Alaska Leaf — June 2019

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

# 38 | J U N E 2 01 9

the travel issue

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INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010

VA C A T I O N S W E E T S B O O K I N G D A I L Y

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

jun. 2019

BUDTENDER TERRIE TALKEN AND OWNER HALEY ESSIG, RIGHT, AT PIPE AND LEAF IN FAIRBANKS 11 Editor’S Note 14 NATIONAL news 16 MORE NATIONAL news 20 HEMP TO SAVE THE PLANET 24 BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH 26 women in weed 28 HIGHLY LIKELY 32 strain of the month THE TRAVEL ISSUE 36 PIPE AND LEAF 38 OUTPOST AT KUSHTOPIA

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40 THE TUFTED PUFFIN 42 HEAVEN OR HUMBOLDT 44 ALASKAN HIKES 46 FISHING GUIDE 48 ROLLING STONED 50 LUXX DENVER, CO 52 TRIP TO MEXICO 56 SUMMER RECIPES 58 EDIBLe REVIEW 60 concentrate REVIEW

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62 stoney baloney

the travel issue PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

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T H E OU T P O S T AT K U S H TO P I A

shop review JUN. 2019

PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0

T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E

ON THE COVER Summer Sesh Ahh.. the perfect time of year to leave the laptop behind, get into nature and explore our beautiful state. Explore this special issue for fun shops, ideas, trips and more to checkout this season. photo by nate williams @natew415

CONTRIBUTORS Boom Media Photos Steve Elliott National News

PUBLISHER WES ABNEY | founder & editor-in-chief Wes@nwleaf.com 206-235-6721

Simone Fischer Profiles Danielle Halle Features Lizzy Layne Design Jeff Porterfield Design

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel bermaN | photography & design daniel@bermanphotos.com

Eshom Reed Reviews Meghan Ridley Editing Pacer Stacktrain Features Nate Williams Features Laurie & Bruce Wolf Recipes

STATE DIRECTOR AND ADVERTISING joshua stahle | ADVERTISING SALES Josh@AKLeaf.com | 907-317-2536

We do not sell stories or coverage. We are happy to offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis product or upcoming event. We are targeted and independent Cannabis journalism. Email or call to discuss advertising.

AL AS KA L E A F / N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / M A RY L AN D L E A F

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Department of Corrections Our May 2019 feature on JKD Brands contained multiple errors introduced during the design and editing process (total stoner moves). Their website is located at JKDBrands.com. Look for a follow-up piece on the Anchorage custom packaging and labeling firm in an upcoming edition of the Leaf. We regret the mistakes.

ABNEY

Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up the Travel Issue of Alaska Leaf!

It feels progressive to be talking about traveling and Cannabis, when only a few years ago the concept was entirely a pipe dream. I remember hiding small amounts of weed or vapor pens and having panic attacks trying to 11 get through airport security, or hiding the dab rig as a car headed into California at the fruit check station.

My, how things have changed.

Today I have clients who have rented private CANNABIS AND jets simply to transport their Cannabis, and the TRAVEL GO TSA official policy on all drugs seems to be “if you HAND IN HAND aren’t a dealer we won’t bother you.” Now that AS JOINTS our favorite drug of choice is spreading around ARE PASSED the country and world, we Cannabis lovers get to AROUND THE choose our vacations around the plant-- and they WORLD, AND don’t include a jail cell.

THIS MONTH’S Cannabis and travel go hand in hand as joints ISSUE DIVES are passed around the world, and this month’s INTO SOME issue dives into some great local and national opportunities to experience Cannabis. Whether it’s GREAT LOCAL AND NATIONAL eating high, hiking while medicated, or melting OPPORTUNITIES into a music festival, there’s a lot of opportunity to enjoy your medicine while having fun this summer. TO EXPERIENCE CANNABIS. A known side effect of Cannabis is feeling good, so get out and enjoy it!

With Cannabis Bed & Breakfast retreats opening all over the country, consumption lounges popping up in California, Nevada and Alaska, and major events like Cannabis Cups happening in the US and elsewhere, now is the time to be a Cannabis pioneer.

While we always recommend traveling safely and cautiously, the only thing I am scared of is missing a good time. I hope you enjoy this amazing issue of Alaska Leaf, and remember to take it with you to guide your adventures this summer.

Thanks for reading and sharing the Leaf!

-Wes Abney

JUN. 2019

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national news

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justice system

west coast

CANNABIS CONVICTION WAIVERS TO BE ALLOWED IN WASHINGTON STATE

CALIFORNIA MIGHT TRIPLE LICENSED POT SHOPS IN THE STATE

On May 13th, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill aimed at erasing old misdemeanor marijuana convictions. The move came seven years after state voters approved I-502, an initiative which legalized Cannabis in Washington.

Judges are now required to grant requests to vacate misdemeanor marijuana possession charges that occurred before Cannabis was legalized, provided the defendant was at least 21 at the time.

The measure goes further than an earlier Cannabis pardon process announced by Gov. Inslee, which had stricter requirements for eligibility.

“This is a matter of fairness and justice,” Inslee said. “We should not be punishing people for something that is no longer illegal in this state.”

The new law takes effect 90 days after the end of this year’s legislative session, which translates to July 26, 2019.

legalization

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CONGRESS MAY FINALLY ALLOW YOU TO BUY WEED WITHOUT CASH Going on seven years after Washingtonians approved weed legalization, customers making purchases at the state’s more than 400 pot shops must pay cash for their purchases.

This weird bit of double-standard schizophrenia exists because most banks are too skittish to work with state-licensed Cannabis businesses - because of that pesky federal law still insisting that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance.

Something of a remedy, bandaid wise, is now moving forward at the federal level, reports Crosscut. A U.S. House committee in March advanced legislation that would get federal banking regulators off the leg of financial institutions providing services to licensed weed businesses. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is expected to pass the House, though things look much dicier in the more conservative, GOP-controlled Senate.

“What we believe is this is the first marijuana-related bill that has ever passed out of a House committee,” said an excited Congressman Denny Heck (D-Washington).

JUN. 2019

Golden State lawmakers are pushing to require municipalities to lift bans on Cannabis stores if voters there supported Proposition 64, the 2016 initiative through which voters legalized the sale of marijuana for recreational use in the state.

A bill moving through the Legislature would require those cities to permit at least one marijuana retailer for every four bars or restaurants with a liquor license, or one for every 10,000 residents, whichever is fewer, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Assembly Bill 1356 would mandate 2,200 new marijuana stores throughout the state, more than three times the 631 shops currently operating legally, according to estimates from state officials. Democrats behind the proposal note that while Prop 64 was approved by voters in 388 of the state’s 540 cities and counties, two-thirds of local governments have banned pot shops.

The legislation opens a second front in a feud between state lawmakers and cities and counties over marijuana sales. A month ago, local governments sued the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom to challenge the legality of a rule allowing home delivery of Cannabis in cities that have banned pot shops.

midwest

NORTH DAKOTA QUIETLY DECRIMINALIZES CANNABIS

North Dakota officially decriminalized marijuana last month, making it the 25th state to do so. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed a decrim bill, but his office didn’t even announce it.

The law makes first-time possession of up to half an ounce of weed an infraction that only carries a fine - no longer a criminal misdemeanor with the potential for jail time. Possession of larger amounts, repeat offenses, and sales or trafficking can still result in harsher sentences including incarceration. east coast

MARYLAND LEGALIZES EDIBLES FOR MEDICAL MARKET

MARYLAND GOV. LARRY HOGAN

Maryland has legalized the sale of edible medicinal Cannabis products, likely providing a substantial boost to medical marijuana businesses in the state’s growing market.

GOP Gov. Larry Hogan signed the bill into law along with a Cannabis-related antitrust bill on May 13th. State lawmakers passed both in April. The antitrust bill provides that individuals may own up to four medical marijuana dispensaries.

State regulators may issue only one grower or one processor license to each applicant, however. The edibles bill allows research institutions, such as universities, to purchase medical Cannabis for their research needs.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE CREATING GRAD PROGRAM IN CANNABIS A new graduate program for the study of Cannabis science and therapeutics is scheduled to begin this fall at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, reports The Baltimore Sun. On May 7th, university officials submitted a proposal to a University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents, hoping to make the program available at UMB and at The Universities at Shady Groe, according to the document.

The graduate program is slated to include both online and face-to-face instruction. It is designed to “foster a deeper knowledge and understanding of the science, clinical therapeutics, and policy related to medical Cannabis,” according to a summary provided to the regents.

University officials hope the program will attract healthcare practitioners, scientists, growers, policy professionals and others interested in medicinal Cannabis.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Maryland in 2013, and is regulated by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.

BY STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA

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national news

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legalization

OREGON FAILS TO VOTE ON A BILL TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS SOCIAL CONSUMPTION LOUNGES A bill to legalize Cannabis social consumption lounges in Oregon will not go on, according to industry sources and Marijuana Business Daily. Senate Bill 639 got a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Business and General Government at the end of February, but nothing since. The deadline to vote the bill out of that committee has passed. The bill is “100% dead,” according to Sam Chapman, legislative director for the New Revenue Coalition, the industry group backing the bill, reports the Salem Statesman Journal. Oregon residents may get to vote on the issue of legalizing Cannabis social lounges in the November 2020 election, if an initiative petition submitted to the Secretary of State’s office in March gets enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

west coast

GUN-RELATED SUICIDES FALL AFTER MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IN CALIFORNIA The total number of suicides per year in California, including those committed with firearms, declined after state voters legalized medical Cannabis in 1996, according to a new study, reports Marijuana Moment.

Researchers speculated that people with mental conditions such as depression, for example, may find that Cannabis alleviates their symptoms. The same goes for people with alcohol use disorder, which is associated with an elevated risk of suicide.

Another theory is that since guns are less accessible to medical marijuana patients, that may have precluded some people from purchasing firearms.

“Findings reveal that rates of total suicide and gun suicide dropped significantly in the aftermath of Prop 215,” researchers concluded.

