NORTHWEST LEAF THE PATIENT’S VOICE
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April 2012
Issue #22
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NORTHWEST LEAF
contents APRIL 2012 Nwleaf@gmail.com Facebook.com/nwleaf
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glass `` special
FREE GLASS GIVEAWAY 12 4/20 How to enter and what readers can win
of the month 36 strain Another beautiful bud close-up.
the cover artist 18 About Cliff Maynard’s roach art, explained
edible reviews 53 Tasty Trying a spoonful of cannabis sugar
news...........10 raided.......14 tax tips........17 birthday......20 olympia........25 reviews........53 hydro pt.2....58 INDEPTH........ .62 4/20 fun.......70
ACCESS POINT 28 TACOMA Quality, warmth at Rainier Wellness
TO HYDROPONICs 56 INTRO Part 2 of our series on growing systems
COVER ART BY:
ACCESS POINT 32 INTERBAY Finding cannabis for the connoissuer
truth about b.h.o 66 The Dr. Scott D. Rose on cannabis concentrates
CONTENTS PHOTOS BY:
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crazy, beautiful and amazing pieces of art can emerge FROM BEHIND A TORCH.
That is when the artists working the flame are as talented as those profiled in our 10-page glass section this month. See how with every bubbler, sherlock, ray gun and yes, marble (by Scott Tribble) these artists set the bar ever higher.
Cliff Maynard for Northwest Leaf Daniel Berman/Northwest Leaf
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about us Thanks for picking up Northwest Leaf. In doing so, you are helping to spread the cause of a natural plant that has more uses than any single plant in the world. Founded in 2010, Northwest Leaf reaches 20,000 patients authorized for medical marijuana across Washington State and the greater community.
We are committed to serving as a source of information and education, and covering relevant cultural events in the greater I-5 corridor area. Our goal is to reverse the stigma associated with marijuana from decades of misinformation and fear — and replace it with truth. Marijuana is a growing solution to many medical issues and should be viewed as a source of inspiration and hope for patients worldwide.
the truth about the plant you thought you knew, every issue. founder & editor-in-chief
Wes Abney photographer & designer
Daniel Berman issue contributors
michael allison JIM BRYANT KIRK ERICSON BONNIE FONG CLIFF MAYNARD DR. Scanderson DR. SCOTT D. ROSE PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN
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For advertising CONTACT founder Wes Abney at 206.235.6721 or email nwleaf@gmail.com
Legitimate, legal medical marijuana patients should not be persecuted, and we stand by our reporting of law enforcement misdeeds. We also support the overall cause for hemp, which is a viable resource for a variety of commercial applications. Hemp is a clean, carbon neutral fiber source that is used all over the world, and can lessen dependency on strained resources. Look for Northwest Leaf at
your local MMJ access point, authorization clinic and select glass shops across the state. You may find a digital version of this magazine at www.issuu.com/nwleaf. And be sure to like us on Facebook for expanded content and free giveaways! Remember, it takes all of us to make the medical marijuana community strong , so do your part & support patient’s rights!
Thanks for reading!
OPINION
A NEW COLUMN BY MIKE ALLISON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF
Truth, lies & other bullshit: dispelling myth from fact What does it really mean for cannabis to be a Schedule I drug?
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he feds need our help. You probably didn’t expect to hear that, did ya’? I mean it. They really do need your help. If the federal government were good friends of mine, I’d be organizing an intervention to try to get them into treatment right now. But, we’re not that close. It just doesn’t feel right... you know what I mean? I was hoping maybe someone out there, someone who knows the feds a little better, might be able to help me out with this. The poor darlings are quite ill, I’m afraid. Off the deep end, really. They’re lost in the grip of some sort of delusional psychosis, especially when it comes to medical cannabis. So, it’s important to act quickly – before it’s too late! Let’s look at the symptoms. As most people know, the FDA has classified all drugs according to a system of “schedules.” The most dangerous drugs – those with no
PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN
medical benefit and a high potential for abuse - are called Schedule I. Among these drugs are heroin, LSD, MDMA, GHB and, shockingly enough, cannabis. Cannabis? Really? So, the feds consider cannabis and heroin to be equally dangerous? If that’s not crazy, it’s damned close. Now what drugs do the feds say are less dangerous than cannabis? In Schedule II, we have morphine, PCP, cocaine, methadone, and methamphetamine, among others. Schedule III has steroids, codeine and hydrocodone. So, they want us to believe these drugs are less dangerous than
HOW CAN CANNABIS, A SCHEDULE 1 DRUG, BE CONSIDERED A GATEWAY TO MORE HARMFUL DRUGS WHEN IT IS ALREADY CLASSIFIED AS BEING AMONG THE MOST DANGEROUS DRUGS KNOWN TO MAN?
cannabis? Meth and PCP are less harmful than cannabis? They say that with a straight face? That’s insane. I’m afraid that’s not all, either. When was the last time you heard a government official call cannabis a “gateway drug?” Not long ago, right? Well, let’s look at that for a minute. First of all, what’s a gateway drug? It’s supposed to be a “soft” drug, one that leads people to use “hard” drugs. That makes sense, I suppose. But, how can a Schedule I drug be considered a gateway to more harmful drugs when it is already classified as being among the most dangerous drugs known to man? That’s pretty irrational, isn’t it? At first, I thought they were just joking, or perhaps a bit buzzed. But, this, too, they say with a straight face. Worse, they really seem to mean it! If this drug schedule “misunderstanding” was the only issue, I think the feds might be able to work
on it in an informal setting. But, sadly, that’s only the first part of this particular psychosis. The other symptoms are primarily manifested in the form of a 2003 patent taken out by the Department of Health and Human Services – a federal agency. I’m talking about U.S. patent #6630507, a patent for cannabinoids as neuroprotectants and antioxidants. The patent notes that cannabinoids (the active ingredients in cannabis) can be used to treat an array of inflammatory, immune and neurodegenerative diseases. Look, Timmy, there are medical uses! So, yes: the federal government has patented cannabis, a Schedule I drug, for medical use - even while maintaining it has no medical value, whatsoever! (No, you can’t have any.) Well, does anybody know a good treatment center for this kind of thing? They won’t eat my Schedule I brownies, by the way. I already tried.
APR. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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National
d.c. dispensaries >> Patients will be able to obtain medicine locally
E tx judge gets busted for pot >> Says he will resign after locals call for his removal | PHOTO BY FLICKR/CREATIVE COMMONS
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ilton Hotel security guards in College Station, Texas, responded to reports by a bellman of burning marijuana on the fifth floor last month. When security poked around, they allegedly found Guadalupe County Judge Mike Wiggins, who was not actively smoking. Judge Wiggins was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession, according to local news re-
ports.Wiggins consented to a police search of the room, which uncovered a grinder, rolling papers and a small plastic bag containing “what appeared to be marijuana,” police said. He was released on a $3,000 bond. Wiggins announced late last month that he plans to resign in response. The news comes on the heels of those in the community calling for his ouster. A rally in support of
his resignation was dubbed “Wiggins Out,” by organizers. “Were happy that David defeated Goliath. The people rose in small numbers and we got the victory,” said Jeremiah Arevalo, one of the rally organizers. Others opposed making Wiggins retire on less than his own terms. “It should be,” said one rally attendee, “his own decision.” We can’t believe someone quit their job over cannabis.
arizona gets federal warning >> Vows to prosecute state employees who don’t comply with the Controlled Substances Act
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tate employees who help implement the 2010 Arizona Medical Marijuana Act are not immune to prosecution for their work, according to a new letter from U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. Although 16 states have legalized medical marijuana, in direct defiance of the federal Controlled Substances Act, Scheel said her office will continue to “vigorously enforce federal laws against those who operate and facilitate large marijuana production facilities and marijuana production facilities involved in the selling of marijuana for medical use.” On one hand, an Arizona Superior Court judge has ruled that the state must proceed with the voter initiative, while federal authorities maintain that “there is no safe harbor,” from prosecution. Said Will Humble, director of the state Department of Health Services, “We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.” Under the AMMA, 126 medical marijuana dispensaries are to be set up and regulated.
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STORIES BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF
ven though a voter-approved medical marijuana initiative has been on the books since 1998, residents of Washington, D.C. will still have to wait until April to possibly obtain their medicine from a dispensary storefront. The ‘98 initiative was approved by 69 percent of voters, the Associated Press noted. This month, at least a half dozen cultivation centers, wherein medicine would be grown and then resold to patients, would open, allowing the possibility of purchasing marijuana within a few miles of The White House, the D.E.A and the Department of Justice buildings. Washington residents, the Mercury News reported, will not be allowed to medicate in public or within dispensaries — so the idea of smoking out the Secret Service remains just out of reach. The reason there has been medical marijuana law but no access points in D.C. is because of the area’s oversight by Congress. The residents are subject to the whim of our elected reps. For more than the last decade, Congress has repeatedly rejected the marijuana measure — but now, with a Democratic president and Smoking at the a Democratic Congress, the stars have truly aligned. dispensaries A Republican president or change in the makeup or in public is of Congress could see the still banned repeal of the D.C. Law, —so blowing however. Of course, there also remains the distinct smoke at The disparity between federal law, which prohibits White House marijuana as medicine, and remains a the laws of the 16 states misdemeanor that have legalized medical marijuana. Adding to the fray is one particular D.C. resident. During his campaign, Obama said he would not prosecute individuals who comply with state medical marijuana laws, and in the early days of his administration, offered the same lines. That has decidedly not been the case, given repeated raids on growers and sellers by the Justice Department in several states. No doubt, what happens will influence the rest of the country.
