Northwest Leaf – Dec. 2018

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THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

FREE / NWLEAF.COM

#102 | DECEMBER 2018

INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010


THE harvest issue


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happy holidaze! nwLEAF.COM

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11 Editor Note 12 Cannabis News 18 health & safety 20 bring it to bonnie 22 jerry whiting 24 budtender 26 women in weed 28 stoner owner 32 Highly likely 36 strain of the month 40 leaf gift guide 50 tasty holiday recipes 54 willie’s reserve edible 58 high tunes x tim-me 62 patient profile 66 Breeder Of The Month 68 psychedelia 70 glass art showcase

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HOW SUE CARLTON USES CANNABIS TO HELP PCOS & ENDO

DEC. 2018

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BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH ERIK PROVIDENCE

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ARIEL LEIGH, LESTER FARMS DIRECTOR OF HR AND COMPLIANCE

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BREEDER OF THE MONTH KOMA THE GROWER



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TINY TIPSY COCOA CUPS AND MORE CANNABIS-INFUSED HOLIDAY SNACKS TO TRY THIS SEASON.

dec. 2018

RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF


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

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wes abneY | wes@NWleaf.com | 425-219-6155

CONTRIBUTORS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah Climaco Editor

Daniel bermaN | photography & design daniel@bermanphotos.com

Steve Elliott National News Will Ferguson Reviews Simone Fischer Profiles

ART DIRECTOR BRANDON PALMA | BRANDING & DESIGN brandon@eighthdaycreate.com

CONTENT DIRECTOR

Chris Ryan Photos Pacer Stacktrain Features

AJ AGUILAR | CONTENT & CURATION aj@eighthdaycreate.com

Nate Williams Production

ADVERTISING

Laurie & Bruce Wolf Recipes

Shane vancamp | ADVERTISING SALES shane@nwleaf.com 253-561-6837

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

Artist Joshua Boulet has traveled the world with his sketchpad at the ready. We feel extremely fortunate to have collaborated with Boulet for years, his incredible, whimsical art gracing iconic Holiday Issue covers of Oregon Leaf, Northwest Leaf and Alaska Leaf (be sure to look up a few of the old ones in our free archive). Boulet’s unique artwork never fails to lift our spirits and stand out in stores every December.

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

CONNECT WITH THE LEAF @NWLEAF

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ABNEY

Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Holiday Issue of Northwest Leaf!

The holidays can be a tough time for many of us, which is why I love sharing and smoking Cannabis so much! Whether gifting a beautiful jar of locally grown fire flower instead of a soon to be discarded gift card or getting stoned with half the family to facilitate a peaceful holiday dinner – Cannabis is a major helped this time of year. I’ve found that showing up with my gift bags full of edible, dabbable and smokable goodies makes me quite popular with friends and family, and they usually share! So, remember this as we head into Christmas territory— nothing can change the politics of the in-laws, but getting really baked will definitely make them more tolerable. To celebrate the holidaze, we have a packed special issue full of great stories for you to enjoy, starting with our amazing cover art by Joshua Boulet. Follow him on Instagram @JoshuaBoulet. Inside this special issue, we have a holiday gift guide that includes a bunch of great reviews and insight into new products. We also take a look at the potential origins and ties between magical mushrooms and the legend of Santa Claus, in the debut of our very first psychedelic column! Over the coming year, we’ll be exploring psychedelia and are excited to look into the potential of other banned drugs that have medicinal and recreational properties. As always, thanks for picking up and reading the Leaf, and please remember to share it with your friends and family! Happy Holidaze!

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NOTHING CAN CHANGE THE POLITICS OF THE IN-LAWS, BUT GETTING REALLY BAKED WILL DEFINITELY MAKE THEM MORE TOLERABLE.

-Wes Abney DEC. 2018

nwlEAF.COM

cover art by Joshua Boulet for Northwest Leaf

WES


national news

BY THE NUMBERS

TRENDS

4

dollars per gram was the average retail price of Cannabis in Oregon in mid-2018

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6

Oregon municipalities voted in the 2018 midterms to allow legal Cannabis sales

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percent increase in California retail Cannabis sales was noted in the third quarter of 2018

147

pages are required for the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act

DEC. 2018

MICHIGAN BECOMES 10TH STATE TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS MICHIGAN IS BECOMING THE TENTH state in the nation to approve recreational use of Cannabis for adults. “Adults will no longer be punished for consuming a substance less harmful than alcohol, and rather than having to resort to the illegal market, they will be able to access it safely and legally from licensed businesses,” said Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project. Schweich directed the successful legalization campaign.`

STORIES BY STEVE ELLIOTT / TOKESIGNALS.COM


ECONOMICS

Oregon Collecting More Cannabis Taxes Than Expected

Ask for us by name

at your retailer TM

WITH PLUMMETING prices, oregonians are buying more weed than expected. so much more, in fact, that the state budget has $12.5 million more than state economists predicted a few months ago. The average price of a gram of Cannabis on Oregon’s retail market has dropped from $10 in late 2016 to just above $4 in mid-2018, according to state figures, reports Salem Reporter. Oregon consumers are projected to pay $176 million in state Cannabis taxes during the current budget cycle, which will end in mid-2019. “Since Oregon levies, it’s recreational marijuana tax based on the price of the product, the fact that actual tax collections have exceeded expectations is all the more impressive given the ongoing drop in prices,” state economists wrote in a revenue forecast in November. “For every ounce sold or every edible purchased, Oregon is receiving less tax revenue per item due to the price decline.”

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Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. Should not be used by pregnant women or if you are breastfeeding. For use only by adults 21 years & older. Do not operate a motor vehicle under the influence of this drug. Consuming this product can impair concentration, coordination & judgment. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Keep out of reach of children.


national news

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dispensaries are allowed in Missouri under the state’s new medical Cannabis law

NATION

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Missouri Goes Medical MISSOURI VOTERS approved medical marijuana at the polls in november. the state is likely to have 192 medical Cannabis dispensaries by 2020, reports Springfield News-Leader. The state’s medicinal Cannabis system was modeled in part on medical marijuana laws in Colorado and Oregon, according to New Approach Missouri spokesman Jack Cardetti. “They were very effective,” he said. Each of Missouri’s eight Congressional districts will be allowed a minimum of 24 dispensaries under Amendment 2. “We don’t want patients having to drive across the state,” Cardetti said. “We want it to be close by.” Local communities are allowed to regulate dispensary locations through existing planning and zoning laws, Cardetti said, covering “time, place and manner.” Local municipalities or counties cannot, however, ban dispensaries, he said.

DEC. 2018

“We don’t want patients having to drive across the state,” New Approach Missouri Spokesman Jack Cardetti said. “We want it to be close by.” STORIES BY STEVE ELLIOTT / TOKESIGNALS.COM


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national news

NATION

LEADERS IN CANNABIS LAW SINCE 2013

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CANNABIS SALES FINALLY PICKING UP IN CALI... The Golden State’s adultuse Cannabis market got off to something of a slow start, but recent data suggest that Californians could be overcoming any reticence. Sales totaled about $350 million in the third quarter, according to Matt Karens of Greenwave Advisors, speaking with The Motley Fool. That represents a 24 percent increase from the second quarter. The growth is due in part to an increase of about 10 percent in pot shops, plus higher average sales per shop. Karens said the average monthly sales for recreational shops increased by $50,000 quarter over quarter, to about $300,00 in the third quarter.

DEC. 2018

Six Oregon Cities Vote to Allow Cannabis Businesses VOTERS IN SIX OREGON cities have lifted or rejected recreational cannabis businesses, according to herald and News. Ontario, Joseph, Klamath Falls, Gates, Sumpter and Clatskanie voted to allow recreational marijuana businesses. For all those except Gates and Sumpter, that meant overturning existing bans on recreational marijuana. The election demonstrates that opposition to Cannabis may be lessening in some rural areas, according to Don Morse, director of the Oregon Cannabis Council. “Places like Klamath Falls have come to accept the fact that Cannabis is a major part of their economy and that banning it is just ridiculous,” Morse said. “So, they’re choosing to accept it and to get the tax benefits that come with it.”

STORIES BY STEVE ELLIOTT / TOKESIGNALS.COM

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Why one pot shop owner is taking unsafe products off the shelves and hopes other companies will start to follow suit. INTERVIEW by WES ABNEY

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IKE DROP

DEC. 2018

Washington has had rules regulating pesticides on Cannabis since beginning legal Cannabis sales in summer 2014. Yet in that time, despite more than 40 documented violations, there have been zero state-mandated product recalls. The Liquor & Cannabis Control Board has taken no direct action to address tainted products on store shelves. Operating almost entirely on a complaint basis, the LCB has ignored independent reports that as much as 84.6% of products sold in Washington contain illegal or unsafe pesticides.

PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


F

Uncle Ike’s location on 23rd & Jackson in Seattle is one of the highest grossing Cannabis shops in the state. Product removal here hurts.

rustrated with the lack of accountability for Cannabis regulators and producers, the Seattle-based retail Cannabis chain Uncle Ike’s has begun what it calls Ike’s OK, a program to independently test for pesticides in all products sold at their three stores. They’ve already had to pull Cannabis products that have failed repeated safety testing.