The impact of medical pot on non-gun suicides in the state was deemed “ambiguous,” however.

Phylos Bioscience in portland, or

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east coast research

BALTIMORE JUDGES DENY STATE ATTORNEY’S REQUEST TO DISMISS POT CONVICTIONS

OPEN CANNABIS PROJECT DISSOLVES AMIDST BACKLASH AGAINST PHYLOS BIOSCIENCE

City judges have thrown out the request from Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to erase the convictions of nearly 5,000 cases of marijuana possession, according to a story by The Baltimore Sun. The decisions by Circuit Judge W. Michel Pierson and District Judge Kathleen Sweeney, struck down one of the most progressive moves of Mosby’s administration. State Attorney Mosby said she was “deeply disappointed” by the move.

“The role that courts play in our society is to be a place of last resort for people who have been wronged,” Mosby said.

“I am deeply disappointed that this ruling did not afford us any opportunity to present legal arguments and essentially eliminated the court from being a safe harbor for those that were harmed by the discriminatory enforcement of marijuana laws.”

Mosby announced in January that she would stop prosecuting marijuana possession cases.

She also asked courts to throw out thousands of pot convictions going back to 2011.

An Oregon nonprofit, the Open Cannabis Project, had the AFTER PHYLOS LAST MONTH laudable goal of protecting the marijuana genome from patent ANNOUNCED A PLAN TO trolls. But the organization dissolved on May 6th after an intense LAUNCH A BREEDING backlash against its former business partner, Phylos Bioscience, PROGRAM TO CREATE reports Willamette Week.

“NEW, BETTER STRAINS As a nonprofit, Open Cannabis Project spun off from Phylos OF CANNABIS AND HEMP,” in November 2017. But suspicions about Phylos, an ag-science MANY FARMERS WERE company, continued to run rampant in the Cannabis community, FLABBERGASTED, BECAUSE according to executive director Beth Schechter.

THEY HAD PROVIDED After Phylos last month announced a plan to launch a breeding GENOMIC DATA WITH THE program to create “new, better strains of Cannabis and hemp,” UNDERSTANDING THAT many farmers were flabbergasted, because they had provided IT WOULDN’T BE USED TO genomic data with the understanding that it wouldn’t be used to ENHANCE A BREEDING enhance a breeding program.

PROGRAM. Mowgli Holmes, executive director of Phylos, told Willamette Week his company can’t do much with the data it has, because the data set is too small and lacks crucial context. However, that would carry a lot more weight if Holmes hadn’t already told investors almost the complete opposite: that the DNA samples Phylos had collected from farmers would give the company a “huge lead” in creating new strains.

In a video clip publicized by Cannabis Now, Holmes says “We have more trust in the Cannabis industry than any other science company,” and boasted that “it would be impossible for anyone else to collect this data set at this point.”

“Dr. Holmes’ presentation to investors confirms many of the ears the community has had about Phylos’ intentions for years,” Schechter said. “We also feel we have been deceived.”

JUN. 2019

BY STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

Marijuana has intoxicating eects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its innuence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of hildren. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

OPINION aklEAF.COM

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BY JERRY WHITING LeBlancCNE.com/podcast

HEMP FOR A BETTER WORLD Almost a year ago, Alaska Leaf publisher Wes Abney and I found our conversations wandering from medical and recreational Cannabis to hemp. Over time we shared dreams and frustrations about a plant we knew was a game changer. Not only was hemp on the verge of becoming mainstream, its potential impact never ceased to amaze us.

October 2018 was sister edition Northwest Leaf’s 100th issue.

Wes’ editor’s note stated “Hemp is going to save the planet, that’s no exaggeration.” No surprise - we’re both fathers and look beyond ourselves to our children and their future. I was flattered when he offered me a regular column to share my thoughts about hemp.

And then came the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, a.k.a.

The Farm Bill. Signed into law on December 20th, Wes and I ran into each other at an industry event that night. We laughed that in addition to 4/20, we now have another holiday, 12/20. Little did we know how the hemp industry was going to explode in the months to come.

CBD has introduced the plant to non-smokers. It’s not any one company or a slick Super Bowl ad, or any one thing actually. It’s a chorus of people talking about how cannabidiol has worked for them.

Charlotte’s Web seems like a long time ago, but CBD products good, bad and otherwise - are in front of shoppers all over the country (and internet).

CBD is a short window but that’s okay, because for now it’s small and localized. With most states in the country allowing cultivation, this year thousands and thousands of farmers will grow and sell hemp.

Talk about a thousand points of light. Hemp cultivation will be on small farms starting out, but will scale and consolidate quickly.

Farmers will add hemp to their rotation and learn what works for them. The cultivar/terroir matchups are trial and error now, but farmers will learn which cultivars grow best in their location. In response, breeders will specialize, targeting specific markets and stabilizing seeds, clones and tissue culture along the way.

The learning curve will be bloody but worth it for those who stick it out. Growing hemp isn’t like growing corn, wheat or soybeans. There are no John Deere attachments specific to hemp. Tools need to be developed for cultivation and post-harvest processing. Deseeders for grain and oil crops, drying workflows for everyone. The list goes on.

JUN. 2019

Farmers will have to PEOPLE WHO’VE NEVER embrace pesticide-free SMOKED A JOINT ARE practices. Hemp grown for CBD extraction needs EMBRACING CBD. FARMERS to pass more tests than WHO’VE NEVER SEEN A POT merely being below PLANT ARE CLIMBING ON 0.3% delta-9-THC. THEIR TRACTORS TO PLANT Concentrates, edibles and other hemp-derived ACRES AND ACRES ALL products need to be OVER THE COUNTRY. pesticide and heavy metal free, and pass microbial and mycotoxin tests.

Hemp that doesn’t meet a processor’s requirements can’t be sold. Monsanto/Bayer can’t sell Roundup to hemp farmers.

Hemp will motivate conventional farmers to transition to organic certification.

Fiber & food are the real markets and CBD is the stepping stone. The short term money is in CBD. It’s the classic salesperson’s foot in the door. There’s way more money in hemp grown for CBD than almost any other crop. This will change as the CBD market grows and consolidates. As hemp proliferates, it will be grown for food and fiber too. IMHO these two markets will quickly dwarf CBD. If you think a lot of hemp will be grown this year, wait until food and fiber gear up.

Small family farms will find their niche. Large farms will standardize on as few cultivars as they can in order to be profitable. Think of all the apple varieties there are, and then go to your local grocery store and see how many are on the shelf. Then go to your local farmer’s market where you’ll find vintage heirloom apples you won’t find anywhere else. Farmers will specialize, whether it’s hemp for CBD, food, fiber, or plastics alternatives.

Speaking of plastic, it could be the real winner. Of all the things hemp can do for us, creating alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics may be one of the best.

Yes, hemp requires fewer toxic pesticides and fertilizers.

Yes, to the degree it replaces cotton and wood it will shift destructive industries to more sustainable models. But the negative effects of plastic is something that needs to be addressed immediately. Petitions, phone calls, and op-ed pieces aren’t the answer. Having a biodegradable replacement for plastic will halt the spread of nanoplastics, as well as reduce the amount of garbage generated by a society obsessed with consumption.

Hemp will legalize Cannabis through the back door. We’re already seeing the cracks in the wall. The Farm Bill removed industrial hemp from the Schedule I list and control went from the DEA to the FDA. Interstate commerce is legal.

Can unrestricted access to banking and other financial tools be far behind? (Are you listening PayPal?) Wrestling with the arbitrary distinction between hemp (good) and Cannabis (bad) is causing people to question Prohibition and the War on Drugs.

Combine this with the greater acceptance of medical marijuana, and complete legalization with amnesty for Cannabis prisoners can’t be far behind.

Call me idealistic. Call me naive. I take both as a compliment. Hemp is here to stay. People who’ve never smoked a joint are embracing CBD. Farmers who’ve never seen a pot plant are climbing on their tractors to plant acres and acres all over the country.

Wes, I have to hand it to you. You saw this coming. Thanks again for inviting me to come along for the ride!

Many will try to enter the hemp market. Some will make it, others won’t - all of us will learn something along the way.

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

Marijuanahas intoxicating effects andmaybehabitforming andaddictive.Marijuanaimpairs concentration,coordination,andjudgement.Donotoperate vehicleormachineryunderits influence.Therearehealthrisks associatedwithconsumptionofmarijuana.Foruseonlybyadults 21andolder.Keepoutofreachofchildren.Marijuanashouldnotbeusedbywomenwhoarepregnantorbreastfeeding

/ NWLEAF @NWLEAF

AKLEAF.COM

Budtender of the month

24

aklEAF.COM

DANNYSAETEURN “IT’S AMAZING THAT CANNABIS CAN BRING A WHOLE WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE TOGETHER. FROM YOUNG TO OLD, NEWBIES TO OG’S.” JUN. 2019

RASPBERRY ROOTS 501 Raspberry Road #101 Anchorage, AK (907) 522-2450

At a very young age. Maybe middle school? I’m not too sure about the exact age, but I can remember my first experience. It was in my hometown of Sacramento, California. I was hanging out with a friend and he asked if I wanted to smoke some bomb. I thought he meant like an actual bomb. To put a long story short, we ended up at another friend’s place taking tokes out of a three foot bong.

Coughed my lungs out! Soon after I started to feel light, then next thing you know I’m riding my bike home thinking I’m in a video game. Ever since that, I fell in love with Cannabis.

How did you become a budtender?

With dedication and perseverance.

I knew when Cannabis went recreational there would be thousands of people applying at the very few dispensaries already in town. So I needed to get on it ASAP, took the course and then got my card. Soon after, I dropped off a bunch a resumes and no luck. I was thinking about giving up, until a couple of months went by and I saw an ad on Indeed stating Raspberry Roots was looking for a budtender. I turned in my resume through there, soon after got a call for an interview, got hired - then two months goes by and next thing I know I’m a lead budtender at Raspberry Roots. Craziest thing is I took Kim’s course; who would’ve thought I would be working for her too?

What is your favorite part of the job?

