December 2011 — Issue #18

NORTHWEST LEAF THE PATIENT’S VOICE

December 2011 Issue #18

[FREE]

^ Budda Balls ARE A POTENT TINCTURE-BASED CONFECTION with A FLUFFY INTERIOR

Amsterdam cannabis cup reviewed (p. 22) subcool and the BEST WAY TO LEARN MARIJUANA (p. 27) glass artists get 8 hours to make art (center spread)

Tasty.

P.32

Our 4-page guide to the best cANNABIS edibles oN an epic journey FROM breakfast ‘til dinneR

HOURS:

11-7 M-S 12-5 Sun.

-FREE HASH FOR ALL PATIENTS -3O top-shelf strains under $12/g + tinctures, edibles!

-10% of your donation as patients will go to charity!

11009 1st Ave. S. Seattle, 98168

Cannabisoasis206@gmail.com

Plenty of on-site parking in front and back lots

Just 5 Minutes North of Downtown Seattle!

ADA-Friendly Facilities

Mon.-Fri. 10:30-7 p.m.

Saturday: 12-6 p.m.

Sunday: 12 - 6 p.m.

SeattleAlt@yahoo.com

NORTHWEST LEAF

contents DecEMBER 2011 Nwleaf@gmail.com Facebook.com/nwleaf

A NINE-FOOT VAPE BAG MADE THE ROUNDS AT HEMPFEST’S VIP PARTY, a big FUNDRAISER FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST marijuana PROTESTIVAL

inside 16

THE MEDICINE CONNECTION finding a great selection of organic meds

20 NORTHWEST FLAME OFF glass blowers get eight hours to make art 22 amsterdam cannabis cup police raid global event for first time ever 27 LEARNING AT SUBCOOL IN SODO tips and tricks from talented growing experts 32 MEDIBLES: BREAKFAST TIL DINNER a diverse selection of potent treats to last the day 38 DR. ROSE ON ENDOCANNABINOIDS the way our bodies process THC and CBD’s matters COVER & CONTENTS PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN/NORTHWEST LEAF

about us Thanks for picking up Northwest Leaf.

In doing so, you are helping to spread the cause of a natural plant that has more uses than any single plant in the world.

Founded in 2010, Northwest Leaf reaches 20,000 patients authorized for medical marijuana across Washington State and the greater community.

We are committed to serving as a source of information and education, and covering relevant cultural events in the greater I-5 corridor area.

Our goal is to reverse the stigma associated with marijuana from decades of misinformation and fear — and replace it with truth.

Marijuana is a growing solution to many medical issues and should be viewed as a source of inspiration and hope for patients worldwide.

the truth about the plant you thought you knew, every issue. founder & editor-in-chief

Wes Abney photographer & designer

Daniel Berman issue contributors

bonnie fong dr. scott rose jordan stead tim willis PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

6

For advertising CONTACT founder Wes Abney at (206) 235-6721 or email nwleaf@gmail.com

Legitimate, legal medical marijuana patients should not be persecuted, and we stand by our reporting of law enforcement misdeeds.

We also support the overall cause for hemp, which is a viable resource for a variety of commercial applications.

Hemp is a clean, carbon neutral fiber source that is used all over the world, and can lessen dependency on strained resources.

Look for Northwest Leaf at

your local MMJ access point, authorization clinic and select glass shops across the state.

You may find a digital version of this magazine at www.issuu.com/nwleaf. And be sure to like us on Facebook for expanded content and free giveaways!

Remember, it takes all of us to make the medical marijuana community strong , so do your part by supporting us patients.

Thanks for reading!

OPINION

>> I-502 destroys the rights of patients under the guise of state regulation. Together, we cannot support it. I-502 makes criminals of medical marijuana patients, takes away our right to drive and guts protections we already hold today. It’s backed by a group called New Approach Washington, which joined forces with the ACLU and a group of yet unidentified investors who have donated more than $1 million.

Just say no!

Don’t support I-502: The worst thing for patients in decades.

5 REASONS ARE ALL YOU NEED! 1. The DUI statute

A

ny patient on a regular medicating schedule would be illegal to drive.

It’s zero tolerance for those under 21.

The Patients Against New Approach website notes “I-502 creates a new law that makes it illegal to drive with 5 mg/ml of active THC in your bloodstream even if you are not impaired. That level is NOT supported by science and would subject patients to highly-invasive blood testing, unnecessary confinement and a criminal conviction that will haunt them for life.”

If you medicate on a Monday, you wouldn’t be considered “legal” to drive until Tuesday...or Wednesday, regardless of impairment. This is Unacceptable.

Gil Mobley, MD, a medical review specialist, said “There won’t be a doctor in the state who can ethically recommend cannabis knowing it will take away their patients’ right to drive. We need to correlate a DUI law with roadside impairment tests — not a baseless number.”

2. New Possession Limits

P

atients would, under I-502, be limited to a single ounce of dried cannabis, one pound of medibles and 72 oz. of cannabis-infused liquids. Currently in Seattle, possession for non-medical patients is decriminalized up to 48 grams. Under 502, possession north of 40 grams becomes a felony. This would make more non-violent users felons and destroy the medically authorized limits patients have now.

3. State-Run Access Points

I

-502 would regulate marijuana like liquor, and Washington’s voters are tired of that. In addition, there would be a 25 percent special tax levied against all sales. The other cause/effect of this would be the closure of all privately run collectives. No more patient to patient collective access means lower quality medicine, less information and no skilled budtenders to guide you.

It’s a major step backwards and we cannot support it.

4. federal intrusion

5. Mass Production lines

F

t

ederal agents have made it clear they will intervene if states enact legalization measures.