To date, these are the only recalls in Washington’s history for pesticides, though tainted products are being sold statewide daily. We sat down with Uncle Ike’s Owner Ian Eisenberg to discuss Ike’s OK and why he feels pesticide testing should be mandated and regulated by the state. Special thanks to Jim Macrae of Straight Line Analytics for building the data and case against the pesticide issue thoroughly, and Tobias Coughlin-Bogue for his writing on the issue, as both have been part of making the Ike’s OK program happen. Look for more in depth coverage of this issue in January featuring information from straightlineanalytics.biz where you can find analysis of the pesticide issue and others related to the Cannabis industry.

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When did you become aware of the pesticide issue in Washington?

Are you finding pesticide failures that aren’t listed on the products?

Three years ago now I did some random testing and Tobias wrote articles about it, and back then everything pretty much failed because of zero tolerance. As a result the state adopted Oregon’s legal limits, and the LCB said they would start their own random testing and build a lab, but they never did it. I follow Jim, and the info he was coming out with was alarming. The LCB wasn’t doing any tests that weren’t complaint based, and 42% failed.

Here’s where it gets crazy. Let’s say a vendor’s pot comes back and shows a pesticide below the legal limit, so it’s fine, but then we go to list of what vendors told us they use and its not listed. I don’t know if that’s a violation, but it means that they are selling us total bullshit. And we are seeing pesticides not reported, under and over the legal limit. It’s gone from being a clean and safety issue to an honesty issue.

How did you come up with the idea for Ike’s OK? We kept waiting for the LCB to do something and nothing ever happened. The problem for us was that we wanted to do something, but whenever we talked about putting a program together it got more and more complicated. So we decided to bring in experts, let them design the program, and just spend the money and do the tests. It turned out to be a lot more work than we thought!

How does the program work?

“We are testing for the legal limits of pesticides and companies that are over the limits fail.” Uncle Ike’s Owner Ian Eisenberg

Are a lot of them failing? And what does it mean to fail? We’ve done a lot of tests we didn’t report on, and then two months plus of actual testing, and the failure rate is about 20 percent. We are testing for the legal limits of pesticides and companies that are over the limits fail. We are the only shop since day one that maintains a list [available] for all customers that shows every vendor and the pesticides they use. That’s required by law to be available to all customers, and we are the only one making that available.

Self regulation is failing. Without the LCB enforcing the rules nobody is following the rules. I do think the LCB initially designed a genius system, I’m a firm believer in the framework and think it would be the best in the world if it was enforced. That’s the caveat.

Do you think that rate will end up higher?

If it’s just stuff over the legal limit I’m guessing over 25-30% of products will fail. If its products that don’t follow labeling rules for who grew or extracted the product, it’s 50-60%, and for companies that don’t disclose pesticides that are being used it’s 60-70%. That’s my gut. If there were recalls it would be a coming to Jesus moment for the industry.

What is the future for Ike’s OK? We’re going to continue ramping up this

program and be very selective of whose products are in our stores. We will be at somewhat of a competitive disadvantage because we’ll have to dump popular brands, so keeping Jim and Tobias running the program keeps me honest. If one of my huge brands fails I have no choice but to follow the Ikes OK formula. All I hope the program does is inspire some companies to do this on their own, and for consumers to get educated and realize the value in what we are doing. And I hope for the LCB to enforce the rules on the books. I was really hoping the LCB would be interested but we’ve had zero contact from them, so we are going to keep building the program.

See resu lts of the company’s testing at Ikes.com/OK

DEC. 2018

nwlEAF.COM

We designed the program with a chain of custody to make sure no samples were adulterated from our retail store to the lab, and we take random samples of products we purchase for sale and test them for pesticides. If they come back positive we immediately do two or three more products to ensure that the results are accurate before releasing the results publically. It’s $450 bucks per test, and we are using Medicine Creek Analytics. There is such little demand for the tests because nobody is doing them, so it’s insanely expensive.

WHY DO YOU THINK the “honor” system of self-accountability has not been working?


OPINION

CANNABIS DUI The information provided in this article is not legal advice and provided for educational purposes only. We are not your lawyers. If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney contact Martin at (206) 929-0609 or Bonnie at bonnie@c3.legal to schedule a consultation.

answering that” or shake your head. You should consider every question an officer asks as part of an investigation to build evidence to arrest you. You can also ask the officer: “Am I being detained or am I free to go?” You don’t have to give more than that. Every situation is unique, but you should know that you are not required to take the field sobriety tests, though this refusal may be used as evidence in court. The smell of recently smoked bud and red eyes are “indicators” the officer will use in an attempt to establish probable cause to arrest. Also, refusals of the breath test or blood draw at the station/hospital carry enhanced license and criminal penalties.

What are the consequences of Cannabis DUIs? How do they differ from alcohol DUIs?

BRING IT TO

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BONNIE By BONNIE FONG FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

Dear readers, The holidays are a time of celebration which often includes alcohol and Cannabis use. I get so many questions from Cannabis users about what to do if they get pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI). As criminal convictions can have an effect on the rest of your life, it is imperative to know your rights to set you up for the best defense possible. I teamed up with my colleague, Martin Kreshon of Ember Law PLLC to answer your questions related to DUIs...

nwLEAF.COM

If I get pulled over for a DUI, what information am I required to give?

RCW 46.61.020 requires the driver to cooperate with law enforcement, specifically by giving their (a) name, (b) address, and the (c) name/address of the owner of the vehicle. This could be by producing documents or using body gestures. Technically you don’t have to talk. Drivers must also produce, upon request, the (d) registration, (e) insurance card, and (f) driver’s license. The registration must be signed by the registered owner and in the vehicle at all times.

What do I do when I get pulled over for a DUI?

Upon being pulled over, you are not required to answer all of an officer’s questions, like where you were coming from, where you are going, what have you been doing, etc. If you don’t feel comfortable providing answers to a police officer, simply say “I don’t feel comfortable

DEC. 2018

The consequences are very similar to offenses involving alcohol. Mandatory minimum jail time and fines are calculated based on your number of prior offenses within a 7-year period. Each additional conviction leads to increasing penalties. If a person has three or more qualifying “priors” within 10 years, then a DUI charge can be filed as a felony. (A “prior” can often be a conviction received after any given charge that is still pending, so consult with a lawyer regarding your particular situation.)

Are you forced to get a blow and go or something similar?

By law, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), aka a “blow-and-go,” is required for any Cannabis-based DUI or physical control conviction. This includes cases originally filed as DUI’s but reduced to Reckless Driving. Your license could be suspended before a conviction if you refuse the blood draw.

Will I get my license revoked or suspended?

Yes, with a conviction. Courts and the Department of Licensing (DOL) impose different penalties based on each person’s history. While somewhat dense and difficult to navigate, the courts and DOL do provide resources to help you understand the penalties. Search online for “Washington DUI sentencing grid” and “Driver License Penalties Following Conviction” for penalties that can be imposed by the courts and the DOL, respectively.

Do they have a breathalyzer for Cannabis to test sobriety? Under what circumstances can they take my blood?

There is no Cannabis breathalyzer. If they suspect Cannabis intoxication, the officer will have to apply for and receive, a warrant before they can take your blood. A warrant requires probable cause, which is when there are “facts or circumstances” that would lead a person of reasonable caution to believe that a crime has been committed. You can be convicted if your blood has five or more nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. If the warrant is granted, DO NOT refuse the blood draw.

When can they take my marijuana?

They can take it pursuant to criminal charges or traffic infraction. Assuming you’re driving, RCW 46.61.745 makes it a traffic infraction to smoke in the vehicle, or for any occupant of a vehicle to have marijuana unless it’s (a) in the trunk, (b) in an area not easily accessible (glove box is accessible per statute), or (c) in a sealed, original container. It’s improper to take your weed unless done so for evidence, but if a cop takes your weed and doesn’t charge you with anything, I wouldn’t complain too much.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO BONNIE@C3.LEGAL

PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN


Sativa

Hybrid

Indica


OPINION

HEMP,CBD &WHOLE PLANT MEDICINE I by JERRY WHITING for NORTHWEST LEAF

nwLEAF.COM

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think we can all agree that else companies spike with cannabidiol CBD is mainstream. It’s for sale will deliver a one-dimensional effect everywhere: online, at the mall, in compared to using a full spectrum stores all over town, everywhere extract.The problem is that people you look. Sanjay Gupta, expect the results attributed to a whole Charlotte’s Web and cannabidiol were plant preparation when in fact what they the sparks that lit this firestorm. Is it any bought is CBD and only CBD. wonder farmers are falling over each While the gap may be negligible or other to plant industrial hemp to feed inconsequential to some, others will be the growing CBD market? This is a good understandably disappointed. The market thing, especially if small, family farms find isn’t well versed or sophisticated enough hemp is a profitable crop without farm to tell the good products from the bad. subsidies or bank debt. The flip side of the coin is that some This is all well and good until the hemp Cannabis intake is better than none. One harvest is processed. In the green rush advantage of CBD isolate and distillate is to hemp riches farmers single-mindedly the ability for manufacturers to scale up focus on CBD cultivars and processors production while keeping the serving sizes take that hemp and extract CBD and and dosages consistent. often only CBD. CBD-isolate and CBD If a fizzy drink from a convenience store distillate are sought after and valued for is your only option, a high tide lifts all their purity. This is fine as long as you boats as they say. As the market matures consider CBD (or THC for that matter) an a flurry of products will be unleashed. ingredient, rather than an end product People will try them, rejecting some unto itself. Reductionist chemistry which and popularizing others. In time we’ll all breaks the plant apart into individual identify and patronize our favorites just as chemicals doesn’t evoke we do beer, breakfast cereal, THE MARKET The Entourage Effect, the and yes, fast food. ISN’T WELL synergistic action of whole Cannabis consumers VERSED OR plant preparations. are learning more and CBD isn’t a magic potent. SOPHISTICATED more about terpenes and ENOUGH TO While one does derive adjusting their buying habits benefit from CBD and TELL THE GOOD accordingly. Savvy shoppers CBD only, its bioactivity know that CBD and THC PRODUCTS is measurably enhanced levels alone don’t paint FROM THE BAD. in the presence of other the whole picture. We all cannabinoids like THC, CBG, not need to learn as much as we can about to mention terpenes, the aromatic cannabinoids, terpenes and the other compounds that color the effect of compounds in hemp and Cannabis. Then cannabinoids. we need to teach each other. As our Products like CBD tinctures, infused individual shopping habits evolve, the coffee and sports drinks, and everything market will respond.

