewide cultivators. The problem is multi-faceted, but the first layer of issues stems from a limited number of growers, including some with smaller grow spaces, constrained by the time it takes to cultivate Cannabis. Some cultivators also have their own retail space, so they are taking their product to market on their own.

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A number of licensed marijuana retail stores in Anchorage have yet to open their doors due to what some believe is misinformation and/or confusion relating to receiving inconsistent information and terminology from the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) throughout the licensing and permitting process. Some of the business owners allege that information originally provided to them pertaining to building codes like Title 21, zoning details and the permitting process in general was incorrect from the beginning or changed without due notice of the actual impacts on the marijuana establishments specifically. At issue is that the MOA appears to be arbitrarily enforcing Title 21 and the applicable building codes, providing different information and instructions to different companies at different times. Some say they have experienced unreasonable delays, often caused by one person within an agency not communicating with another within the same agency, resulting in each providing conflicting information to the business owner. The MOA, they say, is holding the marijuana industry to extreme standards beyond what any other business or industry faces in the municipality, including the alcohol industry. It remains to be seen if any of these businesses will be able to resolve these obstacles to opening, many of whom are otherwise ready to open their doors. FROM FAIRBANKS

The Fairbanks AMIA is gearing up for an event on April 29 at Pioneer Park: the First Annual Cannabis and Community Event. Ancillary businesses such as website designers, marketing, packaging, insurance and others are welcome to participate.

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By PACER STACKTRAIN for ALASKA LEAF

Column # 9

MORGAN FREEMAN

The 78-year-old icon is taking on his biggest role yet: pot advocate is one of the In our burgeoning, amazing age of most recognizable actors working Cannabis legalization in America, in American cinema today. Often nicknamed “the voice of God” for it can be easy to forget just how his role in the 2003 film “Bruce taboo it was to admit to being Almighty,” Freeman’s unique cadence and measured persona have a consumer of this plant even a made him a sought-after spokesperson for many charities such as One Earth and Planit Now few short years ago. This column and other outlets. highlights a different amazing The 78-year-old star of countless feature films has Cannabis pioneer from history won an Oscar and received numerous nominations in every category imaginable. More recently, Freeman that helped pave the way for opened up about his use of and support for Cannabis. Cannabis’ greater acceptance. Freeman was involved in a car crash in Mississippi in 2008 that severely damaged his left arm, shoulder and elbow, causing acute nerve damage that prevents him from moving the fingers in his left hand. He also wears a compression glove to protect against blood pooling in his arm when not moving. How does he treat the pain and symptoms of nerve damage? Cannabis, of course! In an interview with The Daily Beast last year, Freeman said he’s been a longtime user of Cannabis. “They used to say, ‘you smoke that stuff, boy, you get hooked!” he quipped. “My first wife got me into it many years ago. How do I take it? However it comes! I’ll eat it, drink it, smoke it, snort it! This movement is really a long time coming, and it’s getting legs — longer legs. Now, the thrust is understanding that alcohol has no real medicinal use. Maybe if you have one drink it’ll quiet you down, but two or three and you’re fucked.” Freeman said he relies on marijuana for medical reasons. “Marijuana has many useful uses, I have fibromyalgia pain in this arm, and the only thing that offers any relief is marijuana,” he said. “They’re talking about kids who have grand mal seizures, and they’ve discovered that marijuana eases that down to where these children can have a life. Right there to me, that says, ‘legalize it across the board!’” As other states have moved to decriminalize and outright legalize Cannabis, Freeman has become more and more outspoken about his use of the herb. “If you smoke enough marijuana, you’ll get everything going,” he told a British reporter asking about his boundless energy. Many of us have watched Morgan Freeman’s amazing talent on display in his roles on stage or on screen, but hidden in plain view for years was his use of Cannabis to help alleviate pain and cope with life’s many stressors. We truly live in a wonderful time, where people in positions of power and fame can begin to extol this miracle herb’s benefits publically. As we move closer and closer to mainstreaming Cannabis, we can thank personalities like Morgan Freeman for giving the movement a little lift now and then.

Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman Film, $12.99, Online

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mORGAN FREEMAN

“How do I take it? However it comes! I’ll eat it, drink it, smoke it, snort it! This movement is really a long time coming, and it’s getting legs — longer legs.”

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Vanilla Kush

Jamie works on tracking plants and harvest throughout the grow process.

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ANCHORAGE GROWERS HARVESTING SUCCESS

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PROFILE

By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ for ALASKA LEAF

ArcticHerbery.com

BRYANT THORP

Owner | Arctic Herbery Where did you get the inspiration to start in the Cannabis industry? It was mid-summer 2 1/2 years ago and I was down in Seattle watching my son playing baseball. That day at the hotel, I was watching the news on TV of the first guy who was legal when it opened. I knew it was on our ballot and being voted on soon, so at that point I told myself, if we pass, I'll be that guy on TV. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been on that path ever since, and immediately when we passed it, I started to prep myself to be the first.

Can you describe what it was like to get going? I started to find a place, bought a location, and dumped all in on it. I have had some setbacks and it's all financed directly out of pocket by myself. I've had real estate investments and owned apartment buildings and this last year I sold my last one off to get me over the hump of running out of money again. I hit setbacks and delays but I kept on pushing through, and eventually it ended up exactly how I envisioned, with a line out the door and a fun-time carnival atmosphere when we opened.

Were you nervous before you got the store finally opened? Oh God, yes. I was scared at times, very nervous, and just as I was about to open, the state was calling and asking questions to the last minute.

20/feb. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

IT'S BEEN THE COOLEST SEEING THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND SEEING HOW GRATEFUL THEY ARE FOR THE CHANCE TO HAVE ACCESS AND SELECTION.

Knowing that everyone was watching so closely was a little nerve-wracking, because I didn't want any wrong steps. It was a battle for the whole process, from zoning to permits to the city assembly slowing me down. But that's what I was looking for. I was bored with life and real estate and wanted something to stimulate me, and fighting this battle has been incredibly stimulating and fun — a life-changing event for me over these years. I got to step out of the normal realm to do something different, and this became what my life goal is. It's been an amazing experience and it's been fun!

What is your favorite part about serving new customers?

How amazing was the first day?

How has the supply and demand issue impacted running the business?

I don't know that I can describe it; I’m choking up again just thinking about it. It's a hard thing to put into words. I was thrilled; it was a joyous feeling of 2 1/2 years coming to fruition right in front of me. There were tons of news stations that day; even the AP was there. It was thrilling in every way. I have been thanked and called a hero by hundreds of people. People come through the door and they want to shake my hand and thank me. It's touching, what I have seen from the public.

The best part of what I've seen is the whole different variety of people coming through the door, from every walk of life. Our first customer was an 81-year-old Italian woman who wanted to make the pot into a salve. I had to limit sales, and she came back every day for four days to get as much as she needed to make it. It's been the coolest seeing the different people and seeing how grateful they are for the chance to have access and selection.

In the beginning, I was limited. I couldn’t keep product on the shelf. I had a small crop of my own last month, and it was gone in 2.5 days. When times are hopping and I've got a product and a door open, I have 200-400 people coming through the door each day, even when I don't have anything on the shelf. And they are somewhat satisfied to know that I am here and real, but a little upset at times that they can't buy any-

thing. What I have now is a weekly supply plus our personal supply and edibles coming regularly now too, so I should always have products on the shelves. I will still be limiting supply but we will have a regular supply of product and my doors will be open every single day.