Do we really need more raids and negative attention for cannabis? Even better: Initiatives campaign director Alison Holcomb of the ACLU said she has no idea what will happen if I-502 is voted into law. “This is an evolving area of the law,” Holcomb told The Seattle Times. “We’d be foolhardy to say we think we know what’s going to happen.” If the campaign director thinks it’s foolhardy, patients have no reason to support it at all.

here’s a lot of cash being thrown at this initiative by anonymous backers. There’s a reason: It would take away the rights of individuals to cultivate their own medicine.

Instead, a limited amount of facilities (and owners) would be allowed to produce the cannabis for the state-run access points. This means lower quality, mass produced pot and high profits for a select few. We cannot, in good faith, support this concept of a marijuana monopoly.

patients, say no to i-502. not right for patients. not right for medicine.

Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

National 1 OF every 7 cases brought to THE courtS IS for marijuana

Gangs of New York

By NWLEAF STAFF PHOTO BY FLICKR/ BARMONY

>> City’s finest make 50,000 arrests every year for simple marijuana possession

M

ore than 50,000 New Yorkers are arrested every year for simple possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. The cannabis cuffs account for nearly 1 in 7 of the criminal court cases. At the core of the arrests, which rise 5,000 annually, are the controversial policies of the NYPD. For years, the city’s cops have relied on a strategy known as stop-and-frisk.

This allows officers discretion to pat down and search people matching suspect descriptions. More than 500,000 people were stopped this way last year —most were

Hispanic or Black — according to The AP. Police counter that the policy saves lives when officers find guns or other contraband. More commonly, decrim advocates say, officers find green and book them quickly.

New York law says a drug must be in open view to warrant arrest; officers ask the frisked suspects to empty their pockets. Voila, pot in public. Police Commission Raymond W. Kelly demurred, saying officers can’t arrest people that way. Most charges are ultimately dropped for first timers, but Gabriel Sayegh, NY director of the Drug Policy Alliance,

is still worried. He said officials are still collecting fingerprints or names for extensive police databases, national and local.

According to the AP, “Kelly said the vast majority of pot arrests come from undercover officers who witness hand-to-hand drug transactions or people smoking pot in public.” Two state lawmakers want to make possession of 25 grams or less a ticketable violation. Between processing, jailing and prosecuting, advocates said the state spends as much as $1,500 per arrest for a total waste of $75 million, all, for marijuana.

Quoted At some point, the will of the people has to enter into the argument.

-Joe Cain, CEO of Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, at a protest against State Attorney General Bill Schuette, a longtime opponent of legal cannabis in a state with 118,000 patients since the law in 2008.

MEDICAL CANNABIS AUTHORIZATIONS

QUICKEST & MOST RELIABLE 24HOUR ONLINE VERIFICATION PRIVATE MEDICAL OFFICE WITH NO GROUP VISITS WE OFFER ID CARDS ON TAMPER PROOF PAPER THAT COMPLY WITH RCW 69.51A SENATE BILL 5073 SECTION 301 ASK OUR STAFF IF YOU QUALIFY FOR AN AUTHORIZATION LONGER THAN 1 YEAR DISCOUNTS FOR LOW INCOME & VETS.

PRICES

FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS AUTHORIZATION

THE CLEAR CHOICE IS CANNAPATH #1 RATED CLINIC IN WA

1-800-625-8519

National

six months to live for patient ousted from transplant list >> California hospital says marijuana use violates their substance abuse policy

A

a successful regimen does not make California medical marijuana any sense,” Smith said. “My goal is patient with inoperable liver to leave the world a better place than cancer was removed from a I found it, regardless of what the national transplant list after authorities say regarding my usage of hospital officials said his use was a medical marijuana.” violation of their policy on subHospital officials said that Smith’s stance abuse. Norman Smith, 63. marijuana use is comparable to used marijuana with the approval any other kind of of his oncologist abuse and at Cedars-Sinai “Cedars-Sinai wouldn’t substance could jeopardize his Hospital to treat be breaking any laws, transplant success — the side effects of chemotherapy federal or otherwise, even though studies found that’s just not and back pain afby granting Norman the case. ter surgery. Smith Now, the cancer was one of just Smith a transplant, has returned and 60 patients takand it’s certainly the Smith is back for ing part in a rare ethical thing to do.” intensive radiation clinical trial at the and the likelihood he internationally will never get a transplant. Officials recognized hospital. He was seeing believed his position on the list after results and getting better. Doctwo years would have found him a tors there called him Miracle Man transplant within sixty days. If he because of his cancer remission. was eventually allowed back onto “Since I am the only successful the request list, he’d go back to the patient in the clinical trial, to say bottom. Doctors estimate he has six away something that’s been part of

Norman months to live without a donor.

“Denying necessary transplants to medical marijuana patients is the worse kind of discrimination,” said Americans for Safe Access Chief Counsel Joe Elford, in a letter to hospital officials.

Industry advocates called on the hospital to re-list Smith for a transplant as well as to change eligibility requirements. In 2008, another medical marijuana patient was removed from the list after discovering their use, according to ASA. This is happening in other states that allow MMJ like Hawaii & Oregon too.

“ASA seeks to change this harm-

ful and uncompassionate policy not only for Smith’s benefit,” said Elford, “but also for the numerous other medical marijuana patients who are being made to suffer unnecessarily as a result of political ideology.” Sadly, the story doesn’t stop there.

A Seattle patient, Timothy Garon, 56, died in 2008 within a week of the decision of officials at the University of Washington Medical Center to deny him the liver transplant he needed so desperately.

“I’m going to die with such conviction,” Garon told an AP reporter at the time. “I’m not angry, I’m not mad — I’m just confused.”

‘weed wars’ debuts >> Marijuana reality TV becomes a reality ne of the largest access points in California is the subject of Weed Wars,

a new series airing on the Discovery Channel. The show details the dayOto-day routines of the marijuana industry. The first episode concentrates

on Steve DeAngelo, the braided hair public face of Oakland’s Harborside Health Center, which was just hit with a $2.5 million back-tax bill.

