February 2012 — Issue #20

NORTHWEST LEAF THE PATIENT’S VOICE

[FREE]

THE MOUTHPIECE

February 2012 Issue #20

Behind The Strain TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT headband, a hybrid KNOWN FOR ITS dank SMELL

Grow Tech Tips & tricks for the best buds

Book Reports THE MARIJUANA LITERATURE THAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY PATIENT’S TABLE

NW Cannabis Market #49 toNS OF VENDORS offering up quality and variety to patients

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NORTHWEST LEAF

contents

february 2012 Nwleaf@gmail.com Facebook.com/nwleaf

makes a decision 12 shoreline City Council talks medical marijuana access of the month 14 strain Another beautiful bud close-up. nw cannabis market 17 Wehello, find a great selection of vendors & meds. of the month 24 Device Scott Tribble crafted the piece valued at $5,000.

RECIPES YOU CAN TRY 27 TASTY Cannabis-infused beverages are a real treat. book reviews 35 marijuana Because reading and learning are fun.

THE STRAIN: HEADBAND 45 BEHIND New grow tech column focuses on this great strain.

ROSE ON synthetic cannabis 46 DR. The scary scientific truth behind Spice, K2 and the alike.

PROFILE

20

Seattle patient Jason McKinney found renewed inspiration to pursue

his creative passions after an accident in 2007. Learn how medical marijuana helps the artistic process for making his signature character, Blunt Man. It’s a story that begins back in the halls of Ballard High School, in the margins of some well-worn textbooks .

news...........10 vendors.....18 DRUNKS........ 23 adhd.............31 quotes........33 growtech...43

COVER & CONTENTS PHOTOS BY

Daniel Berman/Northwest Leaf

6

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

Jocelyn Chiu BONNIE FONG DR. Scanderson DR. SCOTT D. ROSE

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

8/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

For advertising CONTACT founder Wes Abney at 206.235.6721 or email nwleaf@gmail.com

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

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

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

Look for Northwest Leaf at

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

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

Remember, it takes all of us to make the medical marijuana community strong , so do your part & support patient’s rights!

Thanks for reading!

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National

I-502 HAS ENOUGH SIGNATURES >> WA legalization measure that hurts patients will appear on November state ballot

SMOKING CELEBS’ >> And the Border Patrol that loves to keep arresting them

H

udspeth County is not in any tour guide books. But it could make for an interesting bit of celebrity trivia, since more than a few entertainers have found themselves in the local clink after a pass through town.

Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and The Social Network actor Armie Hammer have all been arrested for marijuana possession after being stopped at a Border Patrol station, located just past the county line.

It’s a sparsely populated area containing just 1,000 people, reports The Washington Post, but local Border Patrol agents inspect close to 17,000 vehicles daily. Some, it must be surmised, are some smoky tour busses.

Nelson is no stranger to being busted for marijuana. He was popped in 2010 when authorities found several joints on his bus; past arrests found pounds of pot along with magic mushrooms on-board. After his release from the Hudspeth County Jail, Nelson got an offer from the prosecutor on settling his charges: play his famous song, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” in a onetime performance in court. Nelson declined and paid a fine instead.

Representatives for Snoop Dogg said he will pay a fine and court costs after being cited for possession of marijuana paraphernalia earlier this year, reported the Post. The actor Hammer is said to have had marijuana-laced brownies and cookies in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

Other celebs have been spotted smoking too, just not in this unlucky Texas town.

Marijuana patient and activist slash former TV host, Montell Williams, actress Cameron Diaz, singer Rihanna, and a myriad of other celebrities have been known to take a puff.

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T

he marijuana legalization measure that would create a DUI provision, ban marijuana advertising, charge substantial taxes, eliminate access points and create a system of state-run stores in their wake has qualified for the general election ballot in November. At that time, voters will be able to decide if they want to vote for it. I-502 sponsors submitted 278,000 valid signatures when they only needed 240,000 to qualify, according to the Associated Press. Under the initiative, all the cannabis would be grown by “a few state-licensed growers.” The initiative would allow non medical marijuana patients the ability to buy up to an ounce of dry marijuana, one pound of edibles like cookies or brownies, and up to 72 ounces of cannabis drinkables.

Proceeds from the sales would go to substance abuse prevention programs along with outreach and educational workshops. At issue for all medical marijuana patients is the DUI provision, which sets a criminally low threshold of just 5 nanograms per mL. Many patients would exceed that limit if they had ever consumed medibles — and those that medicate frequently or in large amounts, as necessary for intractable pain, would likely never get down below the DUI limit.