Quick Hits!
Hi, I’m Willie Nelson. I urge you to support the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act to regulate marijuana and restore industrial hemp. This initiative will
400 100
thousands of people who ingest or smoke marijuana on a daily basis in California, according to NPR.
end adult marijuana prohibition and let our criminal justice officers focus limited resources on real criminals, not on marijuana users like me. OCTA will also allow farmers to grow hemp for fuel, fiber & food, to create jobs and help our economy. Please support OCTA. Thank you!” -Nelson in TV ad
fee in dollars to grow a single marijuana plant, as an individual, under a proposed Rhode Island marijuana legalization bill. Marijuana retailers would pay $5,000 per desired location.
NELSON SPEAKS UP FOR CANNABIS
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>> Singer records public service announcements for Oregon legalization initiative | PHOTO BY BOB JAGENDORF
esigned to gain support for OCTA, The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, music legend Willie Nelson obtained his medical marijuana card in Oregon in March. According to The Oregonian newspaper, OCTA would “legalize marijuana for people age 21 and older in Oregon, permit the sale of the drug through state-licensed stores, and allow commercial cultivation of marijuana and hemp plants.” OCTA organizers need about 30,000 more signatures of 87,000 required to get the initiative onto the November ballot. Nelson, who recorded video public service announcements to be aired this month, said he wants Oregon
voters to approve the measure because it would free up police officers to focus on real crime, and not divert their limited resources elsewhere. He has been a very vocal advocate for marijuana legalization, and has been stopped on his tour busses multiple times for marijuana possession. According to the Oregon Health Authority, which oversees the state’s medical marijuana program, almost 60,000 are registered to medicate legally. Paul Standford, founder of THCF, The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, which helps link potential patients with authorizing physicians, urged Nelson to get his card because of the attention it could bring to
Quoted
OCTA. The proposed initiative would create a commission to oversee marijuana cultivation, which would be sold without profit to an array of secondary outlets. Among them, statelicensed stores, pharmacies and medical research facilities. Ninety cents of every dollar generated would go to the state’s general fund, with the rest earmarked for drug education, treatment and hemp promotion. From his standpoint, Nelson said, “I don’t think it’s wise to let the criminals make all the money when it’s already been decided that medical use is positive.” Nelson told The Oregonian that he suffers from chronic wrist and back pain. “It should be a person’s decision to decide what to put in his body.”
percentage of registered voters recently polled in Connecticut who say they support legalizing medical marijuana.
vote by Colorado State Senate to approve training for medical marijuana biz employees to spot fake authorizations and learn state marijuana regulations. Those who pass would receive a “responsible marijuana vendor designation.”
vegas trouble >> PER SE LIMIT INCREASES ARREST #’S
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hen Nevada enacted a per se limit for THC DUI arrests at the 2 nanogram/ml level, they saw arrests increase by 76 percentv. Nevada has been a medical marijuana state for years, and many innocent patients, who could never test clean because of the amount of medicine they require, could end up losing their right to drive for good.
I OPPOSE [I-502] AND THINK IT’S GOING TO FAIL AT THE BALLOT.
-Washington State Attorney Gen. Rob McKenna, on the marijuana legalization measure that removes protections for current patients while allowing public access to up to an ounce. “Once we open the door to all kinds of marijuana, with use by all kinds of people, medical marijuana users will be swept up,” he said.
4/20
Raffle 1st Prize:
2nd Prize:
3rd Prize:
how you can win 1) lIKE northwest Leaf by visiting Facebook.com/nwleaf
2) now that we’re friends email 420nwleaf@gmail.com with your name & number we can call if you win
3) sit back + enjoy 4/20! We will pick three winners April 30th
1st Prize:
Belt buckle Fillocello ($200 ARV) from Seattle glass artist Chris Dragovich + signed Cliff Maynard print ($50 ARV) of our April cover
2nd Prize:
Sherlock pipe ($90 ARV) from Seattle glass artist Chris Dragovich + signed Cliff Maynard print ($50 ARV) of our April cover
3rd Prize:
Signed Cliff Maynard print ($50 ARV) of our April cover
12/APR. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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nATIONAL
Raided What to do if you ever get
BY KIRK ERICSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF
The time to start thinking about what to do if police raid your medical marijuana access point is not at the precise moment when a phalanx of police emerge to bust your co-op. When a squad of police comes for a visit, they’re likely not leaving without taking someone and lots of your stuff with them.
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he most important tactic to remember when they come for you is simple: shut up. You’re not getting out of this one. “Don’t say anything,” advises Steve Sarich, executive director of CannaCare, a Seattle-based patient advocacy group. “As the old saying goes: What can be said will be used against you. More importantly, if you say anything, they will make up other things that you said. If you say nothing, they can’t embellish.” One of the questions you especially don’t want to answer, Sarich said, is “‘Where did you get your marijuana?’ That’s a really bad question because that’s a really bad question to answer. They’re looking for someone else to raid.” Martin Nickerson, founder of Northern Cross Collective in Bellingham, saw his preparations for a raid come into play on March 15. That was the day Bellingham police raided his downtown outlet. Northern Cross was among three access points raided that day in Bellingham. The police actions came on the heels of business licenses being revoked, and tax checks returned, he said. Two Bellingham officers entered the Northern Cross lobby and began
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talking with him, Nickerson said. Moments later, “One cop said, ‘It’s clear,’ and about 15 to 20 police came in. Then one of them said, ‘That’s Nickerson there’ and they arrested me and put me in handcuffs in the lobby. Then they just started piling through.” But, he said, he was ready.
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leven volunteer workers were inside the co-op at the time of the raid, and Nickerson, 35, said the preparations they made for just such a day paid off. The volunteers didn’t talk to the police, he said. “We talked a lot about this beforehand. I don’t think they could have done much of a better job.” Nickerson said he had given each of his volunteers a card with their constitutional rights printed on them, and told them to hand them to
THE JOINT CO-FOUNDER SHY SADIS WATCHED BELLINGHAM POLICE RAID HIS OUTLET FROM HIS IPHONE — UNTIL COPS CUT THE CORDS TO HIS REMOTE VIDEO FEED.
police officers in case of a raid. The one comment Nickerson said he did make to officers once he was placed under arrest was, “I won’t speak to anybody without the presence of my attorney.” Nickerson was taken to jail in Bellingham, where he said he spent a day and a half. He faces charges that include possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
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hy Sadis, 39, is founder of The Joint Cooperative, also known as Star Buds, in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham. He too witnessed a raid on his collective garden March 15 – but he wasn’t on the premises. He watched the raid unfold from the driveway of his home in Bothell. “I was watching [the raid] on my iPhone,” Sadis said, explaining that he checks the video feeds from his two access points — he has another collective garden in the U District — several times during the day. “I started watching about two minutes into the raid. They were questioning two workers in separate corners of the business.” Sadis said he continued to watch for the next 15 minutes until the
cords to the cameras were cut. During those 15 minutes, he was engaged in another activity that experts recommend in the event of a raid: Get legal help. “I kept bouncing back and forth between calling both my lawyers and watching what was going on in the store,” he said. Sadis has been charged in Whatcom County Superior Court with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. As of March 25, he said his collective garden has not reopened for patients.
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eyond ensuring that your employees and volunteers know to stay mum if the cops roll in, collective gardens can take several other precautions in anticipation of the worst. Ben Livingston, a member and the executive director of the Seattle-based Cannabis Defense Coalition, a nonprofit member cooperative focused on marijuana activism in Washington state, helped organize “raid training” seminars last year for people in the medical marijuana industry. Livingston said that in addition to not answering police ques-
At any point, you can say ‘I don’t consent to a search’ regardless of whether they have a search warrant, but don’t try to stop them. They have guns.” -Ben Livingston, exec. dir. Cannabis Defense Coalition
How to prepare for the worst: Ö Plan for a legal defense fund. Have some
money somewhere – not in your business bank account – so you have money to make bail and pay for attorneys for yourself and any employees that need legal counsel.
Ö Have at least two lawyers you can call. Dozens of patients rally Friday, Mar. 23 outside Whatcom County Courthouse in support of the Bellingham access points raided in mid-March. Bellingham Police confiscated pounds of cannabis in the raids. PHOTOS BY BONNIE FONG FOR NORTHWEST LEAF tions, a good phrase to remember is, “I’m remaining silent and I’d like to talk to a lawyer.” He said it’s essential to make clear that you do not consent to a search. “At any point, you can say ‘I don’t consent to a search’ regardless of whether they have a search warrant,” Livingston noted. “But don’t try to stop them. They have guns.”
dispensary such as medicine, cash and inventory. All are subject to seizure.