CANNABIS! Haha, cliche right? But on a serious note, it’s true. I get to spend my whole work shift working around Cannabis. I get to talk/ educate people about Cannabis, prerolling, trimming, de-shaking, learning, etc. It’s amazing that Cannabis can bring a whole wide range of people together. From young to old, newbies to OGs.

What’s your favorite way to consume Cannabis?

Flower. I don’t know, there’s something about it. Breaking your buds down, rolling or packing it into bowl, smelling the ground up flower, appreciating the look and quality. Don’t get me wrong, I do dab occasionally and vape, but flower is my go-to. There’s nothing like a fat backwood filled with your favorite strain after a long day.

What are your favorite strains and producers?

COOKIES! Anything that has Cookies in it. Love it! That’s what I’ve been toking on for the longest now. And for the producers, isn’t it obvious? RASPBERRY ROOTS! We just harvested, and if you guys can see what we have, you will be blown away! Pun intended.

How do you find the right Cannabis for a customer?

Asking questions. Like what are their plans today? Do they prefer sativas,

hybrids or indicas? Do they need it for medicinal purposes?

Are they looking for flavors or specific types of effects? It’s like playing a little game of 21 questions, and the reward when you win is a satisfied member. I love it when my member comes back and says, “What you recommended for me was just what I was looking for.” It makes me take pride in what I do.

Why do you like working at Raspberry Roots?

I don’t like working here at all - I LOVE working here. It’s like a family! The whole fam bam here has an awesome vibe.

It’s always a good time here.

Lots of laughter and having fun. But when it’s crunch time, the synergy here is amazing.

Everyone works well together and everyone respects each other. It’s the crew that makes me love working here!

What are your hobbies when you aren’t working at the dispensary?

I have a lot of hobbies.

First I’m a family man, so spending time with the mini me’s is on the list. Also, I’m currently working on a music project, hoping that it will be released sometime this year. I’ve also been vlogging local dispensaries and reviewing the products I pick up from them on YouTube. I also grow my own Cannabis at home, and currently have some Cookie Monster flowering right now. Told you I love Cookies. I also enjoy all the outdoors stuff you can do in the summer here in Alaska. And oh yeah, I can’t forget, smoking Cannabis!

INTERVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE/ALASKA LEAF | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA FOR ALASKA LEAF

KNOW A GREAT BUDTENDER? NOMINATE THEM FOR BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH: JOSH@AKLEAF.COM

When did Cannabis first come into your life?

WOMEN IN WEEd

26

queer in the cannabis industry

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PRISCILLARAMIREZ+EMKUCKLICK Pride Month isn’t just a month for people to wear rainbows and glitter and scream YASSSS while marching through the streets; it’s a time to remember what queer citizens have gone through. 50 years ago, the Stonewall Riots took place in protest of the police raid that occurred during the wee hours of the morning at a local gay bar, Stonewall Inn. Back then, it was a crime to simply be gay, even more so to be gay and black or brown. Now, we march for the ending of routine police raids on communities and establishments who were committing no crimes. We march in support of those still working to gain freedom, legal rights, acceptance and most importantly in support of them being their true self.

JUN. 2019

I started off the interview confirming Em & Priscilla’s preferred gender pronouns, which reminded Priscilla of an occasion at the retail Cannabis shop where the two had worked in the past. “I remember when Em first started at the shop. Someone asked, “Is that a boy or a girl?” And I said, “Did you ask what their pronouns are?” And they said, “No.” Em adds, “Pronouns are still a thing that a lot of people are not comfortable talking about. If people are gender-nonconforming, that seems to be an uncomfortable thing for people.

And it’s uncomfortable for me to try to explain myself to people. It takes a lot of energy, and it gets tiring after having to repeat yourself.”

Em recalls her time as an employee at a recreational Cannabis shop, and overheard a coworker saying about a customer, “I don’t know if they’re a boy

or girl, that’s all just confusing.” Knowing Em had heard that conversation, she still asked what their pronouns were. “It’s just not an inviting place yet, and that needs to change.“ When I asked if this was standard practice for the Cannabis industry to be less than accepting of gender nonconforming people, Kucklick responded “I would say the Cannabis industry right now is still very cis-gendered, white male. That’s where a lot of the problem comes from, they don’t understand their privilege or make space for other people Sometimes people forget that the Cannabis legalization movement in America really started because gays were dying of AIDS, and cancer patients needed alternative relief options.”

Priscilla was also met with homophobia and racism at a job interview in the Cannabis industry. She noted that not only did they not discuss her experience or knowledge in the interview, but they informed her that if she worked there she had to be “ok with the things they talked about.” Meaning, they weren’t politically correct, and they weren’t going to change for her. They told Ramirez that the last person who wanted their meetings to be politically correct was fired. “It’s a tough situation because I want to be in the industry and I need a job, but I don’t want to work for someone who is telling me I have to be okay

with them saying gay slurs, racist slurs. They gave us an example where if someone from the company came in and said “that’s gay” about something, not to take it offensively and that it’s just a joke. I’m visibly queer and brown, and I have to be okay with all of those things? I have to pretend it’s a joke?”

Another incident where Em felt discriminated against led them to file a complaint to their boss. This manager did nothing about “PEOPLE FORGET the homophobic slurs that were being used in the store and THAT THE CANNABIS basically told Em that it was “too bad.” When I asked what the industry can do to be better allies to queers, Em responded that LEGALIZATION “It really needs to start with people taking more accountability MOVEMENT IN and making moves to get those types of people out of their AMERICA REALLY business.” We need to be more accountable as managers and have human resources practices in place. This is about standing STARTED BECAUSE behind our team members. Not only as employers, but also as GAYS WERE DYING friends. We cannot remain complacent in the face of homophoOF AIDS, AND CANCER bia and racism. “I call people out now when people use ‘gay’ PATIENTS NEEDED in negative connotation. I make them explain what they mean,” Kucklick noted.

ALTERNATIVE RELIEF “We do see our friends have stopped using that. It’s such a popular term that people just forget it’s offensive. It sucks people OPTIONS.” have to be reminded, but our friends have stopped themselves.

Everyone needs a gay friend.” Priscilla and Em kept their spirits light throughout our chat. “Everyone HAS a gay friend!” Em seems to be very confident about this assertion. Fortunately, both Priscilla and Em have found their places among friends and trusted allies in the Cannabis community and industry. “They’re very accepting. We are humans, so there are moments where something would be said that’s a mistake.

But we are very cool and a community, and we can check each other and apologize when that happens.” Not only have they created healthy relationships, but they also now have leaders to look up to in their professional environment. The couple both work for Seattle Bubble Works, fondly referred to by Em as “the most diverse production place we’ve ever been in,” with a joint team run by all women of color.

I asked the couple, “What was the moment in the Cannabis industry that you felt the most seen, or able to express yourself as a queer person?” Priscilla responded that it was when she worked in a dispensary, and asked if she could wear a rainbow button on her badge for Pride Month. “They were actually really supportive of it and ended up decorating the whole store rainbow for me. It was nice for them to take a stand and say this is pride month and anybody who doesn’t like it, doesn’t have to shop here. I felt really backed up and safe.”

Em’s experience was slightly different, but remembered just as vividly. “What made me feel the most seen was when I had regular customers come in and talk about being queer with me, and then come back and be a constant customer. They would have other people come, and they knew it was a safe place. They feel comfortable, because a lot of the Cannabis shops have the same type of person who they can’t relate to.”

We all agreed that more queer representation is needed for industry members in high-powered positions. “Maybe I’ll be that gay boss,” Priscilla muses. “I’ve never met someone while working in Cannabis who looks like me, or looks like someone I’d talk to outside of the work environment. It’s slowly getting better. I don’t know if companies are afraid to have a gay, trans, or black person be the face of their company, but Sticky Buds does a really good job. Effie is amazing.”

Priscilla notes that seeing a queer as one of their brand representatives makes her trust Sticky Buds, because as she notes, “Obviously, they are queer friendly and I can feel comfortable being around them.”

High employee turnover causes employers to constantly be training new employees on protocols and regulations, leaving little to no time for sensitivity training. “That’s where management comes in,” Em said. “I would have loved to have a sign on the door that says ‘no racism, no homophobia, no transphobia’ - but I didn’t feel like my bosses would have been comfortable with that. And that’s bad, that’s where it needs to start, at the door.” Priscilla adds, “It’s ridiculous to continue serving this person who obviously makes you uncomfortable in your comfortable workspace.”

Just like we learn the regulations, we can learn to make the workplace safe for queers in Cannabis. We want to encourage retail management to take into consideration their employees safety, and not just focus on the customer. “We don’t need that sale that bad,” Em explains. “People forget, it’s kind of a privilege. This wasn’t a thing five years ago. It’s so new still, that’s why I feel excited. I feel like there is a lot of room for us to grow, and we can make a difference. You need your employees to feel comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, a lot of employers’ mindset is that they’ll find someone else if an unhappy employee leaves, but you can’t replace good people!

Especially if they’re knowledgeable.” Em adds, “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re here to sell Cannabis!”

STORY & PHOTOS by DANIELLE HALLE @SWEET.DEEZY

highly likely #46

Highlighting Cannabis pioneers who paved the way to greater herbal acceptance.

VANESSA LAVORATO

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aklEAF.COM

AS THE ONLY REMAINING ORIGINAL HOST OF THE VICE CULT-CLASSIC SHOW BONG APPÉTIT , VANESSA LAVORATO HAS BECOME ONE OF CANNABIS’ MOST INTRIGUING AND RESPECTED FIGURES IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. Lavorato’s calm and collected personality goes against the stereotypes that we usually associate with celebrities that embrace a Cannabis consumption habit. Her demeanor demonstrates a sort of professionalism not usually found in a person that is consuming large quantities of Cannabis. But make no mistake - Lavorato definitely consumes large quantities of Cannabis.

