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#5 | SEPT. 2020
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THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PAIRING CANNABIS
7 EDITOR NOTE 8 NATIONAL NEWS 9 LOCAL NEWS 12 HIGHLY LIKELY 14 EXPERT OPINION 16 STONER OWNER 18 WOMEN IN WEED 20 PATIENT PROFILE 22 SHOP REVIEW 24 STRAIN OF THE MONTH 26 TANNINS & TERPENES 27 FRIENDLY FARMS 28 WONDERBRETT 29 ABSOLUTE XTRACTS 30 CODA SIGNATURE 31 CANNATIQUE FARMS 32 WEED WINES 34 PRODUCTIVE PAIRINGS 36 TALKING ‘BOUT TERPS 38 GW SMOKE BREAK TV 40 CANNABIS RECIPES 41 EDIBLE OF THE MONTH 42 CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH 43 TOPICAL OF THE MONTH 44 CANNTHROPOLOGY 46 STONEY BALONEY
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TANNINS & TERPENES STORIES by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 & CALIFORNIA LEAF CONTRIBUTORS | ART by SVTDESIGN
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TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE caliFornialeaf.COM
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shop review SEPT. 2020
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California Leaf heads to napa for a visit to the beautiful and customer-friendly harvest house of cannabis dispensary of napa.
STORY by SKYE CABRERA for CALIFORNIA LEAF | PHOTOS by MIKE ROSATI @ROSATIPHOTOS
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
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F / N O RT H E AS T L E A F
A B O U T T H E C OV E R “Tannins & Terpenes Issue is one of my favorite editions to produce each year. Exploring flavor nuances and creating intentional combinations to bring forth certain effects is a titillating and exciting experience, each and every time. We are still learning so much about this incredible plant and are stoked to share our findings with you in each issue. So grab a copy, kick back with one of the pairings found in this edition and dive into a world of flavor with us. Pictured on this month’s cover is Alvarado Street Brewing’s Pineapple Ginger Seltzer paired with Coda Signature’s Pear & Ginger Fruit Notes. “4:20” glass collaboration by Killer Acid x Hop Culture.”
TEXT & PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NateW415 @CaliforniaLeafMag
PUBLISHER
CONTRIBUTORS Mike Ahmann Styling Bobby Black Features Tom Bowers Features Skye Cabrera Features Steve Elliott National News Danielle Halle Photography Jeff Porterfield Design Mike Ricker Features Meghan Ridley Editing Mike Rosati Photography Zack Ruskin Features Pacer Stacktrain Features Laurie & Bruce Wolf Recipes
WES ABNEY | founder & editor-in-chief wes@nwleaf.com 206-235-6721
STATE DIRECTOR NATE WILLIAMS | ADVERTISING SALES nate@californialeaf.com 415-717-6985
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ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up our annual Tannins & Terpenes edition! Marijuana is safer than alcohol! I feel like that statement must lead the way for this note, because it is an unequivocal truth. If we looked at health impacts, deaths and the billions in social and healthcare costs that alcohol is responsible for, we would instead be selling Cannabis on every street corner. That said, it’s 2020 and we are getting closer to a future where Cannabis is at least treated equally to alcohol, and the two certainly do pair well together when the occasion calls for it. When we first started pairing the two in Northwest Leaf in 2012, the idea was to bring awareness to the many flavor profiles and styles that exist in the Cannabis sphere. An attitude from then still prevails today in many parts of the world: All pot is just pot. Our journey through pairing Cannabis and alcohol has led us to throw events celebrating the two, to create custom cocktails and mocktails infused with terpenes, and to get really good at using Cannabis as a hangover preventer. More on this at a later date, but google Cannabis neuroprotective properties and let your mind run. The point being: We enjoy bringing these pairings to life and this year we have some great options for you to try.
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WE ENJOY BRINGING THESE PAIRINGS TO LIFE AND THIS YEAR WE HAVE SOME GREAT OPTIONS FOR YOU TO TRY.
New for this year are our “Productive Pairings” - a concept from our California Leaf Director Nate Williams. The idea that you can only pair weed with alcohol is silly, so we made four new pairings with tea, coffee, kombucha and mate. These productive pairings are great for starting or getting through the day! I’m currently enjoying a blonde espresso roast with dabs of Unicorn Poop from Echo Electuary in Oregon, and it feels pretty damn good. I hope that this issue inspires you to try new pairings and flavor combinations, becoming an educational tool for you to share with anyone who still thinks all weed is created equal. So light up, pour a tasty beverage and enjoy this scintillating issue of the Leaf!
-Wes Abney SEPT.2020
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WES
NATIONAL NEWS
northwest
“Our research has always shown that a majority of Montanans support legalization, and now voters will have the opportunity to enact that policy, which will create jobs and generate new revenue for our state.”
CANNABIS SOCIAL EQUITY MAKES PROGRESS IN WASHINGTON STATE
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ttempts to increase minority participation in Washington state’s marijuana industry are ongoing, but government officials there face hurdles in creating a workable social equity program, due to stiff competition and plentiful supplies, reports Marijuana Business Daily. Governor Jay Inslee in March signed House Bill Gov. Jay Inslee 2870 to create a new social equity program “that provides business opportunities to people from disproportionately harmed communities so they can ... become a Cannabis retailer.” Existing weed retailers in Washington are well established, as the state began recreational sales in 2014. That makes the state one of the most competitive in the nation for all types of Cannabis licensees. It will still be months before any social equity business licenses are issued, according to state health department employee Christy Hoff. Members of a task force - expected to consist of about a dozen people from state agencies, Cannabis businesses and minority representatives haven’t been selected.
-New Approach Montana Political Director Pepper Petersen, describing the group’s successful effort to get Initiative 190 and Constitutional Initiative 118 on the November 2020 ballot.
ARIZONA LEGALIZATION INITIATIVE WILL BE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
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‘POSITIVE PERCEPTIONS’ OF CANNABIS FOR LEGAL STATES
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esearchers with the University of Waterloo, School of Public Health in Canada surveyed 5,530 adult respondents living in Alaska, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington state, and they found some very reassuring news, reports NORML. Adults over the age of 21 who live in states where retail Cannabis sales are allowed tend to have positive impressions of the marijuana industry, according to data published in the journal Addictive Behaviors. “The current findings suggest generally positive perceptions of the legal Cannabis market,” the authors reported. “THIS DATA ONCE “Most respondents, including frequent AGAIN AFFIRMS THAT MOST VOTERS DO NOT Cannabis consumers, perceived legal EXPERIENCE ‘BUYER’S Cannabis to be of equal or greater quality REMORSE’ FOLLOWING and convenience, and as safer to buy and MARIJUANA use than Cannabis from illegal sources.” LEGALIZATION.” “This data once again affirms that most voters do not experience ‘buyer’s remorse’ following marijuana legalization,” said NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano. “In the minds of most Americans, these laws are operating as voters intended and in a manner that is consistent with their expectations.”
tons of Cannabis hidden inside lime boxes was seized at the Mexican border by authorities in August.
SEPT. 2020
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percent of Canadian Cannabis market share is earned by vape pens, reports Headset data.
LEGALIZATION
NEW INITIATIVE TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS SALES FILED IN D.C.
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annabis could become legalized in Arizona in the near future as a new measure has officially qualified for the November 2020 ballot. The Secretary of State in August announced that activists had turned in enough valid signatures to qualify, one month after about “ADULTS WOULD 420,000 signatures HAVE THE RIGHT were submitted, reports TO LEGALLY POSSESS UP Marijuana Moment. TO AN OUNCE Adults would have OF CANNABIS UNDER THE the right to legally MEASURE.” possess up to an ounce of Cannabis under the measure. Cultivation of up to six plants for personal use would also be allowed. Restorative justice provisions are also included in the measure, such as allowing people with prior pot convictions to petition for expungements and establishing a social equity Cannabis business ownership program.
trends & culture
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southwest
ctivists have filed a new proposed bailout initiative to legalize Cannabis sales in the nation’s capital. The “New Modern Day Cannabis Justice Reform Act” would halt prosecutions of marijuana cultivation, sales and consumption, reports Marijuana Moment. It would also stop Cannabis from being the cause of police searches and provide for record expungement of prior marijuana convictions. D.C. voters approved a legalization measure in 2014, but it only covered possession and home cultivation - not sales. The city has been prevented from implementing a retail model due to a Congressional rider barring it from using local tax funds for such purposes. The currently unregulated system of legalization has failed to address problems such as racially disproportionate enforcement, according to Dawn Lee-Carty, Executive Director of the campaign behind the initiative. To qualify for the ballot, activists would need to collect 24,835 valid signatures from registered voters. Activists recently submitted enough signatures to qualify Initiative 81, which would decriminalize psychedelics in D.C.
politics
PELOSI DEFENDS MARIJUANA’S COVID-19 THERAPY POTENTIAL
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ouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August defended a provision of the Democratic coronavirus relief bill tied to Cannabis. “I don’t agree with you that Cannabis is not related to this,” Pelosi said during a press briefing, reports The Hill. “This is a therapy that has proven successful.” House Democrats passed their own $3 trillion stimulus bill called the Heroes Act on May 15, but it never got a vote in the GOP-controlled Senate, reports Forbes. The provision would have allowed legal Cannabis businesses to work with banking services, reports USA Today. Cannabis business have been deemed ‘essential’ during the pandemic, but aren’t eligible for Small Business Administration loans, according to the National Cannabis Industry Association.
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new Cannabis retail licenses will be issued by Illinois in September, more than three months after the deadline.
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Cannabis plants were seized after two men were arrested for illegal cultivation in Bradford, England
$50m $348m
is the projected value of Virginia’s limited commercial medical Cannabis program by the year 2024.
was the jaw-dropping record amount of retail Cannabis sales reported for California in just the month of July.
STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
California Cannabis Sales On The Rise Despite Pandemic
local NEWS
CALIFORNIA C
alifornia’s legal Cannabis market continues to grow year over year. In Q2 2020, California reeled in more than $208 million in weed derived tax dollars. Adding in the $84 million
from Q1 tax revenues, and the state has seen just shy of $300 million this year. Since the beginning of the state’s adult-use market in 2018, California has brought in nearly $1.5 billion. However, this is only a fraction of the revenues the state could potentially derive. Currently, about 75% of the state’s cities and counties maintain a moratorium on Cannabis businesses, hindering the legal market’s success and bolstering the illicit market, particularly within those jurisdictions. Other states like Oregon and Illinois are seeing similar trends and posting record numbers for both sales and tax revenues.
Cannabis Research Lab Coming to Desert Hot Springs
T
he first research company to land a government contract to study Cannabis will be headquartered in Desert Hot Springs, California. Royal Emerald Pharmaceuticals secured a former K-Mart, a three million square foot space, and plans to employ over 400 individuals to operate the facility. The company’s focus will lie in research
THE LAB HAS THE GOAL OF PRODUCING THE FIRST NON-ADDICTIVE MEDICINE THAT CAN BE USED TO TREAT VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
The hellish year that is 2020 continues to unleash devastating event after devastating event. In late August, a group
of thunderstorms occurring across California sparked hundreds of fires that claimed several Cannabis farms, and with limited containment and a waning workforce due to COVID-19, it’s likely they won’t be the only losses sustained this season. More than SMOKE IS ALSO 11,000 lightning strikes A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR WORKING ignited more than 300 AGAINST OUTDOOR fires in a 72-hour period. CANNABIS FARMERS Beyond the threat of ACROSS THE STATE. losing additional farms to fire, smoke is also a significant factor working against outdoor Cannabis farmers across the state. Not only can smoke diminish a plant’s exposure to the sun, if it’s bad enough, it can translate to the end product and lessen the quality - or even render it largely unusable.
Long Beach City College Adds Cannabis Curriculum
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eginning in September, Long Beach City College will be launching the first Cannabis-focused
class in their curriculum. All 42 slots for the eight week long course covering all aspects of the Cannabis industry were filled in under two hours. The course is being taught by state licensed analytical testing facility BelCosta Labs VP of Strategy and Operations, Nate Winokur. The course will take place remotely and is designed to assist those looking to enter the industry, educating students on everything from the history of legalization to cultivation to retail. This development signifies the continued and growing need for mainstream organizations such as universities and research laboratories to accommodate the ongoing demand for enhanced education on Cannabis.