That expense came after the Oakland Board of Tax and Review rejected Harborside’s tax deductions for normal business expenses. The controversy makes for a riveting trailer (available online). “At any moment,” DeAngelo says, staring into the camera lens, “federal agents could break through these doors and lock me up for the rest of my life.” No word yet if the fifteen minutes of fame will invite Federal review of the TV show in person.

10 Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

11

Access

chelan’s stand >> a proposed marijuana moratorium brought together patients across the Eastside to insist on safe access

I

t never got much above freezing that day, but more than 100 patients gathered in downtown Chelan along the waters of Riverwalk Park November 19 to rally for MMJ patient rights.

The event comes at a critical time for the city, which is considering banning access points and patient cultivation. Joe and Tamara Amendolare, whose story we detailed in our October issue, organized the rally.

“It’s not that the city hates usthey simply don’t understand,” Joe emphasized. The crowd nodded in solidarity, cheering with hands raised skyward towards the warming patio heaters around.

“We need to create awareness for the city. The key in all this is to work together,” he said with obvious

passion for helping fellow patients.

The rally was planned back in October shortly after the arrest, when charges were a real risk. Joe said he had to stand up for patients and protest the misgivings.

Joe was formally absolved of all charges on Nov. 2 when Chelan County Prosecutor Roy Fore said his office was not convinced Joe had actually broken any laws.

Now though, the city has proposed outright moratorium on medical marijuana. This will affect the two collectives in the area: Joe’s own access point, Compassion Health Care Collective (CHCC) and the new Lake Chelan Alternative Health Care.

The act would ban access points and strip the right of patients to cultivate their own meds. It’s a

PATIENT TOM ALLISON USES MARIJUANA TO HELP PAIN FROM CANCER

shrewd move. The city council meets Dec. 8 to decide the fate of thousand of area patients, Joe said.

Meanwhile, on this brisk 34-degree afternoon, the peaceful, medicating-free protest continued unabashed.

“This will hurt patients, and take away not only their access to medication but their overall right to cultivate,” said Tamara, looking out at the eager crowd.

“To have seen the changes in people’s lives from this medicine is amazing. We can’t afford to lose that.” Even after becoming the targets of raids, unfair press and biased city opposition, their message of understanding and community

Story By Wes Abney Photos by Daniel Berman

made this rally so meaningful.

Multiple sclerosis and cancer patient Tom Allison spoke as well.

After battling several ailments for years, he relies on a power wheelchair for mobility. Marijuana, he said, has helped immensely.

“The drugs I was given to treat [MS] resulted in me getting Leukemia and I ended up at UW hospital for six months of chemotherapy,” Tom said, wheeling closer to the microphone.

“It wasn’t until a close friend with cancer introduced me to hash oil and actually snuck it into the hospital that I’ve seen the huge benefits of Cannabis.”

Pastor Paul, a local preacher, urged a different message.

“The ministry of Jesus was one of compassion, one for people who didn’t fit in and were marginalized — like these patients who have been abandoned by mainstream medicine,” the Pastor said, his voice rising with urgency. “This MMJ model is great and must be encouraged. Do it, and do it for compassion!”

The resounding note of the day was to remember the power we have when we work together. Decision makers will have no choice but to hear us if we all just take a stand!

Patients would be stripped of the right to grow their own medicine or obtain donations through local access points

ORGANIZERS Joe & tAMARA

If you feel patients should have their medicine, call CHCC at (509) 885-6607.

Revisit our detailed coverage of the raid in the Oct. edition: issuu.com/nwleaf 12

Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

S.A.M. be IN THECOLLECTIVE know about FREE giveaways,

breaking news & the mmj community

MediciNe MAN WellNeSS ceNter compliance with InIncompliance withRCW RCW69.51A 69.51A

New Low Prices!

Celebrating our New Low Prices and Summer -Clinic Call NowNew for Appointment Walk-InsHours Welcome!

Doctors available: Doctors available:

Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 Fridays 12:00-2:00 Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 Fridays 12:00-2:00 Saturdays: 12:00-2:00 Saturdays: 12:00-2:00

4021 Aurora Ave N., Seattle, WA 98103

206-632-4021

www.medicinemancompassioncare.org

YOU'LL FIND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF EACH ISSUE (206) 542-2334 19926 AURORA AVE. N. SHORELINE, WA 98133 OPEN 12P-8P MON-FRI & 12P-5P SAT-SUN

New Hours: Monday - Friday 12:00 – 7:00 Saturday 12:00 – 6:00 Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 4023 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103 www.samcollective.org (206) 632-4023 A non-profit organization in accordance with RCW 69.51A

13

14

HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THE HOLIDAYS? LOOKING FOR A LOCATION FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHINDIG? NW CANNABIS MARKET FACILITY IS AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY MMJ FUNCTIONS. • • • •

won't you be our neighbor? give this qr code a quick scan with your smartphone

LARGE MEDICATION ROOM MEDICATED CATERING MENU AUTHORIZATION CHECKS DAILY / NIGHTLY RATES

NW CANNABIS MARKET

SEATTLE’S ONLY WEEKLY CANNABIS MARKET !

9640 16th Ave SW • Seattle, Wa 98106

360-420-4303 • nwcannabismarket.com

15

Access

A

Sustainable Connection

>> the medicine connection has the right approach TO organic medicine and medibles

J

ust off 130th and Aurora is an up and coming access point thriving under the vision of Elliott, its 27-year-old founder. He may be young, but he certainly has not had it easy. A devastating motorcycle accident two years ago left him with a broken back, limited mobility, and a slew of opiate based medications that were ultimately ineffective.

He was taking the pharmaceutical approach to healing. It didn’t work.