How do you feel about the state of the industry and the people making it happen right now? The people here now have dedicated their lives to this, and they are some of the most dedicated people you're gonna find in the industry to their own jobs and lives. And the products that I am seeing from our suppliers like Black Rapids by Grant Anderson or Frozen Budz in Fairbanks is amazing. I believe all of us are treating our venture the same way, wanting it perfect and dedicating the world to it.

Any hopes for the future? My store is small, so what I'd like to do is hopefully build a little bigger and fix our parking, pave everything and make it more accessible, and build a bigger warehouse on the lot for growing and a new retail store in the future. I want to develop the property. I want to do this and my son wants to do this when he is out of college, so we can make this a family biz for years to come.

feb. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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PROFILE

By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ

CALEB SAUNDERS CEO, Green Jar

You were one of the first businesses to plan to open in the Mat-Su Borough this summer. When did you find out about the proposed moratorium? It all started in a Mat-Su Borough meeting assembly and we found out the moratorium was going into place and the vote was happening. Shortly after that, we sat down for a meeting with the owner of Bad Grammer [an Alaskan dispensary that will open in March] and others who helped us out making the signs. We realized there were people who could help and that we couldn’t sit around. We couldn’t sit and hope. We put in way too much time and money to allow it just to happen.

How did you feel at that time? Was it hard emotionally? It was shocking. I had quit my job in January of last year working on the North Slope and the same with the other owners. We have no investors. It’s all privately owned, so we had all the risk. We saw the potential for this early on in 2012. When Washington and Colorado went legal, I remember sitting in my kitchen talking and realizing we needed to start planning in case this happened. We kept saving and saving, so when the moratorium popped up, it was definitely shocking and I had no idea how we’d have to plan and change things. Not only were there delays, but then a vote we had to make sure went our way.

22/FEB. 2017

A lot of people were upset and angry but did nothing. What gave you the drive to get out and wave signs? We knew if we went about it as a group that if we win the vote now, we will have the power of a voice in the community. That’s where we wanted to go. We believed that all the benefits Cannabis brings — that helps with opioid addiction, the economy, taxes — that we could win. We wanted the vote to stay in place so we could win with a good margin and go to community leaders with the voice that we had been accepted. That kept us positive — that we had a point to prove to the leaders that our community does want us here. If we are going to ask the question, we want to know, and it was nice to know.

How long did you spend out waving signs? We went out there for three weeks before the vote, going out a couple days a week that had busy traffic, and the last few days before the vote we were out morning and night. We had a few people that would show up just because they wanted a job and trying to support a new industry.

There was a short period of time where the mayor vetoed the moratorium and it looked like it was going to be overturned, and then the veto was vetoed and the vote was back on. How did that affect your efforts? That was 48 hours of crazy roller coaster. We were in the middle of doing application stuff for 48 hours, and then it didn’t work, so we went back to the vote. It seemed like we had a win, and then we chose not to accept everything as a defeat. One good thing about that moment though was because of that high and then the drop … was the realization that we had to accept the moratorium as reality and move forward with the campaign. I’d quit my job. There was

“STAY POSITIVE. WE ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS. TIME WILL SHOW WE ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY.” no sitting around and hoping this went well. I just didn’t have that option.

What was the night of the vote like? The night I remember was just craziness. We woke up early at 6:30, were out waving signs by 7 and we waved signs all day because it was the final day of it. Everyone that participated in the campaign had voted early so we could be out all day, so then we went back to the store … all the positivity, I was keeping it going … and then we started hearing about the gap between votes …. I realized how much stress I had been holding. Felt tears coming. We finally got past this. I can finally have a biz, and I could see it on everyone’s face. We had people there as sign wavers hoping for a job or just to support. That was amazing; that moment was such a high. I just didn’t realize … I know I had been holding stress, but I didn’t know how much when the relief had come.

Did this experience change your view of politics or Cannabis in general? I grew up thinking the government was so powerful that there was no point in ever doing anything about it. But going to Alaska where five votes could be the difference … I realized that through Cannabis, I can affect change locally on a political level. Through this campaign, the people against Cannabis made a

mistake: They made us into activists that want to make change, and they forced the community at large to speak and approve Cannabis.

What are your hopes for the Borough with this new change? Some of my hopes for the Borough overall is to have the jobs increasing and all the money made circulating in the economy, and I’m hoping I can stimulate growth with my business as well. More than that, I wanted to see the borough succeed, I would love to see the area grow! There’s a road I live on that I know taxes could really help widen that road. I also hope that the borough can be more of a hub rather than Anchorage controlling the entire state. And for us personality, I do want to have more than one store. We want to be able to have a green jar model like the brown jug.

When is your newly remodeled store going to open? We’ll be opening in February as the head shop, but we are hoping in March 6th — the planning commission meeting — hoping to do a soft open that week. And then on March 11th, we hope to have our grand opening for the public with Cannabis products. I feel like after everything, now that we are here, now I get to finally have the exciting part. Everything else was just to get to this moment. I just wanted to have a biz that I could love doing and have no limits, and this is the first time in my life I’ve had no limits put on me, and if I’m gonna fail, at least it’s my fault. It feels good to know we made it through everything and will get to be the boss that I never had.

What is your message for anyone else facing this type of challenge? I know there are some other campaigns happening this year. Fairbanks and Kenai are having the same vote we had, and I’ve heard Valdez might have a vote, so I want to mention that there is still a fight going on. To anyone, my message would be to stay positive; we are on the right side of this, and that time will show we are on the right side of history.

FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/23

FEATURE

By WES ABNEY

TimerCap.com

Chatting with the founder of 1-800-DENTIST about how he got into running TimerCap, which helps you keep track of your Cannabis. How did TimerCap get started? TimerCap was started six years ago by a friend from college I knew for over 30 years. I was one of the original investors, and after some time of it not going the way we planned, some of the other investors decided to make a change and so I took it over. I had just sold 1-800-DENTIST, and it was the right fit at the time.

What made you want to invest in TimerCap? It struck a cord for me. My mom was addicted to prescription pain meds. When I was 9, I remember having to give her Demerol shots in her tush. She was either strung out or mad because we couldn't give her meds, and she ultimately died at 60 due to medical complications, and I never knew her not strung out on something. So it hit personally. When my wife and I do investing, we follow three principles: It has to be good for society, we have to have fun, and three, we have to make money. And it’s in that order. That’s our priority ladder.

Is the company giving back? [The principles] don’t end with the companies we work with. TimerCaps are made in North Hills, California by a company of autistic adults who put together our products and a lot of other products. If companies want to do work with American workers, this is a great group to do it and they produce great work. You just have to know you can do good and make money at the same time. You have to have it in your consciousness.

How are TimerCaps helpful for opiate patients? When you take an opioid, you are cognitively impaired and time becomes an issue. We’re saying, “bad people, bad people,” when it comes to addiction, but what tool did we give them when 20 minutes seems like two hours when you are in pain? We need to provide tools that let patients have self-empowerment so they can know what is safe when they get back in the car or take their next dose. This can be an incredibly effective tool for both safety and addiction/harm reduction.