STORIES by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
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and development, with the goal of producing the first non-addictive medicine that can be used to treat veterans and first responders that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, known commonly as PTSD. The site will be primarily used for cultivation and laboratory space, however it will also house a 200 bed opiate addiction recovery facility, slated for launch in 2021. While the terms of the Drug Enforcement Agency sponsored contract weren’t disclosed, Royal Emerald Pharms announced it plans to spend $400 million over the next five years to develop these facilities.
Fire Destroys Cannabis Farms, Threatens More
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SUSANBLACKMORE In the same lecture, she went on to talk about how Memetics refers to the before any sort of SUSAN BLACKMORE IS societies have developed relationships to mindstudy of information and recreational legalization A RENOWNED BRITISH altering substances: culture, and is based on in America, Blackmore WRITER, LECTURER, “In just about every human society there has ever the concept of Darwinian admitted to a largely PROFESSOR AND been, people have used dangerous drugs - but evolution. One of the best academic audience that BROADCASTER WHOSE most have developed rituals that bring an element ways to simply look at what FIELD OF RESEARCH she consumes Cannabis: INCLUDES MEMETICS, of control or safety to the experience,” noted memetics studies is the “Some people may PARAPSYCHOLOGY Blackmore. “In more primitive societies, it is shamans concept of the ‘meme’ in smoke dope just to relax AND CONSCIOUSNESS. and healers who control the use of dangerous drugs, internet culture. One can or have fun, but for me choose appropriate settings in which to take them study what effect memes the reason goes deeper. and teach people how to appreciate the visions created and shared (and edited) online In fact, I can honestly say that without and insights that they can bring. In our own society, can have in the real world; say, on social Cannabis, most of my scientific research criminals control all drug sales. This means that justice movements or the rise of neowould never have been done and most users have no way of knowing exactly what they are fascism. of my books on psychology and evolution buying and no one to teach them how to use these Parapsychology is the study of processes would not have been written,” she said. dangerous tools…” typically considered outside of scientific “Some evenings, after a long day at my “It’s an old metaphor, but people often liken the knowledge of the capacity of the human desk, I’ll slip into the bath, light a candle task to climbing a mountain. The drugs can take brain. Processes like telepathy, telekinesis and a spliff, and let the ideas flow - that you up in a helicopter to see what’s there, but you and hypnosis. lecture I have to give to 500 people next can’t stay. In the end, you have to climb That said, listening to a lecture from week, that article I’m writing the mountain yourself - the hard way. Blackmore can be a heady experience. for New Scientist, those “I can Even so, the drugs may provide the But it’s Blackmore’s wit and colloquial tricky last words of a book honestly say inspiration to keep climbing.” style of interpretation of big subjects (like, I’ve been working on for that without This is only an introduction to you, for example – consciousness) that has months. This is the time Cannabis, most dear reader, of one of the many subjects made her such a popular lecturer and when the sentences seem to of my scientific (61, by my count) that this column has essayist. I recommend a seven minute write themselves. Or I might research would covered over the past five years. It is YouTube video called “Consciousness sit out in my greenhouse never have my hope that this small introduction – A Short Introduction” to see how easy on a summer evening been done will pique your interest enough to learn she makes big, sweeping concepts among my tomatoes and and most of a little bit more about her and about understandable to lay people. peach trees, struggling with my books on your own consciousness - and what But what might be Blackmore’s most questions about free will or psychology beneficial things that Cannabis does for compelling thoughts on Cannabis (and the nature of the universe, and evolution it. If a leading scientist can be helped other mind-altering drugs) can be taken and find that a smoke gives would not have by this remarkable plant, let’s see what from her 2005 speech at the Cheltenham me new ways of thinking been written.” we can do! Science Festival. There, a full 10 years about them.”
SEPT. 2020
By PACER STACKTRAIN for LEAF NATION | PHOTO by CREATIVE COMMONS
EXPERT OPINION caliFornialeaf.COM
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language barriers Why do brands and budtenders alike cling to terms taken from 18th century definitions?
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alling a particular product sativa or indica is much like describing a wine by its vine. It is interesting information if you enjoy plant morphology, but falls short when relaying the nuances of effect, aroma and taste. Yet here we are today, drowning in the vagueness of these words. They are marketed on every item and muttered by the bulk of budtenders. From dispensaries to the mainstream media, we can’t escape these persistent plant identifiers. The terms sativa and indica have come a long way from their original definitions: ones that focused on geographical origin and plant structure. Despite a constant flow of community conversation on the matter, they remain widely misused. In a 1753 publication titled Species Plantarum (one of the first works to present a system of scientific nomenclature), a Swedish botanist named Carl Linnaeus introduced the name Cannabis sativa. At that time, Linnaeus described but one species of hemp (of the sativa variety). It wasn’t until European naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck listed another in 1785 that the world was introduced to “Cannabis indica.”
SEPT. 2020
A British Medical Journal piece by editor Geoff Watts explains that Lamarck originally distinguished Cannabis sativa from the indica variety “on the basis of several characteristics including their firm stems, thin bark, and the shape of their leaves and flowers.” In a 2016 publication called Cannabis Taxonomy: The Sativa vs. Indica Debate, Robert Clarke and Dr. Mark Merlin observe that Lamarck named the second species Cannabis indica - meaning ‘Cannabis from India’ - after the first wave of this “highly psychoactive plant” reached Europe. While Linnaeus observed the hemp-like, narrow-leafed, low THC characteristics of Europe’s plants being grown for fiber, Lamarck documented India’s wide-leafed, high-potency plants grown for hashish. The high-potency plants that were observed as “indica” may have something to do with the classification’s reputation as heavy hitting and sleepy. Originally grown for their fiber production and low THC, sativas became well known as light or uplifting. This knowledge gives us insight into the way these words are used today. But our scientific evidence has grown a great deal since the 18th century, and we now have access to a neverending network of information at our fingertips. It’s easier than ever to learn about strain lineage, cannabinoids, terpenes, and the synergy of mechanisms like the entourage effect that affect the human body far beyond what simplified categories of Cannabis can relay. So, why do brands and budtenders alike cling to terms taken from 18th century definitions? These classifications were never put down on paper as a way to describe effects and if they were, years of evolution and breeding would have rendered them obsolete in the 2020 market. There’s no question that regulation has played a part in the industry simplification of classifying Cannabis. Companies can’t legally make medical claims and are limited in how they describe products. The State of Oregon doesn’t require terpene testing either, so many companies don’t see the need to test every product for a complete profile. With only parts of the puzzle (like THC and CBD) required on Oregon Cannabis labels, it is admittedly difficult to assess the outcome of particular products.
“There are biochemically distinct strains of Cannabis, but the sativa/indica distinction as commonly applied in the lay literature is total nonsense and an exercise in futility. One cannot in any way currently guess the biochemical content of a given Cannabis plant based on its height, branching, or leaf morphology...It is essential that future commerce allows complete and accurate cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles to be available.” -Dr. Ethan Russo The solution? Consumer education and conscientious company branding. Educate your staff, encourage terpene testing and take time to use alternative product descriptors. Tempted to describe a strain’s effects as sativa? Try terms like uplifting, focused or energetic. Got an inclination to say indica? Try talking about sleepiness, heaviness or relaxation. There are a plethora of descriptors that will avoid rustling regulator’s feathers over medical claims. When thorough terpene testing isn’t available, there are many ways to read about common cultivar characteristics. Clarifying that there is no need to throw out the terms sativa and indica should soothe any sour feelings this far into the conversation - after all, they are irrefutably relevant to growers and breeders identifying the morphological characteristics of plants. But drastically limiting the use of this tacky terminology on the consumer side would serve this and future Cannabis communities well. Generalizing the massive variety of benefits is damaging to normalization efforts, the medical movement and consumerism alike. Narrowing presentation down to sativa, indica or hybrid severely limits the long list of incredibly valuable effects Cannabis can provide. Amanda Day is a multimedia artist and journalist based in Eugene, OR who has worked for Leaf Nation since 2019.
STORY by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA | ILLUSTRATION by SVTDESIGN
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stoner owner
MARTIN OLIVE
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VAPOR ROOM
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VAPORROOM.COM | @VAPORROOM 79 9TH ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA Martin Olive is a 20+ year San Francisco resident and President of Vapor Room SF, possibly San Francisco’s first dispensary to voluntarily test every single product for potency and safety before putting them on store shelves, well before recreational legalization made that a requirement. While still drawing from their days of being a compassion and community oriented business, Vapor Room has made the leap to become a recreationally legal Cannabis retailer.
SEPT. 2020
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST ENCOUNTERED CANNABIS? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE?
In 1991, I had turned 15 and it was the summer before high school. My friends and I managed to score a few joints of some sensimilla weed from an older brother of a friend. We sat in a broken down VW bus in my friend’s driveway. We puffed (and choked) on a couple doobies while listening to Dinosaur Jr. and Nirvana tapes. I was one of those kids that felt the effects right away. It felt good and natural and calming. I knew this was a beneficial substance for my state of mind, even at that age. HOW HAS YOUR CONSUMPTION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? These
days, I’m more of a quality over quantity stoner. I puff effectively, to relieve daily stresses and symptoms. While I puff every day, I do so with precision and intent, more so than previous times where I was all about puffing continuously to maintain a high level of highness all day and night. During the day, I hit the Mighty to keep a level headed and motivated buzz. When the day is done, I get started on bowls or joints while chilling on the couch or with friends. I remain curious about new products and technologies. I’m always on the hunt for heirloom strains. I love a lot of new genetics, but the familiarity of an old school strain really gets me where I need to go. I still hate bongs - always have, always will. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST WEEDRELATED EXPERIENCE YOU’VE WITNESSED? Ha! If only I could
remember! In my 18 years and counting in the Bay Area weed scene, I’ve been lucky enough to be at some amazing sessions, meet so many inspiring people, and live a life that 15-year-old me could never imagine. I think that little dude would be pretty damn proud of who he grew up to be. Times where I was literally surrounded by dozens of turkey bags full of California’s finest will be memories I will hopefully never forget. Through the years, we’ve had more than a few fancy pants folks come through the shop, but my absolute favorite was Jack Herer visiting regularly when he was in the city. He’d sit down and simply hold court in the lounge in such a genuinely warm and caring way. Having the father of this movement bless your shop with his presence (and nugs) and say that we were his favorite San Francisco dispensary will always be a highlight of my career. Also, when Woody Harrelson would come by and hang out in the lounge. We’d play chess together (he’s really good!) while puffing and swapping stories. Man, what a rad dude!
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH CANNABIS ON A BUSINESS LEVEL?
“WHILE I PUFF EVERY DAY, I DO SO WITH PRECISION AND INTENT, MORE SO THAN PREVIOUS TIMES WHERE I WAS ALL ABOUT PUFFING CONTINUOUSLY TO MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF HIGHNESS ALL DAY AND NIGHT.”
In 2002, I was fortunate enough to get involved as an activist in the medical and therapeutic Cannabis movement here in San Francisco. I helped start a small collective dispensary with some friends. Dispensary and cultivation groups were less of a ‘business’ back then, operating more like collectives of activists motivated to bring this healing plant out of the -MART underground and into the hands of the ill, the impoverished and the disabled. People who relied on medical Cannabis for effective and affordable relief of their varied medical issues were the founders of this movement, and none of this would exist today across the country if it wasn’t for the first few brave folks that risked life and liberty to grow, dispense or consume Cannabis as advocates and activists. We were all focused on fighting for safe access at the local, state and federal levels, keeping compassion programs thriving to support people with medical needs despite limited funds, and being at the forefront of a movement that started in the Bay Area and has now, 24 years later, changed the world. It was a really amazing time and I’m grateful for it every day. As far as running a business about it, honestly, it was simply out of necessity. We had to run a business to stay open and continue being of service. When the dispensary owner sold the shop to someone we weren’t aligned with ethically, our core group took off and started Vapor Room in Lower Haight in 2003. From there, it really all began for me. It went from a fun stoner job I believed in and loved, to my life’s calling and a source of pride in being an advocate for this amazing plant and its community. WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF OWNING A DISPENSARY IN TODAY’S LEGAL MARKET?