Even if the initiative was approved by the voters, the feds would never allow most of the law to stand, eliminating the provisions that help (marginally) while keeping the things that would increase arrests and add much needed cash to state coffers. This is the reality of I-502. This is why we don’t support it. It’s why you shouldn’t either.

BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE? >> Two arrested after fake service truck holds one-ton pot cache

W

hen they give you a six-hour window of time that they will be at your house, now, you now what the rest of the time might be spent doing. Valleycentral.com reports that a TX state trooper pulled over the white service truck after it was hitting upwards of 70 mph in a 60 mph zone.

A search by authorities revealed a cache of 189 bundles of marijuana, containing a whopping 2,200 pounds! The stash was hidden in a side compartment behind a wall of equipment.

The trooper caught them in Hidalgo County, located in the Southeast corner of the state near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Authorities said the driver took off on foot, and was caught after a brief chase. Another vehicle that allegedly escorted the truck was pulled over in an unrelated traffic stop, with its driver supposedly paid $500 for the mission. In January, both men were denied bond in a Friday the 13th court appearance.

STORIES BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

Quick Hits!

9

Number of bags of marijuana a Meriden, CT 4-year-old brought to school and announced “he wanted to share.”

The boy’s mom was arrested after turning herself in, and charged with Illegal Possession of Marijuana, Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Sell, and Risk of Injury to a Child, then later released on a $25,000 bond. The bags were individually portioned. School administrators said no other kids saw the bags.

6

Months that the SeaTac City Council voted unanimously to extend the current moratorium on medical marijuana access points in their town, out of concern of the federal vs. state law conflict.

5 NO SAN FRANCISCO TREAT >> Dept. of Health of Northern District says no to dispensary permits

O

n the basis of legal advice from the City Attorney’s Office, the San Francisco Department of Health has decided to indefinitely suspend the granting of licenses to medical marijuana dispensaries. The move is no surprise, as they have not granted any new licenses since last fall. The California State Appeals Court banned nearly identical dispensary permitting programs in many other cities. Nothing will change, said Jim Soos, S.F. Dept. of Health spokesman. “We’re waiting for more clarity from the state on our ability to issue permits,” Soos said, noting that the city wants to “receive assurance that it is in compliance with state and federal law.” The Dept. of Justice recently closed five area dispensaries. U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag, who guards the Northern District of California, penned letters threatening landlords of medical marijuana access points with 40-year prison terms and property forfeiture if the spots didn’t close immediately. 12 months ago, the city had nearly 30 dispensaries.

PHOTO BY FLICKR/FRITOGRAPHY

Quoted

Years in prison a NJ man suffering from MS will face after growing 17 marijuana plants to treat his condition. Ray Wilson was not allowed to tell the jury why he was growing the plants. The state’s highest court declined to hear the case, which has yielded calls for clemency from his legislative leaders.

2

Schedule status that 42 Washington State legislature members publicly stated they wanted to change marijuana’s status to from its current Schedule 1 status. Lawmakers in Colorado and Rhode Island have asked for the same, but this would only be a good thing for the drug companies that could profit.

I feel like fighting, but I don’t want to go to jail either.

-Diane Irwin, co-owner of Highland Health in Denver, one of 23 dispensaries to receive letters from the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s office threatening charges if their property, within 1000 ft. of a school zone, wasn’t shut immediately. It’s on the 4th floor, invisible to the street.

northwest

BELLINGHAM REVOKES MMJ BIZ LICENSES Access points operating within city guidelines forced to scramble has blocked new applications for medical marijuana businesses, B ellingham and revoked previously issued licenses for collectives already operating. At

Shoreline makes THE RIGHT decision Council sides with patient testimony in ordinance changes positive and progressive move last month in the city of Shoreline has enacted new collective garden regulations. The Jan. 10 hearing was filled to capacity, mainly with local MMJ patients (seen above) supporting the five collectives in Shoreline. The council was very receptive to the testimony, and struck several pieces of the language that the collectives found entirely unreasonable.

Among the different parts of the ordinance, several were contested by the collectives. These included a regulation that would have denied parents the right to have children in a collective waiting room.

Another would have required collectives to have private and secure parking, an option not feasible for collectives that share retail parking.

The final opposed regulation would have excluded anyone with a misdemeanor criminal conviction from working at a collective, something no other business deals with.