“I’m still in daily pain, but I

The Medicine Connection (206) 393-7194 16

929 N. 130th St. Seattle 98133

simply can’t function on the pills,” Eliott explained. “It got to the point where I couldn’t sleep, had no appetite and was building up a tolerance to the opiates. That’s when I realized what a slippery slope pain management is.

With this life-changing accident, came a new frame of reference: medical marijuana was better at helping his health.

“MMJ takes my mind away from the pain and helps me get quality sleep. The medibles, especially,” he said from behind the elegant woodand-glass countertop display. “I am still in pain and always will be, but I refuse to fall into the pharmaceutical trap.” It was precisely this experience that motivated Elliott to start his

Story By Wes Abney Photos by Daniel Berman

range from $10-$15, a level Elliott collective last June, he said. He hasn’t looked back. said is fair for patients who demand the best. Their goal with the His vision for the Medicine collective garden model is to become Connection revolves around a self entirely self sustaining — and pass sustaining garden model with the along lower donation rates and highest quality organic medicine available, he said. With a strong line even higher quality medicine in the process. So let’s talk of in-house strains and about the great meds. homemade medibles, The Boggle is his hard work has Among the best of the great for day use bunch was the Willies gotten popular with thanks to a mellow, Wonder, but you have local patients. to check out the cross “The result of my relaxed high that of Bubbles Gum and accident is I’ve been never veers off enlightened to the true Northern Lights towards foggy. known as “Boggle power of medicinal Gum.” The Boggle is marijuana. There’s so a great daytime option thanks to its much it can do to help,” Elliott said. very mellow, relaxed high, that never The collective features 15 to 20 top shelf strains. Their donations staggers towards foggy. It tastes

^ The Haze is transformed into bud butter and makes for a great Sativa smoke

extremely sweet and has a lungexpanding smoke.

The collective’s in-house Haze strain has been cultivated by Elliott for years. In addition to being a solid Sativa dominant for smoking, the Haze is used in the base of an inhouse bud butter made by Devynn, his girlfriend and self-described “bakestress.” She has two loves.

“I always had a passion for baking. Incorporating medicine into it has made it possible for me to share my products with our patients,” she said, helping a patient that stepped up to the check-in area.

The delectable organic banana bread is among the best of the homemade products. The traditional bread features walnuts and a light sugar

^ A thick slice of potent banana bread will easily serve two glaze coating the top that’s delicious.

Just imagine this banana bread on your Thanksgiving Day table?

The first bite is pure heaven, with a moist texture and the slightest hint of cannabis. It’s also incredibly potent - one thick slice will heartily serve two regular medible consumers.

Devynn also bakes her own sugar cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies and

more traditional treats like brownies.

“I make sure to put a little extra love and butter into each medible,” she said with a smiling smirk. “It makes me so happy to offer these to patients.” Medicine Connection also stocks the shelves with a nice blend of tinctures, teas and even a medicated candied corn.

If they can’t make it themselves,

Elliott said, the collective looks to other members to help out however they can.

“It’s in our mission statement: [we] strive to provide and produce the best quality medicine and medibles possible,” Elliott said, looking across the floor of a busy budroom.

“As long as I can, I’ll continue to do that and rest easy in the knowledge that patients are being helped.”

17 Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

seattle Hempfest V.I.P Party Raises Money for World’s Largest Marijuana Protestival at Skybox Bar 11-11-11 PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN/NORTHWEST LEAF At left, Seattle Hempfest Exec. Dir. Vivian McPeak talks to the crowd about the event’s history and significance.

Below, organizers provided medicated chocolate fountains

18

19

ReHash

this elaborate, working piece by portland artist, mellow mood, was displayed at THE COMPETITION and is Valued at over $5,000,

3000 degrees Casey “Mr. Wizard” Brown, left, of Garberville, CA, heats up a rod of glass in the earlier stages of his creation’s progress

FireUnder

Pressure What happens when you give a bunch of glass artists just eight hours to make ART IN OLYMPIA? Story and Photos by Jordan Stead for northwest leaf

20 Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

B

ehind a sticker-covered storefront with a entryway shrouded by tarp, fourteen men slaved over torches and kilns at the Northwest Flame Off 2011 in Olympia, WA. Dozens of onlookers watched participants as they vied for space during the eight-hour glassblowing competition, the Northwest Flame Off 2011. The artists — many of whom had traveled from California and Oregon for the contest — were no rookies to the craft. In fact, organizers said, some had been famous for more than a decade in glassblowing circles.

But if these artists were going to work, they would need power.

A faulty generator delayed the competition by several hours but didn’t deter crowds from sticking out the wait. They walked with a deliberate pace, admiring pipes and designs at vendor’s booths as the sounds of a jam band performing from an elevated stage drifted past.

The venue, Boro 360 – incomplete with its unfinished drywall perimeter and rough concrete

^ an artist by the name of monty created this fully functional pipe floor – served as a fitting locale for the event with its underground aesthetics and awkward charm.

It’s also part of the goal, said Northwest Flame Off organizer Jimmy Hadley. About 30 volunteers are working with Hadley to transform it from a room-in-progress to rentable sections for local glass blowers and students from the program at Evergreen State College,

located a short distance away.

“Northwest Flame Off is doing something different and new,” Hadley said. “I’ve never done anything quite like this before.”

As hours went by and raw glass began to take shape, onlookers pressed against the safety glass windows of the workroom floor, eager for a glimpse at the final minutes of a frenzied, yet friendly,

competition between artists.

Danny Cantu, 22, a Tacoma resident, stood inches from the glass. his is just a great environment,” said Cantu, who attended the Flame Off to witness a friend’s performance.

“There’s just a passion you can feel in here.” They would certainly need it.

At midnight, blowers left their stations. They waited until the morning after for a panel of judges to reconcile the tough call of first, second and third place winners.