Lovarato is Canadian and American, growing up in Canada (where her father was a player for the CFL), and then moving to the Bay Area in high school. After graduating college and before joining Bong Appétit, Lovarato started her own Cannabis infused chocolate company, Marigold Sweets. Marigold was designed to aim at a higher-end clientele, with high-quality confections that were accurately dosed – this during the medical era of Cannabis where infusions of Cannabis could top 300-500 milligrams in a confection.

Lavorato is inspired by Alice B. Toklas – an arts patron and cookbook author from the 1950s who tried to normalize Cannabis usage among everyday people, in a time before this sacred herb moved outside of society and became associated with counter-culture. In many ways, Lavorato is making an attempt to do the same thing with her work on screen and with her chocolate company.

JUN. 2019

Lavorato often advocates for responsible use of Cannabis, encouraging consumers to enjoy themselves but not to take it too far.

In an interview with the literary blog No Tokens Journal, Lavorato talks about her own approach to infusing and dosing Cannabis for her chocolates.

“I want people to see it as an herb — excess is never good,” Lavorato said. ”If you put too much garlic in something, it’s not going to be good. Educating consumers on how to use it is important.”

This ethic, the idea of responsible use, and learning what dose works best for the individual is opposed to the way that most people think about consuming substances in our overloaded culture, but it is the way that Cannabis will continue to be normalized in the future.

On Bong Appétit, Lovarato is a calm and inquisitive personality. The show was her first ever on-camera gig, and she quickly demonstrated a knack for being in front of the camera. The show is entertainment, of course, but viewers also learn something about cooking and Cannabis infusions from the show, and that’s mostly due to Vanessa’s interpretations on screen.

Vanessa Lovarato is one of the new breed of Cannabis advocates that straddled the line between pre-legalization culture and this new era that we find ourselves living through today. Without celebrities walking the careful, nuanced line that Lovarato occupies in the world, we might be further behind than we are currently.

VICELAND.COM @VANESSAMARIGOLD

THE ENTERPRENEUR AND TV SHOW HOST IS INSPIRED BY ALICE B. TOKLAS, AN ARTS PATRON AND COOKBOOK AUTHOR FROM THE 1950S WHO TRIED TO NORMALIZE CANNABIS USAGE AMONG EVERYDAY PEOPLE, IN A TIME BEFORE THIS SACRED HERB MOVED OUTSIDE OF SOCIETY AND BECAME ASSOCIATED WITH COUNTER-CULTURE.

By PACER STACKTRAIN FOR ALASKA LEAF

Golden Lemons CBD flower cultivated by Stoned Salmon Farms, expertly manufactured by Cold Creek Extracts. Ingest the best.

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

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AK GREEN WORKS

Creapple by Alaska Green Works is an excellent example of a cream, back-crossed cultivar done right.

Testing in at around 26 percent, it’s not exactly what you would call a light toke either.

Upon popping the container open, you meet that sweet cream flavor these plants are known to exhibit.

On deeper inhale, the nose finds that sweet Granny Smith apple flavor melding into an apple cream fruit cocktail, with a light sprinkling of grapes. Your first inhale is that of utter bliss, as the full bodied, thick flavor of the cream fills your taste buds.

The exhale is fruity, where you have the fresh fruit flavor on the back end. On the nose, we find this flavor morphing into an overripe fruit that has been sitting out on the counter a little too long. I find this to be an excellent contrast.

JUN. 2019

The high is best described as spacey and uplifting, lingering behind the eyes and head, giving you a light floating feeling. Not only is the flavor and effect there, these nugs smoke forever! Dense frosty and available at Hollyweed 907 - certainly worth a pick up.

SPACEY AND UPLIFTING, LINGERING BEHIND THE EYES AND HEAD, GIVING YOU A LIGHT FLOATING FEELING.

AKLEAF.COM

CREAPPLE REVIEW by ESHOM REED | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

SHOP REVIEEW

PIPE AND LEAF REVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE / ALASKA LEAF Pipe and Leaf is one of the newest stores to open their doors in Fairbanks, Alaska. When I pulled into the parking lot of the location, I thought to myself, “Well, this looks nice on the outside.” I have been into just about every store in this state, so I generally have a decent idea of what to expect upon entering a new location. The second I walked into this store, my jaw hit the floor. This is an immaculate store that has provided one of the most unique experiences I have received from a retail shop.

ENVIRONMENT & VIBE 5/5

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If I could rate this a 6 out of 5, I would. Everything in this store has been intricately thought out by Haley, one of the store owners. Upon walking into the store, the front desk is backdropped by a wall of leaves. The entry almost reminded me of an atrium. After getting carded, you walk around the corner to the main floor of the location.

Everything stood out. From the wood used to construct the counters and tables, to the seating area off to the side, to the contrast of the color scheme. To top it off, the staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about Cannabis, but also willing to engage you in conversation. If you have not been in yet, definitely go check it out.

PRODUCTS

5/5

While they may not have the largest selection of flower, they have a very well-balanced selection of flower to choose from. With an almost equal choice between indicas and sativas, and a hybrid selection across the whole spectrum, you will definitely find something that suits your palate. They also carry flower from their cultivation, Third State, which I would recommend trying. You’ll also find a variety of concentrates, with products from Refine Alaska, Glacier Extracts, and Babylon on the shelves at the time of our visit.

HISTORY & VALUES 4/5

aklEAF.COM

Pipe and Leaf is the retail side of Third State, a cultivation facility in Fairbanks that has been putting out some very good quality buds. While both facilities are still very new to the industry, the owners have been involved every step of the way. They pride themselves on not being an intimidating place for people to come into for the first time, and being extraordinarily knowledgeable about the products they are selling - and of course, meaningfully relaying that knowledge to their customers.

BUDTENDERS 5/5

I was able to have fantastic conversations with the staff. Not only are they knowledgeable about all of their products, they are incredibly friendly and easy to strike up a conversation with.

3546 AIRPORT WAY, FAIRBANKS, AK 10A-12P MON-SAT, 10A-10P SUN (907) 328-7747

june 2019

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AKLEAF.COM

THIS IS AN IMMACULATE STORE THAT HAS PROVIDED ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE EXPERIENCES I HAVE RECEIVED FROM A RETAIL SHOP.

PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA

SHOP REVIEEW

THE OUTPOST AT KUSH REVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE / ALASKA LEAF

The Outpost is the second store to open its doors in beautiful Butte, Alaska. A little over a mile from the Butte itself and situated just off of the banks of the Matanuska River, The Outpost lives up to its name with both look and feel.

ENVIRONMENT & VIBE 5/5

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The inside of the store is best described as a cozy, laid back cabin. The theme fits perfectly with the area and is undeniably Alaskan. The counters are wonderfully laid out with products presented in interesting ways instead of just sitting there. Creativity goes a long way when it comes to product presentation. The staff are friendly and engaging, which always makes a trip into a new store much easier on the average person. Oh, they also have snacks!

PRODUCTS

5/5

Averaging from 18-20 strains of flower at a time, The Outpost carries a fantastic variety. Most of the strains are hybrids, with a few indicas and sativas to choose from. The hybrids, however, are spread across the spectrum, giving a wonderful selection if you are searching for a specific high. In terms of concentrates, they carry a wide variety of brands including Top Hat, Herban Extracts, AK Rime, Cold Creek, Good, Red Run, and Refine Alaska. On the edible side of things, expect to see products from Lady Gray, Red Run, Good, and Fire Eater.

HISTORY 3/5

Being a brand new location, The Outpost will continue to build their story as they go. The cultivation side of things has been up and running, but now it’s the store’s time to shine. Particularly, I think this location has a good shot at being one of the first to offer on site consumption, once local regulations are established.

BUDTENDERS

aklEAF.COM

5/5

The budtenders at the Outpost are definitely very knowledgeable about the products that they offer, and about Cannabis culture at large as well. Able to go in depth about the various aspects of the plant, as well as carry on an intellectual conversation. I could personally spend a long time in here just talking. But for those just dipping their toes in the Cannabis waters, that openness will very much make your trip into the store a more enjoyable, less intimidating process.

1044 SOUTH OLD GLENN HIGHWAY OPEN 8A-12P MON-SUN (907) 521-4823 | IHEARTKUSH.COM

june 2019

HTOPIA

THE HYBRIDS ARE SPREAD ACROSS THE SPECTRUM, GIVING A WONDERFUL SELECTION IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SPECIFIC HIGH.

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AKLEAF.COM PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA

SHOP REVIEEW

THE TUFTED PUFFIN 216 FOURTH AVE. SUITE #2, SEWARD, ALASKA OPEN 10AM-10PM MON-THURS/ 10AM-11PM FRI-SAT / 10AM-5PM SUN (907) 224-2222 | THETUFTEDPUFFIN.COM

REVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE / ALASKA LEAF

Located in beautiful downtown Seward, Alaska, The Tufted Puffin is a store that opened its doors to the public earlier this year - appropriately on 4/20. Just steps from the beach and the Alaska Sea Life Center, you definitely have to swing in on your next trip down to Seward.

40 PRODUCTS 4/5

When we were in the store, they carried 15 different strains on the shelves. One thing that has been realized is that they definitely go through a lot of pre rolls.

Carrying a good balance of sativa, indica and hybrid strains, there is something for everyone at this location. Let’s not forget about those concentrates though - at the time of our visit carried Canamo, Herban Extracts, and Cold Creek products. They definitely have a great selection of cartridges here!

BUDTENDERS 5/5

The budtenders at The Tufted Puffin are fantastic.

They are willing to take their time to help you pick through the selection of producers to find exactly what you are seeking. This is invaluable, especially in a tourist haven like Seward. You will leave the store with a smile on your face because of them. Aside from that, they are extremely open and friendly, which brings the whole experience of the store together.

aklEAF.COM

ENVIRONMENT & VIBE 5/5

At the very least, you need to come into the store to see how the interior looks. With local artwork on display on one side of the store, colorful walls, and a rotating bud bar in the middle of the floor, it makes for a fantastic visitor experience. Flower is on display at the aforementioned bud bar, which is away from the counter.

It’s the little things like this that help spread out people and not make the store feel crowded, even when it is. The giant puffin on the wall just ties it all together perfectly.