DEC. 2018

Read the labels of products when you shop – ask questions, visit producers’ websites, attend educational events and seek the truth. Yes, it’s all about CBD isolate and distillate right now. We’re all starting from scratch. It’s up to us to nurture and guide the hemp market as it grows. There’s no better time to exert influence than now!

Visit LeBlancCNE.com/podcast



BUDTENDER OF T HE MONTH

@NAPPYLEAF

ERIKPROVIDENCE “THE MOST SATISFYING PART OF THIS JOB IS WHEN PEOPLE LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND TELL ME THAT I HELPED BETTER THEIR LIFE.”

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INTERVIEW by Aj OG @Aj.OG

What are your hobbies when you aren’t working at the dispensary? You can find me behind the lens shooting photography. It’s been a big part of my Cannabis journey, capturing the story along the way, shooting photos of timeless moments. This is history being made before us. I also love bowling, and shred the lanes on the weekends.

First EXPERIENCE WITH CANNABIS? I was 14 years-old—an 8th grader living in El Paso, Texas—when I was first introduced to the plant. My friend rolled a joint and we all tried smoking it. Everyone in the group seemed to get a high from the experience, but I sure didn’t. While my first attempt was a fail, I jumped right back on that horse. The next time we smoked was after school, before a basketball game, and oh my god was I high as a kite! And I also happened to score twelve points that game—the most points I’d ever scored. After that I made it a point to smoke some Reggie before every game.

What is your favorite part of the job? The most satisfying part of this job is when people look me in the eye and tell me that I helped better their life. I let my customers know that when they are with me, my focus is their happiness. They are welcome to take as much time as they need and ask as many questions as necessary. What’s your favorite way to consume? A low-temp dab rig is my favorite—I love to taste all the terps and full flavor profile. When dabs appeared on the scene in Texas, it was a mind-blowing experience. Not only did it get me higher than I’d ever been in my life, the smell was nearly untraceable after smoking—a plus when you’re in Texas.

How DID YOU BECOME A BUDTENDER? favorite strains and producers? This pivotal shift happened in All-time favorite strains are February 2015, when I moved from Strawberry Cough and Grand Daddy Texas to Washington. My main Purps. As for producers, Aurum Farms motivation for moving was due to and Skörd Marijuana are great. Aurum the strict laws in place surrounding Farms cultivates a fire Lemon G. the possession of Cannabis concentrates—two years behind bars How do you find SOMEONE the right PRODUCT? and a $2,000 fine. I start with asking them what they As a college student with a prefer concerning Indica, Sativa and developing appreciation for Hybrid. If they are unfamiliar with dabbing, I decided the risk was too these categories, I explain this to them high and I was not going to stick before moving onto what their current around to become a statistic. So I mood and vibe is, and what effect packed up my car, loaded in my two they are looking for. I also always furry cat friends, and together we ask if they have anxiety issues before made the long journey west. recommending a Sativa strain. My Three days and six states later, main goal is to offer the best option I welcomed myself into a new life for the customer, and they should have in a legal and thriving Cannabis a happy experience with me and a state. I applied to every producer, positive outcome with the plant. processor and retailer I could find. I finally got a response from NW What kind of legal change in the retail Cannabis Solutions, and once I model specific to Budtenders would you was interviewed they decided to advocate for if given the opportunity? place me in the edible research and I would like to see a protective development department. measure in place for Budtenders with Over the course of 18 months regards to the federal offense of selling I actually custom developed the to minors. It doesn’t seem fair that a top-selling Cannabis edible in the Budtender should have to face federal company. I realized I was not being charges, given that they are at the appreciated properly by the owners. bottom of the salary scale I ended up walking away in a retail shop. from that position, but as The security measures fate would have it, I was welcomed graciously to GREEN LADY marijuana required should be thoroughly implemented serve as a budtender at 3044 Pacific Ave SE @GreenLadyMJ before a customer ever Green Lady of Olympia a (360) 339-6096 gets to the counter. month later.

GOT A FAVORITE BUDTENDER? TELL US WHY! THEPACKERSTACKTRAIN@GMAIL.COM

DEC. 2018

PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS



WOMEN IN WEED nwLEAF.COM

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ARIELLEIGH

Director of HR and Compliance at LESTER FARMS Lester Farms is a Tier-2 producer based in Raymond. When they began operations in 2016, they knew they needed someone organized to join their team. The founders brought on Ariel Leigh, who had recently graduated college in Seattle alongside her boyfriend Kyle, who is now President of Lester Farms. Originally a medical grow, the now-recreational Lester Farms is best known for their Canna-Tsu, a high CBD and award-winning cultivar, which is exclusively sold through Liberty Reach. Ariel and Kyle were fresh out of college, and when the opportunity was presented to move away from Seattle to join the team, they thought “we can stay here and continue to grind and grind, and not feel like we’re getting anywhere trying to climb the corporate ladder, or we can start something for ourselves.” Ariel is the Director of Human Resources and Compliance at Lester Farms, in the rural town of Raymond, Washington. Boy, was I surprised to see the Cannabis friendly signs along the road on the drive in to town! First the sign for ‘Tokeland’, and the next sign exclaimed “Raymond has gone to pot!” Ariel assured me that these signs were friendly and not in protest of the booming business. She explained that Raymond was one of the first cities to allow legal Cannabis businesses. Previously a logging town that has since seen unemployment on the rise, the locals were eager to have opportunities to start fresh. Ariel recalled her initial fears about moving to Raymond, “I was really scared because I didn’t know what it would be like living in a small town.” She wondered about the political climate of the town, and if she would be welcomed there. “That immediately changed when we moved down here, the whole town is so happy that the Cannabis industry is coming and bringing more life and families into the town.” She didn’t expect the town to be so supportive and neighborly, something she never experienced in Seattle, but she happily said that she has even

DEC. 2018

made friends in town. Joining the Cannabis industry wasn’t always so easy for Ariel, however: “when I first started I felt like an outsider a little bit. I didn’t know a lot [about Cannabis]. I didn’t smoke a lot, so I didn’t feel like I fit in.” Now that Ariel has been immersing herself into local groups and meetups, she has found that “there is so much more to the industry,” as far as consumption is concerned. “There are people who don’t even smoke, they just use topicals or eat edibles. There

are so many different people who contribute to the industry.” One of the most admirable things about Ariel is that she dove head first into this industry, despite her fears that her lack of technical Cannabis knowledge would hold her back. Although she had recently obtained her degree in Human Resources, the initial needs at Lester Farms were deeply rooted in agriculture. Four employees were working 7am to 8pm for the first five months, building out their facility, hand watering the plants, and learning the systems that would work best for them. Ariel’s list of responsibilities in the beginning included, but was not limited to, compliance, garden maintenance, OSHA, payroll, accounts payable, and the beastly BioTrack. Most of these responsibilities are full-time jobs when not combined, and it’s not easy to do it all! Ariel remembers giving up a “part of her soul” while “trying to figure out seed to sale.” Despite the challenges, Ariel says she “hasn’t looked back since,” stepping up to the plate to take on these multiple positions. “It was like a polar plunge learning everything about pot,” Ariel reminisced, as she recalls the days of trying to decipher what was wrong with the plants: “I was learning as I was going.” Eventually it got to a point where the team was working efficiently enough to hire some help, which allowed Ariel to step back from the grow aspect, and focus more on Human Resources as well as other executive duties. “I’m really thankful that we did what we did in the beginning, because I wouldn’t know anything about the plant. Learning all that about Cannabis actually helped me appreciate it so much more.” Like most of us experienced users, Ariel now knows exactly what she wants when she smokes.