Ö Minimize anything that you shouldn’t have onsite such as weapons, felons who shouldn’t be there, prescription drugs and computer porn. Minimize anything that could make you look bad in the eyes of the media or the court.
Ö Have media contacts. “Some people, including lawyers, might say don’t bring the media in on your case but I believe in these cases it’s always best to bring the media in as soon as possible,” Livingston said.
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s your case winds through the legal system, having an unimpeachable record of the raid could sap the zeal of prosecutors looking for an easy case, he said. “If you can, take pictures and record in any media that you can,” Livingston said. “That might save you. If they didn’t have a warrant and people clearly said you cannot enter this premises, and they entered anyway, that could be pretty good evidence in the case.”
Ö Minimize the assets you have on hand in the
Ö Have a contact person outside your site.
Have a phone tree available so people can be contacted in case you’re arrested.
ONLINE: Raid Prep Tips Northern Cross Collective founder Martin Nickerson, left, speaks with the media following his arraignment on charges related to running an access point.
Go to Americans for Safe Access, safeaccessnow.org.
Click on Projects >> Raid Center >> Raid Preparation for Medical Cannabis Providers
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APR. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
rehashed
L-R, HANK LEVY, STEVE DEANGELO, HENRY WYKOWSKI & ROB BRAACH
Paying their fair share >> Being taxed out of existence and other topics discussed at the 280e tax reform seminar BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY JIM BRYANT FOR NORTHWEST LEAF
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he combined forces of Steve DeAngelo and three of the biggest tax specialists in the country landed in Seattle last month for the MMJ tax seminar, 280e Reform. Named after the federal tax code by the same title, the seminar focused on preparing access point owners for potential tax issues and audits. For the unfamiliar, 280e is a Reaganera tax code implemented in 1982 as part of the War on Drugs. It specifically relates to people who “traffic in controlled substances” and doesn’t allow the deduction of expenses related to running that business during the year, as a result. To go after major cartels and mafia’s, the government hoped they could Al Capone them — and make work unprofitable. Now, 30 years later, the IRS and the Federal government are using 280e to go after medical marijuana dispensaries. “It’s a more politically acceptable tactic than sending in raid teams and arresting patients,” explained Steve DeAngelo, executive director of Harborside, one of California’s largest access points. “There is no doubt in my mind that this is a coordinated attack on medical cannabis by the Fed and IRS.” In relation to dispensaries, 280e is devastating. It blocks these non-profit businesses from being able
to deduct standard and necessary expenses accrued during a tax year. In this country., all businesses are allowed to deduct these expenses. None can survive without them. “This effort is not an attempt to tax the industry. If it was appropriate we would support it,” DeAngelo said. “All we are asking is to be treated like any other business in America. Instead, they’re trying to tax us out of existence.” One sees dollar signs as the reason. Taxes are rapidly becoming a major issue for dispensers, especially in California. And nobody knows California MMJ tax law better than this group. Harborside has seen national news headlines covering the millions of dollars the IRS says is owed, now, very much past due. With Harborside potentially grossing more than $20 million in 2012, there is a lot at stake in a gray area of tax law. Harborside attorney -Steve DeAngelo, Henry Wykowski sees 280e organizer it differently. “The
All we are asking is to be treated like any other business in america.
bottom line is this: every other business can deduct ordinary business expenses,” Wykowski said. “But ‘access points’ are being treated differently with a blanket denial of all deductions. This is not fair.” With Harborside being audited for the first four years of business, the tax liability could be as high as $5-8 million, Wykowski said. DeAngelo puts it even more bluntly. “That would put us out of business.” Throughout the event, specialists broke down relevant laws for Washington access point owners. They offered solutions, as well as tactics, for taking on the IRS. With a Tacoma access point already facing audits, more could be on the way. “85 percent of CPA’s have never even heard of 280e,” Wykowski said. “So dispensary owners don’t become aware until they’re already being audited.” The 280e team said they want to see every owner educated and prepared on the matter. “We would like to see this go national,” said Greta Carter, key to bringing 280e here to Seattle. She said she hopes for similar seminars across the country. “Every state that has a medical marijuana program. We need to be there.”
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PROFILE
Cliff Maynard’s chronic art >> Our cover artist shares how he creates beautiful portraits from joint roaches — the discarded, burnt paper forming the complex tones and colors BY WES ABNEY | ART BY CLIFF MAYNARD FOR NORTHWEST LEAF
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ow many times have you tossed a roach, or stubbed the last bit of a joint into an ashtray or down the sink? For most patients, the answer is easily countless. Thanks to one man’s artistic efforts, all those joints become so much more. Instead of throwing them out, he reuses that which is
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easily lost and forgotten, transforming waste into something beautiful. For Cliff Maynard, the idea of tossing a roach is reprehensible. He carefully organizes his joints by size and color in sealed containers waiting to become masterpieces of art. Each piece is unique, and combines elements of charcoal drawing
with mosaic application. His pieces include Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and the legendary Jack Herer. He also created the poster artwork for Hempfest in 2008, which shows a hand holding a clone reaching out towards the Space Needle and an American Flag. His art has been seen all over the world, graced
the pages of pot magazines and the tops of keef boxes. For people who smoke, it’s sublime art in the purest form — a medium that manages to connect back to its originator. “What I do is truly fine art,” Cliff said. His facebook admits the same: it’s “Recycling at a higher level.” The custom cover for this 4/20
FROM LEFT: A MUSICAL GALLERY OF JIMI HENDRIX, JOHN LENNON AND BOB MARLEY + CLIFF AT WORK
special edition took over 30 hours of work alone, and conceivably contains the remains of dozens of roaches, he said. That’s a lot of good times and tokes transformed into a one of a kind cover. One can easily imagine the painstaking attention to detail it requires to develop this one of a kind art, let alone the talent. “It’s almost impossible to put a number on the amount of roaches for each piece. I literally use every little piece of paper during the process, but its one small section at a time,” he
I’ll hunt for a section with a particular color and harvest it. But I never toss the remains of the paper. the rest will get used elsewhere. explained. It’s a fairly tedious process. “I’ll hunt for a section with a particular color and harvest it, but I never toss the remains of the paper. The rest will get used elsewhere.” Cliff has been building his talents since he studied at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. It was there he made his first roach art piece for friends. A portrait of Jesus. “I had this idea to use roach papers in art, but couldn’t get any of my friends to take it seriously. I needed someone that smokes a lot of joints and saves them,” he
said. “Eventually I visited my dad who had collected six months worth and they were the source of the first couple pieces I made.” Cliff is also nationally recognized tattoo artist. He owned Angry Moon Tattoo in Pittsburgh for over a decade, where he inked Steelers and rockstars alike, he said. Eventually, he felt the calling of roach art again, returning to his art school hobby. “There came a point where as a tattoo artist I wanted to do something more,” he said “So I reached back to
something that really blew people’s minds in art school.” Today, he lives in Port Orchard, enjoying the bountiful Washington medical cannabis scene. No longer viewed as criminal, his brand of fine art is perfectly at home in the Pacific Northwest. He’s inking again, this time at Tony’s Tried and True Tattoo in Port Orchard, and growing as an artist in both tattoo and roach art. “It all carries over,” he offered simply. “I’m a better tattoo artist from the roach art, and vice versa.”
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rehashed
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he birthday party and farmers market to celebrate Sacred Plant’s second year open in Tacoma was a huge success and a great tribute to one of the longest running collectives in Washington State. “It feels great to be here,” said Jeremy Miller, who runs Sacred Plant with his wife, Kitty. “It’s a real honor.” Several hundred patients stopped by that afternoon, sampling vendors’ delicious medibles and a wide variety of local products and medicine. The room had a frenetic energy and pace about it. “My jaw is still on the floor. I have trouble believing this,” said Bill Fuller, a volunteer at the market. “I feel like a 64-year-old kid in a candy store.” Bill’s job for the day was pushing a giant cart stacked high with raffle prizes, the proceeds of which go
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a smokin’ second SACRED PLANT MEDICINE throws patient party turned farmers market to celebrate 2nd year in community BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN to local families in need, he said. It’s one way Kitty feels she is able to give back. “We want to support the community,” she explained. “That’s what this is about.” At exactly 4:20, Kitty and Jeremy cut the cake. And what a cake it was. Made by local company High Class Catering, it contained three cups
each of cannabis oil and cannabutter, plus medicated chocolate and medicated buttercream frosting. Everyone in attendance got a slice, and the special treat was enjoyed in honor of a second year of terrific patient access. Northwest Leave wishes for another two! Don’t miss the next Sacred Plant
event: their much-vaunted 2nd Annual Aroma of Tacoma, happening 4/20 from 7 pm-12 am at Conquering Lion bar, 5412 S. Tacoma Way. Tickets: $25, judge’s pass: $125 We hope to see all you patients there! SACRED PLANT MEDICINE 1912 CENTER ST. TACOMA 253-761-7806 SACREDOFWASHINGTON@GMAIL.COM
THE BIRTHDAY CAKE, a medicated chocolate butter cream treat, contained three cups canna-oil and three cups of canna-butter. Made by High Class Catering of Federal Way, the cake was sliced-up and served to patients at exactly 4:20 p.m.