Absolutely one of my favorite logos.

JUNE 2019

JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND THE ALASKA SEA LIFE CENTER, YOU DEFINITELY HAVE TO SWING IN ON YOUR NEXT TRIP DOWN TO SEWARD.

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AKLEAF.COM PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA FOR ALASKA LEAF

THE TRAVEL ISSUE aklEAF.COM

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heaven or humboldt?

Taking a trip through California’s majestic Redwood Forest and beaches has been a favorite travel destination of mine since my first visit over a decade ago.

Northern California forests are truly a natural wonder, full of the mysteries of creation, peculiar and unique species of forest animals, and lush plant life. On the coast, where the ancient giant Redwoods meet the sea, the ocean waves flood the rocks and caves, drenching the driftwood of the giants until they petrify. There is a sense of magic and mystery in the splendor of this forest’s offerings - it reminds me that Mother Nature always provides what we need, if we can take the time to connect and find gratitude for her gifts.

JUN. 2019

A SHORT CAR RIDE INLAND AND EASTWARD, down the 36 from the 101, led us down a country road lined with blossoming wildflowers and surrounded by majestic forested hills. We arrived in the evening, when the tree cover blocks out any trace of light, leaving us in a darkness that even swallowed up the high beams, allowing only a few feet of dimmed light in front of us.

I saw the evening lights and heard the laughter increase as we finally approached the farm. I realized quickly that the pictures I saw prior to arrival had not captured the grandeur of the property. This feeling, these vibes, the inviting smell of the herb, the bright celestial blanket of millions of stars could never be seen in a photo anyway.

Warm amber lights lined a white washed wooden fence that bordered the property. As we turned in, our path was illuminated by an amber lit apple orchard. I could tell by their incredible size that they had been growing and sustaining life there since the farm’s origins.

A warm summer night’s breeze blew through the sheer linens in the window, wafting out laughter, a dank aroma, and the smell of Chef Desiree’s filet, grilled to perfection with a creamy red wine and wild mushroom reduction. It was then that I finally got to meet Chef Desiree Robinson, a mother, wife, boss, and master of her culinary craft. As if my senses were not already aroused and euphoric, she proceeded to let us know that she would be making breakfast fresh weed waffles, topped with house made vanilla whipped cream and Rebel Moon maple syrup. I am never leaving, I thought to myself.

About that time, she opened the refrigerator and pulled out a few ingredients that were obviously homemade, clothed in huge mason jars. “What is that?” I asked in anticipation. She told me those were very special hemp oils, infused with medicinal farm herbs, and set with intention for healing and enlightenment. All handmade by Sunshine Johnston of Sunboldt Grown. It was clear their ambition was driven by a vision for the future of our health, wellness, and for betterment of her community for future generations to come.

Our menu choices of her healing medicines were truly a gift from the Earth: -Wanderlust Olive Oil blood orange & fennel salad with roasted beets, goat cheese and toasted walnuts.

With the recent wave of Cannabis legalization, when I travel to recreational states, I can now also expand my nearby travel interests to include the scoop on the local “green market” activity, just to see what’s shaking in that county -Pennywise CBD Hemp Oil – ever so slightly drizzled in warm butternut squash soup with bacon and sage.

As she recited the description of these unique dishes, I thought to myself with a big sigh, “Okay, I can’t stay here forever and eat, I have things to do. But maybe a few extra days won’t hurt?”

With the recent wave of Cannabis legalization, when I travel to recreational states, I can now also expand my nearby travel interests to include the scoop on the local “green market” activity, just to see what’s shaking in that county, and seek out more experiences like Riverbar Pharms. Most licensed Cannabis companies are not able to market and advertise themselves the same way, or as effectively as traditional companies can.

Cannabis gets treated like the tobacco industry in that regard, and it is very frustrating to those fighting to change the stigma of it all. Some common sites that restrict or delete any Cannabis and hemp content include Google Ads, Instagram and Facebook, Yelp, and ticket platforms like Eventbrite and StubHub. As Cannabis brands, you could not promote on these without fear of being shut down or losing revenue and attendee contacts.

Be in the know. You really have to know where and how to search the web to discover the greener goods and local happenings in the Cannabis industry. Despite legalization, most Cannabis companies face a daunting uphill battle to promote themselves effectively in any mainstream media markets.

Companies like Eventhi.io, founded by tech revolutionary Ali Fahkri, are solving these challenges by pioneering a promotion platform that has fostered a growing edge in the Cannabis events industry for the last several years. They set out initially to simply provide the industry with a safer, less costly but equally as effective, alternative to Eventbrite type sites that were creating havoc amongst small business owners.

Although the words Cannabis and hemp are not usually a choice you can filter out on Trip Advisor’s drop down menu, you can still find the

finer things in life by just going and experiencing the local scene and asking around at the nearby dispensaries.

Can you imagine if your filter options included things like: • Fresh ingredients every meal organic and raised/harvested within 10 miles • Michelin Star quality cuisine • Renowned chef to personalize all of your meal requests • A weed fairy, aka licensed Cannabis delivery service in Humboldt • CBD massages and wellness gurus at your beckon call • Plant alchemists to introduce you to new concepts and nature’s secrets • Bed & Breakfast guest Krayzie Bone, a member of the Grammy winning hip-hop group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, to take you on a forest hike, to a lost beach coastline, and introduce you to his new Cannabis brand, “Strains of Legends.”

I experienced all of these things and more at my recent visit to Riverbar Pharm’s Bed & Breakfast. Like most girl bosses, Chef Desiree Robinson has completely transformed the original 1904 farmhouse into one of the most progressive hospitality establishments in America. With the help of her husband and talented team, they are cultivating the beginning of a new kind of hybrid industry between hospitality and health.

Next up for this dynamic team is the potential for the first ever Cannabis café in Eureka California. Chef Desiree wants to combine her world class culinary experience with Cannabis in all aspects. If approved, she would host a daytime café serving raw CBD juices & CBD espresso, and in the evening a more delectable upscale dinner menu, plus a smoking lounge.

On site will be mandatory parking spaces, with drivers during all operating hours for guests’ safety. They also have plans to create a first run protocol for the state, by training restaurant staff to monitor and regulate tolerance to avoid over consumption.

This sustainable business model for the Cannabis industry in Humboldt did not legally exist in the United States before them. This peaceful sanctuary is not just a stoner’s utopian fantasy - it is in fact, very real. Unless this could be Heaven? Or were we still just in Humboldt?

STORY AND PHOTOS by CLEOPATRA COHEN for ALASKA LEAF

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THE TRAVEL ISSUE aklEAF.COM

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HIKES AND HASH Alaska is full of natural beauty. From Anchorage, you can drive 15 minutes either way and you are surrounded by nature.

The seemingly endless mountains go on for miles, and valleys between them are too numerous to count.

The Last Frontier offers up bountiful opportunities to fully immerse yourself in this wilderness. Trailheads dot the state’s roadways like bus stops in New York.

They are everywhere. Some of the state’s trails are for the hardy. Steep climbs over miles. Some are for the light user. Paved trails that hug the coastline. They all have something to offer on your adventures, but to help out, here are five hikes to get you out in the wild.

JUN. 2019

W I L L I WA W L A K E S T R A I L Anchorage

Moderate The Williwaw Lakes Trail is located in the Glenn Alps on

the hillside of Anchorage. Accessible from the Glen Alps Trailhead, this gorgeous trail will take you back into the mountains 5.9 miles to the first lake. The trail goes on even further from here, but the first lake makes a good turnaround point for a day hike.

T H U N D E R B I R D FA L L S Chugiak

Easy Thunderbird Falls is a beautiful trail that runs along the Eklutna

River and Thunder Bird Creek. Starting at the trailhead along the Old Glenn Highway, this trail takes you back over a mile to the 200-foot high falls. The trail then branches off to a viewing platform, or down to the creek for an even closer look. This trail is well maintained, and a great way to spend part of your day.

E X I T G L A C I E R / H A R D I N G I C E F I E L D Seward

Moderate You’re going to need to breathe for this one! Starting

in Seward at the Exit Glacier Nature Center, this trail gains approximately 1000 feet for every mile! Good thing the trail is roughly only four miles. But once you reach the end of this one, the views are breathtaking over the thousands of years old Harding Icefield. Give yourself all day for this one, as that incline can take its toll on the best of us!

L O S T L A K E Seward Highway

Moderate This 7-mile long trail can be accessed from mile marker 5

of the Seward Highway. After a couple miles in dense forest, the trail opens up to absolutely gorgeous alpine valleys.

At the end of the trail is Lost Lake. Backpacking in and camping is a popular option here, and there are designated sites available for use. Hike back on the same trail or continue on the Primrose trail to emerge at the Primrose Campground farther up the Seward Highway.

Leave a car at each trailhead or split up with friends and meet in the middle.

MOBILE DABBING - Sand timer - Q-tips - Dabber - Paper towel - Torch that shuts off as soon as you let go of the ignition (refill the torch before you go),

WILLAWA LAKES TRAIL & THUNDERBIRD FALLS EXIT GLACIER PHOTOS CREATIVE COMMONS | LOST LAKE PHOTO BY FRANK KOVALCHEK | CROW PASS PHOTO BY ALASKA NPS

-

Lightweight Pelican case!

Favorite snacks Lots of WATER Lifestraw or water filter Camera and tripod A camping chair or hammock Trash bag to pick up litter

C R O W PA S S Eagle River/Girdwood

Difficult Starting at the Crow Creek Trailhead in

Girdwood, or the Eagle River Nature Center in Eagle River, this 21 mile-long trail has everything to offer and everything to throw at you. Cutting through Crow Pass, walking on mountainsides, fording rivers. All of that is possible on this trail. Experienced hikers may try this one in a day, but it’s better to go slow and take it all in over a multiday trip. Camping sites are scattered across the entirety of the trail. Do your homework for this one though, as conditions can determine everything on this one.