IN OLIVE I could likely fill up every page of this magazine with challenges, frustrations and complaints about today’s market. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment. I guess ultimately, I feel like we’ve lost sight of the core values of Cannabis as a social therapy and a sacred substance. My biggest gripes are overregulation, highly funded outside interests taking over, a cultural skew towards ‘recreational’ use over therapeutic use; all this while noting a decades-long blind eye at the federal level as to how amazing of a contribution Cannabis is to communities and society. Basically, take all the hassles of running any other type of tightly regulated business, and add in the hassles of over-regulation, over-taxation and lack of access to standard financial services. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR SHOP’S LOCATION? We just reopened our
shop in SOMA after our Lower Haight shop was shuttered by the DOJ during their 2012 ‘crackdown.’ While I deeply miss our old neighborhood and community, our SOMA/ downtown location reminds me of city living - that sort of frenetic energy where people are hustling and moving all day. I’ve lived in city centers my whole life, so it feels oddly comforting to be surrounded by so much diversity and energy in a central neighborhood that is quintessentially San Francisco. Our shop is small but mighty! This lets us pivot quickly, adapt to challenges easier, and keep the shop clean and stocked with well-curated options from local, equity, minority and female led brands and products.
A Stoner Owner is a Cannabis business owner who has a relationship with the plant. We want to buy and smoke Cannabis from companies that care about their products, employees and the plant. You wouldn’t buy food from a restaurant where the cooks don’t eat in the kitchen, so why buy corporate weed grown by a company only concerned with profits? Stoner Owner approval means a company cares, and we love weed grown with care. Look for the Stoner Owner stamp when purchasing fine Cannabis, and let’s retake our culture and reshape a stigma by honoring those who grow, process and sell the best Cannabis possible.
INTERVIEW by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF | PHOTOS by JEN SISKA @JENSISKA
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profile
women in weed
SARA PAYAN
APOTHECARIUM
PUBLIC EDUCATION OFFICER TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR HISTORY WITH THE PLANT.
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I started using Cannabis at 13. In college I would smoke occasionally, kick back on the weekend or have a couple puffs at the end of the week - and then when I was going on 37 and started getting sick. Prior to that, I came to SF from Michigan in the mid-’90s looking for new meaningful work. I was always into art, but I got here and got into tech, in IT/ operations management. It paid the bills, but it made me really unhappy. I quit, walked out, took a year off and then started working in Civil Rights. I loved my work but I still felt really empty. After getting sick, I used Cannabis to help with nausea and getting myself eating. I didnʼt realize how helpful it would be. I knew THC was important, but no one was talking about CBD back then at all. After chemo and while recovering I said, ‘I didnʼt almost die twice through chemo to lead a life Iʼm not happy with. I went back to school to get my master’s degree, and wanted to get a job that I didnʼt have to think about numbers with. Apothecarium offered me a job while I was going back to school - I was a patient first. I was always really passionate about herbal medicine and aromatherapy, and was going back to school to become a homeopath.
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THIS IS OUR TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE? Linalool. It’s relaxing. I have a terpene kit that I
use when I have in-person classes. When I started medicinal weed, we werenʼt talking about terps. We were just talking about THC and we would just talk about the flowers themselves - like Sour Diesel can be good for antispasmodic effects, while White Widow is good for bronchial issues or migraines. Now Iʼm glad that we are getting more into strands or cultivars, the chemical breakdown and how that works in synergy to create effects. HAVE YOU EVER MADE YOUR OWN EDIBLES? HOW DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE LOOKS IN THE CANNA-FOOD INDUSTRY? Oh yeah! Cannabis is such an amazing thing to
mix with food. We have a lot of edibles where the Cannabis taste is taken out, but itʼs actually really complementary to a lot of different foods. For us, we have it in our smoothies every morning and I put in a whole bunch of chards and berries. I have THCA every morning. It really supports my adrenals. Iʼve baked with it, Iʼve cooked with it - but I donʼt have as good of a handle on dosage and I donʼt eat homemade edibles anymore, but I used to!
SEPT. 2020
AT T H E I N T E R S E C T I O N O F C O M PA S S I O N , E D U C AT I O N A N D SOCIAL JUSTICE
The LNU Complex Fires are actively happening 45 miles away. Smoke is permeating the skies of the cities we live in, but that doesn’t stop Sara Payan, Apothecarium’s Public Education Officer, from happily giving me some of her time to not only educate, but be the embodiment of linalool in human form. The educator, consultant, writer and cancer survivor embodies the exact kind of empathy and compassion that makes the Cannabis industry a future we can find comfort in. THE STIGMA IS STRONG WITH CANNABIS USAGE FOR CANCER. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE SEEKING AN ALTERNATIVE PROCESS TO HELP THEIR LOVED ONES, BUT FIND IT HARD LETTING GO OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND TRUSTING THE PLANT? We are all really different. Some of us donʼt
tolerate phytocannabinoids, and thatʼs OK. I will say, it’s not a cure - itʼs a therapy. These are therapies that work with certain people and I would never tell someone this is IT. Itʼs a very personal experience whether you want to use it or not. Cannabis can work in conjunction with a lot of traditional therapies, and a lot of research has showed it can actually help them work better. We put things under the umbrella of cancer, but they are all really different. Depending on body chemistry, age, etc. - you’re going to need different amounts and ratios to have a therapeutic effect. Itʼs maddening when youʼre sick and scared. You want to know that youʼre gonna survive. I really encourage people when they are looking to use cannabinoids as a cancer therapy, to work with practitioners who know what they are doing. I will help people to work on symptom management because thatʼs my specialization: to help with neuropathy, pain, anxiety and to get people eating again. Iʼm responsible as an educator and a survivor to refer people to people that know what they’re doing. ARE THERE MOMENTS AT THE APOTHECARIUM OR WHILE EDUCATING WHEN YOU’RE LIKE, ‘YEAH, THIS IS THE RIGHT PATH FOR ME?’ When I was first running
the Compassion Program, I had a patient come in on 4/20 of all days. She was in pain and completely hunched over. She had decided to use Cannabis to help with the pain and couldnʼt use chemo because of her heart condition. I started her off with 18:1 oil. Half gram. A senior on fixed income. She had friends help her purchase it. She started using it and the next time she came in, she was standing up straight and said, ‘It really helped!’
When she went to see her doctor, he said, ‘I donʼt know what youʼre doing, but keep doing it, because for the first time in two years Iʼm seeing a change.’ It was so good to see! Every day since the day that I started working in Cannabis, Iʼve had those moments and it’s part of my healing process. It feels good to be able to help people, because so many people in my community helped me when I was sick. Itʼs very rewarding. I really feel like my work and what makes me wake up every morning is my service: to empower people through the correct education and mentor people to become mentors and do the work. I came to this work in the weirdest of ways and Iʼm really lucky. YOU’RE NAMED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WOMEN IN WEED BY THE GREEN MARKET REPORT FOR 2020. YOU’VE GOT AN AMAZING PODCAST. YOUʼRE TEACHING IN UNIVERSITIES LIKE UCSF. DID YOU IMAGINE IT WOULD GET TO THIS POINT? IS YOUR FAMILY ON BOARD? My mom is a cancer researcher and
an oncology hematology nurse. She was cool with me using Cannabis when I was sick, although she will say she meant to say Marinol. Haha! I think had I not had a cancer experience, I donʼt know that my family would have been as OK with it. They definitely thought I was going through a phase, but were happy I was alive. I think they were really surprised to see where I went with it. I certainly was.
CANNABIS CAN WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NUMBER OF TRADITIONAL THERAPIES, AND A LOT OF RESEARCH HAS SHOWN IT CAN ACTUALLY HELP THEM WORK BETTER.
WITH COMMERCIALIZATION, I SORT OF MISS THE UNDERGROUND CULTURE OF CANNABIS AT TIMES. HOW DO WE NOT LOSE ITS SACREDNESS, INCLUSIVITY AND MINDFULNESS? The mindfulness -
the social justice aspect of it - is really important. With the commercialization aspect of it, I think the part that disturbs me is the magnification of parts of the culture I donʼt like.
The misogyny, the toxic masculinity. For me, being in San Francisco and working in the Castro, I think it’s a very queer-oriented herb. The bro culture and the objectification of women is the part that gives me pause. I think the ones coming into it with heart - we have to check people on that. Itʼs coming from a gentle healing place. Weʼre just a bunch of nerdy queerdos in this industry - it’s gotta be an inclusive place to be. WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE OF THIS INDUSTRY? I really want to build a richer
education. We have so many people who have not had enough contact with the plant and the people. There are people who have the best intentions, but are out there miseducating. What I really want to see and am hoping to work more on, is looking at the possibility of more of an apprenticeship model - where people are really working with Cannabis, so they actually understand. We started this movement, not the industry, but the movement of helping the patients. I really want to help create a rich intersectionality of compassion, education and social justice. We had a compassion program that Iʼm relaunching this month. Iʼm in the midst of writing a book for people going through cancer treatment. I’m excited.
@SARAMITRAPAYAN SARAPAYAN.COM
STORY by SKYE CABRERA @SKYE.CABRERA | PHOTOS by DANIELLE HALLE @SWEET.DEEZY for CALIFORNIA LEAF
patient profile
David Goldman, right, with his husband, Michael Koehn
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For longtime San Francisco resident David Goldman, being a medical marijuana patient and being an advocate are simply two halves of the same coin. Along with his husband, Michael Koehn, Goldman also oversees the Brownie Mary Democratic Club of SF – a certified DCCC club focused on giving advocates a voice when it comes to local, state and federal Cannabis policy. SEPT. 2020
DAVID GOLDMAN
The club’s name honors ‘Brownie’ Mary Rathbun, an early advocate for Cannabis who famously brought THC-infused brownies to AIDS patients back when such activities where entirely illegal. “We wanted to impress upon legislators that it’s not enough to just say that you’re in favor of legalizing Cannabis,” Goldman said. “The devil is all in the details of how it’s regulated, right?” As a longtime state medical marijuana patient, Goldman has watched as patient protections guaranteed by California’s Prop 215 (passed in 1996) were, in essence, stripped away by the implementation of Prop 64 in 2018. For one example, he points to the fact that it is now illegal in California to consume Cannabis in public. “Before Prop 64 there was no law saying you could or couldn’t smoke in public if you were a medical patient,” Goldman explained. “That’s no longer true. Prop 64 made it illegal to smoke in public, anywhere. Now it’s either $100 fine or $250 fine. There are over 48,000 places in the state under normal pre-COVID conditions where you could go drink alcohol, but there are less than 50 places in the state where you can legally smoke Cannabis.” These are the issues that Goldman raises when the Brownie Mary Democratic Club of SF meets. Today, those meetings may be virtual, but the urgency of their work is as timely as ever. Earlier this year, Goldman enjoyed the fruits of his labor when Gov. Gavin Newsom included an extension for expiring state medical Cannabis cards in a recent executive order focused largely on COVID. Working with Newsom’s top aide on Cannabis, Nicole Elliot, the group successfully lobbied the governor to treat state Cannabis card renewals just as they have regular IDs and driver’s licenses. As Goldman points out, providing peace of mind for medical patients who are unable to make in-person appointments with their local department of public health is a major victory, but it’s not the only one. In addition to ensuring said patients can still access the marijuana they rely on as medicine, a valid state card also offers a very real level of security in a world where, despite what the law may say, it’s still very easy to get in trouble for having Cannabis. “If you’re caught with more than an ounce,” he explained, “you might be guilty of a misdemeanor, unless you are a medical patient. Unfortunately, cops do not have to check for a card or paperwork from a doctor’s office. They only have to check for the state card.” The somewhat paradoxical reality that California’s efforts to legalize the consumption and sale of recreational Cannabis have actually negatively impacted some medical patients is one Goldman would like to change. On his list of ways things could quickly get better: reduced taxes and fair employment protection. “There’s no fair employment protection for medical patients,” Goldman said. “Nor for adult consumers. We’ve twice passed bills in the state legislature under Gov. Schwarzenegger to correct the decision made by Ross vs. RagingWire, which
“Goldman continues to push for big changes while also honoring the core tenets that first sparked the flames for marijuana policy reform.” said that medical patients had no employment protection for using Cannabis on nights and weekends. We’re not saying you should come to work stoned or impaired. We’re saying that if you use Cannabis at night and on the weekends, like people do with alcohol and tobacco, that shouldn’t be immediate grounds to allow an employee to get fired.” These are the cracks which Goldman feels must be filled if the dream of safe and affordable access to Cannabis for all is ever to be truly realized. A proud patient himself, Goldman has a personal investment in seeing these improvements come to pass. He is also a former teacher with 34 years of experience. From 2008 to 2013, he and Koehn served on the leadership team for Americans for Safe Access before leaving over policy differences. Set in his refusal to let the past dictate the future, Goldman continues to push for big changes
while also honoring the core tenets that first sparked the flames for marijuana policy reform. The latter takes the form of a partnership between the Brownie Mary Democratic Club of SF and California Street Cannabis Company – an equity-owned dispensary in the city. The two organizations are working together to provide free Cannabis for low-income, HIV-positive gay men. The reason such work is possible comes from a bill, SB 34, that Goldman also worked feverishly to see passed. Originally denied a signature by Gov. Jerry Brown, the “Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Act” was finally signed by his successor. It will finally fix a loophole created by Prop 64 that forced businesses to pay taxes on donations of Cannabis to compassion programs. It was another step forward after two steps back. Thankfully, Goldman is prepared to keep pace.