All three issues received expert testimony from lobbyist Phillip Dowdy and Attorney Kurt Boehl. In all, the new ordinance offered both legitimacy for the collectives, and a willingness to work with MMJ on behalf of the city of Shoreline. Our kudos to them.

A

STORIES BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

facebook.com/nwleaf For the latest news, free giveaways and the chance to build community with your fellow MMJ patients, like Northwest Leaf on Facebook!

12/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

last count, the city’s patients enjoyed access in five different collectives. Several had licenses and were paying taxes, while others operate in a gray area of law.

For Northern Cross Collective owner Martin Nickerson, the city’s move is akin to a bait and switch. “We’ve had a business license since we opened,” Martin said. “Thankfully, we’ll get the chance to appeal this before the city.”

For other collectives, the issue is not as simple. Bellingham city code deems it illegal for a business to operate without a city license, putting collectives in danger legally. Doja Rose, another local access point, will be using a private club statute to see patients on an appointment-only basis.

“Under the current law - which a lot of people probably say isn’t the clearest of laws - the city does not believe these businesses are lawful.” said Shane Brady of the city attorney’s office, to The Bellingham Herald. “We can’t issue a license to an unlawful business.”

Without “clear” legislature guiding businesses, city officials are in a tough position. In the case of the collectives with existing licenses, there are no guarantees. “Any clarity the legislature can give cities and citizens on this issue would be welcome,” Brady said. “I think clarity would be good for everybody.”

CALLING FOR A NEW QUALIFYING CONDITION The Medical Quality Assurance Commission committee and Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery held a hearing Jan. 11 to consider adding ADHD and OCD to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.

The hearing featured testimony both for and against, with all sides having strong representatives. A variety of patients and activists spoke of Cannabis’ therapeutic effects for ADHD. The Novak family petitioned the health board to hold the hearing. “It’s the only thing that works for my son,” his mother testified emotionally to the board. “We’ve tried everything, all the pharmaceuticals, and nothing else works.” Her son testified that because the state doesn’t recognize cannabis for ADHD, he is forced to choose between becoming a “criminal” or receiving the treatment he needs.

Experts against adding ADHD included the Group Health Dir. of Substance Abuse, who claimed “Not only does marijuana cause lower grades and mental performance, but it actually leads to a worsened quality of life.”

The council has several months to ponder what decision to release.

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NORTHWEST LEAF

STRAIN OF THE MONTH Bonez J & K Collective

(206) 457 - 4062 Jkcollective@yahoo.com PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

14/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

THE DETAILS: Bonez is a hyper-potent cross of Durban Poison, SensiStar and F***ing Incredible. An initial sweet smell similar to Chai is swiftly punctuated by a sour, danky undertone reminiscent of the Incredible. It’s a kind of richly sweet smell. The effects however are beguiling: a creeping, steady on-set that is extremely cerebral — we were very medicated without even really knowing it. We peaked after about thirty minutes, but remained feeling energetic. The active feeling continued for a bit after our session too. Without a doubt, it’s a euphoric strain. The small leaves, tight to the bud, are a vibrant green color and are covered in a thick layer of trichomes. They fall effortlessly off the bud (see the lower left of this picture).

As for the smoke, it’s on the intense side, so medicating patiently will ensure the best possible experience!

Access

FREE ADMISSION — Handicap Parking/ Wheelchair Friendly — 9640 16th. Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98106 — (360) 420-4303 — Info@nwcannabismarket.com

We know that each day we’re open, the market will get better and better.

”

-Michael Keysor, founder

eat your heart out, pike place.

A visit to the NW Cannabis Market reveals a fun patient experience and the chance to meet vendors galore

BY WES ABNEY| PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

T

o most people, the description below could be a fairy tale.

A wide open farmers market, filled by a steady flow of attendees shuffling from one table to another. The light, sweet fragrance of cannabis lingers in the air, punctuated by rhythmic Reggae music playing gently. The sheer variety of products and friendly people can take a while to sink in. Most have to walk it twice to experience everything. It can verge on overwhelming, but only in a happy and pleasant way.

Instead of competing vendors haggling for your attention, you can expect to find freshly baked or trimmed samples offered by patients for patients. Many speak of their goods like proud parents. It’s beautiful.

“The market feels like a beehive — it fairly hums in here with positive energy,” said Bill, a longtime beekeeper and patient.

NW Cannabis Market has been open since September 24th, and, by the end of January, will have celebrated it’s 49th market. For founder Mike Keysor, it has been an amazing journey since day one. “That first Saturday we had seven vendors, and we were all very nervous.