STORY & PHOTOS by DANIELLE HALLE @SWEET.DEEZY


love to hire more women and empower those that “this whole industry needs to de-stigmatize ladies, just like they have empowered their how people view brown and black people with current employees. With a small, tight-knit staff, the Cannabis plant. We’re just as capable, streamlining and training in procedures is easier even more capable of success in this industry,” than with a larger team. The compassionate regardless of if they’ve come from a wealthy culture at Lester farms truly impressed me. background. Upon touring the facility, you will notice that They’re more than what prohibition culture each and every one of the grow rooms has a taught people in the 1950s. Ariel shared with place for Canna-Tsu, Lester Farm’s high-CBD me that “it’s difficult in general living in the flagship strain. In addition to placing a high world as a person of color,” because one value on the medicine they provide for the never knows if a negative situation is occurring community, Lester Farms also provides health because of her skin color, or if she’s a woman, insurance and benefits for their employees. or both. Another of Ariel’s goals is to make The work Ariel is doing to cultivate structure sure that she is “positively representing an both on the farm and in our community is empowered black female in the industry. You critical to the growth of this don’t have to adhere to industry. She plans to open specific ideals of who “THIS WHOLE doors and give executive you are, you can enjoy opportunities to people Cannabis any way you INDUSTRY NEEDS TO of color before the “bro want.” In addition to DE-STIGMATIZE HOW enjoying the Cannabis culture” takes over. We have seen time and plant, Ariel also work PEOPLE VIEW BROWN as a freelance marketer, time again, a white man who is already successful allowing her to express AND BLACK PEOPLE and wealthy has more of her creativity and an opportunity to create a the “steel box” WITH THE CANNABIS escape legal Cannabis business that is their grow. She and a path for himself. PLANT. WE’RE JUST AS is paving the way for What we have seen very women and women of little of, however, is the CAPABLE, EVEN MORE color in emboldened recognition of the people’s and multifaceted roles CAPABLE OF SUCCESS in our society as well backs that this industry was built upon. Ariel speaks as in the flourishing IN THIS INDUSTRY.” the truth when she notes Cannabis industry.

DEC. 2018

nwLEAF.COM

Although the Cannabis industry has lately been heralded as the most promising up-andcoming industry for female executives, “we still work with outside industries, so a lot of those struggles still exist.” Such as the stigma that a woman is not an effective leader. Ariel remarks that people don’t acknowledge what she does or they don’t take what she does seriously by trying to minimize her accomplishment. Ariel doesn’t let these challenges stop her, instead it just gives her another reason to work harder to motivate herself and others in Cannabis to break stigmas. “I’m here running a small business, in an executive position, and it still hard to change” perceptions that women can’t be taken seriously, or don’t know the fine details of the work they are engaging in. In this industry, it makes sense to have a mentality that if you can’t trust us to do our own jobs, we can’t trust you as business partners. “It’s also one of my goals to be able to help other women get into executive roles by letting them know that they don’t need to know the exact biology of the plant.” Not everyone needs to be a botanist! Regardless of what your strengths are, if you can find them out and fortify them, we need you in this industry. Ariel recognized her strengths in organization and put herself to work structuring a company that now ranks in the top 30 percent of Cannabis producers in processors in Washington, according to Top Shelf Data. Although she is currently the only female employee at Lester Farms, Ariel tells me that, when the time is right, she would


STONER OWNER

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nwLEAF.COM

ALEX COOLEY

SOLSTICE

Alex Cooley is a heritage medical Cannabis activist who played an instrumental part in the development of Washington’s Cannabis industry. He co-founded Solstice, the first commercial Cannabis cultivator in Seattle in 2011, at a time when medical Cannabis production was not yet licensed. He worked with the city to create permits and regulations that helped guide the formation of legal Cannabis. Today Solstice is the longest running Cannabis brand in Washington, is available recreationally and carries the legacy of stoner ownership with medical roots.

DEC. 2018

Interview by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PHOTO by DANIELLE HALLE @SWEET.DEEZY


“BEING A STONER OWNER IS SOMETHING I VERY MUCH AGREE WITH. WE SHOULD BE HIGHLIGHTING AND CELEBRATING PEOPLE WHO ARE CONNECTED WITH THE PLANT AND TRY TO RUN THEIR BUSINESSES FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF TRYING TO BETTER THE INDUSTRY INSTEAD OF BETTERING THEIR WALLET.“ How did Cannabis come into your life? The first time I smoked Cannabis was a tiny, tiny bowl in Issaquah in1998. It made me feel good and it, fortunately, wasn’t very powerful. I wasn’t very high and stoned, but it made the world glow a little bit more and the sun burn a little brighter and it was a very pleasant experience. Since then it’s come into my life in a lot of different ways.

What started you as a Cannabis activist? I became an activist in 2010, and that was by default of people needing to get together. It was Attorney Douglas Hiatt who brought a lot of industry together in the Washington Cannabis Association. He said, “look guys, major shit’s happening, and you have to come together and talk about it because you’re either at the table or on the table.” I was invited because at the time I was considered a big grower. I had been lightly involved politically previously with the Obama election, so I had the spark in me a little bit. The WCA highlighted the reality and opportunity of Cannabis, and in the fall of 2010, we started writing what became SB 5073 (the bill that regulated medical Cannabis.)

How did it feel to be working on laws for Cannabis? I had this “aha! moment” that laws are written by people, just like me. I wanted to get into writing laws. That’s when it clicked and turned on when I became an activist. I wanted to stand up and be about this and do everything I could to make the world what I think it should be, especially around the plant and for everyone positively and negatively affected by Cannabis laws.

What inspired you to start Solstice?

Solstice was the first commercial cultivator and Cannabis brand in Washington. How did that happen? It was very scary. There were big 50 and 100 light shows [grows] we all heard about, but they

What was the experience like working with the city, helping pave the way for future companies? We had to write ordinances with the city, zoning and codes, and I really enjoyed the process. It got us more and more exposure. I remember realizing that if patients could identify with it, then so could law enforcement, and I had a lot of fear of going to prison. That really elevated when we went through the process of building the first fully permitted cultivation site. I lived a lot of those years in a very paranoid place – a really negative component of it is that then consumption of Cannabis made me more paranoid and gave me anxiety. In those early years, my life was very connected to the plant. My consumption was reduced significantly, and it wasn’t until the last few years that I began consuming at a regular rate.

What does it mean to you to be a Cannabis business owner that consumes the plant? I think it’s incredibly integral to be an owner, at least, the type of owner I want to be. I don’t think we could produce the great Cannabis we produce if it weren’t for our wants and desires as owners/operators who use the plant medicinally and recreationally. It helps us keep fingers on the pulse to know what we like and others like. It’s a very communal product and if you’re not consuming with friends, family and industry you won’t know what the trend is. Being a Stoner Owner is something I very much agree with. We should be highlighting and celebrating people who are connected with the plant and try to run their businesses from a perspective of trying to better the industry instead of bettering their wallet.

STONER OWNER higlights individuals who have developed their love for Cannabis into a thriving business. Stoner Owner celebrates owners who love and consume the plant, giving them real insight into the industry’s true roots and culture. prefer baby dabs, I’m all about the flavor, although I enjoy joints and Backwoods blunts.

How do you handle consumption during the work day for both yourself and your employees? I typically do not consume during the workday. As a person who can get anxiety from Cannabis, I find that it distracts my work unless my work is determining the quality of a strain. We have in our employee handbook that consumption on site is not allowed, so we maintain compliance with LCB with no consumption on the licensed premise. Our stance from day one has been if people need Cannabis, particularly for medicine, we are supportive of them consuming it. It would be disingenuous to say this is a drug-free workplace, but we make drugs!

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What is your biggest challenge in legal Cannabis? There are so many people doing it now, who just want to write a check and get into the weed business to make a million tomorrow or because it’s super cool. A lot of the price wars and the bottom falling out is from people who honestly have no business being here, so they undercut the market intentionally or unintentionally. It’s insane and a result of so many people unconsciously flailing their arms around and creating a butterfly effect that has a lot of negative consequences for the industry overall. I was the guy who encouraged people to come into the industry and for normal business people to come in, and I’m still in favor of good operators that care about the plant, industry, company and their employees. If they can do those four things and try to balance them like I do I feel they deserve a place.

What is your favorite strain and way to consume? My favorite strain is our Sherman, a five-time first place winning strain that is a beautifully balanced varietal of Cannabis. It’s named for my dog that passed away, he was our third founder, at every bill and rule-writing session and a real core part of the company and my life. When he passed, the team decided to breed the strain for him from two of our most potent indicas, and we got a slightly sativa CBD varietal out of it. It is crazy and really expresses who he was, and for him to be a champion after he passed is wonderful. Sherman is a tropical CBD strain with enough THC to be intoxicating, insanely flavorful with a cerebral high that I love. To consume, I

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I’m a really big snowboarder and I’ve become a family man. I’m very fortunate to have a phenomenal wife and home and spend a lot of time planning the personal side of life. We have a 114-year-old craftsman home so I get to work on that and live in the city and be a Seattleite which is really wonderful.

SOLSTICEGROWN.COM @SOLSTICE_GROWN

DEC. 2018

nwlEAF.COM

Solstice wasn’t my first go in the industry as a profession. I decided to start because I wasn’t content with what we were doing with Conscious Care Cooperative and the other companies I was part of. I felt like the plant wasn’t getting as much respect and credit as it should, and Solstice comes from a desire to normalize and legitimize Cannabis. I felt you really needed to start with the plant to do that, and we wanted to show people that the plant can be grown in a responsible and professional manner and that Cannabis as a medicine could be perceived in a responsible and ethical. That’s why we named the company Solstice, because it means change. It’s the astrological change of the season, the highest and lowest point of the year, and it felt like a really good representation of our mission to be the change that Cannabis needed.

were very hidden and very janky. And that’s a big reason that we did Solstice. We knew for our mission we had to grow on a large scale, and that we couldn’t make normalization happen 15 plants at a time. So, we said screw it, we’ll do it just like a normal business world, and we went big. We weren’t the first to go big, but the first to do so publicly and properly.