STORY by ZACK RUSKIN @ZACKRUSKIN for CALIFORNIA LEAF | PHOTOS by MIKE ROSATI @ROSATIPHOTOS
SHOP review
HARVEST HOUSE OF CANNABIS Harvest House of Cannabis’ Napa dispensary immediately demands the attention of its evolving city with a bright yellow hue adorning the storefront. Chromotherapy enthusiasts will note the solar plexus chakra color that is said to deliver energy, wisdom and activate a higher mind. Indeed, Harvest is intentional in its mission to educate and elevate. As soon as you enter you are greeted by warm associates who assist you in gaining a medical card, for this medical-only storefront, or offering up to $100 in credit as reimbursement for first timers. Enjoy the blue holographic 3D displays on the widescreens as you explore the magnified flower wall or self-help kiosks. The open sales floor plan, plus clean and clear labeling featuring minimalist design make it easy to find what you are looking for. Scenic Southwestern frames along the walls recall their Arizona roots with post-modern ceiling lights creating an earthy ambiance, all the while beats and the aromatic scent of essential oils create a relaxing vibe.
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Harvest stocks an impressive trusted selection brands like their pre-rolls by Brotherly Love and frequently have 40% discounts on eco-friendly Legion of Bloom vapes and pods. You’ll find solid favorites like Kiva Chill’s Camino infused gummies and Kanha tropical flavored edibles. Roots live resin sugar and Island Minis provide a Caribbean summer aesthetic. The brand itself has an amazing array of accessories to assist with your elevated experience and to add to its variety. Harvest occasionally invites local vendors into their space to share selections of products that are unique reflections of the Napa community.
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CEO Steve White went from helping people as a lawyer to helping people with his first Harvest location in Phoenix in 2013. They’ve grown monumentally since, serving nine states including Arkansas and Pennsylvania, and were one of the first dispensaries in Napa. Harvest prides itself on creating a robust experience for patients. They created Harvesting Hope, a nonprofit organization supporting young children suffering from seizures and have helped many families. They pride themselves on being connected to everything from social justice to health and human services within the communities they bloom in and serve.
At Harvest, budtenders or dispensary associates are naturally friendly - as well as educated on everything from terpenes to THC. They are encouraged to continue their education through an online portal called LIT and are given quizzes with mandatory deadlines to excel in ongoing product knowledge. The diverse group of associates simultaneously helps with all aspects of the shop, while learning the many anchors of the business. Building patient relationships is part of the synergy of their amazing work culture, creating an inclusive vibe where associates treat each other and customers like part of one huge Harvest family.
Harvest is clean, beautifully organized, and pretty yet practical. This is a no-frills, seamless dispensary experience for first timers or anyone who wants a quick stop shop with quality products that won’t break your budget, plus a memorable staff. If you’re lucky you’ll run into General Manager, Bianca, who will happily answer any questions you have about which pre-roll pairs best with a nice pinot. If you’re in Napa, make it part of your wellness routine and be sure to grab an MD-certified educational pamphlet on the way out - you’ll leave wiser and happy that you came.
SEPT. 2020
NAPA, CA
HARVEST HOUSE OF CANNABIS NAPA 2449 2ND ST., NAPA, CA 10AM-8PM DAILY (707) 681-0599 HARVESTHOC.COM @HARVESTHOC
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ENJOY THE BLUE HOLOGRAPHIC 3D DISPLAYS ON THE WIDESCREENS AS YOU EXPLORE THE MAGNIFIED FLOWER WALL OR SELF-HELP KIOSKS. District Manager Jamie Bender General Manager Bianca Viscusi
STORY by SKYE CABRERA @SKYE.CABRERA for CALIFORNIA LEAF | PHOTOS by MIKE ROSATI @ROSATIPHOTOS
STRAIN OF THE MONTH
CAL I F O R N I A
SQUIRT 24
G ROWN b y COS M I C F O R C E S FA R M
COSMIC FORCES FARM
IS A REGENERATIVE FULL SEASON CULTIVATOR LOCATED IN MENDOCINO COUNTY. THEIR PERMACULTU RE DRIVEN GARDEN IS DEMPU RE CERTIFIED, WHERE THEY UTILIZE ON-SITE GROW INPUTS AND NO-TILL METHODS TO GROW THEIR SMALL BATCH, TOP SHELF, SUNGROWN CANNABIS.
S caliFornialeaf.COM
quirt is an up-and-coming new money hybrid from an F9 phenotype of Blueberry Muffin and a BX3 selection of Tangie, bred by Humboldt Seed Company. This terp-heavy cross has an incredibly pungent and nostalgia inducing aroma that calls to mind blue raspberry Fun Dip, rocket pops and grape Nerds candy. Ground and twisted up into a hand-rolled joint, the herb burns smooth and evenly, leaving behind a fine white ash. Each puff releases a delicate bodied plume of decadently sweet and full-flavored smoke. About halfway through my roughly .6g joint, I became aware of a subtle, yet powerful energy building inside me. Squirt offers true hybrid effects - where a sense of balance, calm and relaxation courses throughout the body, while simultaneously a clear-headed, euphoric and focused mentality effortlessly settles in. The balanced and functional nature of the effects make this tasty flower from Cosmic Forces Farm an excellent choice for a midday pick-me-up, or the perfect way to unwind after work and transition into your off-the-clock hours of the day. The joint maintained its flavor down to the very end, which is where I smoked it to after savoring every last tasty toke. B R E D b y H U M B O L D T S E E D CO M PA N Y (Tangie x Blueberry Muffin)
Sept. 2020
THIS TERP-HEAVY CROSS HAS\ AN INCREDIBLY PUNGENT AND NOSTALGIA INDUCING AROMA.
STORY & PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 /CALIFORNIA LEAF | @_COSMICFORCESFARM_ | @THEHUMBOLDTSEEDCOMPANY
TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
TANNINS & TERPENES
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PAIRING CANNABIS
WHAT ARE TANNINS? WHAT ARE TERPENES? WHY DO THEY MATTER? Well, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Both tannins and terpenes are organic substances found in a wide variety of plants. These compounds have similar roles within the consumable products they’re fabricated into.
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* TANNINS are astringent phenolic molecules that are most commonly found in wood, but also found in everything from foods like grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mint and basil, to beverages like wine, tea, kombucha, cider and beer. Tannins are bitter and also tend to cause a drying effect on the tongue - think the ‘pucker’ of red wine.
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* TERPENES are a large and diverse class of organic hydrocarbons produced by a variety of plants and some insects. These molecules have strong odors and are largely responsible for dictating the smell and effect of a particular Cannabis strain. Terpenes are the primary constituents of essential oils and are also used in food, cosmetics and biotechnology. * TANNINS AND TERPENES not only contribute to the experience of consuming the products they exist within, they are directly responsible for a significant portion of it. As a generally curious bunch, we dedicate this Tannins & Terpenes Issue to exploring the relationship between these two compounds and sharing our findings with you. Enjoy! -NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415
SEPT. 2020
BEER
BARE BOTTLE MIGHTY MOSAIC IPA FRIENDLY FARMS GUAVA SAUCE
TA N N I N S
BARE BOTTLE MIGHTY MOSAIC IPA 7% ABV / 43 IBUS >> Bare Bottle is an
up-and-coming brewery headquartered in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood specializing in hoppy ales, lager beers and kettle sours. This Mighty Mosaic IPA showcases the Mosaic hop - a hybrid of Simcoe and Nugget hops bred by Jason Perrault, who also bred one of the most sought after hop varietals in existence today: Citra. The brew pours a semi-opaque golden orange haze and produces a fluffy, sustaining head that clings to the glass and leaves a substantial amount of lacing as it subsides. Aromas of pear, guava and cantaloupe melon are present on the nose. The nimble bodied brew goes down easily, leaving a trail of dank, musty overripe fruit flavors in its wake. A pleasant bitterness lingers after the funky and juicy notes diminish. TERPENES
FRIENDLY FARMS GUAVA SAUCE
87.5% THC / .69% CBD >> Friendly Farms
crafts their products from the highest quality Cannabis available, produced by a variety of California’s top cultivators. This Guava oil was derived from cured flower, giving it a deep golden amber hue. The consistency is roughly half micro diamonds and half terpenes, making diving in and negotiating an evenly measured dab a breeze. The oil exudes a delicate sugary and piney aroma with just a touch of fuel - very much on point for the strain. My low temp dab revealed a burst of gassy tropical fruit and a cloud of medium bodied vapor. Within moments, I began to feel a mellowed, slightly sedative high settle in behind my eyes. My normally racing brain slowed and my stress level dropped along with my shoulders, as my muscles began to relax.
THE PAIRING
For me, kicking back with a unique craft brew and some high quality Cannabis is one of the best ways to unwind and relax when the day is done. This pairing was utilized for exactly that and perfectly accomplished it’s mission in the tastiest way possible. The fruity yet dank characteristics of the Mosaic hops parallel the similar characteristics of the Guava sauce and complement each other on the palate. This potent pairing packs a powerful punch, providing a noticeable head change and relaxation felt throughout the body. This combo is not recommended for those new to pairing these substances together, as a little bit goes a very long way here. These two bring full flavor and full effect, no holds barred.
@barebottle / @friendlyfarmsca
REVIEWS & PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
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TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
CIDER
TA N N I N S
ACE PINEAPPLE CIDER 5% ABV >> Ace Cider was founded in 1993
by Jeffery House and his wife Angela, and is based in Sebastopol, California. One of the state’s OG hard cider brands, Ace is available at grocery stores, restaurants and bottle shops statewide. This delicious Pineapple Craft Cider is comprised of fermented apple juice, fermented pineapple juice, a single organic preservative and contains no added sugars. The nose is dominated by sweet pineapple puree aromas that would lead you to believe it will be cloyingly sweet. In fact, when sampled, this cider is beautifully balanced, straddling the line between crisp and dry and fruity and sweet. The nutrition facts confirm my prognosis, indicating only 9g of sugars - far less than many craft beers on the market today. The cider has a transparent golden hue and a prevalent effervescence. TERPENES
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WONDERBRETT PINEAPPLE OG SMALLS 32.7% THC >> Wonderbrett is a well known,
top-shelf-quality Long Beach based indoor cultivator. With a stable of genetics that brings a ‘flavor first’ mentality to its lineup, each and every offering brings a unique profile, backed by the most cutting edge cultivation techniques to bring out the most complex terpene profiles each strain has to offer. This Pineapple OG is a cross of OG Kush and Sour Grape, and is packed with aggressive aromas of soured gasoline and jet fuel. Despite the lack of fruit notes on the nose, the smoke brings forth flavors of ripe guava to accompany all the diesel fumes emanating from the ground flowers. My handrolled joint burned evenly and produced a thin, wispy light-bodied smoke that was minimally expansive and a joy to inhale.