STORY BY JOSHUA STAHLE/ALASKA LEAF

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THE TRAVEL ISSUE

KENAI RIVER AND RUSSIAN RIVER PHOTOS BY CREATIVE COMMONS BIRD CREEK PHOTO BY C WATTS/FLICKR USED WITH PERMISSION SHIP CREEK PHOTO COURTESY U.S. AIRFORCE/SENIOR AIRMAN KYLE JOHNSON EKLUTNA TAILRACE PHOTO DISTRIBUTED BY ALASKA.ORG

FISHING ALASKA’S RIVERS There is no better place to be in the world than Alaska in the summertime! From the fjords and bays along Alaska’s extensive coastline to the scenic Denali National Park, Alaska is far from short on beauty. Visitors must make multiple trips to the Last Frontier to take in all of the state’s beautiful sights. In between those majestic views however lies one of the state’s most iconic past times: salmon fishing in Alaska’s rivers and streams. There is an abundance of options. To fish for a record king salmon on the world-famous Kenai River, or to cast out a line for silvers in the shadow of Denali in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. A lot of these choices are made for you depending on the season. But to make things easier, here is a breakdown of five salmon streams that are easily accessible.

aklEAF.COM

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KENAI RIVER / SOLDOTNA & KENAI

RUSSIAN RIVER / COOPER LANDING

BIRD CREEK / SEWARD HIGHWAY

SHIP CREEK / ANCHORAGE

EKLUTNA TAILRACE / OLD GLENN HWY

The Mighty Kenai. This particular stream runs through the heart of the Kenai Peninsula and offers a wide variety of opportunities for anglers. The Kenai has two runs of king salmon that return every season, with the first run, called the Early Run, beginning in mid May and continuing to the end of June. The second run, the Late Run, begins July 1st and until the season closes at the end of July.

Fishing for kings on the Kenai is easiest on a river boat, and there are many guide services that can provide you this opportunity.

The Kenai also hosts southcentral Alaska’s largest run of sockeye salmon, commonly referred to as reds. The sockeye run on the Kenai begins in early July and runs through the end of August.

There are numerous places along the river to fish that are open to the public including Swiftwater and Centennial Parks, areas operated by the city of Soldotna.

A tributary of the Kenai River, the Russian River is one of the most popular fisheries in the state. Hosting an early and late run of sockeye salmon, the Russian opens to salmon fishing on June 11th. The early run peaks in mid to late June, with the late run peaking in late July to early August. There are two ways to access the river, either by parking at the Russian River Campground, or by the Russian River Ferry that shuttles anglers back and forth across the Kenai River.

Just south of Anchorage, is Bird Creek, located on beautiful Turnagain Arm. Opening in mid July to fishing, this creek hosts a sizable silver salmon return every year. This tidal stream starts to see the fish return in mid July, peaking in late July to early August. Fishing either side of high tide tends to produce the best results.

Ship Creek is Alaska’s urban fishery.

Located at the foot of downtown Anchorage, you will find anglers here just out to wet a line on their lunch break. That’s how convenient this fishery is. Ship hosts a run of king salmon that begins in mid May and peaks during June, with the run lasting until early July. Just as the king run is winding down, in early to mid July the silvers start to roll in and keeps the river productive until August. Fish just before or after high tide to have an increased shot at landing a fish. There is parking located at various points along the river with trails making many points handicapped accessible.

The Eklutna Tailrace is nestled back off of the Old Glenn Highway along the Knik River. The Tailrace is stocked each year by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with both kings and silvers.

These stocked fish then make their way out to the ocean to grow up and return as adults in a few years. The kings start to run in mid to late May each year. The run peaks in mid to late June. Just as the kings start to end, the silvers start to arrive. The silver run begins in mid July and goes through August.

Chinook Salmon (Kings) Coho Salmon (Silvers)

Chinook Salmon (Kings) Coho Salmon (Silvers)

Chinook Salmon (Kings) Sockeye Salmon (Reds) Coho Salmon (Silvers)

JUN. 2019

Sockeye Salmon (Reds)

Coho Salmon (Silvers) Pink Salmon (Humpys)

These are just a few of the numerous rivers that we have here in Alaska.

For more information about these streams, or the many others, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AlaskaFishingNetwork STORY BY ALASKA FISHING NETWORK

SMALL BATCH CRAFT CANNABIS

AVAILABLE IN SELECT STORES IN FAIRBANKS AND ANCHORAGE

ROLLING STONED MOVING AROUND THE TRAVEL ISSUE

THE WORLD

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WHEN YOU’RE HOLDING

PLANES According to Forbes, in 1971, just 49 percent of the US population had flown on an airplane.

Compare that to 81 percent of the population today. It’s true: for most of us, taking a flight is the main way we get to where we’re going. It’s also the most heavily policed form of travel on the planet.

According to Kama Simonds, Media Relations Manager, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) checkpoints are “mission specific in their effort to prevent things passing through checkpoints that could impact flight safety. Cannabis is not one of those substances the TSA screens for, per se, however, if a traveler is passing through the security checkpoint and the TSA detects an organic substance about which they have questions, they call airport police.” Then, the police respond to decide the next steps.

First, “if the traveler is of legal age, and carrying a legal amount, and has a boarding pass for a destination within the state, the traveler will be allowed to proceed through the screening process.

Additionally, if asked, we advise travelers to check with their airlines for the air carrier’s policy related to traveling with marijuana as different air carriers have different policies.”

Then, “if the traveler is of legal age and possesses a legal amount, yet the traveler’s boarding pass is not for a destination in the state, the traveler will be asked to return the product to their vehicle or give it to a friend or family member who may have dropped them at the airport for storage and/or destruction.”

In other words, if you’re hoping to fly out of state with Cannabis products, be prepared to have to return them to your vehicle or risk having them taken or destroyed. In addition, it may become more of a hassle because of the process and can lead to being late for or missing your flight.

suggestion

We live in a brave and dichotomous new world, where Cannabis is legal in some states and tremendously illegal in others.

For those of us who count on it, the struggle to know where you stand when it comes to traveling with your medicine is a real one.

In the interest of clearing things up a bit for NW residents, we’ve researched some travel options you may be considering – and discovered some key information that may be of interest as you get ready for summer trips.

AUTOMOBILES While many feel that driving while under the influence of Cannabis is far safer than driving under the influence of alcohol, that is certainly not how the long arm of the law looks at it.

If you’re pulled over in Washington and the officer thinks you’re under the influence of Cannabis, they’ll ask you to participate in a sobriety test (walk the line, touch your nose, count backward, etc.).

It is then the discretion of the officer to determine whether one is unfit to drive based on the tests.

After that, the driver is sent to a drug recognition expert – and if Cannabis metabolites are found in the system – DUII charges are filed.

This is problematic because of how long Cannabis metabolites stay in the system (weeks to a month). So, while the car might be the most regular way one travels with Cannabis, because of current law – it’s also the riskiest because of arcane laws.

suggestion

Don’t drive why high/stoned, store your Cannabis in the trunk, don’t carry used (half-smoked joints, etc.) material in your car. Don’t consume in the car (looking at you Instagrammers).

TRAINS Even though we do have Amtrak service in the northwest, this conversation should also include public transportation. It goes without saying there’s no smoking or vaping allowed on public transportation on TriMet, or on an Amtrack train - but being too inebriated from consuming Cannabis can also get you kicked off (or have the cops called) by staff.

In terms of bringing Cannabis products along, there is no TSA-like security for rail travel. So, no one will be there to check your bags. However, if you’re traveling out of the country by rail (say, to Canada) you will need to go through customs and have your bag searched. Bringing Cannabis into Canada of Mexico can have MAJOR consequences. Don’t do it.

suggestion

In the continental US, bring what you need.

BIKES/SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS/OTHER

Any form of transportation is subject to the same laws regarding inebriation as driving. I know it’s crazy, but you could (technically) get a DUII for smoking with biking or riding a skateboard. Don’t shoot the messenger.

suggestion

Be careful out there!

ON-FOOT You can theoretically be as blazed as you’d like just walking around. But, if you end up being so intoxicated that you become a public nuisance – you could still run into trouble with the law. However, in our vast experience, Cannabis consumers are nothing like heavy alcohol consumers – and unfortunately, our laws have not caught up to speed with that reality yet.

Here’s hoping for more reform, as soon as possible.

Fly with vaporizers, concentrates or edibles but leave dank Cannabis flowers at home.

JUN. 2019

STORY BY PACER STACKTRAIN FOR ALASKA LEAF

Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. License 14432.

THE TRAVEL ISSUE

50

STONED STAYS

Located in beautiful Denver, CO, this luxurious, Cannabis-friendly bed and breakfast offers travelers the chance to enjoy some of the region’s finest herbs, all in a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.

What inspired starting a Cannabis friendly bed and breakfast? We were both working at a medical/recre-

ational dispensary in Fort Collins a couple of years ago, and due to how close we were to the Wyoming border a lot of the clients we dealt with were out of state tourists looking to indulge in the exciting Cannabis market. One day in particular, we had several groups of tourists, back to back, each group spending hundreds of dollars at a time. The question they all seemed to ask at the end of their transaction was “Where do I go to smoke this?” And at the time, the only answer was nowhere. We watched countless groups of people get frustrated, scared, and confused at how to legally and safely use the product they had just invested so much in. Thus, the idea for Luxx Retreat was born.

Should people be nervous to smoke weed at Luxx?

There’s no need to be nervous as a Cannabis consumer at Luxx Retreat.

Our focus has always been guest experience and the ability to ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can feel comfortable and refreshed when they stay with us. Everything we provide and the way we provide it is legal and in compliance with local authorities.