MICHAEL PELLETIER VOW (Voices Of the Cannabis War) is a group of dedicated cannabis activists who are voices for prisoners incarcerated for Cannabis. VOW writes articles, hosts radio shows, does public speaking, works on special projects and makes images in their honor. VOW has ‘vowed’ to help free them through education, prisoner support, courtroom support and helping to END PROHIBITION.

This is the month families celebrate holidays together and smoke a joint with friends! Not Michael Pelletier, a 62-year old paraplegic from Madawaska, Maine, who is serving a life sentence in federal prison for Cannabis crimes. Pelletier grew up on his family potato farm with his 11 brothers and sisters. When he was 11 years old, he was ran over by a tractor which caused him to become paraplegic. As a result, he became dependent on a wheelchair and suffered constant pain. Like many people, after the use of countless pharmaceuticals, Pelletier found that Cannabis provided him the most relief with the least side effects. Eventually, he decided to sell small amounts to make ends meet between his small disability checks. The federal government built a case against Pelletier claiming he was the kingpin of a large Cannabis drug ring based on the testimony of his co-defendants who received reduced sentences in exchange for their testimony. The quantity of Cannabis was exaggerated, and the jurors did not know their jury rights, leaving him with a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His only chance at freedom was from the jurors. If a single juror had voted not guilty, Pelletier would be free today. Serving a life sentence for Cannabis is unjust regardless of the circumstances. those with medical conditions serving time for a plant is exasperated. “Being a paraplegic in prison has it twice as hard,” Pelletier said. “I’m in a prison where they have the death-row, ex-gang members. Some of the most hardened criminals. You have to be one step ahead of everyone at all times,” he said. “Then throw in the mix all of the medical problems.” Since his incarceration, due to the lack of services such a physical therapy, Pelletier has suffered from four blood clots in his legs. As a wheelchair-bound prisoner, his ability to work and earn money is greatly diminished. Basic necessities like toothpaste, socks, soap, and the like are difficult to come by without a steady income from the labor offered. He’s been imprisoned for over 12 years, with little access to even minimal health care and the added stress of wheelchair dependency. To cope, Pelletier has turned to painting while in prison. “I gather great relief from my problems, and life in prison, through the escape offered by painting,” he said. “It’s a place where I can get away from the stressful environment of my living quarters.” You can own a Michael Pelletier original, and help him to buy basic necessities by purchasing art he has made while behind bars. Visit: https://www.michaelpelletierart.com/ to browse through his gallery. Support from those on the outside is a vital part of surviving a prison sentence. For prison and Cannabis reform such as Amy Povah (CANDO), Mindi Hall (VOW, Freedom Grow), Deedee Kirkwood (The Pot Fairy Project), and Beth Curtis (Life for Pot) are among those who help to keep Pelletier’s story alive and maintain hope that someday he will be free. “Just knowing someone cares, makes everything a little easier and the day a little brighter. I have such gratitude for all those that have shared their support. They possess a goodness which brings happiness, to all those whose lives they touch,” Pelletier said. “It’s not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.” Pelletier is one of the multitudes of applicants waiting for his clemency to be approved. Petition asking President Trump to free Pelletier is available to sign online. We urge you to sign this and consider the vast number of other petitions sponsored by Can-Do at https://www.change.org/p/donald-trump-clemency-for-michael-pelletier-serving-life-for-pot

DEC. 2018 DEC. 2018

Michelle Andonian

WOMEN IN CANNABIS NORTHWEST LEAF nwLEAF.COM NWlEAF.COM

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VOICES OF THE CANNABIS WAR

“BEING A PARAPLEGIC IN PRISON HAS IT TWICE AS HARD,”

SEND YOUR CARDS AND LETTERS OF SUPPORT Michael Pelletier #11109-036 FCI Terre Haute P.O. BOX 33 Terre Haute, IN 47808

By VOW MEMBERS KRISTIN FLOR & MINDI HALL By VOW MEMBERS KRISTIN FLOR AND MINDI HALL


h t n o M e l o Wh ember of Dec




WILLIE’S RESERVE 19.49% THC NORTHWEST HARVESTING CO.

@WILLIESRESERVEOFFICIAL

SUNSET SHERBET DEC. 2018

REVIEW by WES ABNEY @NWLEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


S

UNSET SHERBET combines melty indica effects with an energetic heady rush that is creative and sedative all in one toke. Hailing from the Girl Scout Cookies family, this strain combines all the earthy, kushy, fuely and pine flavors that make the cookies famous with notes of chocolate and a light but bright citrus tang. Complex and delicious, the flower is beautifully grown by Northwest Harvesting Co for Willie’s Reserve. The buds are dense and thickly coated in trichomes, with deep purple colors and a classic structure that has plenty of jar appeal. Snapping open a flower covers the fingers in light stickiness, with a strong burst of sour cookies that emanates from the center stem. Well cured and sold in glass, the flower is clearly valued by the company, which keeps the Sherbet fresh and full of flavor. Both relaxing and invigorating, this strain is a perfect daytime high for creative work, boring work, or surviving the holidays... Ripping into a bowl, the first flavors are sweet and earthy and the smoke inhales as a warm cookies kiss. The exhale tingles the nose with pine and fuel, and a sour hashy kush flavor that lingers on the palate after the smoke has cleared. The flower burns smoothly with a clean white ash, and very little cough through fat, juicy hits. Effects are concentrated in the mind, with energy rising as sounds become clearer and vision becomes sharper in focus and dulled around the edges. The high quickly travels into the body, relaxing muscles as the head enters a stoney cerebral bliss.

NOTES OF CHOCOLATE AND A LIGHT BUT BRIGHT CITRUS TANG.


May your holidays be joyful & high. For a limited time only. Feliz Avitas!

Don’t miss our other holiday strains: • Sugar & Spice • Glitter & Gold

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


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


HAPPY HOLIDAZE!

GIFT GUIDE N O RT H W E S T S H A R E F O R

L E A F

S TA F F

T H E I R

T H E

&

CO N T R I B U TO R S

F AV O R I T E

S TO N E R

I N

G I F TS

YOU R

L I F E

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HAPPY DADDY X BLACK MARKET GLASS

FLAT TOPQUARTZBANGERS $1OO-$120, HAPPYDADDYPRODUCTS.COM

Are you starting to lose seconds on your current nail’s cool down? Tired of the carbon stains burnt into quartz, giving it that “chazzed” look? Still rocking titanium like it’s 1999? Not to worry! Local blacksmiths Happy Daddy teamed up with the also local husband-and-wife duo Black Market Glass to craft a high quality, yet affordable banger for all to enjoy. These bangers are crafted by hand in Portland and are available in both 45° and 90° angles, in both male and female 10mm and 14mm, and with two different bucket sizes of 24mm and 30mm. Unlike the beveled tops, the flat-top design allows for any kind of carb cap to be used, even the bottom of a gram jar of oil if you’re short on a real cap. The design is sleek and function focused, with short necks to keep the large buckets from sticking out too far from the piece. The function and heat retention are excellent, boasting a 4mm bottom and 2mm sidewalls. Combine all these factors and then slap a price tag of only $120 or less on it and you’ve got yourself one of the best stoner gifts you can buy. -Nate Williams

DEC. 2018

PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


stoner gift guide

TEMPTECH

TEMPTECH $99, TEMPTECH.ORG

It’s important to me to know exactly what temperature I consume my hash at, and this is becoming a common trend. The TempTech laser thermometer is revolutionary because it simplifies the process of reading your banger’s temperature, utilizing an upward facing infrared laser so all can dab at the desired temperature.

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The TempTech has a power switch allowing it to stay on and read your banger’s temperature without holding down a button or aligning sensors. The TempTech ensures your next sesh is more scientific, safe, and delicious. Bonus points for the American-made, 3D-printed casing! -Matthew Meyers

nwlEAF.COM dec. 2018


HAPPY HOLIDAZE!

BLAZER PRODUCTS

BIG SHOTGT8000 $40, AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN GLASS SHOPS

Blazer Products torches are one of the best, if not the best in the game. Originally crafted for Japanese chefs, this torch is durable and long lasting. The chamber itself is larger than most, as it is able to withstand prolonged use before needing a refill. The torch shoots an even, steady flame that is powerful enough to heat up most quartz nails in 15-20 seconds. Different sizes and colors are available nationwide to suit each user’s preference. Blazer Products also have an excellent customer service department and a lengthy warranty that allows customers to send in defective torches for free repair. -Will Ferguson

nwLEAF.COM

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DEC. 2018

PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415

stoner gift guide

WOKEFACE WOKEFACE.COM

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Originally developed by NW designer Janet Lackey as a street art project, Wokeface was born in 2016 and exploded into an Oregon-wide phenomenon in a mere two years. You can catch her signature “woke third eye” stickers all over Portland and in many cities across the NW. Lackey enjoys Cannabis on a regular basis and her affair with the plant translates into her art. She crafts everything from woke weed leaf t-shirts to pillows and keychains for followers worldwide. Her work is on display in several Portland-area galleries, including the Make House and Goodfoot Pub & Lounge, and at Wokeface.com. So if you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for your weed-smoking pal and want to support a local artist, Wokeface just might have the perfect thing for you! -Nate Williams

nwlEAF.COM dec. 2018


HAPPY HOLIDAZE!