24/FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Q&A Larry Twersky, CEO

Your company also has a MMJ line. How do you feel about medical Cannabis and how can your product help? Laws for opioids are getting stricter and stricter, which is good for the Cannabis industry, and if you are in pain, you are going to look for a way to deal with your pain, and people need a safe way to know how to ingest their Cannabis. You need to know if roommates get into your stash; if they know that you know, they won't do it. So, we have three points that are the same for opioid abuse and Cannabis. Finally, it is just like any other drug, so if it is in the house with children, it needs to be in child-resistant packaging and people need to know when it is safe to get behind the wheel. We have them in different sizes for concentrates and for vape pens and flowers, and so you get to know the last time it was opened, and if it’s in a car and you haven't used it, that could be very useful information.

You also co-brand your product with Rite Aid, CVS and weed dispensaries. How does that help a Cannabis company?

What problems do you see with the way prescriptions are currently dispensed?

How does TimerCap solve this issue?

Pharmacies are allowed to sell pill organizers that don't meet or exceed drug safety laws in states they are sold in. You can dispense into a non-descript pill box, leaving emergency workers wondering what a person might be taking. That's tantamount to a car dealer disabling car seats and air bags. It’s ridiculous. When you go into a pharmacy, there are safety laws for a reason. The fact that you can turn around from the pharmacy and put in a new package that they sell for profit is hypocritical. Do they believe in the safety info? Do they believe in what the doctors wrote? If we have laws, we should enforce the laws. In an environment where 50 percent of the population doesn't take medication as it is prescribed, I believe we are setting people up for failure without compliant packaging.

There are three main points. First, it lets a patient know the last time they opened their medication. Secondly, it’s a household deterrent; anyone can know the last time a medication was opened, and the ability for misuse or theft/abuse is deterred through awareness of it being opened. It’s a diversion, detection and awareness tool. The final point is that it maintains the complaint nature of the original packaging with the legally required information listed.

One of the things that we really encourage is that we are a great first-time gift for dispensaries to hand out. While it’s a good thing for patients to buy, we customize our caps for dispensaries and the dispensaries that use us for first-time patients see a huge benefit. This is one of the best viral tools a dispensary can hand out. Spending a few dollars on getting a branded viral marketing tool and giving the patient a memory tool to remember the dispensary, plus a way to remember how to measure when it’s safe is the best social responsibility tool a dispensary can hand out. The companies that choose this show that they are smart marketers and have a tangible way to show corporate responsibility as well as the benefit to the community.

“IT’S A DIVERSION, DETECTION AND AWARENESS TOOL.” FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/25

ANCHORAGE'S 1ST LICENSED CULTIVATOR

eoscreativemedia.com Travis Madden (907) 854-7547

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH By ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ

ur highest-THC-tested strain of the month is this beautiful trichome-heavy bud from the team at AK Fuzzy Budz. Critical Sensi Star is a truly renowned indica beloved by growers and smokers alike for its beautiful looks and heavy effects. She takes an average of 60 days to flower, producing frosty fan leaves that sprout out from dense and heavy colas full of bud. Looking at the plant in flower is a dazzling experience, with trichomes glistening and reflecting light from the tops of the plant. Loading up a fat bowl of Critical Sensi Star is an experience best kept for when daytime responsibilities are finished. Tokes of the flower deliver a strong high that penetrates deep into the body, resulting in a couchlock euphoria that is extremely pleasant. Within 30 minutes, the mind begins to slowly melt into an indica bliss, with mood elevation and a sense of calmness that takes over the mind, body and spirit. This strain is perfect for the end of a long day, washing away stress with waves of high THC and a delicious flavor and smell of sweet earthy Cannabis. Check out this strain and more from the team at Fuzzy Budz at their newly opened dispensary in Anchorage!

28/FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

LOADING A FAT BOWL OF CRITICAL SENSI STAR IS AN EXPERIENCE BEST KEPT FOR WHEN DAYTIME RESPONSIBILITIES ARE FINISHED. GROWN BY AK FUZZY BUDZ // ANCHORAGE

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recipes

By LAURIE WOLF for ALASKA LEAF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF for ALASKA LEAF

Makes 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup white choc. chips/melts 1-2 tablespoons Canna-butter

HOT CHOCOLATE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE CANNABIS HEART

Decorations of your choice 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 3/4 cup sugar

February is chocolate month!

Pinch salt

Now that we know about all the impressive medical

1/3 cup boiling water

benefits of chocolate — antioxidants/fiber/minerals —

3 cups milk

we can indulge without guilt. For Cannabis and chocolate

1/2 cup half-and-half

lovers, we have three delectable, easy to infuse delights

1 teaspoon vanilla

to enjoy this month. Have a Valentine’s Day filled with hugs, love and bud. Be your own best friend sometimes!

* 32/

TASTY TIP: White chocolate, although not really chocolate, is amazing with Cannabis. Yes, you want to taste that Cannabis a bit, and I don’t usually say that when cooking green.

FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

1) Place parchment paper on your work surface. In a small saucepan with a double boiler, heat the white chocolate. Add the canna-butter and mix well. With a small spoon, make little hearts with the melted chocolate. If you draw hearts on the paper with a Sharpie, flip the parchment over and you can follow the outlines. Decorate the hearts as desired. Allow the hearts to set for at least 30 minutes. Set aside. 2) In a saucepan, combine the cocoa, sugar and salt. Blend in the boiling water. 3) Simmer gently and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the milk and half-and-half, but do not boil. Heat for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide among 4 to 6 mugs. Top each with a white chocolate heart and stir to medicate!

CANNA-COOKIES WITH PECANS AND COCONUT INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup canna-butter, softened 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 2/3 cups flour 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch salt 1/2 cup coconut, shredded 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Makes about 48 tasty cookies

1) Heat oven to 340 F. In a large bowl, cream together the butters and sugar until light in color and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla.

2. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a separate large bowl. Add to the creamed mixture. Add the coconut and pecans and mix well. Place the dough by heaping teaspoons on parchment-lined baking sheets. 3) Bake approx. 9-10 min. Cookies will stay soft until fully cooled. Enjoy these delights and have a Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, readers!

CANNA-HEARTS

This easy recipe makes a bunch of servings, depending on the size of the hearts you make.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups chocolate melts or chips 2-3 tablespoons Canna-oil Decorations of your choosing

1) In a large saucepan with a double boiler, melt the chocolate with the canna-oil. Stir until smooth. 2) Draw hearts on parchment paper in whatever size you like. Flip the paper over and ensure you can see the outlines of the hearts. 3) Fill in the hearts with the melted chocolate, leaving a few tablespoons for drizzling over the decorations. Top the chocolate with decorations and allow to set for at least 30 min. If desired, drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate and again wait until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fully set.

FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Reviews

By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com

THREE A LIGHT By JOSHUA HAUPT, 215 PAGES, $500

ne of Colorado’s top marijuana growers, Joshua Haupt, is attracting lots of attention due not only to his incredible yields, but their high quality. In his book “Three A Light,” he shares the methods that make his growrooms some of the most productive in the world. “Three A Light” is simple and straightforward, text-wise, but graphically gorgeous with half the pages being full-color photographs. It’s an impressive volume — the very definition of a coffee table book — and it’s priced accordingly, at $500. But even at that price point, the book made a big impact upon its initial release in November 2015 and is moving toward an impressive 1,000 copies sold. According to Haupt, the book took two-and-a-half years to produce. But once you have it, you have a “standard operating procedure for your business,” he said, whether you want to grow 3 pounds per light (we’re talking dry flower weight, ready to use) with just one light, or are starting a large-scale grow. While the price may drop some jaws, it snaps into clearer focus when one realizes that Haupt’s methods (and nutrients, of which he also has a commercial line) promises a drool-worthy yield of 3 pounds per light. That, of course, means the book will more than pay for itself in yield the first time you bring in a successful harvest.

