12 minute read
PATIENT PROFILE
from Sept. 2020 - California Leaf
by Northwest Leaf / Oregon Leaf / Alaska Leaf / Maryland Leaf / California Leaf / Northeast Leaf
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
NAPA, CA
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.
District Manager Jamie Bender General Manager Bianca Viscusi
HARVEST HOUSE OF CANNABIS NAPA
2449 2ND ST., NAPA, CA 10AM-8PM DAILY (707) 681-0599 HARVESTHOC.COM @HARVESTHOC
24 STRAIN OF THE MONTH CALIFORNIA SQUIRT SQUIRT GROWN by COSMIC FORCES FARM
COSMIC FORCES FARM IS A REGENERATIVE FULL SEASON CULTIVATOR LOCATED IN MENDOCINO COUNTY. THEIR PERMACULTURE DRIVEN GARDEN IS DEMPURE CERTIFIED, WHERE THEY UTILIZE ON-SITE GROW INPUTS AND NO-TILL METHODS TO GROW THEIR SMALL BATCH, TOP SHELF, SUNGROWN CANNABIS.
Squirt 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.
BRED b y HUMBOLDT SEED COMPANY (Tangie x Blueberry Muffin)
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.
* 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.
* 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
BARE BOTTLE MIGHTY MOSAIC IPA
FRIENDLY FARMS GUAVA SAUCE
TANNINS 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.