MOROCCAN-STYLE HASH was available from Sunshine Collective for a very
reasonable $10/gram donation — a long line formed to sample the rare batch. It’s smooth, with a great flavor courtesy the Acupulco Gold (see bottom-right).
“I feel like a kid in a candy store. seeing people able to get their medicine in the open is great.” -BILL FULLER, 64, VOLUNTEER FOR THE FARMERS MARKET
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Sonshine On a thriving farmers market is helping patients connect with myriad vendors BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN
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access
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rriving at Sonshine Organics Washington Farmer’s Market in Olympia feels like driving into a massive patient-friendly compound. Tucked away in a calming part the area, this market is unlike any other. Organized and run by Sarena and Kris Haskins, the spot has a unique family feel and vibe that is courageously pushing the MMJ industry forward. Polite and uniformed volunteers direct you where to park on the twoacre complex. Luckily, with parking for 100+, it’s never hard to find a spot. After that, the first stop for all new patients is the Wellness Center, where authorizations are verified before a wristband is given. This will grant access into the main market. The Center also houses the large multipurpose room, where weekly classes including yoga, strength training, core & balance, and Zumba are offered. There are even hacky sack classes. Back across the parking lot, past the taco truck catering fresh, tasty Mexican food, is the main attraction. A 2,500-square-foot three-roomed facility that has, in our observation,
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more MMJ access per square ft. than any other building in Washington. The facility is so large that several employees actually live in on-site dorms for security, and their 9-to-5 job at the Sonshine Organics access point. It’s open six days a week. “I’m here every day,” Sonshine employee Nathan Evans said. “Each morning I wake up and instead of driving to work I walk across the grounds. Living on-site is cool. It doesn’t even feel like working.” On market days, more than 20 show up to offer their locally cultivated products for patient donations. With so many vendors, the number of products is endless. Fair prices are ensured by the competition.
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believe the market environment is healthy,” co-founder Sarena said, looking out across the bustling main space. “Vendors can come and donate their products, make some extra income, and patients experience the direct access to medicine. Patients get to meet vendors with good business skills and quality customer service,” she added.
Within the lounge, patients can sit and sample their newly acquired medicine while live music plays, making for a remarkable atmosphere.
SONSHINE ORGANICS WASHINGTON FARMER’S MARKET 1ST & 3RD SATURDAY MONTHLY 10:30A.M. - 5 P.M. 3211 YELM HWY S.E. OLYMPIA, WA (360) 742-3669 WWW.SONSHINEO.COM
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any of the 300+ patients attending each market come from across the state for the level of access the market provides, said Mike Posey, a patient since 2003, who makes the drive from Vancouver, Wash. “The MMJ politics down there aren’t like they are here,” Posey said. “It’s not open to this sort of thing...yet.” In addition to the plethora of vendors, there’s also a live music area, outdoor BBQ hut for sunny days, a sweet medicating area complete with requisite green lighting — and a well equipped, reasonably priced hash bar. The hash bar features knife hits, keif hits, oil dabs, and, for the brave soul, an oil dab rolled in pure keif. With a dipped dab, the keif burns first, making for a smoother smoke as the oil follows. Needless to say, the medicating effects for any choice are immediate and potent. Kris, who often runs the hash bar, has known pain in his life. Having suffered a broken back, the road to recovery could have included mainstream pharmaceuticals — but that would run counter to his strong
convictions. “I don’t take any pills,” he said. “Not even aspirin.” Behind the hash bar, he advised a patient on the benefit of knife hits. “You’re not using butane or breathing that in. Every hit is a green hit,” he said.
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ithin the lounge, patients can sit and sample their newly acquired medicine while live music (on this day, a rock and roll duo) make for a remarkable atmosphere that serves as a model. “This feels natural and more open,” said Paul, a patient that Saturday. “The way it should be.” At each market, participating vendors donate products for raffles throughout the day. Winners can pick from a range of freebies. Around noon, raffle winner Miles Alexander, of Blue Moon Medicine, ran with a huge smile to claim her prize. “It’s such a great feeling,” said Miles, selecting a growing book by Ed Rosenthal. “I never win anything!” Miles hugged two volunteers on her way back to the Blue Moon booth. While there’s only so many raffle prizes, everyone wins with the
variety of free, tasty samples and quality products available. For Kris and Sarena, it’s the culmination of a dream and over a year’s work. The fight to stay open and protect access is personal, one tied deep with the Haskin family, Sarena explained.
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ur daughter was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age,” Sarena said, holding back tears. “She’s a huge part of why we’re here. It’s why I’ll stand on a street corner with my “Mom’s For Marijuana” sign.” She moved to help a patient lingering near the lobby.
After multiple operations to remove a kidney and a “watermelon-sized tumor,” her daughter Hannah has been in remission more than five years now. “I’m not going to lie. She’s not out of the water yet,” Sarena said. “But we’re here for her.”
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or now, all efforts are focused on expanding the Wellness Center services for patients. Sarena is hoping to create an Eastern-inspired health care area, including a steam/sauna room, with room for a nutritionist to conduct
patient counseling. There’s also talk of a drive-thru window for medicine. Anything the group adds to the facility will be sure to help patients even more.
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s each day comes closer to their one year anniversary this May, the Haskins are working to bring better access to patients from across the state. “Every day I don’t end up in handcuffs is a good day in my book,” said Kris, giving Sarena a hug. “And we’re going to be here until that day.”
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access RAINIER WELLNESS CENTER 3111 S. PINE ST. TACOMA, WA 98049
(253) 302-3365
Rainier Wellness Tacoma access point features welcoming space, ample medication options and an array of tasty, quality edibles BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN
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SWEET-TASTING CRONIC TONIC COMES IN LEMONADE AND BERRY FLAVORS
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acoma’s Rainier Wellness Center is an all together warm, friendly-feeling and professionally run access point dedicated to the patient experience. With over a year’s experience doing it, the center has really gotten the chance to grow, said founder Don Meridan. His business model reaches far beyond the basic access point. It’s evident in the name: Wellness Center. “It’s never been about the money, we’re here for the patients,” Don said. “I want to be able to offer more than just medicine.” The center sits at 311 South Pine Street, nestled in a commercial area easily accessible from any direction in Tacoma. It has a large and open parking lot, is ADA-compliant throughout, and feels more like a pediatrician’s office than an access point. Rainier
Wellness is fully compliant with guidelines endorsed by the Tacoma Medical Marijuana Task Force, and, in a first for the area, has planned a drive-thru coming later this spring for disabled patients. “We’re constantly trying to improve,” Don said. “I think having the drive-thru will be great. The idea comes from pharmacies. A lot of our patients have trouble walking and this will make it easier.” Inside the center is a maze of rooms, each with a different purpose. The main feature is the bud-room, a wide open area with displays lining the walls and a marijuana t-shirt rack occupying the center. There’s also the private vendor/medicine screening room complete with LCD microscope technology for analyzing medicine. And, in another side room, you can find either a massage therapist or Reiki instructor, day
T-SHIRTS WITH FUN CANNABIS STRAIN ICONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SPACIOUS BUDROOM
A BUDTENDER USED CHOPSTICKS TO PICK UP BUDDHA CHEESE, AN AIRY BUD INDICA
BLACK SHEEP MEDIBLES HAS TASTY AND POTENT OPTIONS FOR THE HOME CHEF depending. Rainier feels like a true wellness center, and the friendly staff guiding patients to the right therapy only adds to the experience. “The part I love [about budtending] is tailoring the medicine to each patient,” explained expert budtender Jeff Mullins. “It allows us to help patients specifically with their medical needs.” He pointed us towards their large selection of edibles. The store features a great line of exclusive medibles under the label “Black Sheep” that includes a
“we’re constantly striving to lower prices on medicine by developing better relationships with vendors.”
potent and delicious marinara. It’s freshly jarred and with a solid shelf life, great for dipping breadsticks or swimming with noodles. One jar got us feeling noticeably medicated for about an hour and a half. Another manufacturer makes cornbread and pancake mixes, too. For the home chefs, there’s a potent infused butter, and an olive oil available. Brownies were spotted inside as well. “We’re constantly striving to lower prices on medicine by developing better relationships with vendors,” budtender Alec Byrns said. “Patients need better meds at affordable prices.” When it comes to medicine, Rainier doesn’t mess around. They have a donation range of $8-13, with a daily $100 halfounce special that’s worth a peek.