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AQUALAB TECHNOLOGIES

CARB CAPS nwLEAF.COM

$14-50 / AQUALABTECHNOLOGIES.COM

A carb cap can be as simple as the bottom of a gram jar of oil, a properly fitting and flowing cap will revolutionize the function of literally any banger. These days, there is huge diversity in style and function of each cap. Some are basic clear boro discs with a small handle. Some are scientifically formed to create a tornado of vapor inside the cap itself. Some are hundreds of dollars and are formed in collaboration by top artists. Whether you’re going inexpensive or as heady as you can get, carb caps dramatically improve the function of your banger by regulating air flow and reducing the temperature required to efficiently vaporize you oil. A carb cap is a must for any dabber using a banger and will night-and-day change the efficiency of your tools. -Nate Williams

DEC. 2018

PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


PUFFCO PEAK SLEEK AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Up until recently, consumers who wanted to consume packaged concentrates like shatter, oil, or crumble by vaporized had to settle for one of two options. A loadable “pen” style vaporizer and sacrifice quality, or go all-in with a rig (and the deal-breaker for many of us – the dreaded torch.) Since many consumers have been reluctant to use a dangerous tool like a torch while consuming Cannabis in their household, this scenario has prevented a great many from the general public from consuming and experiencing the benefits of a high-quality dab. Enter the Puffco Peak to the rescue. A device so simple, and safe, that even grandma can use it. With just one button and four temperature settings, it has a very intuitive user interface and can be learned to use with little difficulty. The Peak is almost impossible to knock over and comes in a variety of different colors and designs. If you want to go the luxury route, check out some of the custom glass designs the blowers around the world are creating specifically for the Peak. -Pacer Stacktrain

stoner gift guide

PUFFCO

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nwlEAF.COM

MELLOW MOOD PORTLAND

Boro Farm Attachment, $400 Puffco Unit, $380 Quartz Inserts, $30

dec. 2018


stoner gift guide

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PLUGABLE

250X DIGITAL MICROSCOPE $49.99 / PLUGABLE.COM

Curious about your Cannabis? Want to take epic budshots? Then this USB microscope from Plugable makes the perfect gift. Made locally, it connects easily to a tablet or computer, comes with a stand, and takes photos at up to 250x resolution. This puts your field of focus right in the trichomes, and is great for business, hobbyists or social media photography! -Wes Abney

DIPSTICK VAPES

THEDIPPER nwLEAF.COM

$114.99 / DIPSTICKVAPES.COM

With all the ease of a nectar collector in a electronic format, the Dipper is a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys on the go dabbing. It’s as simple as charging, hitting the button, and dipping the tip into your favorite concentrate for big, satisfying hits. Plus, you can load hits inside like traditional concentrate vaporizers! -Wes Abney

DEC. 2018

PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


stoner gift guide

WHITNEY HARMON GLASS

CHAZZ OFF CLEANER $7.99 / WHITNEY-HARMON-GLASS.MYSHOPIFY.COM

Everyone has the friend that always chazz’s the banger. For non dabbers, this means to burn it! Get them the gift of Chazz Off, a cleaner designed for bangers by dabbers, so you know it works right. Apply to warm surfaces with a Q-tip for cleaning, or for seriously chazzed bangers, soak overnight! -Wes Abney

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WHITNEY HARMON GLASS

nwlEAF.COM

THERMOCHROMIC BUCKET $250 / WHITNEY-HARMON-GLASS.MYSHOPIFY.COM

From glass legend in Bellingham, Whitney Harmon comes the Thermochromic bucket, a color changing banger that indicates temperature accurately and easily. The custom sealed bucket changes color from red when hot to yellow when cool, comes with an easy guide for heating, and is perfect for new dabbers or people sick of timers. Heady, effective and easy to use, this is a great gift and innovative tool for dabbing! -Wes Abney

dec. 2018


Recreational & Medical Retail

Open Daily 8AM 10PM

500 Different

Cannabis Sku’s Available Every Day!

Visit our sister store for glass goods, paraphernalia, and tobacco products

29393 STATE RT. 410E, Suite D (by IGA) BUCKLEY, WA

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


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LOCATE THE STORE NEAREST YOU ( } } * WARNING: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. It is illegal to operate a vehicle or machinery while under the influence of marijuana. This product is unlawful outside Washington State.


RECIPES

by laurie wolf Photos By Bruce wolf

Seasons Eatings

DECK THE HALLS WITH INFUSED CANNABIS! THIS TIME OF YEAR, I KEEP THE DOSES LOW BECAUSE THERE’S LOTS OF PARTYING GOING ON. I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH THAT LESS IS MORE! ENJOY YOURSELF! PEACE ON EARTH AND GOODWILL TO EVERYONE. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LAURIE + MARYJANE! #DON’TFEARTHEEDIBLE.

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PINEAPPLE GARLAND

I love this combo of flavors. The pineapple is quite sweet, however the dark chocolate offsets it and forms a kind of culinary powerhouse.

oregonlEAF.COM

12 crystalized pineapple rings 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips 1-2 tablespoons canna-butter Optional: grated coconut, chopped almonds, sprinkles Place the pineapple on parchment. In a small double boiler melt the chocolate chips with the canna-butter. Stir well until just melted and remove from the heat. Drizzle the pineapple with the melted chocolate. Sprinkle with the toppings and allow to set before eating or hanging them on the mantle.

Serves 12

dec. 2018


CANNACARAMEL POPCORN

I find that they are some terrific caramel popcorns on the market these days, so you can take that step out. Pick your favorite candies and drizzle with the melted Cannabutter.

3 cups caramel corn 1/2 cup each red and green M & M’S 1 cup small pretzels or pretzel pieces 3 small white Kit-Kats, broken 1/4 cup butterscotch chips 1/2 cup broken ice cream cone shells 1 cup chocolate chips 1-2 tablespoons canna-butter Optional: assorted sprinkles

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Place the popcorn on parchment paper. Spread out. Sprinkle all the candies on the caramel corn. In the top of a double boiler melt the chocolate with the cannabutter. Remove from the heat when almost fully melted. allow to finish melting, stirring well. Pour the chocolate over all the candy and popcorn, and allow to set till no longer wet.

Serves 8-10

TINY TIPSY COCOA CUPS The supreme cuteness of this treat beckoned. You can dip them in hot chocolate, holding them by their tiny pretzel handles. Keep away from kids. Cute as it is, this is an adult’s only snack.

1 dozen regular size marshmallows 2/3 cup chocolate chips 1 tablespoon canna-butter 6 small pretzel knots, broken carefully to form handles.

oregonlEAF.COM

Place the marshmallows on parchment paper. Melt the chips and butter in the top of a small double boiler. Remove from the heat before fully melted. Stir. Allow to cool down a bit. Dip the ends of each pretzel handle in the chocolate and press against the side of the marshmallows. Hold in place, about 30 seconds, to adhere. Using a small spoon top each marshmallow with a teaspoon of the infused chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint, sprinkles or anything festive. Allow to set and enjoy!

Makes 12 cups, 3 per person

dec. 2018



MARIJUANA PRODUCTS MAY BE PURCHASED OR POSSESSED ONLY BY PERSONS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. THIS PRODUCT HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA CAN IMPAIR CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION AND JUDGEMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE. THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

ALL LOCATIONS

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH small batch

artisan grown

Washington Bud Company tests our flower for pesticides and heavy metals to prove our POISON FREE claim. We are the first flower company in the State that has qualified to use the Department of Health’s General Use Compliant symbol on our packages.

Visit our web site for further details and where to find WA Bud Co products: www.WABudCo.com This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use by adults twenty-one or older. Keep out of the reach of children.

MARIJUANA PRODUCTS MAY BE PURCHASED OR POSSESSED ONLY BY PERSONS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. THIS PRODUCT HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA CAN IMPAIR CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION AND JUDGEMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE. THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. KEEP OUT Washington Bud Company periodically tests our flower for OF REACH OF CHILDREN. pesticides and heavy metals to prove our POISON FREE claim. We are the ONLY flower company in the State that has qualified to use the Department of Health’s General Use Compliant symbol on our packages.


review

by WES ABNEY / NORTHWEST LEAF

54

Peppermint Lozenges Willie’s Reserve

5mg THC per piece, 10mg per serving

P

nwLEAF.COM

EPPERMINT CANDIES and Christmas go together like holidays and weed, and this combination of the two is perfect for making the festive season go a little easier. From the candy kitchen at Willie’s, these lozenges are discrete, yummy and easy to eat at any time or place. They will even freshen your breath! Or at least cut the weedy flavor from the joint you smoked before dinner. Caramel colored and rounded, the peppermint flavor is nice, balanced and not overwhelming. This is more of a treat than a mint – which we enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up. We also tried dropping one into a hot cup of coffee for a homemade medicated peppermint

dec. 2018

mocha, which goes great in cocoa as well. We really liked the minty drinkable high we experienced. Effects settled in quickly as the lozenge dissolved, and we liked the 5 mg portion size for individual pieces. It’s a perfect lower dose for new users, and tasty enough to eat several over an afternoon to get a bigger high over time. We’ve really enjoyed their other edible items like Annie’s chocolates, with tasty flavors like dark chocolate, roasted cocoa nibs and Maui espresso bean rounding out the options. Made with care and organic ingredients always, the full lineup of edibles from Willie’s Reserve is definitely worth checking out. Give them a taste and have a happy holidaze with a peppermint treat this year!

PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN


@GANJAGOD206 Throwback 2013

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


OBVIOUS CHOICE, RIGHT?

39C

39C

WAM Oil, pesticide tested because it matters washingtonsoriginal.com

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


ATM Service and support! Time for a new ATM or Need to Upgrade your existing ATM Service?  New and Refurbished atm sales: Includes: 5 Year Parts Warranty and Local service and support—24 Hour Toll Free Support.

 Upgrade your existing your existing atm service: faster and more reliable processing services.

 Upgrade your existing atm equipment from single cassette atm to dual cassette atm for extra capacity or to dispense different denominations.

 Considering a second atm to alleviate customer wait times? - contact Us!

Call Today! 1-800-411-6656 or e-mail: INFO@ADVANCEDATMSYSTEMS.COM

Advanced ATM Systems / Established: 1999 Serving merchants across the northwest

www.advancedatmsystems.com

Premium Technology Meets Full-Spectrum, Premium Oil.

Heylo oil is made from bud, not trim, and processed to optimize for terpenes, not just THC. It’s how we create an oil that produces an experience as holistic as premium flower, without the downsides of smoking.

Heylo oil, now in PAX ERA™ High-Intensity Pods. View strains, playlists and full-analytical results:

heylocannabis.com/pax Meet the Cannastamp The Cannastamp™ is a visual representation of the top-8 terpenes in our oil along with the ratio of THC to CBD. Find more information inside the box or online at:

cannabinder.com Listen to Jack’s Girl and Harlequin on Spotify™:

bit.ly/heylo-spotify

Warning - May be habit forming. Unlawful outside Washington State. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.


review

Tangie Hemp Joints

High Tunes x Tim-Me

T

HIS TANGIE HEMP JOINT comes with a free download of the album Still Growin- Cuts of Cannabis, and is a perfect example of how joints and music go hand in hand. Free music with weed is the awesome concept behind High Tunes, and they did a special hemp joint collaboration with local rapper Tim-Me for the holiday season. Smoking hemp is a fun and enlightening experience and delivers a sweet smokey buzz that is different from normal Cannabis.

These Tangie hemp joints contain less than .3 percent THC and can be sold legally as hemp, yet are a blast to smoke. The smell and flavor is definitely Tangie, with a light piney-earthy flavor that comes alive on exhale. Extremely smooth, the hemp burns easily, and is a great way to enjoy a sesh during the day without getting high. The effects of smoking this hemp joint are calming for the body and quickly relieve pain and anxiety, while giving the mind an uplifting CBD buzz. While these are considered non-intoxicating, they definitely leave you feeling better after smoking one. We really enjoyed following a fat dab up with one of these joints, getting the sensation of smoking while mellowing out a THC high. Still Growin — Cuts of Cannabis is the writing and rapping work of local artist Tim-Me, a long time Cannabis patient and activist. His songs include the cut Cannabis Saves Lives, an ode to the medicine that has helped his life and many others. Cuts of Cannabis is the best of local hip hop and Cannabis culture combined, and the collaboration with High Tunes offers a chance to smoke and tune in at the same time!

EMP H S T H I AN D I L E G KI NB OD Y Y, WH Z. O M T Z S O F O R T HEAN X I E B D B U G F AN D T I NG C N I AL ME PAI NU P L I F C AR E E L I EVN D AN T R N J OIIC K LY T HE M I Q U I NG G IV

nwLEAF.COM

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by WES ABNEY / NORTHWEST LEAF

TS C E F F E THE dec. 2018

PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


P e r f o r m a n c e | T e c h n o l o g y | I n n o vat i o n

Los Angeles | San Francisco | Denver | M ichigan *OEM & ODM Projects Accepted, Private Labeling



This E*Blunt is a discreet and fun way to enjoy cannabis vaping. Each E*Blunt comes pre-ďŹ lled with high quality cannabis oil. Find E*Blunt in a shop near you.

21+ RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA: Bremerton 8 BALL BARRISTER, LLC ANACORTES CANNABIS BLOWIN SMOKE DANK'S WONDER EMPORIUM, LLC FREELAND CANNABIS COMPANY GREEN LADY: Olympia GREEN LADY: Everett GREEN LADY WESTSIDE, INC. HIGH-5 CANNABIS KELSO FREEDOM MARKET LONGVIEW FREEDOM MARKET SAGE SHOP SAVAGE THC THE STASH BOX

Processed by Honu, Inc. Visit online at www.Honu-Inc.com Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product contains marijuana. Distributed by E*Blunt: www.EBlunt.com


patient profile

Photographed at The Flight Lounge in Portland, where Carlton recently spoke on The Art of CBD.

oregonlEAF.COM

62

SUE CARLTON dec. 2018

PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS


PROFILE by SIMONE FISCHER

Cannabis for PCOS & Endometriosis SUE CARLTON IS A CANNABIS INDUSTRY-INSIDER AND AN AVID LOVER OF THE PLANT WHO USES MEDICAL MARIJUANA TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME AND ENDOMETRIOSIS. NO CURE IS AVAILABLE FOR THESE SPECIFIC ISSUES, BUT CARLTON SHARES HOW HER MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO WELLNESS AND CANNABIS IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF HER DAILY LIFE.

What forms of Cannabis do you like to use? My preferable form is patches in THC and CBD because I often can’t eat or consume anything from being nauseous. Even when I smoke, it can cause me to gag and suppositories are more of a night time thing. Capsules would be my third choice. Edibles are typically high in sugar or accompanied by oil mediums such as glycerol or MCT which in doses more than a 1 tsp can cause irritation for people like me with IBS.

“I became a medical patient after that to improve my choice of medication, I didn’t want to go back to taking pharmaceuticals.”

What challenges do you experience using Cannabis as a treatment option? Ensuring consistency within products. With a singular compound such as THCA and CBDA, it’s incredibly difficult to make sure that you get the same dosage. Until they compound out each cannabinoid, we aren’t able to provide individualized medications that can be replicable each and every time. Regardless if the flower is grown in the same greenhouse, same strain, same feed, etc., it will always vary within its cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpene percentage, and won’t be consistent. So, it becomes hard for me when I start consuming one product for a few months, they alter the concentrations during their productions and it won’t have the same results.

Why do you use medical Cannabis? With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & Endometriosis, I experience symptoms like chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), severe cramps, anxiety and depression, loss of appetite and nausea. When did you start using Cannabis medicinally? When I was 20, I was facing a pharmaceutical addiction from prescriptions prescribed such as Klonopin and Adderall. I would black out almost every day, and luckily, I had a friend in my psychology class at PCC who just started her journey to getting clean. She wanted me to switch from pharmaceuticals to Cannabis by giving me samples of her medical garden. It wasn’t until later that year I had my first ovarian cyst rupture after having a period last for 8 months out of the year. I became a medical patient after that to improve my choice of medication, I didn’t want to go back to taking pharmaceuticals. Has it been challenging to determine dosing? A difficult thing, in all honesty, was last year breaking my hand in two spots; I became heavily reliant on high doses of THC chocolate edibles. I was eating over 1000 mg a day and 200-400 mg of CBD a day to counteract the side effects of THC. The pain was so severe, but after four months I lost 10 lbs. and weighed a 109 at 5’4. I weaned myself off because no matter how much I took in an edible form couldn’t bring my mind or body calmness. It was like building a tolerance and forming an addiction all over. What strains or cannabinoids/terpenes provide the best relief in your experience? I go for a blend. I like to encourage multiple terpene cannabinoid blends because of the natural endocannabinoid system in our own human body. I think of it like a supplement: terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids. I like to eat the rainbow. I feel much more satisfied on multiple levels when I create a Cannabis cocktail. It’s not just about one in specific over the other. The plant is beautiful because when fully utilized, a combination of the terps, flavors and cannabinoids can really individualize your medicine.


LEADERS IN CANNABIS LAW SINCE 2013

CHALLENGE AUTHORITY C3.LEGAL


Hey LCB,

SUCK THIS.

SERIOUSLY, SUCK THIS AND GET OVER IT.

WE DO NOT NEED the LCB telling us to keep our booze, tobacco or our marijuana away from our kids –– we get that. We’re responsible adults, we’re business owners, we’re employees and we’re law abiding citizens. Plus, we pay a ton of taxes when we buy our infused gummie worms. We like candy as much as you do, we vote and we’re pissed.