At the time, the thought was to do this monthly. The concept wasn’t even there for a weekly.” Over the last several months, the market has grown into a White Center staple. Not only is it the first weekly market to grow this large, it’s also the first to open four days a week.

Wednesday is Market Favorites day; Friday’s feature special events like the upcoming Northern Lights Comedy Nights. Saturday and

Sunday sees the spot in full swing.

“Now that things have gotten dialed in we feel so good. This was -420 Singles Night our 47th market [editor note: day -Northern Lights Comedy Night of coverage] and we had a record -2/10 1st Round 2/24 semi-finals number of patients — 250! And we -Valentine’s Day Special Evening know that each day we’re open the market will get better and better.”

Among the best features of this market is the dependability. It doesn’t change locations, the founders have maintained set hours and there is a loyal, and consistent vendor base. It’s also ADA-accessible, and run in a clean and professional way. They donate free medicine to new patients and for referrals. Everyone is visibly working to make sure patients feel valued and comfortable.

The medicine featured inside is all consistently top quality, and available at fair donation rates. Patients can relax for a minute and catch their breath in the medicated lounge area. Here, you can stop for a quick vape hit and a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.

Each week there’s a new satisfied patient, a new medible to sample or strain to test, and a new experience to be had at the Northwest Cannabis Market. “This is all about patients,” said Mike, smiling at patients ambling by. “And we will always stick to that, and always be here every day the market’s open.”

PLUS! MARKET VENDOR GUIDE, NEXT PAGE

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Access

PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN/NORTHWEST LEAF

Laughing Buddha Collective & Baked in Sunshine Medibles Jacactus@yahoo.com or Tivana9@hotmail.com Say hi to: Jennifer and Michael

Fweedom (ballard-seattle area) 7027 15th Ave. W. (206) 734-9333

home of the OIL VAPOR SWINGS Ogtatuscooby@hotmail.com Say hi to: Stoney and Scooby

Organic growers co-op “Organic Growing w/ Compassion & Integrity”

Sub-Urban-Medicinals (425) 770-3988 or Getsum@gmail.com Say hi to: Michael and Aaron

Sweet Leaf Co-op @sweetleafcoop or Sweetleafcannabis@gmail.com Say hi to: Tom and Brian

IF YOU VISIT THE NW CANNABIS MARKET,

triple joy co.

Kuxladj@gmail.com or (206) 330-5188 Say hi to: Donatas

18/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Cannaceuticals Medibles Cannaceuticals@yahoo.com Say hi to: Kathy Parkins

Green Peace (Delivery) Greenpeacedelivery@gmail.com Say hi to: Tara and Taylor

9640 16th Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98106 Info@nwcannabismarket.com (360) 420-4303 Sat./Sun. 11a-5p + Wednesday Market Favorites: 12-7p

Collective best Collectivebest@live.com Say hi to: Greg, Al, Deborah and Mason

Green Room Gardens (Delivery) Thegreenroomgarden@gmail.com or (360) 791-6250 Say hi to: Joe and Jay

dOOBIE BROTHERS EDIBLES 420van@gmail.com or (206) 387-2792 Say hi to: Van and Paul

THE OG FAIRY Tinc420@gmail.com

Green Tree Collective (Delivery SEATTLE AREA) Greenmindsthinkalike@gmail.com or (206) 499-6272 Say hi to: RC, Alyssa and Jess

Harry Buds Stickey Fingers (Delivery) (425) 345-2445 Say hi to: Jeff

THESE ARE THE PATIENTS YOU can MEET:

bodisativa (Delivery) (206) 713-5186 Say hi to: Jean-Paul

NORTHWEST SECRET GARDEN (Delivery) (253) 330-1201 Say hi to: Shelley

SENSI sweets medibles (253) 330-1201 Say hi to: Kendra and Galen

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feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

profile Inside his “man cave,” Jason medicates beside a wall of his artwork and older paintings.

BLUNTman STORY BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

A patient and an artist, Jason McKinney is dealing with life after a crash, finding success in the development of his cartoon character, bluntman.

It began

with a doodle and a punkish man holding a blunt. At first, he was scrawled in the margins of Ballard High textbooks, proudly puffing in a counterculture statement around the school. Slowly, his presence spread, from notebook paper to router-cut

wood carvings. At times, he even smoked a cigarette, just to throw the man off his greener nature.

As his legacy grew he found new ways to appear, and 420-friendly Seattleites repped him on an everexpanding clothing line. You can find him at Hempfest each year, and he has even agreed to make an

He gets up in the morning, navigating his hardwood floor apartment to feed his cats and medicate with a vaporizer. the rest of day will involve creating some new designs.