“We back the book,” Haupt told me. “We have a list of everybody who’s purchased the book, and we have a full team dedicated to customer service. You can call us, and we can definitely walk you through a very solid solution. And most importantly, just make sure that you hit those high yields.” Haupt’s growing methods prominently feature a radical trimming process he calls “schwazzing.” All the fan leaves, normally solar panels for the plant that help to feed the flowers, are removed. Haupt said his company can’t advocate people schwazzing if they don’t feed the plants his company’s nutrients to replace what the leaves would have done. Haupt’s company is rapidly expanding. In fact, it recently hired Coca-Cola’s former vice president, Terry Fitch. But Haupt still adds personal customer service for anyone who invests in one of his books; he seems to actually take joy in helping other growers achieve mind-boggling harvests. Full disclosure, taking full advantage of the methods in Haupt’s book require pairing grows with nutrients that he created in collaboration with an agricultural chemist. That’s why a starter pack of Success Nutrients is included with the purchase of each book. The nutrients are currently sold online and out of Haupt’s Denver warehouse.

IN THIS BOOK, JOSHUA HAUPT SHARES THE METHODS THAT MAKE HIS GROWROOMS SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRODUCTIVE.

34/FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Reviews

By WILL FERGUSON | PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS

KungFuVapes.com

THE CARTRIDGE EVEN HAS A WARMING FEATURE THAT BRINGS THE CANNABIS OIL TO A WARM, EVEN TEMP. FOR A FEW SECONDS.

Kung Fu Vapes “John Fu” Reusable Car tridge

This company is leading the CanThe cartridge even has a warming feature nabis industry with cartridges and that brings the Cannabis oil to a warm, even accessories specifically made for temperature for a few seconds. Cannabis distillate. This John Fu carThe vaporizable temperature functions even tridge features a removable mouthin colder weather. Refillable cartridges can piece that allows for oil to easily be hold up to about 1 gram of Cannabis concenfilled into the chamber trate before their performance without making a mess. THE SCORE is compromised. The mouthpiece relies John Dawson and Kung PAC K AGIN G on a 3-hole design that Fu Vapes are taking the legal F UN CTION allows for great airflow Cannabis industry by storm DE S IGN when vaporizing higher with their ever-improving VA L UE volumes of your favorite designs that make medicating concentrates. TOTA L 19/20 both discreet and easy.

36/FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Reviews

By WES ABNEY

Knowing which type of Cannabis you want to ingest will help you achieve the proper medicinal effects and a comfortable experience

SATIVAS vs. INDICAS Sativa strains are known for their energizing properties and euphoria. While most patients enjoy sativas in the morning or daytime, they are acceptable for use whenever one isn’t trying to sleep. The effects associated with sativas are great for social outings, and can make everyday activities much more pleasurable. Sativas can make you feel giggly and happy!

Indica strains are known for a more pronounced body sensation with less of a cerebral stimulation, though a heavy “medicated” mental state often comes with indica strains. Indicas are best for later in the day/night time use, and are optimal for pain relief and relaxation. If you ever wondered what kind of a strain left you couchlocked, it was an indica.

• • • • • • • • •

stimulating and uplifting Energizing, thought-provoking Increases focus and creativity Supports immune system Reduces nausea Stimulates the appetite Fights depression uplifting, cerebral effect Promotes creativity

38/FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Relieves headaches and migraines spasms, reduces seizures Reduces inflammation Combats anxiety and stress Reduces nausea Pain Reducer Sleep Aid Appetite Stimulater Muscle relaxant

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PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

health & science

SURVIVE THE COLD! Dressing for your health as temperatures drop

BY ALASKA LEAF inter months arond these parts are everyone else grabs coats. Genetic factors play into being more SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR marked by blustery, short, cold days, and or less sensitive to the cold, as does environmental conditioning. DR. SCOTT D. ROSE lots and lots of rain. Many people strugFor example, someone who grew up in Michigan may be “better gle through the winter months and usuprepared” for the cold than someone from Southern California. ally vacation somewhere tropical, if they Wearing the proper clothing is the best preparation for spending can, to try and break it up! Exercise routines time outside. Besides people just being uncomfortable from the outadhered to during for most of the year tend to fall door elements, hypothermia can quickly turn a dangerous situation deadly. away during the winter months. Dreary conditions are an obstacle for many who feel that they do not even DANGERS OF COLD WEATHER want to go outside for any length of time and do anything at all. The number of calories burned through decreases with inactivity, thereby Hypothermia occurs when the body gets loses heat faster than the body decreasing metabolism. According to research reported by Johns Hopkins can make it. This can occur when exposed to cold air, water, wind or rain. The University, people tend to gain five to seven pounds on average during the body temperature can drop to low levels at temperatures of 50 F or higher in winter months. Previous negative experiences with being cold and wet in the wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60 F to 70 F water. outdoors stifles many and keeps them from leading a more active lifestyle Hypothermia gets worse as the body temperature continues to drop. Watch during the winter. But, dressing for success in the PNW’s cold, wet, windy for the “-umbles” — stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles, which show outdoors is possible. changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. Mild hypotherSome people’s constitution just seems to be conducive with being outdoors mia is marked by a core body temperature (rectal) from normal 98.6 F down during the winter months. These individuals wear shorts or t-shirts when to 95 F and symptoms of shivering, pale blue/grey skin, poor judgment, mild

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(against your skin) manages moisture; the insulatunsteadiness with balance and walking, and numb ing layer protects you from the cold; the shell layer fingers and hands. Getting out of the elements and (outer layer) shields you from wind and rain. rewarming may treat mild hypothermia. “Cotton kills” because the material cotton reAs the downward progression of hypothermia tains perspiration and can leave you continues, medical attention becomes feeling wet, clammy and chilled. imperative. Moderate hypothermia is “Wilderness Cotton is not a good choice of insumarked by a core body temperature of is not a lation, especially not as a base layer, 95 F down to 93 F and symptoms of luxury but in the backcountry. violent shivering, dazed consciousness, necessity of the andThenever base layer moves perspiration slurred speech, lack of concern/flat afaway from your skin, which can keep fect, and irrational behavior such as human spirit.” –Edward Abbey you dry and warm. The best base layundressing despite the cold. ers are made of polyester, polypropylSevere hypothermia occurs at a core ene, merino wool, silk or other matebody temperature of 92 F down to 86 rials that wick moisture and dry quickly. F and lower, which is immediately life-threatenThe middle layer insulates you by trapping warm ing. Shivering occurs in waves with pauses in beair next to your body. Here you want to think nattween or ceases entirely, muscle rigidity occurs and ural fibers and fleece. Wool, and goose down are immobility ensues — pulse rate decreases, and the natural fibers with excellent insulation properties. pupils dilate. At 90 F, the body moves into “hiberThe middle layer weight should be chosen based nation” mode where everything slows down: peon activity level and temperature ranges. ripheral blood flow, breathing and heart rate. The outer shell layer is all about shielding against At 86 F, the body is in a state of “metabolic icebox.” The person looks dead but is still alive. Often, wind, rain and snow. Most allow at least some perspiration to escape, which is vital for the under a hiker or skier’s body temperature will drop really low before others notice that something is wrong. layers to breathe well, and virtually all are treated with a durable water repellent to make water bead Hypothermia is an emergency condition and can up and roll off the fabric. quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if heat From a simple windbreaker to a snow jacket with loss continues. Cold exposure injuries can also occur in wet, a removable liner coat and hood, there are many types of outer layers. When selecting outer shells, windy and cold temperatures as well. Frostnip look for items labeled as “waterproof/breathable,” occurs on the skin of the face, ears and fingertips since they will protect 100 percent against water with whitish to blue discoloration and numbness getting in but still let out perspiration. “Water that goes away upon rewarming with no permaresistant” means breathable, but it will only hold nent damage. This is a progression toward frostbite up for a short time in light rain. “Waterproof and where the skin and the underlying tissues actually freeze and look pale or blue, and feel numb, stiff, and rubbery. Frostbite requires freezing temperatures, but chilblains do not. When spending too much time in cold but not freezing temperatures, chilblains may cause pale and blistered skin like frostbite after the skin has warmed. The skin does not actually freeze, but can be very painful.