Our home is comfortable and inviting, close enough to downtown that necessities are still convenient, but just far enough away you avoid the sirens and hum of the city. We also maintain about 18 different consumption devices that are all free and available for use, so whether you’re a veteran or brand new to the world of Cannabis, there is something pleasant and efficient for you to consume with.

aklEAF.COM

now that psilocybin is decriminalized in colorado, can people consume mushrooms?

luxx retreat

Q & A | Owners wyatt beebe & maxim shine

JUN. 2019

As for the use of psilocybin mushrooms at Luxx Retreat, we at Luxx are very proud of our local community in becoming active in advocating for their own rights in self treatment and personal liberty. However, the focus of Luxx Retreat now and for the foreseeable future is to provide amazing experiences enriched with Cannabis to our guests.

what made you call the b&b, Luxx? We have a unique eye for detail that seems to be sorely lacking in our sector. Everything from the consumption devices, to the artwork on the walls and species of indoor plants, was specifically chosen to enrich the space and make it ultra luxurious. We put the time and resources into researching the best of the best when it comes to the dispensaries and service providers we choose to network with. It’s the extra amount of compassion and diligence we put in to maintain our own high standards that makes all of the actual luxury possible.

What additional experiences do you offer?

We hand selected our network of service providers so we could be sure to have industry leaders in quality and compliance with us. Currently we offer black car service, private massage, yoga, private chefs, guided meditation, and a grow facility tour. All of our services (except the tour because it’s at a licensed facility) are all either Cannabis infused, or Cannabis friendly. Most of our services are in-home, as well as polite and affordable.

what is the coolest story you can share about someone’s stay at luxx? We respect our

guest’s privacy a lot, so without giving away too much, we can say that we’ve helped people celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and friendship.

The coolest story is always getting to be there when a guest consumes Cannabis for the first time. The reactions, emotions, and comments are so pure and honest, there’s nothing else like it.

What are your future goals for Luxx?

We strive to be an international company, a global leader in luxury Cannabis accommodations and a helping hand to short term rental operators who just can’t seem to make their property reach the potential they know it has. Making money was never the main goal and that won’t change for us, from the get go we’ve strove to help bring up the people around us. We’re already starting to set trends in the canna-tourism industry and we certainly intend to keep leading the way.

LUXX RETREAT / DENVER, COLORADO / HISTORIC 3-BR VACATION HOME ACCOMODATES UP TO 8 GUESTS CONTACT@LUXXRETREAT.COM (720) 353-4244 @LUXXRETREAT

Why choose Denver for Canna-tourism?

Denver has been a talking point for Cannabis for almost two decades now, and in a lot of aspects it’s still ground zero for the industry. We were the first state (along with Washington) to legalize recreational Cannabis and that has given us a major advantage in being able to develop our market, culturally and technologically. So for real Cannabis enthusiasts, Denver is a can’t-miss tourist stop. And because product purchased in the state can’t leave the state, the only way to enjoy all the high quality and unique Cannabis products in Colorado is to come to Colorado!

Do you consume Cannabis with the guests?

Some people like in person demonstrations or just to sit and smoke and get to know us as their hosts. We have a tolerance higher than the average consumer so it’s easy for us to partake with a group without becoming intoxicated. We cannot provide any Cannabis or marijuana infused products, so anything that gets consumed has to be purchased by the guest and then shared with us. Cannabis is a really amazing socialization tool that lets people interact more openly, it’s been incredible to see.

Where do you see Cannatourism in five years?

Federal legalization will be the most influential factor for canna-tourism in the coming future. If we do go legal nationwide it will be an interesting thing to watch play out, because from what we’ve learned canna-tourism doesn’t follow regular hospitality trends. Non-traditional, one of a kind, and experience based vacations are proving to be desirable to travelers.

Everything from the consumption devices, to the artwork on the walls and species of indoor plants, was specifically chosen to enrich the space and make it ultra luxurious.

INTERVIEW BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS COURTESY LUXX RETREAT

51

THE TRAVEL ISSUE

on the road

INTERVIEW WITH A PRESIDENT The tiny plane lurched to a stop in Leon, Mexico.

Among the normal passengers that day were a mix of attendees bound for Cannamexico to be held later that week. With a murder rate more than double that of Chicago, Leon didn’t attract many tourists, and it was easy to spot the only gringos on the plane.

aklEAF.COM

52

former mexican president vicente fox

JUN. 2019

Rob, our cameraman, chatted up a group of seniors who seemed out of place. A talkative woman in a bright floral dress proudly announced that they were coming in from Orange County and would be guests of President Vicente Fox during their stay. My ears perked up at the mention of jefe Fox. One time Coca Cola Mexico CEO, Vicente Quesada Fox had been elected president in 2000 as member of the National Action party. His win represented a major cultural shift, defeating the Institutional Revolutionary party for the first time since 1910.

Fox himself had once joked that if Cannabis was legal in Mexico, even he would own a business in it - and we were here to interview him on just where he stood in the emerging Cannabis scene South of the border.

Signs written in Spanish guided us through the tiny airport as our trio made its way towards customs. An enforcement officer manning a podium checkpoint blocked our way. Next to her was a red button and she motioned for each passenger to press it as they passed by. I led up the rear behind Rob and Jeremy, watching as they took their turns at the button.

I had packed an ounce of good flower in my carry on and was now reconsidering my position heavily.

Rob and Jeremy passed through with ease and I maintained my nonchalance smiling warmly at the officer as I pressed the button firmly. The attendant frowned back as a red X appeared on the screen next to her.

Still frowning, the woman motioned me towards a second line. My stomach groaned as I saw what I was in for. Half a dozen people ahead of me, much gruffer looking enforcement officers thoroughly checking each bag, unfolding clothes and examining luggage for items that might be secreted away.

It had never occured to me that the police would be looking for something coming into Mexico, and I cursed myself silently for indulging in my need for good American weed abroad.

Looking around for an out I realized that the woman from Orange County had also been diverted with a friend and was now complaining loudly behind me. “I think they’re confused,” she stated plainly, motioning towards the attendant. She turned to the operator of one of the other baggage lines.

“Excuse me sir,” she said though the man clearly spoke no English and was doing his best to convey that to her. “I think

they put us in the wrong line. We’re just going to go,” she said again as if the man could understand her.

I jumped in place next to her like an overgrown grandchild, resuming Rob’s conversation from the plane as she headed for the exit. No one protested as I held the exit door open passing into Leon, Mexico with our luggage unmolested.

I let out a sigh of relief catching back up to face the jeers of the crew.

A small bus had been there to greet us and I collected my thoughts on the drive through Guanajuato towards Centro Fox. Since his time in office, Vincente had taken some interesting board seats, most notably among them High Times Magazine and a Colombian Cannabis company by the name of Khiron. It was clear that the ex president wanted to position himself in the Cannabis sector, and I was here to ask him how exactly legal Cannabis was to take place amidst the chaos of the cartels - which currently controlled the illicit drug trade in Mexico including marijuana.

The farmers themselves were paid a few hundred pesos a kilo and contributed little to the violence making headlines. No one could believe that making Cannabis legal would somehow force out the illegal players, but maybe legalization meant a better life for the farmers who now faced random prosecution. It had only worked for a small few back in the states. Many had found themselves shut out of an industry they helped create after recreational took over.

Our bus arrived at the gates of a large compound, a guard waved the driver to enter, and we pulled into an ornate roundabout centered with a fountain and a large eagle rising out of it. I all but rubbed my eyes. The stark comparison between the poverty outside and the wealth inside was shocking. Large bullet ridden walls encircled hacienda de Fox and included the vaulted library next door, which sat below ground level.

It was billed as a hotel but every guest was there by the request of Mr. Fox, and the place seemed to be coming alive for our arrival.

Fountains hummed to life and workers added water to the pool. An attendant greeted us with margaritas giving us a brief tour of the grounds.

Our interview with the ex president was set to begin the following day, and we settled in for a night of drinking, smoking, and eating with some of Vincente’s staff who fawned over the imported Tangie I had snuck in my bag.

I paced around my room the following morning with a joint hanging from my lips. The time zone was fucking with me and I had woken up earlier than I needed to. The sun was already streaming in through the cracks and I could smell food being cooked below me as I opened the wooden shutters to peer out. It was 6:30 A.M. but the hacienda was abuzz with action.

A female tucane sounded loudly from her cage as if directing the commotion, and I couldn't help but think of Pablo’s hippos.

The crew was up now, by the time President Fox made his first appearance they had already finished breakfast and were nervously going through an equipment checklist. Mr. Fox’s assistant Victor checked in with us.

“The president is ready,” he announced in perfect english, his arms open wide to convey his excitement. Victor was a clean cut kid in his mid 20s who had played soccer in school and was now the smiling face of Vincente’s Cannabis interests, and our point of contact while we were in Mexico. We had met in Spain, becoming fast friends and had spent the previous night getting high and exchanging war stories in the rear of the hacienda.

I followed Victor to an open corridor where Rob had arranged a small interview area near the President’s private suite. Mr Fox’s imposing figure came out to greet me. He was well over 6 feet and still carried himself with the regal air of a once president extending his hand to greet me.

“Good afternoon Mr. Jonah,” he said smiling. His grip was firm and his hand steady. “Good afternoon Mr. President, it’s an honor,” I replied almost grinning. Rob gave us the thumbs up from the camera and we took our seats.

It had never occured to me that the police would be looking for something coming into Mexico, and I cursed myself silently for indulging in my need for good American weed abroad.

I could tell the first few minutes of the interview were routine for him, as he pantomimed responses he had given a hundred reporters in the past.

We worked our way through the easy stuff as I circled towards the question I really cared about. “What did all this mean for the cartels?” I finally blurted out. I could tell the question paused him but he responded quickly. ”The way I see it is that we all together were able to take this plant - this beautiful plant - from the criminals who made wrong use of this beautiful plant, and now it is in the hands of the entrepreneurs,” he stated, explaining that the farmer who was currently engaged with the cartel would now be a legitimate business man.

I frowned at his response as I calculated my own.

“If the cartels currently control Cannabis in Mexico, isn't it illogical to think that legalizing Cannabis would take away from their market share? Wouldn’t it just allow the same players to operate in the light?” I asked. This time it was Mr. Fox who was smiling at me. “Of course,” he said. “But we have to allow the players to make the transition to becoming legitimate businessmen.”

He was right of course.