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THE PAIRING
Gas-driven strains like this Pineapple OG offer a functional, productive high that work really well for mental clarity, rejuvenation and focus. When paired with Ace’s bright and fruity Pineapple Craft Cider, the two combine to form a highly effective social lubricant. A buoyant and bubbly demeanor and desire to converse with others effortlessly replaced my normally more reserved, independent attitude. Despite the flavors of the herb and the cider being less congruent than I had anticipated, the combined effects exceeded my expectations, fueling an afternoon filled with phone calls with family, Zoom and Instagram video chats with friends, and a spirited, laugh-out-loud discussion with my girlfriend. 10/10 would pair again.
@acecider / @wonderbrett
SEPT. 2020
ACE PINEAPPLE CIDER WONDERBRETT PINEAPPLE OG SMALLS
WINE
TA N N I N S
DARK HORSE ROSÉ
13% ABV >> Dark Horse is a powerhouse wine
DARK HORSE ROSÉ ABSOLUTE XTRACTS TANGIE LIVE RESIN CARTRIDGE
brand based in Modesto, California that is found in hundreds of grocery, liquor and convenience stores across the state and beyond. They source a wide variety of grapes from all over the state to craft their wines, including this 2019 vintage rosé. The wine pours a beautiful light pink hue and the nose presents with a floral, bright red berry forward bouquet. On the front of the palate, the wine is dry and crisp with very little evident sweetness. As it maneuvers its way to the rear, ripe berry notes become more apparent and are followed up with subtle touches of sweetness, oak and funk. TERPENES
ABSOLUTE XTRACTS TANGIE LIVE RESIN CARTRIDGE
74% THC / .36% CBD >> Absolute Xtracts
is one of the most widely available brands in the state of California. The Santa Rosa-based company utilizes sungrown California Cannabis to produce clean and potent full spectrum CO2 extracts. This Tangie live resin features an inviting golden hue that, upon close inspection, beckons you to take a puff. The oil is housed in proprietary hardware that has a near effortless draw - definitely one of the better functioning cartridges I’ve come across to date. The vapor is light and minimally expansive in the lungs with plenty of classic orange rind-esque Tangie flavor. The strain’s hallmark effects took hold after a couple of solid rips and steadily elevated my mood, bringing forth a stimulating creative energy.
THE PAIRING
Bringing these two fruit forward offerings together blasts your palate with flavors of berries and citrus, a delicious one-two whose profiles complement each other and make this duo endlessly enjoyable. Neither Tangie nor rosé are the most potent varietals out there, making this a more functional pairing and one that is well suited for more casual users or those new to bringing Cannabis and alcohol together. For me, this combo would be a near ideal pairing to bring to a BBQ, a picnic in the park, or an afternoon chilling by a river or lake. @darkhorsewine / @absolutextracts
REVIEWS & PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
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TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
SELTZER TA N N I N S
ALVARADO STREET BUBBLES PINEAPPLE GINGER SELTZER
5% ABV >> Alvarado Street Brewing has been
blowing up California’s craft beer scene over the last year, cranking out god-tier IPAs and consistently delicious kettle sours, earning them a reputation as one of the state’s hottest up-andcomers. The aesthetically pleasing labels and equally pleasing liquid inside each can and bottle has powered a demand that has prompted them to distribute their beers outside of the state. Despite their success in the beer game, their first craft seltzer offering was a massive failure: a birthday cake flavored hard seltzer that tasted super artificial and plastic-y. Luckily, this Pineapple Ginger Hard Seltzer does a lot to redeem them and instill more confidence in their seltzer game moving forward. This easy drinking offering is crisp and clean with an enjoyable pineapple flavor. The ginger takes a backseat and, within the context of this beverage, exists in a supporting role. TERPENES
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CODA SIGNATURE PEAR GINGER FRUIT NOTES 100MG THC/PACK >> Coda Signature offers a
unique line of products with gourmet, chef-developed flavor profiles you won’t find anywhere else - lychee and cucumber, pineapple and jalapeño, cherry and sarsaparilla, and this deliciously different pear and ginger. Their Fruit Notes line is crafted from real fruit, all natural ingredients and is gluten-free and vegan. Each bite contains just 5mg THC, so you can indulge in a few pieces before worrying about overdoing it. The jellies are a delightful consistency, soft and chewy without sticking to your mouth. Each bite is bursting with big pear flavor that slowly gives way to an alluring and provocative ginger spiciness. After three jellies and about 20 minutes, I felt a slight buzz begin to develop in my body. By 30 minutes, the full effects were realized and a weightless and mellowing high had settled in.
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THE PAIRING
When brought together, these flavor profiles and textures really shine. The Pear & Ginger Fruit Notes provide an enjoyable chewiness packed with flavor and backed by a touch of sweetness and a tiny crunch from the green tea matcha sugar that coats each bite. When followed up and washed down with the Pineapple Ginger Hard Seltzer, suddenly a delicious apple profile materializes that didn’t exist within each offering individually. With a conservative 5% ABV in the seltzer and each morsel of fruit jelly containing just 5mg THC, the pairing delivers modest effects and brings forth a light and bubbly, fun and silly energy. This functional and fun combo is a great option to pair with a low effort hike, a romp in the sheets with your partner, or a mellow weekend bike ride. @alvaradostreetbrewery / @coda.signature
SEPT. 2020
ALVARADO STREET BUBBLES PINEAPPLE GINGER SELTZER CODA SIGNATURE PEAR GINGER FRUIT NOTES
COCKTAIL TA N N I N S
J RILEY CALIFORNIA MULE
8.3% ABV >> J Riley is a Redlands, CA-based
J RILEY CALIFORNIA MULE CANNATIQUE FARMS LEMON CHERRY GELATO ROLL-UPS
distillery founded in 2015 that specializes in small batch American whiskey and bourbon, but also produces vodka and gin products as well. The California Mule is a canned, pre-made Moscow Mule crafted in partnership with Cock-N-Bull energy drink company and was first launched in 2018. The can mimics the classic copper mug the cocktail is historically served in, providing an appealing aesthetic and mobility so you can take your beverage to-go. The drink looks just like the handmade version of the cocktail, with its semi-opaque and hazy, faint yellow hue. While most canned cocktails I’ve sampled are incredibly sweet and have at least some trace of an artificial tasting ingredient, this California Mule is on point and tastes exactly how you would imagine it in your head - with just enough whiskey to make its presence known, but not overwhelm. TERPENES
CANNATIQUE FARMS LEMON CHERRY GELATO ROLL-UPS
22.78% THC / .07% CBD >> Cannatique Farms
is an exotics-focused, indoor cultivator based in Oakland producing ultra premium quality flower for California’s adult-use market. Their creation, Lemon Cherry Gelato, is a cross of Sunset Sherbet, Girl Scout Cookies and an undisclosed genetic. The aroma is gassy and doughy with only a hint of fruit, however when lit, delicate citrus and berry notes become apparent. The effects are swiftly realized and quite heady, a definite departure from the heavy-handed body high effects typically associated with Gelato strains. The smoke is light bodied and easy on the lungs, making for an enjoyable puff you won’t hesitate to repeat.
THE PAIRING
Bringing together a tried-and-true classic and a new school exotic, the Moscow Mule (served pre-made in a can) and the Lemon Cherry Gelato (served in the form of a pre-roll) has a noticeable high-brow, low-brow feel - but in the very best kind of way. The mashup is a complex entanglement of fruity, citrusy, spicy and gassy flavors, taking your palate on a wild rollercoaster ride. As one might expect, the liquor brings a looseness to the tongue and allows hesitation to fall away and be replaced with liquid self-confidence. When paired with a full gram joint of exotic smoke, I was immediately inspired to kick off my shoes, turn my music way up and invite some friends over for a socially distant sip n’ rip session. @jrileydistillery / @cannatique.farms
REVIEWS & PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
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TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
VIV & OAK - SHIMMERING SCARLETT Viv & Oak is an alternative beverage company brought to life
by founder and entrepreneur Alana Burstein. After deciding her relationship with alcohol needed to come to an end, she began seeking a healthy alternative to her beverage of choice - wine. When she couldn’t find a quality replacement, she took it upon herself to create one. In 2016, she sold her home and used the funds to begin laying the foundations of what is now Viv & Oak. After countless hours of R&D, testing and jumping through hoops to get compliant with the state, Burstein and her team brought their vision to life. The brand currently offers six different infused beverages, available in a variety of ratios and featuring two different grape varietals: zinfandel and rosé. The 50mg THC 750ml version we tried was zinfandel-derived and offers a healthy 10mg in each five ounce pour. Big aromas of grape jam waft from the glass, beckoning you to sip from the dark red liquid from which it came. A pleasant surprise arrives as you begin to drink - rounded tannins are layered between sweet grape preserve and blueberry flavors - capped off by an enjoyable and familiar fruit skin-esque astringency. vivandoak.com
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SEPT. 2020
RICKETT BREWING JOLIE FLEUR PINK If someone served you a glass of Rickett Brewing’s
Jolie Fleur Pink, unless they specifically told you it was an alcohol-free beverage, you’d likely never guess that was the case. This drink begins its life as a Russian River derived sauvignon blanc, before alcohol is removed and it’s finally infused with nano-enhanced Cannabis. Each 375ml bottle has 10mg of THC and only 25 calories, so you can enjoy a whole bottle without feeling guilty. The beverage pours a beautiful, soft pink color and emits a sweet and tart, strawberry lemonade-esque aroma. As you move the drink from the glass to your palate, your mouth becomes aware of a beautifully delicate carbonation, giving way to an array of flavors that continue to develop on the tongue - notes of white grapefruit, lemon zest, raspberry and apple all become apparent as you sip and savor. The beverage is crisp and dry with just a touch of sweetness, and is housed in an extra light body making it a highly quaffable offering. The nano-enhanced THC molecules are fast acting, delivering a quick onset felt within only a few minutes. rickettbrewing.com
REBEL COAST PINK PASSION Rebel Coast was founded as a traditional winery and began their
journey in Cannabis in 2016, when they first decided they wanted to infuse their wines and offer them in California’s newly legal adultuse market. After realizing that California legislation prohibited such a product from existing, they set out to figure out how to remove the alcohol from their wines and replace it with Cannabis. Their Pink Passion beverage is true to its name. It’s both a stunning shade of pink and delivers big flavors of passion fruit, grapefruit and ripe melon. This delightfully tart and effervescent beverage is made from two main ingredients: fermented grape juice and California Cannabis. Rebel Coast has moved away from the traditional 750ml glass wine bottles they used for years and are now packaging their products in these smaller format, on-the-go friendly, 12oz aluminum cans. Each can offers a respectable but not overwhelming 10mg of THC, enough to get the job done for most casual users, but not enough to take you to an undesirable level. At only 49 calories per can, you can indulge, guilt-free. Cheers! rebelcoast.com
WEED
WINES It’s 2020 and no longer is alcohol the only recreational beverage available to consumers. Well, at least in states with legal Cannabis anyway. Amazing technological advances in the field of infused beverages is giving way to the rise of a new wave of flavorful and effective liquids. As these products begin to form a new subcategory in the market, we figured this was the perfect issue to dive in and share what we’ve learned about these unique libations.
STORY & PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
CANNABIS & CAFFEINE
PRODUCTIVE PAIRINGS
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House of Cultivar Orange Vines paired with Green Tea HOUSE OF CULTIVAR ORANGE VINES
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The Orange Vines taste like a kiss of sunshine hitting an orange grove in the peak of harvest, transporting the mind to a grassy patch under trees heavy with ripe fruit. Covered in layers of delicious crystals, the beautiful orange hairs ooze with citrus and gassy sap that awakens the mind and brightens the senses with a perfectly stoney bliss (20.5% THC).