non-breathable” is the equivalent of an emergency poncho, fine for low-key protection but little else. Gloves, mittens, neck and face protection, and hats also increase success. In colder conditions, or over extended periods, mittens are better than gloves since they keep fingers together, which traps heat more effectively. The head and neck are major areas of heat loss, so cover your neck with a scarf, balaclava or neck gaiter. Balaclavas, windproof face masks, scarves or hats will all protect your head from the cold. Add a hood over top in extreme cold or snow/rain conditions to keep your head gear dry. Hats made of natural fibers such as wool, alpaca or synthetic fleece are ideal. Proper footwear is the remaining piece proper of winter wear, starting with socks. Socks made from natural fiber are ideal. Alpaca insole inserts can wick moisture and to further insulate the foot. Boots and shoes come in many different styles to fit just about every application. As with the outer shell layer, the main factors with boots and shoes are how waterproof are they and how well do they breathe? If you don’t have a ton of money to spend, thrift shops such as Goodwill or Value Village usually carry this type of gear. Many use the excuse that “it’s just too cold out” to avoid exercise and the outdoors. We need to look for ways to tear down obstacles for burning more calories as an ever-growing nation. Getting outside is an excellent way to burn more calories and appreciate our great outdoors here in the PNW. So this year, instead of plane tickets to a tropical destination, invest in proper gear so you can dress for success in the Pacific Northwest.

WHY YOU HAVE TO LAYER Okay, enough with explaining the possibilities (scare tactics) of hypothermia and cold injuries. Remember I said that it is possible to dress for success in the PNW’s cold, wet, windy winters! Only two basic principles need to be understood: layering, and “cotton kills.” No matter what you do outside during the winter, layering will make adapting to changing conditions and activity levels much easier. There are three layers, each with a purpose, and each may be consist of multiple garments. The base layer

Dr. Scott D. Rose is a Naturopathic Acupuncturist in the Seattle, Washington area. FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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health & science

By SIMONE FISCHER | SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Date Night EDIBLES

My edible of choice is Grön chocolate bars. They come in a variety of flavors (milk and dark chocolate), and you eat them piece by piece for controlled dosing. My favorites are the dark chocolate espresso bean and dark chocolate toffee bar. You can find Grön at most recreational Cannabis shops around Portland. They are dosed at 50mg per recreational edible, but can be split into five 10mg pieces. Other states will carry similar edibles offering chocolatey goodness. If you are new to edibles, break off a square of chocolate and cut it in half. This should give you roughly 5mg of THC by Grön’s standards. Do not eat any more until after two hours. Once the high takes hold, you gotta ride it out. If you are a medical patient, try one of Grön’s 75mg chocolates! Now that you’re already staying home, go hard and really enjoy your Cannabis to its fullest potential. Enjoy each other’s company. Roll up your favorite weed and pop the fancy bottle of champagne! Since you don’t have to worry about driving, you can loosen up your sobriety standards.

Light the candles. Make a nice meal. Don’t forget the music.

FLOWERS Good old-fashioned nugs always get the job done. Top shelf Cannabis runs like water these days. Try CBD flower to relax nerves or release any pre-date tension. CBD may help reduce anxiety in those who experience it. Judge your Cannabis on the quality of smell and cure when buying flower. Don’t shop by numbers alone unless you are there for the cannabinoids, too.

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STAYING HOME WITH CANNABIS * H I G H L Y * R E C O M M E N D E D *

you want to skip the overpriced and overcrowded restaurant scene, you have many solid options. My no. 1 suggestion is cooking a light, delicious dinner for you and your sweetie, sharing a few edibles, smoking weed in the various form you prefer and enjoying the remainder of the evening over Champagne.

DINNER FOR TWO

I suggest roasting game hen (smaller/quicker cook time than traditional chickens) with pan sauce, polenta and crispy oyster mushrooms. There’s not much in season in the dead of winter, but a roasted bird will never go out of style. I often will pair it with garlic Parmesan polenta because it’s easy and will marry the game hen pan juice super well. I threw in some mushrooms because they are in season, and (when roasted to a crisp) are a delicious contrast between the velvety polenta and tender chicken. It’s a fuss-free meal that requires minimal attention and prep. You can pre-season your birds and make the polenta a day ahead. Your date will adore you and your efforts. So pour yourself a glass of wine, light a joint and prepare your meal together. No salads. I ask you to indulge.

VAPE PENS / PRE-ROLLS

CREATIVE COMMONS/PEDRO FERNANDES

If you’re a homeowner or just have one of those delightfully lax landlords, then kick back, roll up the best Cannabis you can find and have a few ready-to-light pre-rolls available to enjoy for later (like pre or post dinner). I myself always go for sedative weed at all times. It’s more commonly known as “indica,” but it truly means Cannabis with elevated levels of linalool, caryophyllene and limonene. For everybody else, I recommend going with a sativa or sativa-dominant hybrids (Cannabis with elevated levels of myrcene and terpinolene) to keep the evening going. If you are under the rule of strict landlords, I suggest you invest in a vape pen. They have higher levels of THC and the smell is virtually non-existent. You don’t have to worry about leaving a lingering, potentially eviction-causing smell that could disturb those around you.

CONCENTRATES The popularity of dabs — or concentrates — continues to grow in the legal market. The advantages of dabbing are the flavors, the smell is less pungent (similar to vaping) and the high is much stronger. If you are living in an apartment situation, or want to discreetly consume Cannabis, I highly recommend dabbing. The only drawbacks to dabbing are monetary. Gram prices are on the rise and start at $40-50 for anything worthwhile. Your initial “dab set-up” (oil rig, enail, nail, torch, dab tools) can be expensive at $100-$500 minimum.

Go home.It was crowded there anyways, right? Smoke the weed. Have consensual sex. Enjoy some of your favorite chocolates or Cannabis edibles. Better yet,melt the medicated chocolate and drizzle it on each other for sensual fun. I might sound like a hedonistic pig, but I promise you’ll have a great time. Why did you decide to go out in the first place??? Remember: Home is where the heart is.