Cannabis in the U.S. wasn't given to us, we had taken it. Through the voting system, but we had taken it nonetheless.

Most of us had come from the black market in some way or another - illegal growers and extractors all quietly setting up clandestine businesses that would one day become legitimate operations.

Who knew where all this was headed but one thing was for sure, Mexico was a production region and they wanted in.

Cannamex was a relative success, drawing in interested parties from around the region. Ed Rosenthal railed against alcohol from the mainstage as complimentary drinks were served from the back, and Dr. Dina gave a speech about the importance and dangers of celebrity brands to an attentive crowd who listened via translators.

As we boarded the Aeromexico jet bound for home, I thought back on the scene we had witnessed.

For the guys in suits this was about national exportation, about emerging markets, and staking a claim not just on a state but on the whole world. For better or for worse, Cannabis was getting bigger - and for now I was just happy to have a place in it...

STORY by JONAH TACOMA FOR ALASKA LEAF

53

Experience Fruitopia.

Look for E Blunt in Colorado, Washington and Alaska.

At this time we are only offering our products to licensed distributors. If you would like to be a processor/distributor in your area please contact us.

eblunt.com @ ebluntvapes Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram

rob@eblunt.com (907) 351-8207

Find in Alaska Alaska Fireweed Alaska’s Green Light District AlaskaBuds Alaskan Leaf AM Delight Catalyst Cannabis Co

Dankorage Denali 420 Recreationals Denali’s Cannabis Cache Enlighten Alaska Fat Tops Fuzzy Monkey Great Northern Cannabis, 4th Ave and

Dimond Green Jar Herbal Outfitters High Bush Buds House of Green Pakalolo Supply Co Permafrost Distributors

Pine Street Cannabis Co Rainforest Cannabis Red Run Cannabis Remedy Shoppe Satori The Fireweed Factory The Frost Farms

Leaf Life Podcast is an entertaining exploration of All Things Cannabis For All People.

Join Ricker and The Bearded Lorax for insightful discussions with Cannabis industry influencers.

THis moNTH: Show #17: DABSTARS w/ Jonah Tacoma Show #18: Prohibition In A Legal State Show #21: Things To Do In Alaska When You’re Stoned

LeAFLiFePodCAsT.Com ThAnkS To ouR SPonSoRSis

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

RECIPES

Summer Desserts

STRAWBERRIES WITH MASCARPONE Serves 4

2 cups washed and trimmed strawberries, sliced 1-2 tablespoons sugar, (optional) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ½ cup honey 4 teaspoons canna-oil 1 cup mascarpone

1. In a large bowl, toss the berries with the lemon juice and add optional sugar.

2. In a small bowl, combine the honey with the canna-oil.

3. Divide the berries between four serving bowls. Place a dollop of the mascarpone on top of the berries and drizzle infused honey.

ORANGE CAKE WITH WHIPPED YOGURT AND BLUEBERRIES Serves 12

Baking spray 1 cup plus one tablespoon EVOO 4 tablespoons canna-oil 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ¼ cups whole milk ½ cup orange juice zest of one orange 1 ¾ cups sugar 2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder Powdered sugar for dusting 1 cup Greek yogurt, whipped* 1 cup blueberries

56

WE’RE STEPPING UP THE FANCY FACTOR THIS MONTH FROM OUR MORE CASUAL APPROACH. SINCE IT’S JUNE AND NOT TOO HOT TO BAKE YET (AND THERE’S LOTS OF FRESH STUFF TO BAKE WITH) COOKING AND EATING SEASONALLY IS A MUST. #DONTFEARTHEEDDIBLE

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Serves 8

2 large eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 ½ cups heavy cream 2-3 tablespoons melted and cooled canna-butter 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (about 1 cup) 1. In an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar for 4-5 minutes.

aklEAF.COM

2. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of the cream with the canna-butter until just before boiling. Allow to cool for 3 minutes. Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture and combine with the mixer on low.

3. Return the hot liquid to the saucepan and cook for five minutes, stirring constantly. It will thicken. Do not let it come to a boil. Remove from the heat and add in the chips, stirring until melted. Chill mixture for two hours.

4. In the bowl of the electric mixer, whip the remaining cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the chilled chocolate mixture. Use a rubber spatula, and fold until the cream is no longer visible. Serve plain or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

JUN. 2019

1. Heat oven to 325. Cut a piece of parchment to fit the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan. Spray with baking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine the oils and eggs, whisking well to combine. Add the milk, juice, zest and whisk to incorporate. Whisk in sugar.

3. Add dry ingredients and mix ‘til combined (don’t overmix).

4. Pour the batter into prepared pan and place on a baking sheet. Bake 65-70 min.

Cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Top with whipped yogurt and blueberries.

*Whipped yogurt - in the bowl of an electric mixer, combine 8 ounces of Greek yogurt, 6 ounces of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine all the ingredients and whip for 4-5 minutes. Start on low to avoid cream flying all over the place.

RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF

“Why fly? When you can enjoy the most beautiful ride on earth”

ANCHORAGE TO HOMER June 1st-Aug 31st Monday – Friday Departs Anchorage Arctic & International – 724 W. International - Garrett’s Tesoro Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 300pm Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 500pm All times are approx. Stage Line Summer Schedule HOMER TO ANCHORAGE June 1st-Aug 31st Monday – Friday Departs Homer 830am 1242 Ocean Dr Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 1015am Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1115am

VISITING ALASKA

Sights seen from the road

SEWARD TO HOMER June 1st – August 31st Mon Wed Fri

Locally owned and operated by a Departs Seward 100pm lifelong Alaskan, Stage Line offers call ahead for pick up point passenger transportation, freight, parcel, and courier service, between Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 200pm Anchorage and the Kenai Soldotna 300pm Peninsula. Our schedule includes, All times are approx Anchorage to Homer, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kasilof, Ninilchik, HOMER TO SEWARD Anchor Point. Homer to Seward, June 1st - August 31st Soldotna, Cooper Landing. And any The Stage Line PO Box 353 Anchor Point, Mon Wed Fri points in between! MP flag stops AK available! Private party charters Departs Homer 1242 Ocean Dr 900am The Stage Line 1242 Ocean Dr Homer, Ak available! Reasonable rates, saves 724 W International Anchorage, Ak of Commerce time and money for travelling or your Soldotna Chamber Staging points only 1030am 907-868-3914 907-235-2252 shipping needs.

Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1130 E-mail: stage.line@yahoo.com One of the top 10 most scenic www.stagelineinhomer.com highways.

EDIBLE OF THE MONTH

“This lemonade can pack a punch if you’re downing the whole thing.”

Created by

RED RUN CANNABIS COMPANY HASHADE has to be one of my favorite recent additions to our edible market. This product fits into my absolute favorite category of edibles sublingual. Teas, sodas, and other beverages have always been on the top of my list for preferred edibles, due to their effectiveness on our body.

The sublingual ingestion gets quicker access to our bodies, so in essence the effects aren’t so much stronger as much as they are easier to control and dose. Need more high?

Drink some more. Too high? No such thing, but you should probably put the lemonade down. At 50 mg per bottle, this lemonade can pack a punch if you’re downing the whole thing. Or it can get you to that consistent level and keep you there without being overwhelming. Available at many dispensaries around Alaska, and certainly at Red Run Cannabis Company - certainly worth a sampling.

aklEAF.COM

58

50MG THC PER BOTTLE (5 SERVINGS)

HASHADE

JUN. 2019

REVIEW by ESHOM REED | PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA

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OUTSTANDING RESULTS  Higher yields

COST EFFECTIVE  Higher potency

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 Healthier plants

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 Fewer pests

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concentrate OF THE MONTH

60

JACKS MOBY KLICK PEN aklEAF.COM

Created by HERBAN EXTRACTS

THE HERBAN EXTRACTS KLICK PEN is a relatively new idea for concentrate dosing in our Cannabis market, formally used for most oral syringe remedies. In the world outside Cannabis we have adapted this tech to fit our most basic stoner needs getting high. Expertly packaged and processed, this Co2 oil is fully decarboxylated, making it available for oral ingestion, cooking projects, or flat out just dabbing.

One dose is about 35mg, give or take a little. I chose to try several different dosing methods for this. A straight dab, which has a strong effect, but was not my first choice. As a second method of ingestion I chose to take a few doses orally, and found after an hour a much more sedative effect from this. It had quite a stretch on the time of the high, which was full body and had a hefty couch lock.

Available from AK Joint

JUN. 2019

REVIEW by ESHOM REED | PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA

(1) "Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive;” (2) "Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence;” (3) "There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana” (4) "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children;” and (5) "Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding;”

STONEY BALONEy

62

Pot-Purri

oregonlEAF.COM

My roommate had a bag of Funyuns. I had a bag of Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos. My other friend had brought over a bag of Sour Cream Ruffles with ridges that he mistakenly left on the coffee table the night before next to the bong, the rolling tray, and the dab rig.

There was a Domino’s pizza box with a couple slabs left over, too. We heated up the pizza and placed one slice on two separate plates, then as a side dish, combined three handfuls of each style of chip and mixed them all together. We called this dinner a Pot-Purri.

One time my cat, whose name is Todd, nibbled a bud that had somehow trickled its way underneath the recliner, where it sat undiscovered for months. Well, when Cannabis gets aged, the THC slowly degrades into CBN through oxidization - creating a very relaxed, sedated result when used. So, when the effects started to take hold, Todd proceeded to find his favorite spot in the apartment - atop the pile of dirty laundry, right next to the water heater in the pantry - and didn’t move for 24 hours other than to get up, take a drink of water, dine on some Fancy Feast, and comfortably poop. There were a couple times we thought to take his pulse to make sure he was still alive, if it weren’t for the continuously vibrating circadian motor in his chest, accentuated by an unmistakable Cheshire smile. We called this Pot-Purri.

And by the way, last time I was in Pier 1 Imports with my girlfriend I saw this $16 bag of dried bark and walnut shells that smelled like grandma’s foot deodorant. They called that Pot-Purri.

What the hell is this world coming to?

JUN. 2019

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