The artist “Gordman” locked in the grand prize – a GTT Delta Elite torch for future glasswork projects. “Quave,” who took second place, was awarded a front-loading kiln. “Hubbard,” the third and final winner, was gifted 500 dollars worth of raw glass for shaping and blowing

by Boro 360 and other sponsors.

“Every competitor loved the Flame Off, especially considering it was such a new and different event for the area,” Hadley said.

“The crowd loved it – they were excited to see such a culture in Olympia.”

21

ReHash

HELLO, AMSTERDAM smoking spliffs with an international crowd at the high times cannabis cup, a memorable experience in spite of first-ever police raids on the famed expo Story and Photos by Bonnie fong for northwest leaf

T

he beginning of the 24th annual High Times Cannabis Cup started just like any other American cannabis event. The expo had plenty of cannabusinesses and thousands of cannabis lovers., from Sunday, November 20th when it opened until four days later when the judges cast their ballots for the Cannabis Cup. Judges tickets that gained admittance to the event and a right to vote in the Cannabis Cup cost $269 before the event plus a daily admittance ticket for 50 euros. Being a Seattle activist, I was granted VIP access before I arrived at the expo.

One of the factors that made the Cannabis Cup different from years past was its location. Throughout its 24 years, the Cup crowd expanded so much in size that the event had to move outside of the Amsterdam city

22

Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

limits to accommodate. The expo took place in Borchland, a small town fifteen minutes away from Amsterdam’s Centraal station.

To transport the thousands of attendees to Borchland, High Times provided a “cannabus”, which shuttled attendees to and from the expo. While waiting for the shuttle in 4° C, just above freezing, many attendees simply lit up joints to bear the cold. As I boarded the cannabus, I smoked my joint from street to seat. Riding inside was an experience in itself. The bus seated 50 patrons with tables and ashtrays, and when the bus started its departure, whoever wasn’t already smoking cannabis lit up new joints for the ride. The cannabus bumped American music and black and neon lights enhanced the experience. The bus immediately filled with smoke and chatter of all languages. The bus was becoming a straight up mobile hotbox.

When we exited, smoke billowed out of the door and passengers rushed for fresh air. But it wasn’t long until we entered another indoor smoking area: the expo.

This expo was very similar to others back in the states. It housed a single stage and 55 booths occupied by cannabis companies from around North America and Europe. The seed industry overwhelmingly dominated the expo, with 31 of the 55 booths. Glass companies, hash production instruments, nutrient companies and vaporizer companies were mong the remaining booths present.

This year’s cannabis cup was different thanks to international attendance. David Bienenstock, a senior editor of High Times, commented on this year’s change. “When the High Times event started over 20 years ago, its attendance was almost completely American and Canadian,” he said. “But over the

The police actually told us to start smoking the marijuana we had because they were going to take it anyways. years, as word spread around the world about the event, die-hard cannabis fans migrated across the globe to attend the cup.” Bienenstock talked about his experience at the front desk. “I’ve checked in visitors from the US, Canada, Spain, Russia, France, Japan, Scandinavia, Britain, Hungary, to name a few.”

Bienenstock’s remarks proved to be true around Amsterdam’s participating coffee shops. While drinking coffee and smoking spliffs, I was able to talk to people from Italy, all over the US, Brazil, Russia, Sweden and Portugal. Everyone came from different countries and for different reasons. A patron from Brazil remarked, “I’ve always wanted to come to the cannabis cup. But this year, I heard it might be the last cannabis cup in Amsterdam.

Plus, I’m having a baby this year. So I knew I had to come.”

Dutch Cannabis Sales at Risk

During the past year, the Dutch government has had discussion about closing its doors to cannabis tourism. In some parts of Holland, such as the southeastern city of Maastricht, the coffee shops will only sell marijuana to people with Dutch, German or Belgium citizenship. This is due to high tourism — and rising crime and other social issues. News reports indicate that this policy is expected to spread to all of the Netherlands in 2012.

But the Amsterdam coffee shop community

seems to not be worried about the prospective changes. Franco, from Green House Seeds in Amsterdam, says these reports are just rumors and are being overblown by an overly simplistic international media.

“It is true,” Franco says, “that some control measures will be implemented in select cities near the border of the south where coffee shop tourism is really creating social problems, but nothing more than that is true.” Franco explains that during the weekends the south of Holland is flooded with hundreds of thousands of tourists that all go to the same five coffee shops. Traffic becomes chaos. “They are implementing these laws to stimulate tourists to drive a little further on the highway and spread out a little to other coffee shops in the country. Now everyone is exaggerating this fact to imply that all the Dutch coffee shops are closing to tourists,” he said. According to Franco, things might not become different everywhere. “In Amsterdam, nothing will change. There are no plans in the city of Amsterdam to implement any restriction measure. Not now, not for the future.”

a raid for the first time ever

Hundreds of Dutch policemen swarmed the Borchland venue and raided the expo on Wednesday, Nov. 23, the fourth day of the event, just when everyone let down their guard about the Dutch coffee shop restriction measures.

People tried to flee the venue — but police blocked every exit. According to various attendees, police detained everyone inside the expo as they searched and confiscated all marijuana and hash. “It took several hours to search every single attendee,” said Brendan Perry, from THCjobs. com. “They searched everything with great detail.”

The raid, however, was nowhere near as violent or forceful as what we are used to in the states. The police appeared to be apologetic during the raid. “The police actually told us to start smoking the marijuana we had

”

because they were going to take it anyways,” said Dave Hodges from San Jose Cannabis Buyers Club. “Before you knew it, the expo was filled with smoke because everyone was smoking marijuana.”

The police raiding were from various levels of enforcement. According to Danny Danko, the grow editor of High Times magazine, the police were there to enforce Opium Law, which sets a limit of 500 grams per establishment. There was only one arrest at the raid, for a hash making demonstration slightly over the threshold.