GREEN TEA
Since green tea’s accidental discovery as a beverage in 2737 B.C., it has been enjoyed as a mental stimulant and as a daily beverage in many cultures. With a sweet and nutty taste known all over the world, many people today are turning to tea instead of coffee for a jolt of mental clarity, and a variety of different flavor options. While this pairing focuses on green tea, combining different Cannabis strains with tea can deliver positive effects for the start, middle or end of the day.
THE PAIRING
Mt. Baker Homegrown Gelato 33 & Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee MT. BAKER HOMEGROWN GEL ATO 33
Gelato 33 is a cross between the Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Grown with love and attention to detail, this beautiful flower is frosty and rich with orange and berry notes, hiding gassy Cookies in the background. Classics would call this a stoney hybrid, with slowed down contemplative thoughts and a light-feeling, powerfully relaxed body high (27.32% THC).
STUMPTOWN COLD BREW COFFEE
Originating in Japan and brewed in the Northwest, the Stumptown Cold Brew is a smooth and tasty way to experience lower acid coffee right out of the fridge. Cold brewed coffee is made by soaking coarse ground beans for 12-24 hours, resulting in a higher caffeine brew that doesn’t have the oils and fatty acids of hot brewed coffee. This delivers different flavor profiles and a smooth taste, whether enjoyed black or with a favorite cream or flavor.
THE PAIRING
We sipped a freshly brewed cup of green tea on a lazy weekend, when morning had already become afternoon. Looking for a pick-me-up that wouldn’t cause brain fog or a later energy crash, the first step was breaking up the flower while the tea brewed. The aromatic citrus of the Orange Vines awakens the senses, and the first tokes are bright and energetic with a syrupy exhale. The tea follows big hits with a mellow, sweeter taste that balances the palate and clears the way for the next hit. Enjoying both led to a lightly caffeinated body buzz and electric cerebral effects, with the mind gloriously uplifted and sparkling with a happy and fun high.
Known as a hippie speedball, or occasionally as a Seattle speedball, the combination of coffee and Cannabis is truly a match made in heaven. Nothing pushes the senses forward while simultaneously dulling them like the sweet bliss of being speedballed in the morning. Our favorite buzz combines a heavier or stonier strain with strong coffee, to allow the effects to balance and meet in the middle. Hence, a speedball. The stoney euphoria of the Gelato 33 delivers a perfectly grinning daytime buzz, while the high caffeine content and strong, chocolatey flavor of the cold brew wash it all down with a perfect amount of pep in this writer’s step.
@HOUSE.OF.CULTIVAR
@MTBAKERHG / STUMPTOWNCOFFEE.COM/COLD-BREW
SEPT. 2020
Evolvd Lemon Diesel CO2 Cartridge & Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate EVOLVD LEMON DIESEL CO2 CARTRIDGE
When it comes to curing the midday blues, we often turn to a 1:1 CBD cartridge or a concentrate high in CBG. Luckily we had this Lemon Diesel cartridge ready to go, with nearly 5% CBG and a heady dose of THC and terpenes. CBG is not only highly medicinal - fighting inflammation, pain and nausea while fighting cancer and IBS - it is also a supreme mood stabilizer. CBG releases anandamide, the body’s native ‘bliss’ molecule, which can help with anxiety and provide a happy, uplifting vibe. Choosing either a CBD or CBG-rich high in the afternoon can help with productivity, especially when paired with a little caffeine. 67.95% THC 0.10% CBD 4.86% CBG 7.73% Terpenes
GUAYAKI ORGANIC YERBA MATE RASPBERRY TERERÉ
Yerba Mate is a tea-based beverage made from the plant’s leaves, from which the drink draws its name. Served hot or cold traditionally, today a wide variety of flavors and carbonated or noncarbonated options exist to tease taste buds and deliver a potent caffeine buzz. With less acid than coffee, many choose a bottle or can of yerba mate in place of a cup of coffee or energy drink. Yerba Mate also contains B and C vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthful choice when making a T&T pairing.
Artizen Dutchberry Flower & GT’s Synergy Kombucha ARTIZEN DUTCHBERRY
Artizen is one of the largest producers of Cannabis in Washington, and they’ve found success by maintaining their craft approach and love for the plant as the company has grown. Their 27% THC Dutchberry is a combination of DJ Short Blueberry and Dutch Treat, delivering a ton of happy energy and a unique flavor profile that combines the deep Blueberry of the DJ Short with the hazy, piney freshness of the Dutch Treat.
SYNERGY GRAPE CHIA KOMBUCHA
Kombucha is a fizzy and fermented tea drink with as many flavor offerings as potential health benefits. The full line of GT’s Kombuchas are raw and organic with live cultures, probiotics and active enzymes. These help support gut health, ease digestion and boost immunity. Perfect for an afternoon or evening substitute for alcohol, or a mid-morning boost, kombucha offers a unique world of fun and fizzy drinks.
THE PAIRING
Perfect for on the go, both the resealable bottle and the portable nature of the cartridge make this a great daytime pairing. The Lemon Diesel slips into the lungs with a bright citrus inhale and an earthy-gas tingle on the exhale. The terpenes and CBG interact wondrously, dropping a blissful euphoria onto the mind, while relaxing the body without slowing it down. The Raspberry Terere is perfect to wash down the vapor, with a lightly sweet berry-tea flavor that is both refreshing and energizing. After a dozen healthy puffs and a full bottle of mate, we were completely ready for whatever the day had to offer, adventures guaranteed.
The Dutchberry bursts with rich berry flavors that swirl around the palate as visions of dark sweet berries fill the mind. Much like the fizzy pops of the kombucha as it’s being poured, the aroma of the Dutchberry grabs all the senses while waiting to be consumed. Taking a bright and smooth inhale of the flower delivers a sunny euphoria that melts the mind into the body. Chasing a hit with a sip of the grape-forward drink is refreshing and rewarding, as the bubbles tingle and are chased down with the yummy chia for a little added texture in the finish. Nutritious and uplifting, this pairing will help keep motivation high during a long afternoon, or is the perfect alternative to an alcoholic happy hour.
EVOLVDCANNABIS.COM / @EVOLVDCANNABIS / GUAYAKI.COM / @GUAYAKI
ARTIZENCANNABIS.COM / @ARTIZENCANNABIS / GTSLIVINGFOODS.COM
THE PAIRING
STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by MIKE AHMAN @MIKE.AHMANN
TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
Terpenes and terpenoids seem like the yin and yang of what creates the balance and wholeness we all look for in a robust and pleasurable high.
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TALKING ‘BOUT TERPS SEPT. 2020
Let’s just say I’ve been occasionally smoking Cannabis for 15 years as a holistic mental/physical/spiritual maintenance routine, and no one ever taught me about terpenes or terpenoids until a month ago. Crazy. So you mean to tell me I can choose and steer my Cannabis experience by choosing which chemical compounds or terpenes I wish to have in my inhale? Yes. OK, weed connoisseurs, I’m late. Sad, I know. But thanks to California and all the canna gurus I’ve met along the way, I can now tell a friend that maybe asking for a limonene strain would be best if he intends to drive to San Francisco from L.A. at eight in the morning. Especially after three bagels with cream cheese.
As I’ve been on my journey to optimal happiness, I think of the many unnecessary times in which I could have possibly avoided a panic attack while too stoned and googling to find a way out of it. Up until this year my knowledge of the blessed plant was pretty elementary. I never attributed terps to that skunk-like scent that made me giggle with curiosity, or changed my mood around friends. For me it was either sativa - the upper that helped me organize my closet by color and size while dancing disco - or indica, the chronic overthinker and meditation inspirer that made corner grocery store trips a two hour affair. It turns out that it’s not just the THC or CBD count of 23% on the back of the pre-roll pack, or the vague description of indica or sativa. It’s way more - like myrcene and humulene to name a few. Excuse me, what? If these terms are new to you, trust me, you’re not alone. If you go down the rabbit hole of YouTube you’ll see high grade meals like fresh ceviche prepared by the sea in Ibiza, with terpenes being the main ingredient. Everyone in the videos seem incredibly happy, as if they discovered a well-kept secret. They love food. They love weed. And somehow they found the way to make them dance together in perfect synergy. This science is the stuff you want to pay attention to when baking a batch of edible brownies in hopes that people reach nirvana.
Even though the house gets aromatic, I’ve been told it’s best to cover your batch with foil to keep the terpenes from evaporating, as well as identifying the proper temperatures for each. And your best healthy binding agent to keep the molecules intact? Coconut oil. Cannabis has an endless and intricate chemical body and intellect - a complex array of what I like to call character traits. I got to thinking about my whole experience with Cannabis or even the times when I thought I immensely enjoyed deep dish pizza while watching “That 70’s Show,” when really a nice limonene strain could have had me biking, rather than couch-locked at home from a carb coma. Terpenes and terpenoids seem like the yin and yang of what creates the balance and wholeness we all look for in a robust and pleasurable high - with aromas and psychological qualities that when experimented with and understood - can create a perfect profile for each of our THC dreams. At the core, these compounds provide distinct characteristics such as myrcene, which is commonly found in lemongrass and has that sedative, almost analgesic effect that I really enjoy. Imagine if we all had a specific terpene profile and it meant more to society than our social security numbers? What if we ate by it and lived by it? Healed ourselves by it and made it part of our overall health and wellness makeup, unique to our own personal needs? What if we went to dispensaries instead of pharmacies with an exact terpene prescription designed for us, by us, based on years of experience with a full understanding of what benefits they hold? What if we knew exactly which would make us hype when we felt blue, or which would put us to bed when we were restless? Imagine. Imagine it’s 2025 and your friends just invited you to dinner. It’s been a long day at work, in 114 degree Sacramento weather, so while you contemplate if you’ve got the energy to be social and sift through potentially clean clothes, you grab a zesty pop from your freezer doused in limonene to cool off and revive. Your salivary glands dance in citrus and after the fourth A$AP Rocky track, you’re amped and tell Alexa to send an iMessage to your amigos confirming you’ll be there at seven in front of Shinrin-Yoku, your favorite Cannabis conscious fine dining destination on 16th & Broadway. Certain your crush might also arrive, you chew on half a piece of Locomotion, a linalool infused chewing gum to ease the anxiety and head out.
You stop to fill your 2023 Jeep Neo with ethanol at $3.00 a gallon and into your Apple Watch vocalize your customized terpene profile into the SynergyDining app. Given your height, weight, allergies, flavor, mood and chemical preference of the night, the team at Shinrin-Yoku are aware of just how to make sure you and your guests have the ultimate pleasurable and safe canna-culinary experience. Upon arrival, your over zealous friends are greeted by a host that leads you through a botanical passageway towards the restaurant entry, with alpha and beta pinene misted pine and palm trees recreating Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese term meaning quite literally, forest bathing. While you lounge and await your table, you begin feeling the nostalgia of your family as memories of Yosemite perk up in your mind. Even better, the pinene sends an alert to the cells of your digestive system and your enzymes are ready and activated to enjoy and digest a full meal. When was the last time you had Blackberry Kush sparkling water before ordering a meal? Too long, so you do and it’s delicious. Not just to your tongue, but your mind and entire being, creating a sensory orchestra. You choose the sashimi salad off the menu with limonene infused Yuzu citrus dressing to keep that fresh energy going, since you’re not 23 anymore and want to at least keep up your social buzz until 10 p.m. Your friends order a platter of spicy black pepper smoked salmon rolls with b-caryophyllene or humulene steamed vegetable dumplings to combat the indigestion that may, or thankfully may not, come later. Up next, some b-caryophyllene warm chai with cloves and anise to help relieve your friend’s hands from her chronic arthritis, followed by a myrcene infused vegan mango and coconut mochi for dessert, for that friend who can’t seem to get enough sleep in the evenings. Intentional, mindful, medicinal eating. You all smile, satiated and head home for what you already expect to be the best slumber of your week. And while expectation can sometimes be a bore, for an uncertain world, sometimes it’s citrus yet sweet to know that you can control your mind and how you feel. Maybe this sounds far from reality, but I like to believe we can create our reality, and that with further knowledge of terpenes in Cannabis, and plant life overall, we can attain a wholeness and use these tools to make a reality that we can not just survive or tolerate - but actually enjoy. Peace.