20/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

appearance here in Northwest Leaf.

But to understand who Bluntman, this unique cartoon character really is, you have to meet the man behind the ink, and behind the paintings: Seattle patient Jason McKinney.

Although Bluntman started in Jason’s high school days, the focus on art didn’t come for several years. Jason earned a living doing construction work, and was enrolled in a few community college classes, taking up the rest of his limited spare time. Then one afternoon in June of 2007, that all changed. With his car in the shop, Jason took a ride on the

back of a friend’s Harley.

What was meant to be a quick ride home turned his life upside down. While going down Greenwood Avenue in Seattle, the motorcycle t-boned a turning car.

The hit sent Jason flying one block through the air.

“I’m lucky to be alive,” he’ll tell anyone, an undeniable truth. “I woke up in the hospital, surrounded by 30 friends and family,” he said as his house cat jumped to his lap.

“There was so much going on I didn’t really know what had happened.” The accident left Jason

“There was no big ding — like ‘hey, you’re paralyzed.’

It was a slower process, mentally working to accept it.”

paralyzed from the waist down and in considerable pain. “There was no big ding — like ‘hey your paralyzed.’

It was a slower process, mentally working to accept it,” he said.

“About a week after I woke up, it started sinking in.”

The next two months were a learning experience unlike any other.

He was trying to live without use of his legs. Between daily therapy and establishing routines, everything happening was both new and scary.

“Coming out of the hospital was like being born again. I actually got a special release, and my friends and family brought me down to the 2007 Hempfest.

They’d set me up a booth, printed 200 shirts with two basic designs, and we sold them all then.”

Shortly after Hempfest, Jason was released full time. Realizing that construction was out of the picture, he needed something to focus on.

Bluntman, he said, was the answer.

He started drawing more and working out new ideas for products that might bear Bluntman’s face. He also became a medical marijuana patient, enabling for him access to medicine he hadn’t thought possible.

“The doctors told me the first two years would be the biggest and

hardest. I started out with antidepressant pills and counseling, but it wasn’t working. On top of that, I was taking as many as 11 pills a day to deal with the various medical issues.”

Jason later put it even simpler: marijuana has really worked.

“Using this as medicine is totally different, and it’s physically very beneficial. The meds help with pain, but what I really like it for is my spasms. Instead of all the pills, I eat a medible. They help with my appetite, my mood. They relax my crazy legs.”

The “crazy legs” are the result of his paralysis, he described. Because his muscles don’t get to stretch or move, apathy sets in and they shrink.

Then, when he moves his overall body the muscles get a shock to their system. For Jason, they either get loose and shaky, or stiff and hard to move.

Both leave him in a lot of physical pain.

“When I eat a medible they get really relaxed, and it takes my mind from the pain,” he explained. “I even told my doctors ‘hey, this makes my day so much better, and helps with pain and depression.” They are supportive.

Now, almost five years after the accident, Jason has adjusted into a normal life routine. He gets up each morning, navigates the hardwood floor of his apartment to feed his cats

“Marijuana helps with the pain, but what I really like it for is my spasms.

Instead of all the pills, I’ll eat a medible.”

Jason’s Artwork and medicate with a vaporizer.

Later, in his ‘man cave’ adorned with Bluntman memorabilia, he’ll create new designs and drawings for most of the rest of the day. He drives his Dodge Caliber using a system of levers to work the pedals.

This quarter he’s starting school again at the Art Institute, and is getting ready for another summer at Hempfest. He’s focused and ready with his Bluntman clothing line, and has several new characters and designs to unveil. Most of all, he cant wait to share them with the thousands of pro-MMJ patients of Washington State.

So go out and support a fellow artist and local patient. After all, “in the end,” Jason said, “I attribute a lot of my success after this injury to medical marijuana.”

CONNECT WITH JASON: www.BluntMan420.com BluntMan2494@gmail.com Twitter: @therealbluntman Facebook: tinyurl.com/jmbluntman

21

National

BY JOCELYN CHIU FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

behind the wheel?

D

runk driving is bad enough, and stoned driving is worse.

This is a common belief among those unfamiliar with marijuana, or who hold biases against it. But long-term debates raise one persisting question: Between the bottle and the joint, which is more dangerous on the road?

According to a recent study, driving under the influence of marijuana may be safer. It may also help deter drunk driving.