Danko reports that a few factors may have prompted the raid, chief among them: this was the first cannabis cup outside of Amsterdam proper. As we in Seattle know from Spokane, police from outside major cities can sometimes be less tolerant. Secondly, Danko speculated that the increased use of hash, cannabis and tobacco inside the event sparked attention. And thirdly, with next year being the event’s 25th year anniversary, it is possible that the police simply wanted to make their presence known. It worked.

“It is true that the Netherlands tolerate the use and sale of cannabis” Danko says. “But tolerance only goes so far.” Organizers of the High Times Cannabis Cup say the Dutch police involvement this year will not derail plans for next year’s.

Since we know that Amsterdam is not at risk, the High Times Cannabis Cup should bring together cannabis lovers from around the world to celebrate the use of cannabis for years to come.

23

24

25

ReHash

LESSONS @ THE School of dank Organized by SubCool & Jinxproof, the School of Dank was a chance for new and experienced growers to learn from the best and enhance their medical marijuana community. Even better, the event was a fundraiser for local families.

STORY BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN/NORTHWEST LEAF

M

ore than $13,000 was raised late November for Northwest Families with Autism at the Subcool/ Jinxproof School of Dank event in Seattle The event and charity were founded by Robert and Rose Jacobs, whose son was born with Autism. They’re Seattle locals with big hearts and a strong connection to the MMJ community. Together, they created a charity event unlike any other Washington patients have ever seen: The School of Dank. The primary sponsor-partner with the school was TGA Genetics. Owned and created by Subcool and his wife, MzJill, it was their knowledge and experience in marijuana cultivation that led many patients to the event.

“The whole charity started with Subcool and I raffling bongs at individual collectives one year ago,” explained Robert. “We saw a lot of success and support with that, and eight months ago we decided to throw this learning event. Even now, we can’t forget that we started a charity grassroots style, one bong at a time.”

The event was held in Seattle’s SODO district over three days Friday to Sunday. It featured an amazing venue, mixing old Seattle style with modern renovations. The building included a large lecture area with seating for 100+, an open air vendor section, and a plush upstairs roof deck complete with outdoor fireplaces and couches for medicating.

Patients would filter through the event, sampling medibles and medicines in between grow lectures and live glassblowing demos before heading upstairs.

“This event was amazing for everyone, whether they were just starting to grow or considered themselves masters,” exclaimed Josh Pielak, manager of Tacoma’s Farmacopia collective.

“Subcool is one of the best-known American growers. He’s so honest and real with his knowledge.

To see him in person was really special.

Each day of, Subcool took the stage and imparted his growing knowledge on the mass of patients.

Unlike a rowdy high school class, these students gripped his every word, with many taking notes and asking involved questions.

During each lecture, Subcool had powerpoint slides jammed full of information, tips and awesome close-up photography for his featured strains. There was even an Oprah moment. For the tincture lecture, a bottle of Sub’s homemade Black Cherry Cola tincture was given to every patient in the audience.

The liquid has a natural pink color, zero additives or dyes and tasted delicious.

“I came to learn specifically about the hash and tincture making process,” said Rick, an older patient

suffering from chronic pain and eye problems. “You go about becoming a patient but never really know everything- the most important part of this for me was to be informed about what I medicate with. This event really helped.”

With a friendly atmosphere and tons of positive energy, the event was a major success. Ticket sales alone generated $12,000 directly to the charity. Raffles raised another $1,000.

“Because of our great sponsors, 100 percent of ticket sales were able to go to the charity,” Robert said. “We would especially like to thank Hood Canal P2P, who donated over $3,000 in free tickets to patients, and the C.P.C for subsidizing their patient’s tickets to ensure everyone could afford to come. All our sponsors were incredible though, and we couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.

The money raised will go directly to local families with autism in the form of $100 Fred Meyers gift cards.

This impacts more than 130 children and their families this holiday season.

“This event was awesome but the charity aspect was the real icing on the cake,” Subcool said warmly.

“We’d love to do this again!”

Even now, we can't forget that we started a charity, grassroots style, one bong at a time. organizers robert & rose, in the front, with subcool

26 & wife, mzjill, plus their two great event volunteers

From top:

A flashlight and closer look at a perfect bud; MzJill and SubCool (green) hang out at the upstairs patio area where flames kept away the chilly air; The crowd’s attention is entirely to SubCool’s lecture on creating the best Cannabis plants.

Ticket sales alone generated $12,000 directly to the charity. Raffles raised another $1,000.

Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

27

profile

SUBCOOL SAYS:

SubCool is known the world over for his TGA Genetics seeds, which are some of the most respected ones in the industry. A question-and-answer session with one of the world’s foremost growing experts.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN/NORTHWEST LEAF NW: What did you do at that point?

Subcool: We flew to Amsterdam in 1981. But it was different than it is now. There weren’t the seed businesses or strain marketing you see these days. Those businesses have only existed in the last 10 years or so. Even so, we got some advice and basic seeds, and it was what got us started.

NW: Amsterdam has been a huge influence for so many modern pot enthusiasts over the last 30 years. What was the next step for you?

Subcool: Once we started growing, we were hooked. But it’s more than that. I believe people need to be healed by this plant. It may sound tacky, but I always say that we’re here to “heal the nations.” And we have. We’ve done cannabis cups in Michigan, Colorado, San Fran, Amsterdam...

Our influence spreads all over the world.”

NW: Your genetics are amazing, and include

NW Leaf: So I’m sure you get this all the time, but where did the name Subcool come from?

Subcool: It’s a term my father used to use referring to refrigerators. Like an industry term: Subcool. And my wife goes by MzJill.

NW: The two of you started this whole business.