While inside, we looked at three different strains exclusive to the center. In the Sativa category, Lemon Rip has a refreshing citrus taste and a clean smoke that expands heavily inside the lungs. It lives up to the Rip surname, with a heavy sativa effect that fills the mind without residual harshness. The Orange Cindy is equally great, with a smell reminiscent of Laffy Taffy. It’s very sweet and clean, with a smoke that leaves a heady, perked-up buzz. The Buddha Cheese is perfect for Indica lovers. It has airy buds and lots of red hairs, packing an impressive smoke with a distinct cheese aftertaste. The relaxing effects are immediate, with a long lasting body high that didn’t leave us groggy. For Don, having quality medical cannabis products isn’t just good business. He needs it to survive. “I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2009. It’s a lifechanging event. You never really recognize your own mortality... that you only have a specific amount of time,” he said decisively. “It’s also
what made me start learning about medical cannabis.” Don takes a regiment of medicine that includes Rick Simpson oil and locally sourced tinctures. He doesn’t smoke dry flower, and is extremely careful of the products he ingests. He’s said he’s following a vegan diet, and must be careful to keep up a healthy lifestyle. His cancer is currently in remission following a surgery last October, he said, after he required an emergency trip to the National Institute of Health in Wash., DC. Today, family and friends are praying the cancer stays in remission. For most people the physical and mental burden of cancer would make running a small business impossible. But for Don, it comes down to how it’s simply good medicine and the way its helped him. “Every day I wake up and I’m excited for work and have energy,” he said. “You get to a certain point where you look at everything differently. It’s not about making money. It’s about making a difference.”
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SEATTLE CANNABIS
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10326 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA 98133 206.462.1008 TheMedicineJar.com M-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 12pm-7pm
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Location: 10326 Aurora Ave N. Seattle WA 98133 (The Medicine Jar)
Come meet only the BEST processors of cannabis infused products from around The Puget Sound. Enjoy vendor products at HALF OFF or better! FREE raffle ticket at door. Many will win! BIG DISCOUNTS on all flowers through The Medicine Jar! Learn about the various medicine options available and how they are produced. Access point directors are encouraged to attend.
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SEATTLE CANNABIS EXPO
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access PUGET SOUND HEALTH ALTERNATIVES 3202 15TH AVE WEST SEATTLE, WA 98119 206-402-5082
iNTERBAY icon In a magnolia suburb, puget sound health alternatives is helping patients in a professional way with top-shelf strains for the cannabis connoisuer BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN
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f a single word could possibly come to summarize Puget Sound Alternative Health, it would have to be exclusivity. For founder Paul Kleinstein, it’s just the only model worth pursuing. “I wouldn’t in a million years think about buying medicine off the streets,” he explained, noting the surplus of unknown and undocumented vendors who fail to impress. “Every strain we have in — I’ve personally seen the garden and can say I stand behind it.” It’s this uncommon model that has earned PSHA a sterling reputation in Seattle. The idea is simple: have exceptionally high-quality medicine and focus only on that. No t-shirt displays and pot culture posters to distract, skip the high pressure sales displays, and forget the genetically
unknown medicine selection or random-offs. “We take pride in knowing our strains from top to bottom,” Paul said. “From the growing medium to the nutrients, and even into the cure. Some of our strains have been cured for up to a year.” In an industry where disclosure is the exception, the strain knowledge here is inspiring.
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ot to mention the medicine. “We have strains here that have never seen a bag,” he said, referring to the curing process. “When I get a pound it comes in 16 individual jars. And it stays jarred until the day it leaves.” While this attitude and treatment of medicine is common amongst the older generation growers, some have chosen to forego old school methods in order to increase profitability and yield. With Paul’s model of three contained growing networks he is able to ensure the quality 100% of the time, without compromise. The Malawi strain PSHA carries is a perfect example of this. Paul displays batches of the strain that have been cured for three months, six months, and at times, even a full year. Comparing the three versus the six is night and day. The longer cured batch was infinitely frostier, with heavy trichome coverage developed during the cure. The cannabinoid levels also skyrocket during extended cure, bringing huge medicinal properties to the dank-smelling strain we enjoyed trying on a cold, but sunny Seattle day. “We specialize in small production sativas,” he said. Specifically the Malawi, and also with unique diesel blends. Those East Coast strains.” In short, the value is in the details and energy. Medicating with the Malawi is a unique experience indeed. This golden and stretchy sativa take 120 days to flower, a rarity among the big-budding eight week strains popular with commercial growers. The bud structure is pure sativa, with denser patches exuding a fermented tropical fruit smell that’s very sweet on the outside. When snapped, the buds release a rich golden guava smell that lingers on the mind. Malawi has a sharp taste, but not harsh in any way, and leaves a sweet aftertaste upon exhale. Much like
I wouldn’t in a million years think about taking in medicine off the streets. every strain we carry, i have seen the garden and stand behind it.
”
-Paul Kleinstein, founder
a cup of coffee, it’s instant energy but with better than average medication duration. Also worth noting is the Jazz, with its clean smoke and uplifting indica buzz, that’s functional for daytime relaxation. It’s “sweet with a spicy finish,” Paul added. The pineapple has an exceptionally sweet taste, with no harshness and an easy finish. For a strain commonly available, this Pineapple shines as an extraordinarily strong example. Also notable was the Chem Dog, one of the best in the city, it’s at the $10 donation level — reasonable. “Even with our $15 grams we have breaks,
and we run weekly $25-eighth specials through Weedmaps. We want to provide value while making sure a patient never feels taken advantage of,” Paul said. While the focus is primarily on dry meds, PSHA also has a full selection of medibles, bubble hash, BHO/Honey Oil and prerolls. Their selection of 25 to 30 strains range in donation from $9-15, with the Malawi coming in at $16. All eighths are capped at a $50 donation, with further breaks available. “We’ve opened the doors to what this medicine is and the true power of it,” he said. “We understand cannabis.”
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TACOMA / OLYMPIA / SEATTLE
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NORTHWEST LEAF
STRAIN OF THE MONTH REVIEW BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN
With dense and well-developed nugs,
this Purple Diesel is a solid addition to any patient’s medicine jar. It smells like fruity pebbles when cracked, and visible trichomes and crystals shine from the inside of the nug. The taste is equally sweet, with a clean and expansive smoke— just one bowl is enough to medicate with a nice, relaxed and quick onset high that has just the right longlasting effect. This hybrid blend of true purple crossed with sour diesel is sure to delight.
T.H.C.O
511 N. 85th St. Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 829 - 9435 Hours: M-F 11a-7p S/Su 10a-4p www.thcommj.com | Facebook: THCO
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Purple Diesel finished at 8.5 weeks
New to Ravenna!
thesecretgardencoop@hotmail.com Phone: 206-257-4026
3418 N.E. 65th St. Suite C, Seattle WA 98115 www.thesecretgardencoop.org Fax: 206-588-2576
New patient specials! The only co-op in Washington offering herb preserve jars
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SPECIAL SECTION
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Glass six talented glass artists from across the state share their unique process for creating an array of innovative, exciting work BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN
This oil dome features a hinge to allow easy access to the heating area, and the included dabber set comes with a free holster!
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Whitney harmon FROM: BELLINGHAM | YEARS EXPERIENCE: 11
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hile the connection between pot and science fiction can easily be defended, most would find the idea of smoking out of a ray gun improbable. Until now. From Bellingham, an area known for locally developed glass and medicine, comes the Ray Gun Assault Rifle. It made its debut at the Champs Glass Competition in Las Vegas, recently. The piece is the perfect embodiment of the Champs 2012 Glass Games theme, Sound, Light and Movement. “People cannot believe when I pull the trigger and the alarm sound comes out,” the creator,
glass artist Whitney Harmon said. “It’s an attention getter.” Whitney has been lampworking since 2001 and entered the glass world strictly to work with boro, he said. “I started working at a glass shop where they did a lot of production. For a long time, bong stems paid my bills,” he said with a laugh. “My work has always been art-based. It just took a long time to build the relationship with the glass.” Over the last eight months, Whitney has pushed to develop his artistic style further — and it all comes together in the ray gun design, he said.
People cannot believe when I pull the trigger. “I’ve started becoming an inventor. I do a lot of drawings, then I hit the shop and make it,” he explained. “All the early prototype guns had fixed pieces and no electrical. Then, when the design was ready, I went to K-Mart and bought eight of these kids toys and started tearing them apart.” Once apart, Whitney enlisted the help of friend Joel V. to get the electronics in place. The end result is a working ray gun that has a trigger action, complete with
twirling led lights and an earsplitting siren. Of course, it’s also a working bong suitable for medicating. The piece photographed is actually the second fully functional piece, the first having sold at Champs in Las Vegas. The current one is priced at $2,500. “This is what I do for a living,” he said. “I’m going to keep pushing forward.” With work like the ray gun and the hinge dome oil pipe to the left, he shouldn’t have too many problems moving on up. More online at Facebook.com/jub.glassworks
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“
I’ll get big bursts of inspiration, lots of energy. Then I hit the flow and I just go with it.