University of Colorado Denver professor Daniel Rees and Montana State University professor D. Mark Anderson began their study by comparing data from the National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Highway Traffic Safety in states that passed laws legalizing marijuana between 1990 and 2009. The numbers indicate that legalizing medical marijuana may lead to fewer fatal accidents.

The study looked at three of the 16 states where medical pot has been legalized, Montana, Rhode Island and Vermont, and found the number of alcohol-related accidents dropped by 12 percent on average there. For people in their 20s, that drop jumps

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

Don’t ever drive under the influence — but is it riskier to be drunk or medicated behind the wheel?

to 19 percent, a sizeable increase.

Rees said he was surprised that the number went down. However, one possible reason accounting for the decrease is that people who have a habit of drinking and smoking tend to substitute cannabis for alcohol.

And driving stoned is a lot safer than driving drunk, at least according to reports by some experts.

The risk of driving under the influence of marijuana is “about three times lower than the fatality risk associated with drivers who operate a vehicle above or near the legal limit for alcohol intoxication,” wrote Franjo Grotenhermen, executive director of the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine, in his guide Drugs and Driving: Review for the National Treatment Agency.

The issue is clearer for Dan

DeMay, a journalism student at Western Washington University.

“When I was in high school, I remember there were a lot of people who would drive stoned regularly,” DeMay said. “I couldn’t tell the difference in their driving whether they were stoned or sober, but when someone had been drinking, I could definitely tell the difference immediately.” This is not uncommon.

According to a brief summary of a U.S. Department of Transportation report written by Hindrik Robbe and James O’Hanlon in 1993, drivers who have smoked cannabis before driving tend to “decrease speed, avoid passing other cars, and reduce other risktaking behaviors.”

They may even refuse to drive in the first place. Many who have been around people under the influence of marijuana found that to be accurate.

“I’ve never seen anyone get so stoned they were slurring their words and

It’s said that drivers under the influence of cannabis are more aware of their surroundings and tend to concentrate better on the task at-hand. driving drunk causes blurry vision, slow response times, lapses in judgment and more distraction.

couldn’t walk straight,” said Shane Clyburn, a senior at the University of Washington. “But I see that commonly with drinking.

“We deal with more drunk drivers than stoned drivers because the use of alcohol is more prevalent than other drugs.” said Steve Rittereiser, commander of the UW Police Department in Seattle, in a brief interview to Northwest Leaf.

Marijuana is by far the most widely used illicit drug among in the U.S. Many do not smoke it often because it is illegal without a medical marijuana recommendation—so they opt for alcohol rather than press the issue, DeMay believes strongly.

“When smoking pot is illegal, there is a higher cost than just the monetary price of it. But if pot was legalized, I think people would be more likely to substitute it,” DeMay said. “People drink socially because they want to be relaxed and I think smoking pot does exactly the same.”

However, whether people will see marijuana as a substitute for alcohol may be up to a matter of their personal preference.

“From what I’ve seen there are those who prefer alcohol and those who prefer pot,” Clyburn said.

“For people under 21, it’s sometimes easier to just get pot than beer.”

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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DEVICE MONTH OF THE

25/feb. 2012 facebook.com/nwleaf

for more info email ScozGlass@Gmail.com or search for ‘Scozglass’ on facebook.

Not only is this piece artistic, it’s also a fully functional waterpipe. It has an upline diffuser percolating into a 6” disk. The back of the disk is clear, giving a great view of the smoke forming up. The mouthpiece is located at the crook of the Phoenix’s neck, which allows you to look directly into the bowl, right there in the open mouth of the snake’s head, which is also a removable bowl piece. This incredible piece took around 40 hours of blood, sweat and tears and is priced at $5000.

Explained Scott Tribble, “Wings of fire is a one of a kind masterpiece. To truly appreciate this piece you must know a little about the mythical sacred fire bird known as the phoenix, who is featured in this piece. At end of life, it incinerates itself, only to rise from the ashes reborn. Rising up cradling two black skulls with a python striking through the middle he symbolizes rebirth and transformation.

The skulls are cradled within symmetrical bands of fire flowing from the phoenix’s wings.

They represent death and the ashes the phoenix is reborn from. From death comes life.”

BY SCOTT TRIBBLE

Wings of Fire

PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

FREE GRAM for all first time patients! $60 Pure Cure Rick Simpson Oil, full sz.

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recipes

Bloody Mary Jane A twist on the classic cocktail and the perfect hangover cure! This is one of our favorite cannabis-infused alcoholic drink recipes!