How did that end up happening?

Subcool: I was always a recreational smoker until one day I added up how much money I was spending a year on pot. It was crazy, like $18,000 a year — crazy — so I made up my mind to start growing. My motivation wasn’t to make money, but to not spend it myself.

28

Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

strains the two of you have created. Tell me about your selection.

Subcool: Through our business we keep more than 40 strains alive and available. Our Vortex, which we’re well known for, won a cannabis cup event for best Sativa. My wife is the originator of Jilly Bean, and I created the true Jack’s Cleaner.

NW: That’s impressive and really cool. I’ve seen both those strains at local WA collectives. How do you go about creating/testing these products?

Subcool: We work with Steep Hill Labs out of California to test and monitor all our strains.

When we develop clones, we actually test while the plants are still in the vegetative state.

This allows us to naturally select and breed for the desirable traits in specific strains.

For example, we are now pushing for heavy cannabinoid spectrum strains, like our Jacks Cleaner with 5% THCV. That’s where the medicine is.

NW: You’re not shy or secretive about sharing

your information, which has led to a huge following. You have a very natural teaching presence, and it showed this weekend,

Subcool: I’ve always taught about this, just never in this form before. It’s been a great experience, and one we’d like to repeat.

NW: You also have a book published and rumors circulate of a new release this spring.

Subcool: Dank 2.0 is done, it’s a rerelease

of our original, sold-out book, Dank. It’s updated with better photography and several new strains. We will continue to be working on new projects and will have a second book this summer. You can find more info at tgagenetics.com or profile subcool420 on Youtube.

NW: Thank you so much for sharing your passion and knowledge with us and the patients this weekend. You have a great attitude and your dedication to information is truly inspiring.

Subcool: One thing I always emphasize is that I’m not a cocky guy, but I am confident in what I believe. Our strains and genetics speak for themselves, and that’s what they will continue to do.

29

30

31

GUIDE

THE Best medibles

breakfast til dinner REVIEWS BY WES ABNEY PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

ABOVE: sacred plant’s potent raspberry tea gets a medible boost from kitt’s bho honey 32 Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

Do you ever get the desire to medicate in the morning, but can’t stomach a huge brownie or alcohol-based tincture? Start your day off right. Here’s two great products for the morning that satisfy and medicate.

morning BHO Medicated Honey >> $5, 1 serving — Kitt’s Medibles

K

itt’s BHO honey is truly the perfect breakfast additive. You can mix it into tea or coffee for a drink on the run. A thick drizzle of raspberry honey transforms any bland bowl of oatmeal, and waffle mix gets a new twist with a few drop. Try adding it to yogurt, cereal, pancakes, french toast, crepes... You’re only limited by imagination and what’s on hand. The BHO base brings serious potency to the table — I enjoyed a morning spent in medicated bliss. Find Kitt’s line at Sacred Plant Medicine and other fine Seattle/Tacoma collectives.

Bacon & cheese biscuit

HOW TO USE HONEY IN YOUR NEXT RECIPE

>> $5, 1 serving — Dragon’s Medibles

S

ometimes you just need a simple, wholesome biscuit. Whether slathered in gravy or with a pat of lightly melted butter, they’re a breakfast staple. Recognizing this fluffy and delicious item as having potential, Dragon’s Medibles have thrown down the breakfast hammer with this wonderful biscuit. Mixed with savory bacon and cheddar cheese, these are truly irresistible. On-the-go, or next to an omelet, try this delicious item while they’re still around. Find these and other Dragon’s Medibles at various locations throughout Seattle and Tacoma. Ask your local collective for the breakfast you may have ever had!

* substitute half sugar for half honey * Reduce the liquids in the recipe by ¼ cup for each cup of honey used * Add ½ tsp baking soda for each cup of honey used in baked goods * Reduce cooking temps by 25 degrees to prevent over-browning when using honey

33

Snacktime Taco snack mix >> $5, 1-3 servings — Cannaceuticals @yahoo.com

C

High Noon

HEMP-ERMINT PATTY >> $10, 2 servings — CHCC, Chelan

W

hen you hear a name like this, the mind reels at the possibilities. Could it really be a medible that tastes as good as its actual namesake? The fact is, this medible is even better. The medible is incredibly potent and just one half of a patty was enough for this writer to feel it — and better yet, enjoy the candy.

34

Dec. 2011 Facebook.com/nwleaf

runchy and featuring a bold flavor, this tasty snack mix

by Seattle-based Cannaceuticals is kind of a rogue agent: the medicine takes about 45 minutes to kick in, but when it does, you will be glad you picked these goldfish over chips.

The medley is good for those new to medibles because it is easy to take only a bit at a time, weigh the medicating effects, and either dig in for more or save the rest for another time — which is always a smart move with a medible you haven’t tried before.

An entire container will leave even experienced medible consumers feeling noticeable effects, so grab a handful first.

medicated beef chili >> $10, 2 servings — Jayne’s Medi-Bliss

H

aving fun? By this time of the day, your stomach should be feeling warm and delightfully calm — this is after all, high noon. Chili from Jayne’s Medi-Bless is a good choice for midday eats because it tastes amazing. It’s all organic and locally-sourced as well! The balance of the spices, the tender beef and potent cannabis oil is terrific, never overpowering with a flavor that would make any Texan, well, jealous.

A NICELY MEDICATED MEAL IN THE EVENING IS A NATURAL NIGHTCAP THAT WILL LEAVE YOU RELAXED AND READY FOR MORE THE NEXT DAY. tRY THESE OUT OR MAKE YOUR OWN MEDICATED DINNER USING ANY CANNABIS OIL OR CANNABUTTER FOR A FUN NIGHT IN.