GOING OUT WITH CANNABIS

you plan to be out on the town and using Cannabis or alcohol, then you need to designate a driver or do the smart thing and call a cab/rideshare. Don’t be stupid, buddy.

Eat. Drink. Be Romantic.

BRING A FRIEND

I prefer pre-rolled joints, but if you or your partner are the paranoid type, run with a vape pen. The smell is faint in comparison to smoking a flower joint. You can buy vape cartridges or disposable pens at your local Cannabis dispensary. They usually start at $50 after tax, and go as high as over $100 per cartridge for high-end concentrates. Although many may cringe at a $100 price tag, understand you are supporting an Oregon craft business that delivers high-quality products. Good weed isn’t cheap, and neither is the corresponding concentrate. Spoil your loved one and try a fancy vape pen. Looking to be sustainably stoned for the duration of your night out? Then eat an edible before you take off. That way, you won’t have to fuss with a pre-roll. You will be a delightfully giggly and enthusiastic eater during your dining experience. With that said, if you are not a seasoned edible consumer, wait until you get home before you pop a chocolate. Nothing is worse than haphazardly eating an edible, and unexpectedly turning into an inaudible pile of mashed potatoes, unable to maintain conversation or forge coherent sentences. I speak from experience. A few date nights have turned terribly wrong because of a seemingly innocent cookie.

Simone Fischer is a Portland OMMP patient and Cannabis advocate. She is a contributing editor at Ladybud Magazine and a graduate of women’s and gender studies from Portland State University.

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health & science

SEXUAL HEALTH & CANNABIS THE POWER OF POT “Cultures with sacred Cannabis use tend to be cultures which recognize the goddess. That could mean mother Earth, yin or female beauty and virtues. People who bring marijuana inside them are engaging in a type of sexual union with the plant. It is a very sexual act to have a molecule of THC implant itself into your brain.” Terry Necco “Marijuana and Sex: A Classic Combination”

Cannabis and sex are gifts from nature. Cannabis has been used as an aphrodi-

siac for thousands of years in many cultures, yet ironically, it also has a history of being used to decrease sexual desire as well. Its use is reported to increase sexual stamina, sensation, length and strength and even number of orgasms, and the emotional/spiritual bonding between partners. In fact, many users liken the effects on the emotional, spiritual and psychological planes to be that of the descriptions of the ancient Indian Tantric practices. Sex and Cannabis provide for euphoric peak experiences, a unity of both body and mind, and an escape from the routine. Being high or sexually aroused give similar physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, increased sensitivity, changes in blood flow and respiration, an acutely altered state of consciousness and relaxation. The chemistry of the brain, hormonal systems and specific regions of the brain such as the temporal lobe are affected by both Cannabis and sexual arousal. There are studies that refute the positives that are. As with most research surrounding Cannabis, data can be conflicting. Some objective findings contradict the increased intensity of climax and increased the degree of sensation, for instance. Some evidence has associated Cannabis use with erectile dysfunction

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BY ALASKA LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCOTT D. ROSE

in men and infertility in men and women. Cannabis has been consumed by humans for a long time and with no reported deaths caused directly by its use. This is a pretty safe track record. The use and benefits of Cannabis for sexual health may turn out to be dose-dependent where more moderate consumption brings about more stimulating aphrodisiac effects, and higher doses and more chronic use may bring about more negative and deleterious effects. The ancient culture in India is closely associated with sexual Cannabis use. Cannabis has been used in India for at least 3,000 years, probably much longer. Ancient sacred texts revealed how to use Cannabis to increase sexual pleasure. The Indian Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbi medicine systems used Cannabis to increase libido, conquer impotence and cure various diseases. Dozens of herbal formulas containing Cannabis were prescribed as aphrodisiacs. These formulations were reputed to produce long-lasting erections, delayed ejaculation, facilitate lubrication and drop inhibitions. Tantra is a Hindu and Buddhist tradition and a mystical religion that used Cannabis and prescriptions of physical and mental exercises like meditation, yoga and sexual practices. These practices are intended to help escape suffering and achieve enlightenment, known as Nirvana. Advanced Tantra Cannabis rituals were intense, elaborate and challenging. The Tantric belief is that human bodies contain energy systems consisting of nerves, heart and spiritual elements that these are linked to cosmic and nature-based energies. Males and females have differing degrees and types of energy, and yogic sexual practices unite these energies, creating energy connections that allow participants to find new heights of intimacy and to transcend egocentric consciousness. Their timeless place in the universe is then realized. Tantric union of these energies is thought to facilitate universal balance and to atone for human sins against nature and the cosmos. Tantric rituals seek to prolong sexual union as long as possible, and were performed with an edible form of Cannabis. Cannabis affects different people in different ways. Some report an increased libido while others report an inability to sustain an erection or have an orgasm. Information is increasing as the field of Cannabis research flourishes. Studies

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons / Stuart Conner & Nationaal Archief, Den Haag

examining the effects of Cannabis use on male sexual function have been limited in both quality and quantity until recent times. Most of these studies yield conflicting results. While some outlined the benefits of Cannabis in enhancing erectile function, others did not. One must always be leery of where research dollars come from and what the intent and basis of the research may be. Most studies have traditionally focused on finding, for instance, an increase in the number of sexual partners among Cannabis users, the association of risky sexual behaviors and Cannabis use, and the correlation to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and Cannabis use. Or a study may look at the correlation between domestic violence and the use of Cannabis in a very specific population.Look at men’s sexual health and the use of Cannabis. Be aware that most negative impacts are temporary in nature, and with a more moderate consumption and/or discontinuation, the body is able to regulate. High levels of THC have been shown to cause the body to produce lower levels of testosterone. THC stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary, an endocrine gland located in the brain that regulates hormone levels, which are released into the blood to the testes for the release of testosterone. The testosterone then travels in the blood to the pituitary and the level is sensed and regulated through a negative feedback loop. The problem seems to be that THC also stimulates the testes to release testosterone and the levels are thrown off and the negative feedback mechanism does not work. Another group of researchers concluded that Cannabis use does not have a significant impact on testosterone — not that there was no impact, just not a large enough impact to be detrimental. Cannabis use has been linked to erectile dysfunction by a number of studies and the prevalent thought is that the lack of erectile function may be directly related to this decrease in testosterone. A very large study conducted in Australia found that men who used Cannabis daily were four times