ESTIMATED PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES SERVINGS: MAKES 2 COCKTAILS

Ingredients 1.5 SHOTS OF VODKA 15ML — CANNABIS TINCTURE 3 DASHES — WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE 1 DASH — SALT AND PEPPER (OPTIONAL) 3 DROPS — TABASCO SAUCE 5 OZ — TOMATO JUICE 1 TBSP. — LEMON JUICE 1 TWIST — (OPTIONAL) 1 SLICE — LIME (GARNISH) 1 STALK — CELERY (AS SWIZZLE STICK)

Instructions 1. ADD THE TINCTURE,

SAUCES, & JUICES INTO A SHAKER. SHAKE A BIT. (ANY CLOSED CONTAINER WORKS)

2. STRAIN INTO A TALL GLASS AND GARNISH WITH PEPPER, SALT, LIME TWIST, AND CELERY STICK.

cAN’T MISS

Blasted Cow Like a Pina Colada without the overpowering coconut taste. This one tastes like a potent banana milkshake!

Ingredients: 0.5 CUP ­— CRACKED ICE 1.5 OZ — LIGHT CREAM 1 OZ — CREME DE BANANE 1 DASH — GRENADINE 3 SLICES — BANANA 1 DASH — GRATED NUTMEG 0.5 OZ — CANNABIS/ALCOHOL TINCTURE

Instructions: 1. THROW EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE BANANA SLICES AND NUTMEG INTO A SHAKER AND SHAKE FOR 30 SECONDS. 2. STRAIN MIXTURE INTO A GLASS. 3. USE THE SKEWERED BANANA SLICES AND NUTMEG AS A NICE GARNISH.

Recipes Adapted from The Cannabis Cookbook by Tim Pilcher Photo by Flickr/foodthinkers

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Access

Capitol Hill gets Cannabis Crown

BY WES ABNEY| PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN Follow BOTH on facebook for updates on weekly specials & upcoming Crown events

BOTH Collective hosts competition for five local strains as patients enjoy vape bar and some medicated snacks

28/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

LEFT TO RIGHT, EVENT VOLUNTEERS BRITTANY ST. JULIEN, TURTLE MCNEILL, APRIL WORTHAM AND KIM WENGERKE

OPEN: M-Sat: 12-8p and Sunday: 12-5p

(206) 588-1036 1417 10th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122

S

urrounded by nightlife spots and all the trappings of the Capitol Hill Area, the BOTH collective Cannabis Crown was a great patient experience. About 40 to 50 patients attended the event while also featured a friendly competition between five local strains.

All around, patients could be seen enjoying an assembly line-style vape bar, and checking out the well-stocked selection of meds. “This event is all about patient access,” said Stacey, the founder and director of BOTH. “We pride ourselves on staying local with our vendors, products and patients.”

The Crown portion of the evening revolved around the competition and five judges who voted based on taste, presentation, effect and ease of ingestion. All categories were rated equally. The ease of ingestion category was a way to rate the smoke for clean taste and level of harshness with the inhale of a single toke.

Winning the strain competition was Hood River Haze. It has a sweet, pungent smell with an emotionally uplifting high. It was a nice cerebral effect that got people relaxed. The four other strains entered were quality, but none shined as bright as the Hood River.

“The best part of this event is the vape line,” said patient Alyson Bolstad. “You have pretty ladies handing out vape bags and everyones happy. She said she tried the Sour Diesel from BOTH, and also dipped into a sample of her own Purple Silver Haze.

During the event, BOTH had it’s full line of products available, including 25 different strains of dry medicine. Their selection of medibles and tinctures were an option for those preferring to eat their medicine.

One generous patient even donated to fellow patients a tray chock full of medicated treats to enjoy.

“This is different than anything I’ve ever seen or done,” said Kim, a Seattle area volunteer vape tender, preparing a bag for an attendee. “This has been a great event to meet new people and have a good time!”

The crew at BOTH plans to make these events monthly, with a grand final competition next winter.

It’s a positive idea, and with tickets costing just $5 per person, the community can likely afford it.

In the end, it was about the people. “Most of all, this is a staff-driven event,” Stacey said. “I’m very lucky to have such a knowledgeable, friendly staff. They’re so focused on providing more for our patients.”

“

and i quote

THC’s adverse effects on

driving performance appear relatively small.

-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

every reefer madness allegation

Even if one takes of the prohibitionists at face value, marijuana prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than marijuana ever could.

-William F. Buckley, author, on marijuana

Look, when I was a kid, I inhaled frequently.

That was the point.