This set of two fully functional water pipes named Zarclon is priced at $10,000. The two pieces sit nestled on top of each other with the help of a supporting base.
scott ‘scozz’ tribble FROM: BELLEVUE | YEARS EXPERIENCE: 12
E
very day I wake up like any other guy, putting my pants on one leg at a time. Then I walk my dogs, take a few bong tokes or dabs, and it gets me in the mood to jam!” explained Tribble. He was trying to give us a glimpse into what drives the artistic process. “I’ll get a big burst of inspiration, lots of energy. Then I hit the flow and go,” he added. Scozz, as he’s known, has been working with boro for 12 years. In that time he’s developed a cult-like following among artists and buyers alike. Unlike some artists, Scozz loves to design glass that isn’t made for smoking. A perfect example is his passion for glass nudibranch’s.
“It’s Nudibranch, like nudiebranch (at right). They’re basically sea slugs, but there’s 5,000+ types, and thats just what we know about.” They’re his spirit animal, and he makes the glass versions purely for art. But that’s not the only thing he can make. He also designs futuristic glass pieces, everything from hanging and lit chandeliers to the marbles he’s so fond of. “I’m conceptually creative,” he said. “But each piece is different. Sometimes I start with a full design, and other times I just make it up as I go.” Pieces like his “Skull and Dagger” retail for around $2,000, while his dab kits range from $150-400. The marbles are individually priced and range from $50-1,000.
TOP: DABBER AND OIL DISH SET ABOVE: A MESMERIZING MARBLEBELOW: A NUDIBRANCH SCULPTURE
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SPECIAL SECTION
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Top of the
Glass Wierdeer
As an artist you’re either making a piece of art, or it’s just another piece of production
FROM: COLORADO | YEARS EXPERIENCE: 11
“Flip Hinge Dome”
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ithin the glass industry subculture, it’s common to find artists with nicknames or artist profile names. Of them all, Wierdeer takes the crown for individuality, and you can see it right in his work. “As an artist you’re either making a piece of art, or it’s just another piece of production,” he said. For Wierdeer, it’s about the art. He started working with soft glass 11 years ago, and was fascinated with it from day one, he said. After three years of soft and fused glass, he dove into boro and hasn’t looked back. “I enjoy all types of glasswork,” he explained. “But I’m a pot head. So that and boro fused together.” As a former Colorado patient, he loves the medical scene in Washington. It
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has led to some of his most creative glass work, like the Flip-Top Domes he originated a year ago. They retail for a range of $160450 depending on color and detail on the piece. They’re a perfect attachment to any water pipe, and make dabbing a breeze for the clumsiest of patients. “Big ups to Scozz, Worm, Gordman and everyone else who has influenced me along the way,” he said, of artists and friends who helped make him a full time lampworker. “It has its ups and downs, but I’ve been making my living solely [through glass] now for seven years.” You can find Wierdeer online at www.facebook.com/wierdeer.glasswerks1, as well as at Champs and ADE in the upcoming year.
“Dark Marbles” BUBBLER ($5,000) 12 HOURS TO COMPLETE
THE PIECE IS A WONDER TO BEHOLD, THANKS TO ITS ENTRAILS AND A STRONG SENSE OF SHAPE.
Jared “Gordman” Csakany FROM: SEATTLE | YEARS EXPERIENCE: 5.5
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or Gordman, it all began with a friend. He would skate with Scozz, kick it til’ night with him, and even bought one of his first pieces. He was painting houses commercially for work, but kept feeling the call of the torch. “I thought it was really cool,” he said, at Scozz’s home. “That’s what got me super excited to start learning.” Working with Scozz, he spent the next three years learning his craft on nights and weekends, the whole time holding down a regular day job. “Once I stopped working as a painter and focused all my energy on glass, I developed,” he said. “I was able to devote
more energy and run with it.” Now, some five and a half years after he first lit a torch, Gordman makes his living as a lampworker and glass artist. “It’s awesome. Everything I make is inspired.” His piece, Dark Marbles, is a perfect example of his unique style. He also makes a wide range of more common glass, but is staying focused on artistic development and growth. “With a lot of pieces I try to take skills I’ve been practicing and put them in something large and extravangant,” he said. “Props to J-Red & Scott for the teaching, Wierd Eer, Quave and others for the inspiration and help!” What are friends for?
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Glass Hondo Pinzon FROM: RENTON | YEARS EXPERIENCE: 5
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atching Hondo work behind the torch is an experience. He’s focused, dialed into an infinite degree of precision, and yet in the next minute he’s laughing and smoking a cigarette. Whether by himself, or in a collaboration with an artist like Chris Drags, Hondo embodies the confident artist. And he’s only 22 years old. “I think it’s important that young lampworkers like Chris and I get out into the community,” he said, referring to the pairs young age. “Most of the guys doing this have been in it for years. We’re just trying to make it [in the industry]. Clearly, their art is on par with anything else in the industry. The difference, Hondo thinks, is their desire to learn and collaborate. “We’re talking, collaborating. We focus on the process, being verbal about decisions and knowing our design three to four steps ahead,” he said.
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“It’s key to constructing a piece that’s such a process.” On collaborative pieces like the bubbler seen at right, both Hondo and Chris will have put 10 to 12 hours each into the beautiful glass art. “It’s an ever-changing process. You might have an idea in your head but the glass just doesn’t go that way. It constantly changes,” he said. One thing that hasn’t changed is Hondo’s consistently quality work. His glass has sold nationally as both smoking devices, and as display art like the “Crazy Eyes” octopus worth $250. He’s even sold items like a set of custom glass T-Rex heads for a museum back east, and a collection of glass Space Needles for a Seattle Museum, he said. But it’s about more than the awards and the accolades. “I have a lot of respect for boro, and not just for pipes. Just think about it: long after you or I are dead that glass will still be here.” It’s eerie — but so true.
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It’s an ever-changing process. You might have an idea in your head but the glass just won’t go that way. It constantly changes.
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN
Yes! YOU CAN ACTUALLY SMOKE WITH THIS! glass artists chris drags & hondo crafted this beautifully intense piece over 16 collaborative hours in a renton, wa studio
I wake up inspired to go to work and create something different.
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“NIGHT FURY” BUBBLER ($1,800) 16 HOURS TO COMPLETE
“THE WHOLE PIECE EVOLVES AS WE TAKE TURNS ADDING TO AND GROWING THE DESIGN.”
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Chris Drags FROM: SEATTLE | YEARS EXPERIENCE: 4
C THIS TOO! SWORD PIPE ($350) FOUR HOURS TO COMPLETE
hris Drags doesn’t have a favorite color, he said, because they all inspire him. “I don’t do a ton of colors, but I’m a big fan of two-tone accent coloring, for simplicity.” The 22-year-old’s style results in the dramatic and clean pieces that you see here: all distinctive coloring, shapes and lines which contribute to an overall sophisticated design. Chris has been blowing glass for about four years, two of those professionally. “I am basically behind the torch every single day. I love it,” he said. “I wake up every day wanting to go to work.” He has begun collaborating and working with his friend, Hondo, in an airy Renton, WA studio called Uptown Glassworks. It’s here that Chris and Hondo might work on a piece for as long as 16 hours, in the case of Night Fury, the piece at far left. Even so, the process starts with the barest of sketches. “We see where the piece evolves, it’s part
of the creative process,” Chris said, describing how they will take turns pulling, bending and shaping the design. On Night Fury, his favorite part was the skull wings, which alone took a few hours and could be put on a goblet, independently, and the swirls of color near the bubbler base (“you have to line it up perfect”). The piece? 16 inches tall. When it’s all done, Chris said he feels a real sense of accomplishment — and a bit of fear that it might break or get damaged before someone got the chance to experience it and try it out. As for what goes inside the artwork? “I’m not opposed to it,” Chris demurred. He was more willing to discuss was the amazing work being done across the Pacific Northwest. “Some of the biggest, most technical work is happening in this area,” he said. “I’m just happy to be a part of this, this glass culture.” For information on wholesale or to contact Chris, email chris.dragovich@ hotmail.com or Facebook ‘Chris Drags.’
BUT NOT THESE, CUZ’ THEY’RE BELT BUCKLES. FILLACELLOS ($150-200) FOUR HOURS TO COMPLETE
THE BUCKLE DESIGNS ARE MORE COMPLICATED THAN THEY LOOK, CHRIS SAID, DESCRIBING HOW SEVERAL SEPARATE GLASS TUBES OF COLOR MUST BE COMBINED FOR THE EFFECT TO WORK.