STORY by SKYE CABRERA @SKYE.CABRERA for CALIFORNIA LEAF
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company highlight
Forged by heart and hustle and brought to fruition through precipitous circumstance, GW Smoke Break TV brings together bright entrepreneurs Daniel Montero and Sean Perl to form the core team behind this culture-focused media brand. Simply put, the duo are caretakers of Cannabis culture, protectors of the plant, toking tale-tellers and media mavens.
Perl & Montero
GW SMOKE BREAK TV DANIEL MONTERO
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Daniel Montero is a first-generation American and was born in San Jose, California to parents who hailed from Bolivia and Chile. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, gang culture was at its peak and was extremely prevalent throughout the state. During that time San Jose was not the shiny tech hub that it is today, and the growth in violence that came with the growth in the culture was enough to make Montero’s parents reconsider calling America home. Montero and his family made the move to relocate to Bolivia when he was 15-yearsold. He spent his sophomore year living in Bolivia and the following summer before he began his junior year in high school, he returned to the States to see friends. It was that summer at a friend’s slumber party that Montero would try Cannabis for the first time.
GW SMOKE BREAK TV AS A BRAND AND BUSINESS, AS WELL AS THE CREW BEHIND IT, SHARE THE SAME REVERENCE FOR THE PLANT THAT WE DO. SEPT. 2020
His experience with the plant left a profound effect on him and his love affair with Cannabis began. He dove in and became a self-described stoner and eventually moved back to San Jose for his senior year. School provided an opportunity for business and despite the platform being intended for education, his entrepreneurial mind kicked in and he soon found himself hustling zips to classmates. He worked a couple corporate jobs in the tech industry and quickly realized that world was not for him, and in less than 18 months, began selling weed full-time. Through the years, Cannabis would prove to be the thing that kept a roof over his head and food in his belly. His journey led him through many ups and downs. He would learn how to grow and wound up slanging the infamous deep dark Purps the Bay couldn’t get enough of in the early 2000s.
He would be arrested and serve time in both 2002 and 2009, and after the second time he was arrested, he took a step back and thought he might be done selling weed. It wasn’t long before he was itching to get back in the game and would figure out how to do so, just a little more legitimately. In 2014, Montero would launch Green Walrus, a medical delivery service that became his full-time endeavor. Everything was going great until 2016, when he was shot point blank in the chest with a .380 in an attempted robbery during one of his deliveries. Miraculously, he survived and made a full recovery, returning to work only a few weeks later. In 2018, he founded the San Jose Cannabis Equity Working Group. Their efforts have directly led to several progressive changes in legislation, as well as the formation of San Jose’s Equity Cannabis Program.
SEAN PERL Sean Perl is a Sonoma County native who has been in close proximity to Cannabis as long as he can remember.
While working the event, he was approached by Montero and asked to film a few interviews after the workshop was over. Perl agreed and the foundations of GW Smoke Break TV began to take shape. From that point forward, the pair would begin building their brand, handling interviews and creating culture-focused Cannabis content, delivered via their Instagram and YouTube. In a timely confluence of circumstances, Perl would leave Item 9, COVID-19 would hit, and GW Smoke Break TV would land their first paying client. And after that, he and Montero would sit down to really hash out details on how to create a business from their growing media brand.
Between the era in which he was raised, the area he grew up in and his old school hippie parents, he has pretty much been destined to end up working with the plant. He first tried Cannabis in high school but didn’t really get into it until college, at which point he became a self-described enthusiast. He went to SF State and his time there revolved mainly around basketball and the plant. Once he graduated, his friend and industry veteran Nina Parks taught him how to do video editing, and he began editing for a YouTube show called “B Starr TV,” which explored a variety of issues and topics relating to San Francisco. After honing his skills with “B Starr TV,” Perl began a job working for SF-based production company, North Bound Films. As recreational legalization became imminent, the Cannabis scene began to explode with a frenzy of activity. North Bound Films was contracted to produce rapper Berner’s TV show, “Marijuana Mania.” The show’s immediate popularity led the company to realize that they’d discovered their niche producing professional level content for the Cannabis industry and decided to launch a sister company to produce and promote this new sect of their business. The company was dubbed Item 9, after the famed opening scene of “Pineapple Express.” Item 9 tapped into the growing Cannabis events network and began covering shows for the National Cannabis Industry Association, the Maui Cannabis Conference and more. In 2019, Item 9 was hired to cover the Original Equity Group’s Equity Sessions Workshop in San Francisco on 4/20.
GW SMOKE BREAK TV
GW Smoke Break TV has limited availability to take on new projects in 2020. Contact them at gwsmokebreaktv@gmail.com for more information on how to collaborate. youtube.com/gwsmokebreaktv @gwsmokebreaktv
“Culture is King” - a simple yet powerful mantra you’ll hear Montero repeat on the regular. GW Smoke Break TV has adopted this phrase as their slogan, a terse but accurate description of their business. This video production company captures exclusive behind-the-scenes style interviews with legendary pioneers in the scene and footage of Cannabis farms that most will never get to set foot on. As a media company operating within the Cannabis sphere, we have a deep respect for any of our peers who run their businesses with values similar to ours. Both GW Smoke Break TV as a brand and business, as well as the crew behind it, share the same reverence for the plant that we do. Their work honors Cannabis culture and pays homage to the incredible history that exists here. While still developing as a business, we are incredibly excited to see how GW Smoke Break TV matures as Cannabis continues to step into the mainstream over the coming years. As this transition occurs, businesses like GW Smoke Break TV will be the ones the world looks to for an authentic education on the world of Cannabis.
STORY by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF | PHOTOS by CANNAGRAPHICS
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cooking with cannabis
STONED SUMMER
Same crazy world, with no end in sight. As we all try to stay safe with our masks and our hand sanitizer, try to remember what you have to be thankful for. And help make the changes we need to be the world we want to have - a healthy planet, equal justice and peace for everyone. Try, we all need to try. These recipes were infused with Noble Farms Royal Wedding, and a bit of Wesley’s Wish CBD from East Fork Cultivars. #BlackLivesMatter #DontFearTheEdible #EatYourCannabis
STEAK & ROASTED POTATO SALAD
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1. In a medium bowl whisk together the vinegar and oils. Add the cumin, salt and pepper. Set aside. 2. In a medium skillet heat the canola oil. Add the scallion, cooked potato and beans, and sauté for 4-5 minutes. 3. In a large mixing bowl combine all the remaining ingredients. 4. Toss the dressing with the steak and vegetables and serve. Serves 4.
>> This is my absolute favorite smoothie. Refreshing, tasty and calming, now when we need it most.
PISTACHIO LIME SMOOTHIE
4 tablespoons sherry vinegar 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon cumin salt, pepper
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1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree. 2. Garnish with pistachios. 1 ½ cups almond milk, or preferred milk
¼ cup lime juice concentrate
1 whole avocado, peeled and pit removed
2-4 tablespoons honey
1 banana, peeled and sliced
4 tablespoons pistachios
1 lime, cut in chunks
2 teaspoons canna-oil
1 tablespoon canola oil
>> You can always change the meat or veggies. The last time I made this, I turned the leftovers into a tasty sandwich on a toasted roll.
2 scallions, in pieces 2 pounds cooked potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks 1 cup cooked green beans, trimmed and cut in pieces ½ cup chopped red onion 16 ounces steak, grilled to desired degree of doneness, cut in chunks 4 radishes, thinly sliced 4 cups chopped romaine
>> This dish would also be wonderful with the addition of shrimp, tofu, scallops or chicken. Feel free to use spinach instead of arugula. Although many pesto recipes are made with pine nuts, their current price point has made walnuts my go-to. No regrets here.
SEPT. 2020
1. In a food processor or blender combine the arugula, walnuts, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Drizzle in the olive oils. 3. Turn the pesto into a serving bowl and stir in the Parmesan. 4. In a large saucepot bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. 5. Drain the pasta, return to saucepot off heat, and toss with the pesto and the remaining bunch of arugula. 6. Divide the pasta between the plates, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan. Serves 4-6.
ARUGULA & PESTO SPAGHETTI
6 cups arugula, packed
Salt
½ cup walnuts
Pepper
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 lb. pasta
½ cup olive oil
1 bunch arugula, rinsed, dried
2-3 tablespoons canna-olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Small chunk Parmesan for grating
RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF
CANNABIS-INFUSED SPICED DARK CHOCOLATE WITH CHILI
This ‘heat versus sweet’ battle is one all mouths should welcome.
Now, thanks to the all-woman team behind Sonoma’s Garden Society, there’s a far sweeter way to send your perception into overdrive. Founded on a desire to “break the stigma and completely redefine Cannabis for women,” Garden Society’s line of chocolates are truly a triumph for taste buds. Specifically, there’s a lot to love about the brand’s new Cannabis-infused Spiced Dark Chocolate with Chili. Packaged as 10 individual squares, each dose features 10mg of THC. If a tad strong for some, this dosage is actually arguably the ideal amount, given the ease with which one can evenly split a square in half when desired. Combining rich dark chocolate with Ceylon cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and New Mexico chile powder, this ‘heat versus sweet’ battle is one all mouths should welcome. Infused with a strain of sungrown Mendocino County sativa, this edible is designed to deliver an uplifting, moodbrightening high. For those comfortable taking edibles without access to a nearby couch, Garden Society’s Spiced Dark Chocolate is a snack seemingly begging to be eaten at a sunny park or while walking in the woods. Regardless of the destination, the value of the journey seems clear. With Garden Society, customers can support a women-led business, enjoy a most pleasant high and taste some damn fine spicy chocolate. Talk about bringing the heat!
THEGARDENSOCIETY.COM | @GRDNSOCIETY
REVIEW by ZACK RUSKIN @ZACKRUSKIN | PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415
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10MG THC / SERVING
One of the many wonders of a Cannabis-enhanced experience is the ways in which it contrasts with our normal perceptions. Thanks to THC, we can watch as the colors of an animated series grow more vibrant in hue or marvel as the cries of our persistent aches and pains rapidly falls quiet.
edible OF THE MONTH
GARDEN SOCIETY
concentratE OF THE MONTH
B E E Z L E E X T R AC T S
ROSES LIVE RESIN
If you’re looking for an espresso in concentrate form, Beezle’s Roses live resin is it.
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My low temp dab revealed funky melons, lemon lime soda, oranges and overripe pineapple on the palate. BEEZLEBRANDS.COM @TEAM_BEEZLE
SEPT. 2020
Beezle is a tenured, Type 7 licensed processor based in Sonoma County, and a holdout from California’s days of Prop 215 medical Cannabis. As soon as you crack the jar, you’re met with bright and zesty lemon lime terps that waste no time rushing your senses. The clear conveyance to your brain is that Roses is indeed, without a doubt, a caffeine-replacement-level thin leaf varietal. The strain was bred by The Real OG Kushman of The Source Genetics, is a cross of the legendary Floridian OG Kush varietal Triangle Kush, and a hybrid of Schrom and PSA. Schrom is the beloved classic Romulan crossed with Colombian landrace genetics, while PSA is Pre-Soviet Afghani. The extract itself consists of gorgeous hunks of THCA strewn about a golden lake of terpenes. My low temp dab revealed funky melons, lemon lime soda, oranges and overripe pineapple on the palate. The medium bodied vapor packs an enjoyable punch that’s not over the top on the lungs. The high kicks in immediately and delivers big Haze energy - an uplifting sensation felt strongly throughout the body, accompanied by a creative, clear headed and cerebral high. Despite being very much more of an ‘up’ effect than a ‘down’ one, this Roses live resin is neither buzzy nor racy, delivering a balanced and functional high. The effects of this strain make this oil well suited for morning or daytime use when focus and clarity are needed.