more likely to have problems achieving orgasm than en. When a woman uses Cannabis, THC travels to men who did not use, and three times more likely her uterus, cervix, vagina and vaginal fluids. Sperm to experience premature ejaculation, while some said cells that come into contact with THC from the they reached orgasm too slowly. Cannabis can also woman will then behave much like sperm cells from affect a man’s fertility. More specifically, THC hin- a man who uses Cannabis. Cannabis use in women ders the sperm cells’ ability to swim to an egg cell. can also dysregulate the hormonal system and cause This is because THC hinders their ability to release problems at the level of the ovary with anovulatory enzymes needed to pass through the female egg cell cycles where there is no release of an egg cell at all. wall. One study using data mostly from the 1990s Experiences of sexual activity and Cannabis use has recently been released looking at the correla- can be especially intimate and energetic, facilitattion between the increased incidence of testicular ing trusting, loving relationships. Despite negative cancer and Cannabis use. This is a good example of findings, people continue to report positive benefits where much more work needs to be done. Positive to their sexual health through the use of Cannafindings have mostly been shown with lowSex and Cannabis provide for euphoric er to moderate dosages peak experiences, a unity of both body & as well as lower THC mind, and an escape from the routine. levels in the Cannabis consumed. When marijuana dosage was appropriate, it increased sexual bis. Many claim a greater bond between partners, stamina and skill, sensation, length and power of claiming Cannabis facilitates a more beautiful, spirorgasms and emotional bonding between partners. itual connection. Studies indicate that Cannabis has different efOur bodies contain pleasure systems that reward fects on men than it does on women when it comes us for sex; our brains contain circuitry that can only to both sex drive and sex life satisfaction. Many be activated by substances with THC’s molecular claims have been made that topical oils containing structure. This makes the high from Cannabis a Cannabis are able to enhance the sexual experience unique constellation of feelings, and there are only for women. The results of a study conducted through two sources for the substances that activate the rethe Department of Psychology at the University of ceptors in the brain where THC binds. That would British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, be our own brains creating a molecule called anansupport the theory that Cannabis is able to improve damide (translation: bliss) and THC and the other sexual health for women by increasing arousal and cannabinoids contained within the Cannabis plant. strengthening the physiological responses to sexContrary to the “Reefer Madness” myth that ual stimulation. Positive effects on women’s sexual Cannabis automatically causes uncontrollable sexuhealth seem to be most associated with Cannabis al desire, we see that although Cannabis and sexualwith a THC level around 14 percent. The low-THC ity have been closely related for thousands of years, Cannabis increases sensitivity and delays orgasm to each of us has a unique set of psychosexual paramegive couples more time to share the intimate experi- ters that determine whether marijuana will magnify ence. Cannabis also seems to help with any psycho- or decrease sexual desire and enjoyment. This delogical blocks that may be preventing them from sire and enjoyment may come at a price so if you’re enjoying a healthy sex life. experiencing erectile dysfunction or problems with Cannabis can also cause fertility issues for wom- orgasm and have concerns about testicular cancer, or are having problems with fertility, consider your Cannabis intake. “What happens at marijuana parties?” Answer weird orgies, wild parties, and unleashed passions that’s what! MARIJUANA: weed with roots in hell - (sensationalist low-budget film born of the negative smear campaign of the 1930s. The smear campaign used blatant bigotry to associate marijuana with aggressive sexuality implicating certain minorities with the use of marijuana and the raping of white women to perpetuate the terrorism of the campaign.)

Dr. Scott D. Rose has written about Cannabis and health for years in the pages of Northwest Leaf and Oregon Leaf. He is an acupuncturist with a pain resolution clinic in Seattle.

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growtech

SOW A

SEED

PLANT A

CLONE

PART 1 OF 2: BENEFITS AND DEFICITS OF RUNNING SEEDS

he age-old debate: pop new seeds, or plant that ing seeds and opening them. If you wanted to get that variety, there clone? You’ll find strong proponents in each was only one place you could find it. Such a characteristic facilitated category equally as committed to their diametmany of my most successful partnerships that I still enjoy today. BY ALASKA LEAF rically opposing positions, and both are correct. Seeds provide that opportunity to be the first and only with your SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR I come from a long and tattered history of selection. DR. SCANDERSON seed acquisition abuse behaviors and for the lonThe greater the number of seeds you choose to select from, the gest time refused any clone under any circumstance. higher the likelihood of finding a particularly stellar version that is After much effort, I have learned to control my habits and have focused difficult to emulate. More importantly, you are making those choices. That on improving techniques with my existing flock. During that time, I took in allows your personal tastes, feelings and expressions of perfection you find with a few clones from some of my closest family and the results have been stellar. this plant to be fully self-expressed and personal to you. Naturally the finished I owe all of my best rounds from this past year entirely to the generosity and product will have the most weighted influence on selection, but growth patterns, kindness of those who blessed me with an elite stock of cultivars to run in my veg time, tolerance to stress, longterm stability, ability to maintain perpetual water (you know who you are). Reflecting on this past year’s experience, I find a vegetative state and so forth are important too. So not only are you bringing a new balanced perspective between the two approaches for selection. new selection to the Cannabis community, you are also in many ways expressing In this month’s Growtech, I’d like to begin a two-part series comparing the yourself as a gardener. Those of us who are not particularly social creatures can benefits and deficits of starting new seeds vs. planting a clone. also find meaningful connections through the experiences of others enjoying the For me, exposing new seeds to the world for the very first time is a special characteristics that are highlighted through selections. experience and how I imagine people feel when they talk about being a kid on Seeds also carry with them some pragmatic and inherent benefits. Let’s start Christmas morning. The idea that the plant I am cultivating is something that with availability: I don’t think you can log onto social media or read through a has never been exposed to our Earth, its environments or the beings around it, is Cannabis publication of any kind any longer without being bombarded with an opportunity to participate in a miracle. I’ll always have a small space dedicatopportunities to acquire Cannabis seeds. Gone are the send and pray days of ed to opening, testing and exploring new varieties and phenotypes and perhaps being relegated to overseas outfits. There are hundreds of U.S. suppliers and I may have a slight bias toward that area. Having said that, I’ve really had my distributors of fine Cannabis seeds and new ones seem to sprout up daily. Most eyes peeled open to the many benefits of running clones over of them are connected with some of the most reputable breeders in the past year. But let’s start with the benefits of starting the industry, making supply, selection and competition for a fair from a seed anyhow. market price all work for the buyer. Perhaps you don’t imagine yourself getting the Seeds are also reasonably easy to store for same rejuvenating experience I’m describing from long periods of time until conditions are ideal starting new seeds but nonetheless, there in lies an into start selecting them. One can acquire a line herent benefit, the uniqueness of the potential is valuknowing the future will provide opportuniable. All of the varieties that people first sought me out for ty to select it even if the present doesn’t allow were seeds I discovered through my hobby/habit of acquirfor the care of any plants. Seeds have extremely

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uniform growth as well, throwing as symmetrical a growth pattern and structure as the plant ever will. Last but certainly not least, seeds are always guaranteed to be free from pest infestation and nearly all diseases. Prior to having a dedicated quarantine room, this became an open and shut case for me. I am committed to a 100 percent pest- and disease-free environment, and I simply couldn’t assure the tight levels of controls required to support such a commitment while introducing new plants, any of which could be carrying an endless variety of pests or disease. Those of you more inclined to run clones may already be hearing some of the challenges associated with running seeds even as the benefits are highlighted. First and foremost, the packet of seed that represents endless potential also includes those with no potential. Meaning, you don’t know what you’re going to get. It took some time and experience working with multiple lines from various breeders before (at least in my case) it became evident which breeders were working with the types of principles and plants that I wanted the progeny from. I can’t remember reading a description that didn’t sound like the most amazing plant ever to be created. So with everything sounding so dank, how can you choose? Well, it didn’t take long to figure out which breeders took the time to release a stable product that consistently reached top shelf quality and mirrored the description, and which ones do not. In this learning curve you will find some packs that are duds, with nothing worth keeping, some without the stability you need, and so forth. As a result, seeds are difficult to rely on if a specific result is imperative quickly. At the end of the day, a large dedicated space to test seeds is as necessary as it is to take in new clones. While the seeds won’t have any pests riding on them, their gender stability is something that often needs to be monitored. The results of gender instability can have a devastating effect on your round if you haven’t fully tested that plant. Many of us have made the mistake of running a seed untested in production only to find two to three pods of pollen that blow past day 55. A dedicated testing space assures the gender stability of the plant and can cull those that don’t meet the selection criteria. It also helps you gain information on the veg times, and approximate time for the various flowering stages. I always like to know about when my plant will stop stretching and start setting, when setting will start swelling and so forth. As a water gardener, it’s imperative to have this information to provide an ideal nutritional plan. A test round