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growtech
Diving Into
Hydroponics
TIPS FOR HIGHER YIELDS, HEALTHY CROPS & LITTLE WASTE
BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF
I
n this month’s article we will be completing our series reviewing ebb and flow as well as recirculating deep water culture growing systems. Ebb and flow, also known as flood and drain hydroponics, is one of the most versatile systems available. Many different growing styles, growing mediums and nutrients can be used with this method, which features low maintenance and, luckily for the new gardener, predictable results. Characteristic to all ebb and flow is that the medium your plants grow in are periodically flooded, or the container they sit in is filled with nutrient solution, which is left to soak for a set period of time. Then it’s drained. One of the simplest methods of setting up an ebb and flow system is with a propagation tray and reservoir. The propagation tray sits immediately above the reservoir. Two lines are plumbed to the tray on the same side. One of the lines functions as a safety drain which sits at the top of the water line ensuring your tray doesn’t overflow and the other functions both as a spigot when the pump is on, and a drain when the pump is off. The line used to plumb the lower spigot/drain is thinner in diameter than the safety drain and sits as low as possible in the tray. A pump sitting in the reservoir periodically turns on and pumps nutrient solution through the spigot line, filling the tray. This process continues until the water level reaches the safety drain. Because the safety drain is plumbed with wider tubing than the spigot, the solution is capable of draining at a faster rate than the tray can be filled, therefore creating a consistent nutrient level in the tray as long as the pump is running during the feeding cycle. At the end of the allotted time, the pump turns off and the existing solution drains
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PART 2 OF 2
from the tray back down the line that it was originally being pumped in through. The grower can then MISSED PART 1? choose what medium, size Make sure to visit issuu.com/nwleaf/ pots, and number of sites to docs/march2012 use, placing them into the tray. Trays and reservoirs are readily available in sizes from 2’x2’ all the way up to 8’ x 16’ — lending maximum flexibility. Some growers will use porous net pots filled with the medium of their choice and place the desired number of sites in each tray. Others fill the tray with the medium and have their plants grow directly into the medium-filled tray. Still others combine methods, starting plants in individual net pots, then filling the tray itself (usually with a highly porous aerated medium; hydroton for instance) as roots protrude from the net pots.
B
ecause of the flexibility and low number of parts involved in these systems, they can be an excellent choice for all types of growing preferences, medium choices and nutrient brands. The system allows the grower to customize the number of times per day the plants are fed as well as the length of time for each feeding, allowing even further tailoring to suite your growing medium as well as the plant’s life stage. Additionally, because the reservoir is centralized, changing and adjusting the nutrients, as well as flushing is fast and easy. The draining process of the feeding cycle provides large amounts of fresh oxygen to be infused into the roots as nutrient solution is pulled through the medium as it drains being replaced with fresh oxygen
>>SEE HYDROPONICS PG. 60
System Pros & Cons NFT PROS: Simple to set up, low maintenance, can use many nutrient types effectively, efficiently, relies on centralized reservoir. CONS: Performs best when growing a smaller # of plants in greater # of sites.
TOP DRIP PROS: Accommodates many container sizes, growing medium and nutrient types. Has centralized reservoir, is effective, efficient for drain to waste systems. Allows lots of customization for feeding schedules. CONS: Drip lines require regular maintenance to avoid damaging salt build up and clogging.
EBB & FLOW PROS: Simple to set up and maintain. Usable in
many different growing mediums, and container sizes. Centralized reservoir. Ebb and Flow comes in any number of configurations from tray’s to buckets. CONS: When using propagation trays, they must sit above the reservoir. If height is limited, precious vertical grow area is used for reservoir placement.
RDWC PROS: No growing medium used so roots can achieve
a level of density not possible in other systems. Super fast growth and high yields. Extraordinary oxygen delivery to roots that leads to greater success. CONS: No central reservoir so reservoir changes, flushing and affecting pH or nutrient change is difficult. Nutrient selection is fairly limited.
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>>HYDROPONICS, FROM PG. 58
AT LEFT: EBB AND FLOW SYSTEM | ABOVE: RECIRCULATED DEEPWATER SYSTEM from the surrounding air. The last system we will review harbors this grower’s favorite method, recirculating deep water culture. Consistent to all deep water culture is that the plants roots are allowed to grow directly into the reservoir feeding it. The reservoir is aerated with an air diffuser to create a vigorous, bubbling, highly oxygenated environment for the plant’s roots to grow into.
M
any deep water culture systems involve an individual site for each plant, for instance a five gallon bucket. Recessed into the lid of each bucket sits a net pot filled with a small amount of growing medium. Newly rooted clones are placed directly into the medium with the roots as close to the bottom of the net pot as possible. The bucket is filled with nutrient solution to a level about 2-5 in. below Deep water is one of the net pot bottom initially. the most effective ways The new roots will to deliver all important seek the moisture oxygen to your plants created by the roots while ensuring your vigorously bubbling nutrient solution plants never go hungry. immediately below the medium. Once the roots reach the solution, explosive root expansion occurs. With no medium to take up growing volume, the roots reach a density level not possible with a growing medium. Many of the buckets can be plumbed together in this type of system: all sharing, and recirculating the nutrient solution. A reservoir and control bucket is then attached to the system so that as plants use and deplete the levels of nutrient in each bucket, the control buckets registering the change. The reservoir is able to “top off ” or refill the bucket’s nutrient level using a float valve.
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Because the roots are living directly in the solution they feed from, food is always readily available and you don’t have to vary feeding frequency or duration. Deep water is one of the most effective ways to deliver all important oxygen to your plants roots while ensuring your plants are never hungry. The high levels of oxygen promote explosive root growth and, as a result, accelerated plant growth and extremely high yields. Also because the system only requires the roots to bath in aerated water, anything from a 16-oz. plastic cup (party cup competition) to a 100-gallon drum could theoretically become a plant site. As the plant’s root ball develops, some growers lower the level of nutrient solution at each plant site to increase the plant root’s exposure to oxygen. Deep water growers also have a habit of flashing their plants’ roots as they develop, often at inappropriate times, exposing offensive amounts of raw white roots like a medallion of success. They hang out their net pot or proverbial chest...so beware.
R
ecirculating deep water culture does have its down sides. First off because all buckets are plumbed together and the total amount of your nutrient solution exists in equal portions over multiple sites, adjusting, draining and changing your nutrients can be a lengthy process. Unlike systems fed from one central reservoir, it is more challenging to equally adjust levels at each plant site and requires slow change and forward thinking. In order to raise the pH of the system for instance, you could either pH-adjust each site, which is effective but time consuming, or adjust the top off reservoir’s pH so that the new solution “topping off ” each site is slowly correcting your pH. Being able to anticipate your plants’ needs in the correct time frames is critical
to successfully run this type of system at its highest production level. Corrections can be more difficult and time consuming to execute. DWC limits your nutrient selection as well. Nutrients that have high amounts of organics or high levels of suspended particles in deep water systems generally don’t perform well over time. The highly oxygenated environment tends to make organic nutrients go aerobic, and high particle matter can make the system difficult to clean. Also, the nature of a plant’s roots constantly soaking in water does require root maintenance and attention.
U
sing products like hygrozyme, regeneroot or other products designed to protect your root mass from unwanted bacterial and fungal blooms will often be unnecessary. Many growers prefer running sterile systems (systems that periodically use low levels of hydrogen peroxide) when implementing their RDWC systems to avoid any bacterial exposure whatsoever. In all systems, it is critical to use large circumference tubing, plumbing each bucket together (3/4 inch or greater) to avoid having stray roots that may grow into the tubing clog the lines. I hope the combination of these articles provides insight into the function, benefits and limitations of each hydroponics gardening system and encourages you to consider your first grow, or improve on your existing one.
As always, Happy Gardening!
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Quick hit:
behind the strain
Stoney Girl Gardens
combines Pit Bull, named for the founder’s American Pit, Arianna, with two supposedly university-developed underground strains, Berkeley and P91, to create the Blue Bull. The South American Landrace’s sativa influence combines with legendary breeder DJ Short’s blueberry. It provides a rare combo of extraordinary blueberry flavors and scents, appreciated by so many medical cannabis users, with a racy sativa effect.
Blue Bull NORTHWEST LEAF CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON ON THE SATIVA-DOM STRAIN
How it grows: Like all the Stoney Girl Gardens strains, the
Blue Bull finishes fast with 45 days in bloom. Jennifer, the founder, has created a unique combination of specifically selected genetics with a less conventional feeding schedule, creating flowers that have become famous. They’ve appeared in Ed Rosenthal’s Big Book of Buds 3, and on the cover of the 4th edition. Reliable 28 to 45-day bloom cycles yield resinous flowers with test results of 25 percent to 30 percent THC. While I’m familiar with the growing style and the Portlamsterdam curriculum (their Dinner plate-sized growing school that relies on proprietary leaves, displaying methods and soils), I run the Blue Bull blue strain crinkle, strain with a more conventional approach emerge past day 7 — finishing her out at 56 to 61 days. Both parents were represented in the two phenos, but I selected for the Berkeley Blues-dominant phenotype evident by the extraordinary blueberry muffin aroma. It becomes remarkably evident around day 50 from seed. The other pheno has a more skunky smell. Blue Bull has vigorous growth characteristics. Dinner platesized leaves, which display the “crinkle” found in blue strains, emerge after day seven. Blue Bull has the light, airy growing patterns evident in several OG Kush strains. It is a medium-toheavy feeder. She fires her branches up, up and away, then pushes out several large fan leaves, which are concentrated towards the branch top. Blue Bull can finish at up to five ft. or more if not controlled indoors. It can stretch 200% to 300% in the first three weeks of bloom. While topping is helpful, topping combined with super cropping produces the highest yields in my garden. During bloom, Blue Bull focuses the majority of its flower sites towards the top of the branch, leaving the bottom of the branches with few leaves and high air circulation. Light thinning in the upper canopy of the largest leaves allows superior uniform site development. Immense trichomes are immediately evident. Full glandular development of the trichome heads all the way to the tips of almost every leaf is common, making it an excellent hashish producer. She develops large, spear-shaped kolas, which, when trained properly, deliver an above-average yield.