TRIANGLE KUSH X (SCHROM X PSA) 78.18% THC REVIEW & PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415
QUIVER SENSUAL OIL HerbaBuena’s line of products include a diverse range of wellness focused offerings, with everything from biodynamically cultivated sungrown flowers to a tincture designed for daily functionality and happiness, all the way to this amazing Quiver sensual oil.
120MG THC / 30ML
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When properly timed between the oil’s activation and onset and climax, some amazing results can be achieved. REVIEW & PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
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I’ve always been a big fan of Cannabis infused topical products - particularly when their intended use is in the bedroom - so I was excited to give this play-friendly HerbaBuena product a try when the opportunity presented itself. This unique topical is formulated with all organic ingredients including coconut oil, black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and - though not able to be listed as organic - Cannabis. The label instructs users to massage daily in and around your private area, and to wait 20 minutes for the full effect. I began following these instructions more than two days prior to experimenting with my partner. A mild invigoration was felt only a few minutes after application. During the two days I spent solo before seeing my partner again, I noticed a more intense orgasm resulting from my self-care efforts. However, this product really shines when it’s enjoyed with a friend. When properly timed between the oil’s activation and onset and climax, some amazing results can be achieved. After some highly pleasurable experimentation, my partner and I both adamantly agreed to keep a bottle of Quiver on deck for future sessions. Note: Quiver is not compatible with latex-based condoms and should be used with caution in combination with any pregnancy prevention hardware.
topical OF THE MONTH
H ERBA B UENA
cannthropology
WORLD OF CANNABIS PRESENTS
HOMAGE DOCTOR TO THE
R E M E M B E R I NG D R . LE STE R G R I N S PO O N
June 24, 1928 - June 25, 2020
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As the 1960s drew to a close and newly-elected president Richard Nixon was codifying his anti-drug agenda into law, a handful of pro-pot activists arose to challenge those efforts. These reformers found an unlikely and invaluable ally in a brilliant middle-aged professor from Harvard named Lester Grinspoon. Grinspoon received his doctorate in psychiatry from Harvard Medical School in 1955. It was while teaching there in 1965 that he met young astronomer Carl Sagan at a faculty dinner. The two bonded over their opposition to the Vietnam War, sparking a lifelong friendship. But Grinspoon was shocked to learn that Sagan and others in their intellectual circle enjoyed smoking marijuana. Both intrigued by Sagan’s affinity for cannabis and concerned by what he believed was a dangerous habit, Grinspoon did what any scientist worth their salt might do—he started researching it.
MARIHUANA RECONSIDERED
When he began his study of marijuana in 1967, Grinspoon’s initial intention was to “define scientifically the nature and degree of those dangers” and persuade Sagan to stop using it. Instead, he reached the opposite conclusion—that cannabis was “remarkably non-toxic” and that it may have some beneficial medicinal applications. Grinspoon published his findings in the December 1969 edition of Scientific American, in an article called simply “Marihuana.” “Based on the reaction to that [article], he was encouraged to do a book-length exposition of what he had learned,” Grinspoon’s son
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David recalls, “which was basically that he’d been brainwashed along with everybody else into thinking that marijuana was this dangerous substance.” Two years later, he published Marihuana Reconsidered (Harvard University Press), an instant classic in which he dispels many of the myths surrounding the much-maligned herb. “I have concluded,” Grinspoon writes, “that marijuana is a relatively safe intoxicant which is not addicting, does not in and of itself lead to the use of harder drugs, is not criminogenic, and does not lead to sexual excess.” The only real harm associated with cannabis was, he noted, “the way we as a society were dealing with people who use it.” The book also contains an essay extolling the plant’s virtues by an anonymous cannabis user dubbed ‘Mr. X,’ whose identity remained a family secret for over 30 years. Mr. X, it turned out, had been Sagan all along—a fact that Grinspoon only revealed after Sagan’s death in 1996. The impact of Marihuana Reconsidered was immense and immediate—disdained and disowned by his Harvard peers, but extolled by the fledgling legalization community, for whom it was a valuable resource and a validation of their mission. “Lester, without question, was the intellectual leader of the entire movement from the moment his book was published in 1971,” asserts NORML founder Keith Stroup. “Lester Grinspoon’s book was the Bible.”
NEMESIS OF NIXON
Thanks to his book, Dr. Grinspoon quickly became a thorn in President Nixon’s side. After reading a New York Times review of Marijhuana Reconsidered in his daily brief, Nixon launched into an an anti-Semitic tirade. “Every one of the
bastards that are out for the legalization of marijuana is Jewish!” he complained in his infamous oval office recordings. “What the Christ is the matter with the Jews?” Nixon then circled Grinspoon’s name and scribbled in the margin below: “This clown is far on the left.” “When Lester saw that, he was delighted,” says David. “He said, ‘Wow—I made it onto the enemies list of one of history’s biggest assholes!’” The same year that Marihuana Reconsidered was published, he was called to testify before the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse (aka the Shafer Commission). Nixon appointed the commission to investigate cannabis’ potential harm to bolster his argument for categorizing it as a Schedule I drug under his new Controlled Substances Act. Stroup, who first met Grinspoon at these hearings, recalls being impressed by his confidence. “He was so self-assured, so comfortable with his own intellect, that he showed no signs of being intimidated. He was the most powerful person testifying at those hearings.” Grinspoon’s testimony proved highly effective. When the commission released its final report in 1972 (“Marihuana, a Signal of Misunderstanding”), it concluded that cannabis was in fact not a danger to society, and even recommended decriminalizing it (which Nixon ignored).
JOHN LENNON
Later that year, Grinspoon was called to testify on another high-profile case—at the deportation hearings for John Lennon. After Lennon had campaigned against the president’s reelection, Nixon tried to use a past “cannabis resin” possession charge as a basis to kick Lennon out of the country. Thanks to Grinspoon’s testimony, Lennon’s lawyer Leon Wildes argued that “resin” was a secretion of cannabis, but not technically marijuana, and therefore the immigration law citing “narcotics and mar-
STORY by BOBBY BLACK @WORLDOFCANNABISMUSEUM for LEAF NATION | PHOTOGRAPH by TODD MCCORMICK
ijuana” didn’t legally apply. After three years in court, Wildes finally won the case and Lennon got his green card. To show their gratitude, John and Yoko took Grinspoon out to dinner, sent him flowers, and gifted him with albums autographed to his sons Danny and David. (Side note: It was one of Lennon’s albums— The Beatles’ masterpiece Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band—that “astounded” Grinspoon after getting high with Sagan for the first time, some two years after Marihuana Reconsidered was published.)
FAMILY TRAGEDY
Dr. Grinspoon witnessed cannabis’ medicinal efficacy first-hand when he and his wife Betsy administered it to their teenage son Danny. Danny had been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and was suffering from nausea and vomiting after his chemotherapy...but after smoking a few hits from a joint before each treatment, those symptoms disappeared—dramatically increasing his quality of life and morale. Sadly, Danny lost his battle with leukemia in 1973, but his case led to the first scientific study on cannabis for nausea.
THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA MOVEMENT
Grinspoon went on to author many other books about illicit drugs throughout the 1970s and 80s. Then in 1993, he co-authored a second book about cannabis called Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine (with Harvard Law professor James Bakalar)— a compendium of anecdotes that further explored the medical potential of the plant and helped bolster California’s burgeoning medical marijuana movement. Valerie Leveroni Corral, who co-founded the Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana, attests to the book’s influence. “It absolutely had an impact on our movement...it had a scholarly element which was profoundly important to not look like just a ragtag team of activists.” Within a few years of its publication, Corral and other prominent cannabis advocates in California co-authored and helped pass the Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215), which legalized marijuana for medical purposes in America for the first time in 1996. “Without a doubt, [Grinspoon’s] intellectual gravitas lent to the incredible activism that was going on in the San Francisco area,” affirms former NORML executive director Allen St. Pierre. “We have legal marijua-
na in many parts of the country today because of these two unique forces working together.”
THE NEW NORML
One year after the publication of “Forbidden Medicine,” Grinspoon was tapped by NORML to overhaul its then struggling organization. Stroup had enlisted Grinspoon into NORML’s leadership early on. Now, on the brink of collapse, the organization turned to him for help. “In 1994, the NORML board, for all intents and purposes, imploded,” St. Pierre explains. “So Lester was contacted to try to pull together an entirely new board.” “The only thing the board could agree on is that they trusted Lester’s judgment,” says Stroup. “They knew whoever he picked would be good for NORML and for the movement.” At Grinspoon’s recommendation, Stroup returned as NORML’s director and a new board of directors was compiled—ushering in a new ‘golden age’ for the organization. Grinspoon continued to serve on NORML’s board for decades and spoke at many of their conferences. And in 2007, when Stroup and fellow NORML board member Rick Cusick were arrested for smoking a joint at the Boston Freedom Rally and decided to take their case to trial, Grinspoon kickstarted their defense fund with a $5,000 contribution and helped convince renowned Harvard Law Professor Charles ‘Billion-Dollar Charlie’ Nesson to take their case pro bono.
and Writing. Both NORML and High Times named their most prestigious awards after him. There’s also a band named after him in Australia (Grinspoon), and a cannabis strain named after him in Amsterdam (an heirloom sativa called “Dr. Grinspoon” by Barneys Farm). And on April 20 of this year, the cannabis Business Awards, in collaboration with World of cannabis, named him a 420 Icon (one of the top 100 cannabis influencers of all-time).
DEATH & LEGACY
After spending half a century fighting cannabis prohibition, Dr. Grinspoon spent the last decade of his life fighting cancer. On the morning of June 25—one day after celebrating his 92nd birthday— he passed away peacefully at his home outside Boston. Thanks to his groundbreaking work and courageous activism, Lester Grinspoon will be forever remembered as one of the most consequential figures in cannabis history.
Watch our exclusive memorial to Dr. Grinspoon at worldofcannabis.museum/grinspoon, or listen to it on Episode 5 of Cannthropology wherever you get your podcasts. (This content was originally published on worldofcannabis.museum and is reprinted with permission.)
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HONORS & ACCOLADES
Grinspoon retired as an associate professor emeritus in 2000, having twice been ‘green listed’ by the Harvard promotion committee, who didn’t approve of how his controversial stance on cannabis reflected upon the school’s reputation. “He didn’t get a full professorship, which is objectively silly given his level of accomplishments,” David notes. “There was a time when that bothered him, but it ceased to bother him because he got so much out of the community that were engaged in this movement with him.” Indeed, Dr. Grinspoon was a beloved figure in the cannabis community, and was honored numerous times over the years: In 1990, he received the Drug Policy Foundation’s Alfred R. Lindesmith Award for Achievement in the Field of Scholarship
President Richard Nixon’s notes on Grinspoon | courtesy Nixon Library
Lester with longtime friend, astronomer Carl Sagan, left | courtesy Grinspoon family
B AT T LIN G GRA VIT Y he actress Bette Davis once said that getting old is not for the faint of heart. And the reason for this assessment of absolute accuracy is because after managing your life over the Earth’s crust for enough seasons, the force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the Earth begins to have an effect on your physicality. That’s what gravity is. But don’t be mad. You see, it is this pull of weight that has afforded us a body at all. Unless you believe we were put here by a superhuman being or spirit, worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes. Thank God for the dictionary. Wait, my bad, he didn’t create that - a man named Robert Cawdrey did in the year 1604. Or did God create it through him? Hold on, shouldn’t God be referred to with gender neutrality now? Anyway, back to gravity. Our energy attracts the matter that forms muscle, bone, etc. And with the pressure of gravity, your substance grows. And if you are not working the muscle, what occurs is atrophy, eventually resulting in immobility and death. So, it is this force of gravity that has allowed all organisms on Earth to develop and proliferate. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Recently, I went a week without walking due to being bedridden as a result of an injury and with the first attempt, it was clear my muscles had begun the physiological process of atrophy. Now, taking steps along a firm sidewalk was like navigating a massive trampoline surface. Or like a cat walking in booties. Thankfully, Cannabis gets you lifted.
T
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by Mike Ricker
Sept. 2020
F O L L OW @ R I C K E R D J | G E T T H E AU D I O V E R S I O N & EV E RY E P I S O D E AT S TO N EY- B A L O N EY. C O M