gives up this information in spades, creating a range you know you can safely work to dial in the particulars for. It also seems responsible to get up on my sustainably harvested, vegan soap box for a moment and offer a little bit of information in the way of consumer protection. I am not a breeder. I don’t do private side projects of my own where I create seeds; I’m still trying to master growing. This has allowed me to sit in a unique space and I am blessed and privileged to say I have seen and worked intimately with many of the world’s top breeders. Needless to say there is a large group of people who care deeply about this plant and want to create new varieties for people to enjoy. Their dedication is unparalleled and inspiring and many of the projects they bring to the table represent a lifetime of work … sometimes more. The breeders in this category deserve a debt of gratitude. They are the bean makers and I’m the bean counter; we are a symbiotic pair. If I did nothing more in this lifetime than select through packs of Cannabis seeds, categorizing, observing, making notes and delivering feedback, I will have lived a rich and fulfilling existence. I’m most grateful to have an unlimited number of lines, breeders and parent stock to pursue this adventure with. There is another side, however. If you are driven by money, greed and ego, you may find an attraction to becoming a Cannabis seed breeder. This is one of the reasons you see literally hundreds of new breeders offering enormous catalogues of seed varieties all between $75-200 per pack. With the proper marketing, swag, glitz and glamor, it’s been proven over and over that you can take a bag of seed from an already established line, rename it, claim it as a new creation of your own with a couple of lights in a small tent, and bang out $50,0000 to $100,000 worth of seed packs in about four months. Combine that with the sludge bucket, pot-pimping shit show called the High Times Cannabis (bought) Cup and you have a circle jerk of people making millions of dollars in a weekend off unsuspecting stoners trying to catch part of the cool. It’s such a tempting proposition to just make a run of seeds, run a pack or two and start selling the shit outta ‘em. Sadly enough, the marketing and culture has become so com-

moditized it’s not uncommon to see people boasting about the two females they got from their 10- or even 12-pack of whatever super exclusive $150+ seed pack they waited in line for hours to scoop at High Times. The thirst is literally so real, they just want to be part of any hype at all. It has become socially “uncool” to speak about bad results from a breeder riding the wave of commoditized 420 culture. From these particular breeders perspective, doing things like fully testing their seeds out in a variety of environments, growing methods and skill levels is just a waste of time. For them, creating anything beyond an f1 would just be an opportunity for their competition to release the next new hotness first, ’cause that’s all they’re after, no matter what form it takes. These breeders are a cancer on our industry and have done nothing but give credential and financing to High Times and other criminal outfits that serve only to exploit a popular social trend for financial gain. It doesn’t take that long to figure out whom I’m talking about; just run some packs and the results speak for themselves. I will always be partial to starting a new life by opening a Cannabis seed, and thusly have found in my perspective a way to circumnavigate the bullshit and spend my time only with those breeders that have put the time and intention into their work that I feel is worthy of our combined efforts. But still, I have yet to produce a bloom from a personal selection in over a year. Wondering how such a dedicated seed junky could reach such levels of recovery? You’ll have to wait until next month to find out when I review the benefits and deficits of planting a clone. Until then, if you are trying to locate a cultivar in seed form, have questions about which breeders I have had the most success with and which I recommend avoiding. My email is always open at DrScanderson@protonmail.com. Until next time, Happy Gardening!!!

EXPOSING NEW SEEDS TO THE WORLD FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IS A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE, LIKE BEING A KID ON CHRISTMAS MORNING.

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BUDSHOT

PHOTO by EMERALD MOUNTAIN MEDIA

LAMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BREAD SOUR DIESEL

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Got sweet garden/ bud photos?

Share them with us and they might appear here next month! Email your top 2-3 not-taken-with-a-phoneunless-they-were-superdupersteady high-resolution shots to nwleaf@gmail.com along with the usual details on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being grown and who to credit (please see corner for the information to include with your email).

CROSS Mazar-I-Sharif and Skunk #1 BREAKDOWN Hybrid GROWER Vibrant Highs BREEDER Barney Farms LOCATION Eugene, Oregon EFFECTS Vivid psychedelic experience with a body and cerebral high

BEST FOR Feeling happy and beating pain

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BEHIND THE STRAIN

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SECRET RECIPE CANDY CHEM BAG REPORT & SMOKE APPEAL beautiful and coated with crystals, the secret recipe presents herself as a nimbly balanced mint-colored spear. It looks quite hybrid with yellow and orange hairs tucked neatly behinds bulging calyx’s. The deep aroma of sweet pine burst out of the sample and is quickly taken over by a fuely chemy tones of the parental lineage. With such heavy hitting parents I was surprised at how sweet and comforting the smell was, but the savagely delicious chemy roots poured though in the flavor of the smoke. Hard hitting, fuely sour chem is all she has for flavor until….oh wait there’s that sweet taste again. Almost like a welcomed pat on the back of your tongue for enduring the chemical treatment, saying “hey, it’s okay, try it again…”

HOW IT GROWS like a sour d crossed with chem d, which is not surprising considering

BY ALASKA LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON

She stretches double or triple in flower before morphing into the quadruple diesel of destiny

that is pretty much to what she is. She stretches between double and triple in flower before morphing into the quadruple diesel she wants to. The chem also tames the diesel structure and adds significant density to the buds.Staking is a necessary part of bloom for CC. The stems, again, are a compromise of chem sturdiness and diesel lank so less staking is needed than with Sour D. I’m a believer in plucking some fan leaves mid way through bloom but with this one it’s less crucial. She doesn’t have the abundant or palm tree size leaves many plants have. I’ve noticed that she wants extra cal mag throughout the grow but more noticeably in flower. She also likes more nitrogen than most. I keep adding it until the last three weeks of the 10-plus week flower. She wants between 70 to 77 days of 12/12! For most growers that long of a flower is a non-starter but I happen to love this plant so I’m willing. The buds reflect light as though coated with morning dew and, when finishing, the red hairs kind of disappear. The impression is that of pure light green sparkling buds. And did I mention the smell in the room — very ripe mangoes and candy with an under tone of skunk and diesel — it just makes me happy!

GENETICS: (SOUR DIESEL X ABUSIVE KUSH) X CHEM D BREEDER: DNA GENETICS FLOWER TIME: 70-77 DAYS

LINEAGE

CSG REPORTS losing the mom so no new seeds are in production, however for those who followed his gear it was a staple. Let us not forget this line of seeds.

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EFFECTS A NICE CEREBRAL WAKEUP CALL yields some improved blood pressure. Oh yes, hello bright sunshiny day. Secret Recipe even leaves you with that sweet taste which comes with a comforting but awakened sense of creativity. Not what I’ve come to expect out of your basic Chem Diesel Kush crosses but more of a trick of your senses with a delicate balance of sweet and sour on the palate...and on the mind; wait what?