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The smell dances into my awareness as soon as i crack open the cure jar. The Genetics: [Pit Bull (Sugar Plum (Berkley Blues x Hawaiian Haze Plum) x (P91))] x Berkley Blues (Berkley x DJ Short Blueberry)]
Smoke Report: Copious amounts of resin
contrasted against the deep blue calyxes, producing an eye-popping dried flower. Blue Bull needs at least 30 days in cure to properly develop and express all the complexities of her potential. The sweet, tart scent of warmed blueberry muffins lays over hints of lemon chiffon as the smell dances into my awareness as soon as I crack open the cure jar. Sweet/sour blueberry citrus flavors rush into my mouth and pound down into my lungs riding a train of thick, robust smoke.
The Effect: Medium lung expansion accompanied by an eye-opening rush of energy, akin to the onset effects of a quad-shot Americano. It spills from the top of my brain into my toes. Thoughts pour into my head as smoke bellows out. A list of the reasons for all the “fuss” about DJ Short’s Blueberry starts in my head as I scour the room, frantically looking Thoughts for something to clean. I pour into notice I’ve been staring at my head the screen, curious how as smoke time had skipped an hour bellows out to 3 a.m. My body selfishly refuses to tire. An explanation involving daylight savings starts assembling in my mind. That is, until I realized I had medicated with some particularly great Blue Bull. If I didn’t put my body in a sleeping position, I was likely going to hit both 4:20’s that day. I lay down, allowing thoughts to continue bleeding out my ears until well, I don’t know when. Bottom Line: A speedy and intense daytime med option, Blue Bull provides energy & motivation seldom found in the blueberry family. Tasty and exciting to grow, BB is an excellent medication for patients needing relief from nausea or depression.
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health & science
Cannabis concentrates have created a whole new sub-genre of paraphernalia and terminology among cannabis users today
THE TRUTH ABOUT BUTANE HASH OIL >> Cannabis concentrate offers more bang for your buck, but at what cost? | PHOTO BY FLICKR/THAGOODIEZ BY NORTHWEST LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCOTT D. ROSE
O
ne of the more popular cannabis concentrates available in the collectives is butane honey oil or BHO. Depending on the many variables of preparation and post treatment, BHO takes on many different textures, and therefore BHO goes by many names including the ever popular “budder.” A single budder hit is said to deliver two joints worth of cannabinoids all at once, and is less detrimental to the lungs because it is similar to vaporization. Budder, more of a solid than an oil, is simply BHO processed further. Some prefer its ease of use and stronger potency. In its more liquid forms, it can be
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spread on a rolling paper, and, in its more solid forms, can be spread over a smoked form of cannabis to increase potency. Smoking the flowers or buds does not achieve the same relief for many patients, and they will often require smoking hourly whereas one concentrate hit may sustain an individual for many hours. Cannabis concentrates are more potent than any other cannabis product and may help with harm reduction from smoking over time. BHO is made by pushing liquid butane through a tube packed with cannabis plant material. Liquid butane quickly dissolves the trichome heads, and extracts the medicinal cannabinoid compounds. A solution
of cannabinoids, waxes, and oils dissolved in butane comes out the other end through a filter. The cannabisbutane solution is collected and then evaporated in various ways to dissipate the butane solvent. Post-extraction treatments include activated carbon filtration, alcohol washings, vacuum purging, heating and whipping in an attempt to rid the final product of solvent residue to obtain a purer, higher quality end product.
M
ost concentrate connoisseurs and health conscious individuals prefer inhaling the concentrate directly. Cannabis concentrates have created a whole
new sub-genre of paraphernalia and terminology amongst cannabis users. A special bong-like apparatus or bong attachment is used and the concentrate vapor is generally filtered through water. One must heat a “nail” (made of glass or titanium) with a “torch” (similar to that used in the kitchen for crème brûlée) and when glowing hot - place a “dab” of concentrate on the “nail” with a “dabber” (metal or glass wand) immediately turning the concentrate to a vapor retained by the “bell” (a glass dome to keep the vapor from escaping) which is simultaneously inhaled. There is a bit of a learning curve, some rules of operation (basic pyrotechnics!) and yes, proper etiquette is required.
>> SEE BUTANE HASH OIL, PG. 68
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health & science >>BUTANE HASH OIL, FROM PG. 66 There are concerns around the cannabis concentrates, however. First among them, the purity of the concentrate products. Traces of solvents in the final product can cause negative health effects. Effects of inhalation commonly observed with butane are blurred vision and incoherent speech, coughing, nausea and vomiting, and an increase in salivation.
W
ith higher exposure, people can experience confusion, hallucinations, and aggressive behavioral patterns. Tinnitus, a ringing noise in the ears, and muscle movement problems, are some of the other side effects of butane. Many of these effects are seen with inferior quality butanes that have odor compounds added, as butane itself is odorless. Only high quality premium refined butanes should be used to reduce toxicity. Celebrity talk show host Montel Williams has been public about his use of BHO, which he said made his neurological symptoms worse because of butane contamination. The second concern is testing — there are no industry standards for routine testing of end products, though testing is available. A mass producer donating to the public should be routinely testing their product and labeling it. For the home extractor, testing your methods periodically to make sure you are producing a clean product is important. There are devices that are available (such as the Tamisium) for solvent extractions that are virtually a lab setup for home use. These units are supposed to be very efficient, reclaiming the solvent and filtering for future use, and also properly purging the final product of solvent residue which leads to a higher quality product. It is also much safer for the user. Butane is highly explosive — heavier than air — and tends to pool with inadequate ventilation. It’s just waiting for a spark. Too
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we do not want to lose the brilliance of the symphony at play in the whole plant. after all, Seeking the most bang for the buck is a product of prohibition —whiskey is more potent than beer. many careless or inexperienced individuals have been maimed and killed in the making of BHO. Leave it to experienced providers or proceed with absolute caution.
T
he fourth concern is that of legality. California has passed a strict solvent extraction law prohibiting the production of cannabis concentrates. The penalty carries up to seven years in jail and up to $50,000 in fines. “It’s the same punishment as making methamphetamine. There’s no exception for making hashish with butane,” Narcotics Task Force Commander Carl Sturdy said. “You can possess it with your medicinal marijuana recommendation, but you can’t make it.” Sturdy continued, “We’re actually seeing more butane honey oil labs than we are meth labs right now.” So what does that mean? Essentially, as a cannabis patient in California, it’s ok to be in possession of, and even use BHO, but you cannot get caught producing it. Mr. Montel Williams purchased his
BHO from a California dispensary that did not label it as BHO, so as he claims he was unsuspecting. We have not seen the same here in Washington state. Although it is often referred to simply as “honey oil,” they are the very same item.
on a crack torch, and can explode like a meth lab. Proper safety and common sense during production, achieving a quality solvent free end product, and proving it through appropriate testing should be the goal.
Final concerns center around losing sight of the value for the whole cannabis plant as medicine. In talks of producing synthetic cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, concentrated forms of cannabis, and perhaps, “rescheduling” these medicines, we do not want to lose the brilliance of the symphony at play in the whole plant. Seeking the most bang for the buck is a product of prohibition, as whiskey is more potent than beer. The failed prohibition of cannabis in this country is driving the market toward stronger concentrates of cannabis like BHO products. But at what risk?
oncentration and isolation are not necessarily better as medicines. Tests find BHO contains 80 to 90 percent of its cannabinoids as THC. It contains rather small percentages of cannabidiol (CBD) which has promising medicinal effects and moderates the stimulating effects of THC. BHO is also mostly devoid of terpene compounds (the odor compounds) which are known to work together medicinally. In shifting the paradigm away from the “smoking of pot” to the use of cannabis as medicine, we do must not give those against medical cannabis more ammunition.
B
HO truly is more potent and psychoactive, looks more like a processed drug than a plant, relies
C
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Celebrate that special time of year by visiting some of these area 4/20 events — you’ll be surrounded by patients and likely, great medicine — and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Happy toking!
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2012 DOPE Cup 4/21 8pm $30 — 21+ 2916 Utah Ave. S. Seattle, WA
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One of the largest yearly 4/20 celebrations is at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. PHOTO BY STEVEN REYES
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Now accepting new patients
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Not JUST Alternative Healthcare, This Is Alternative Health WITH Care. North Seattle’s Premier Collective A.S.L. Interpreter & A.D.A. Compliant
11736 Aurora Ave N Seattle WA 98133
Store Phone #206.257.4500