THE ABOVE IS SOLELY THE OPINION OF GUTS AND GLORY CREATIVE MADE ON BEHALF OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS, RECREATIONAL USERS AND OUR GREAT CLIENTS IN THE WASHINGTON MARIJUANA BUSINESS


nwLEAF.COM

breeder of the month

KOMATHEGROWER

66

DEC. 2018


@KOMATHEGROWER / DEFENDTHEHARVEST@GMAIL.COM

Prolific Coast seeds By SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR

When did you begin growing Cannabis and when did you first start to get into breeding? I started growing bag seeds, 20 years ago outside in Texas, I was just a kid. I grew up in foster homes and life was so overwhelming at times. I hit my friend’s bong for the first time and I knew I found something that made me feel good – [Cannabis] was like a warm blanket. The growing started getting serious as soon as I got to Oregon. When I first arrived, all I was growing was Strawberry Cough and G-13. What made you want to get into breeding? It was the failures of others. These seed companies promised all sorts of success, but the results were anything but. I had kids to feed, bills to pay, I needed the seeds to be good and I needed the bud to be of the highest quality. I was tired of coming up short to the point that I was questioning my [growing] abilities. It’s interesting to think that potentially solid growers are blaming themselves – or their methods – when it’s actually just faulty genetics. What do you have to say? Genetics are key! I acquired some really good cuts, elites, and right away shit changed. I went from struggling to pulling down high-quality herb overnight. The quality was so good my whole existence changed in one harvest. When I started breeding six years ago, it was never about production or numbers, it was about quality first and foremost. I started breeding to make flavors. I love artisan craft; Cannabis cultivation is a place for an artist. What defines “elite” in your mind? In my opinion, an elite strain stands the test of time and is not a fly by night genetic. It’s flower should also fetch the highest dollar on the market. What cultivars have you created for Prolific Coast Seeds to offer within your seed bank? I’m working with business owners from the East Coast who are entering into the hemp scene. We are going to open a large hemp processing and large-scale hemp breeding facility in North Carolina. As for my THC-dominant strains, I currently love the Honey Tree, k-Smorz, Meow and Cake Bomb. My personal favorites are either the Hot Lava or the Meow.

How do you think the competitive nature of the Cannabis market has changed the community in the wake of recreational legalization? Yes. Nobody wins if we don’t help each other out. The true reflection of your character is what you do when you lose. When you lose, everyone’s going to look, but nobody remembers second place. Everyone will eventually forget your loss, but it’s important to own up to your shortcomings in order to improve. I’ve made every mistake and did it twice just make sure. Post-Cannabis normalization, dollars went a long way, but you cannot buy or replicate passion and heart. You have to dedicate yourself one-hundred percent. Least favorite aspect of breeding? Culling seed and getting the seeds out of the bud. It’s so tedious. I flash back to junior high with a ton of bag seeds. It totally sucks and there is no easy way around pulling seeds! That’s why this is a labor of love.

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When it comes to creating new “elite” Cannabis genetics, what traits and terpenes do you hunt for? The first thing I look for is smell and terpenes - terp is life. When I was building out the first studs, working with Fire OG, Casper OG, Scott’s OG, and Chem 4, I wanted something funky and really loud. Males are just as important as females when making crosses. It’s a shame that gets lost in so many peoples’ work. I just never wanted the offspring of my parentage to be weaker or less interesting than the parents. I feel that the studs should be adding layers and depth. Not just idle pollen donors. Where can people find your genetics? You can find Prolific Coast Seeds at these seed banks: Artizenshop, Thinktank Seedbank 2, Speakeasy Seedbank, Neptune_Seed_Bank and Blockchain Novelties.

“YOU CANNOT BUY OR REPLICATE PASSION AND HEART. YOU HAVE TO DEDICATE YOURSELF ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT.” PHOTOS by CHRIS RYAN @CANNABIS.PHOTO

DEC. 2018

nwLEAF.COM

Koma is the outspoken owner, head grower and breeder behind Prolific Coast Seeds, with more than a decade of experience growing. Koma began creating strains six years ago. After overcoming numerous adversities, Koma is a recognized figure within the breeding scene. He has made serious strides within Cannabis subculture and is known through the praise of highdemand genetics, like Cakebomb.

What improvements you would like to see within the current Cannabis breeding scene? People should start accepting responsibility for their behavior – especially on social media. When breeders make mistakes, like dropping bad seeds; they should take responsibility for it. When will people own up to their failures? Fifteen years ago, people were very

open about their garden problems, but people got so ostracized and belittled for common things like powdery mildew or pests. So nowadays, to be honest I think people are terrified about their issues, so gardens continue to suffer.


PSYCHEDELIA

santa shrooms

STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX

G

oregonlEAF.COM

68

enerations have been entranced So how does this tie into the concept by Santa’s magical holiday flight of garland draped trees or the red and for more than 200 years of rewhite themes of Christmas? It starts with ligious and esoteric psychedelic the humble nature of the mushroom’s mythology. Ask any seven-yearmycorrhizal relationship with pine trees. old the meaning of Christmas The mushroom is symbiotically tied to and you’ll get an earful. the pine tree and cannot survive or be Yet surprisingly little is known about the true cultivated separately. Gathered from origins of the flying reindeer and the magical under the tree, the caps would be hung figure who traveled with them, spreading cheer out to dry like our modern ornaments and goodwill in the form of presents left under before being consumed on a ritual day. pine trees. Who is this Santa Claus, and how Found in regions all over the world, did he fly? the mushroom has been consumed for Without entering the depths of religious thousands of years. history, the concept of Christmas as we know The earliest recorded uses are traced it is less than 200 years old. In fact, the first in Siberia as a shamanic tool, and as commercial Christmas card was only created in a recreational high. But the people 1848, and the “modern” Christmas traditions weren’t the only ones consuming the of decorations and gifts trace fungi. The native reindeer their American roots in the mid would partake as well, 20th century. Today Christmas engaging in their own portrayed is a highly commercialized psychedelic experience in art for mix of ancient and modern each year, as Shamans centuries, traditions that all center around would visit homes with a the visual a single figure clad in red and magical treat and often connection of white - Santa Claus. dressed in red and white. the mushrooms But what if Santa wasn’t a The psychedelic effects to our current person, but a mushroom? This of the mushroom vary Christmas is where the legend gets fun, significantly by the region color scheme with the beautiful Amanita and season of harvest is undeniable. Muscaria coming into play. and carry a variety of Perhaps the most iconic image effects that can seem in mycology, they have classically shaped bright contradictory. From depressant and red caps with little white dots all around the sedative effects to delirium and stimulaoutside surface. Portrayed in art for centuries, tion, consuming these “Santa Shrooms” the visual connection of the mushrooms to our is in no way comparable to an average current Christmas color scheme is undeniable. psilocybin trip.

But the interesting effects that come with Amanita Muscaria are the perceptual phenomenon of synesthesia, micropsia and macropsia, or the “Alice in Wonderland” syndrome in which objects become larger or smaller, and where perception can be radically altered. Could this be what led to the visions of reindeer flying, and gifts left from Shaman’s dressed in red and white? With Santa’s workshop known to be in the arctic circle, is it possible that our modern version of Christmas is all based on a psychedelic trip? Sadly, science and history both point to a more mundane truth. Much of Christmas dates to a poem in 1822 by New Yorker Clement Moore, later titled “T’was the night before Christmas.” While there are many illusory connections between the historic uses and colors of Amanita Muscaria, there is no direct evidence of shrooms leading to Christmas legends. With a little imagination, it’s pretty easy to envision Santa flying around in a celestial trip, spreading good cheer in a psychedelic high. So, should you consider trying to fly with the reindeer this Christmas? While Amanita Muscaria can be found around the Northwest, the mushrooms are classified as poisonous. This is mainly due to toxins that can be present in varying ratios in the caps, though fatalities are extremely rare. Ancient customs involved drinking the urine of either a shaman or reindeer, which acted as a filter and increased potency. But we’ll leave the Santa-mushroom-fetish conversation for a different day, although it might make for a fun conversation with a glass of eggnog this Christmas.

* T h i s i s t h e fi r s t a r t i c l e i n o u r e x p l o ra t i o n o f p s yc h e d e l i a w h i c h i n c l u d e s b o t h n a t u ra l s u b s ta n c e s l i ke m u s h ro o m s a n d m a n - m a d e s y n t h e s i z e d c h e m i c a l s . T h i s i n fo r m a t i o n i s fo r e d u c a t i o n a l a n d e n l i g h t e n i n g p u r p o s e s , a n d L e a f N a t i o n d o e s n o t a d v i s e o r p ro m o t e i l l e g a l d r u g u s e . W h i l e we d o b e l i eve i n t h e p o t e n t i a l m e d i c i n a l a n d re c re a t i o n a l u s e s o f p s yc h e d e l i c s , a l l i n fo r m a t i o n i n c l u d e d i s i n t e n d e d a s t h e o re t i c a l . D o n o t e a t w i l d m u s h ro o m s w i t h o u t c o n s u l t i n g a n ex p e r t . B e s a fe . Tr i p we l l .

DEC. 2018


–For Sale– 1963 VW BUS DOUBLE CAB

Fully restored Texas car • No rust • New clutch/tune/oil/shocks/tires Pro built 1776 cc dual carb 100HP motor (Bug Stop, Arlington Texas) Rare green/white color combo • Safari windows • Runs and looks great Always garaged • Perfect for promotions and trade shows • Located in Seattle

–$75,000 – CONTACT GREG: 206-612-3665 Please: Serious inquiries only. No “tire kickers” (And no trades for bud!!)


glass art

JD MAPLESDEN FUMED CHARITY SET @JDMAPLESDEN JD Maplesden is a world-renowned Portland-based glass artist with

over 17 years on the torch. This beautiful set was crafted using clear glass with gold and silver fume-tech for Oregon Leaf’s Boro Benefit Charity Auction, planned for January 2019. The sherlock features Maplesden’s signature oversized marble on the prow, widened bowl piece, and classic slim neck. The chillum has an extra deep bowl and a gorgeous design making it a joy to handle. His work is available from FourwardGlassGallery.com or can be purchased directly from him via Instagram.

nwLEAF.COM

70

[ PRESENTING PARTNER ]

DEC. 2018

STORY & PHOTO by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415


visit us: 2121 Auburn Way S. Auburn, Washington 98002 order online: jointrivers.com judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty – one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.



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