Evening bEefy kush stew >> $10, 2 servings — Jayne’s Medi-Bliss

T

he first thing you notice about this beefy kush stew is that it tastes really, really great. Beef, potatoes, carrots, onions and the wonderfully redolent cannabis combine for a layered, tasty bowl of liquid medication. About halfway through the bowl I realized my mouth had gone warm and my stomach felt as relaxed as that happy cloud painter on public access channel.

Treats

Peanut butter fudge >> $10, 3 servings — Cannaceuticals@yahoo.com

F

udge can be a tough thing to get right: it’s either way too sweet or not potent or some combination but Cannaceutical’speanut butter fudge tastes great and has a velvety soft texture. Plus, it is strong enough to medicate even experienced cannabis consumers.

canna’ balls >> $5, 1 serving — Seattle Quality Collective

C

hocolatey and oh so soft, these Canna Balls by Sharin Medibles are tasty — hilarious name aside. The treats medicate without emptying your wallet or filling up you up.

35

100% organic medicine, edibles, pure blond keif, tinctures, hash oils & more!

15+ strains organic medicine!

Medicine Co Open every day! Mon-Sat 10a-8p Sun 11a-5p

Phone: (206) 393-7194 Delivery: (206) 883-6926 929 N. 130th St. Seattle, WA 98133

LOCATED BEHIND CAR-TOYS AT 130th & Aurora (Hwy 99) IN THE Bitterlake Center

onnection themedicineconnection.com

medicineconnection@gmail.com

-Free Joint or Edible for New Members!-

health & science

MARIJUANA+YOUR BODY The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is how Cannabis works within the body.

A look at the remarkable science behind a compound used for centuries:

By Dr. Scott D. Rose/Northwest Leaf Special Contributor Photo by Flickr.com/thagoodiez 38

There seems to be a general lack of understanding about the ECS. Research shows that the ECS offers anti-inflammatory effects, immune system regulation, protection in the nervous system, improved gastrointestinal function, pain relief, reduced eye pressure in glaucoma and stress reduction — but the list goes on. Empowering patients with knowledge and understanding helps them to make better choices in the use of their medicine. It also lets them educate and improve their conversations with health care professionals (as well as law makers and enforcers) about Cannabis. I have come to realize that most people are unaware of our relationship with the Cannabis plant.

The most striking concept for most people is that our bodies make cannabinoid compounds. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in the cannabis plant and our bodies make them! The term is Endocannabinoid, endo- or endogenous, indicating a compound made by the body that is analogous to the cannabinoid compounds found in the Cannabis plant. There have been a handful discovered in the body, and Cannabis is the only plant known on the planet that contains these compounds. The Endocannabinoids regulate physiology in nearly every system in the human body as well as other animals. The ECS has been shown important from the sea squirt (marine invertebrate) to the human organism, and some individuals may run deficient in their own production of endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome, a theory current research seems to be substantiating, is when an individual may not produce proper amounts of their own. This can lead to such functional issues as migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, IBS, insomnia and anxiety — or the proper regulation of physiology suffers.

Simply put, endocannabinoids have a fine tuning effect. In the nervous system when a person is dealing with anxiety and there are too many “signals” coming through the nervous system at once, the endocannabi-

noids “turn down the signal.” In the converse situation of depression, where there is a lack of “signals” coming through the nervous system, the endocannabinoids back off (dis-inhibit) and thereby “turn up the signal”. This fine tuning is found in many systems - nervous, immune, digestive to name a few and helps to explain the many benefits of Cannabis. Certainly, in individuals who are under-producing their own.

We may then think of Cannabis use as replacement therapy perhaps.

When you offer the body what it is deficient in, good things happen.

Current testing for endo levels in humans is not routine and mostly conducted for research, although cannabinoid testing (drug testing) is a huge industry.

Many are familiar with the term endorphin. Endorphins are compounds produced by the human body. When broken down, the term means “endo-morphine”, or a morphine-like compound made in the body.

Cells of the body have specific receptors for endorphins called opiate receptors. This is the mechanism, or how the opiate class of medications work in the body most notably for pain management. Opiate medications are derived from the opium poppy (Papaver Somniferum). The relationship humans have with this plant has long been accepted. I use this only as an analogy to help outline the relationship we have with Cannabis.

Cells in the body contain cannabinoid receptors. These are like docking stations that only recognize the right molecule and, when binding occurs, there is activity. This activity can be brought about by the binding of what is made in the body or through the use of Cannabis. Unlike the opiate receptor, there are different types of cannabinoid receptors found in different tissues. This lends to varying actions with the use of Cannabis and is a variable that can be manipulated to bring

We may then think of Cannabis use as replacement therapy perhaps.

When you offer the body what it is deficient in, good things happen. about appropriate use and desired medicinal effect. Again, there have been a handful of endocannabinoids found in the human body. Cannabis contains upwards of 100 cannabinoid compounds that have been identified. Only several have been studied.

The relationship humans have had with the Cannabis plant dates back to ancient times. The ECS has been examined recently in modern day research, but the relationship has been acknowledged for much longer. Cannabis has been used as food, as fiber, as medicine and as a spiritually charged religious sacrament. The failed prohibition in the U.S. continues to be upheld by the federal government with Cannabis listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic.

The definition of Schedule 1 requires “no accepted medical use”. There are now 16 states (plus D.C) with Medical Cannabis laws on the books — and much research pointing to myriad medicinal benefits.

The relationship cannot be denied.

As current research continues to shed further light on the Endocannabinoid System, and a better understanding of its mechanisms are gained and better targeted, it will further shift the paradigm away from “the smoking of pot” to the important use of Cannabis Sativa as medicine.

39

Not JUST Alternative Healthcare, This Is Alternative Health WITH Care.

North Seattle’s Premier Collective A.S.L. Interpreter & A.D.A. Compliant

11736 Aurora Ave N Seattle WA 98133

Store Phone #206.257.4500