-President Barack Obama, on smoking

It really puzzles me to see marijuana connected with narcotics . . . dope and all that crap. It’s a thousand times better than whiskey -

it’s an assistant - a friend.

-Louis Armstrong, Musician

If the words “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”

don’t include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn’t worth the hemp it was written on.

- Terence McKenna, American philosopher

Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country.

-Thomas Jefferson, on Hemp

Just hit the blunt one time and see if it don’t change your perception on what’s important in your life.

-Katt Williams, comedian

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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OPEN EVERY DAY! MON-SAT 10A-8P SUN 11A-5P

Reviews a.d.h.d Generation for the

BECAUSE SOME HAVE THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A GOLDFISH, AND WE UNDERSTAND. A NEW COLUMN BY KYLE RYDER FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

Movies Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol

B

TELEVISION

GAMING

Sherlock

Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)

N

sually I try and avoid MMORPGs on the PC like the plague because about 99% of them charge a monthly fee. I can’t stand the concept of paying monthly for something and then only playing a few hours when it cost me $15. I caved on this one, hard. Bioware, the company behind such classics as Dragon Age, Mass Effect and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, is the driving force behind this behemoth of game. Set about 3,500 years before the events in the Star Wars films, the game is beautifully awesome and the character customization is impressive. I’m playing as a Smuggler/Gunslinger. Best time suck ever.

ow, I’m talking about the BBC show, not the Hollywood movie adaptation. You know, where British actors play British characters, rather than hire American actors to poorly fake British accents. Yes, I’m talking about you, Robert Downey, Jr. The show, which recently ended its second season, has only 3 episodes, but at least the each one last 90 minutes. It’s like awesome movies.

The show isn’t scheduled to play in America for another few months, but with a little searching on the torrent sites, you should have no problems catching up. You know what, fuck describing this anymore for you. This modern day adaptation of Sherlock Holmes is the best thing on television, just watch it already.

U

Movies Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

t

ooooooooooooooooooooom!

Shit gets blown up and really cool stunts happen. The movie is visually awesome but the story is a bit lackluster. So you know.

Meh. Then there’s Tom Cruise.

Not bad really for an actor on the edge of 50! Shit I Hope I look even remotely as good at that age. But yes, boom is good.

Movies Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I

’ll assume that you haven’t read the book/books by Stieg Larsson, so I’ll avoid spoiling too much of the movie.

Here are a few warnings for the viewer: don’t take your kids to see this film. Don’t see this film if disturbing scenes tend to disturb you. Don’t see this film if you are easily appalled. But still, see this film.

It takes place in Sweden, and is about a disgraced journalist who gets hired by an eccentric man to find the killer of his niece. Said journalist teams up with psychopathic hacker to solve the murder.

The movie is filled with names that I can’t pronounce. Good movie, caveats included.

his is a great flick with an indie feel. The sheer stupidity of the main characters is astounding but the consequences are hilarious. So here’s the story in a nutshell: Tucker and Dale buy a cabin in the middle of the woods. Frat bro’s and their skankpanions go for a weekend of utter debauchery in the middle of the woods. Paths are crossed. There is a mild kidnapping scare. Bro’s and skankpanions kill themselves off one by one. Hilarity ensues. No really, it’s a good flick.

social commentary Ugg Boots (for women and men)

t

hese. Are. Not. Snow boots.

Moron. But really, Ugg boots? Ugh says it all. They’re not quite slippers; they’re not quite boots or shoes either. By attempting at both, they only fail equally poorly. Sure, they are warm and comfy, but they’re not waterproof, and they accentuate nothing. What they do is scream: “I’m too lazy to have actually bothered thinking through this outfit as a whole.”

We know you’re better than that.

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Book Reviews

MMJ 101

what every new patient needs to know about medicine $14.95, South Sound Medical Clinic, Inc. (888) 350-0420

M

MJ 101 is an essential resource that should be on every new patient’s reading list. This book was funded with support from Tacoma’s South Sound Medical Clinic, Inc and penned in a collaboration

by Mickey Martin, Ed Rosenthal and Gregory T. Carter, M.D. To put it simply, this new book has some serious author clout and experience behind it.

Essentially, this is a guide for anyone interested in medical marijuana, either as a patient or for personal growth and understanding, The book leads with an exploration into the medical effects of cannabis, the science that supports it, and the different medical conditions that mmj can relieve. It features a useful

Protestival A 20 Year Retrospective of Seattle Hempfest $17.95, Facebook.com/seattlehempfest

W

ritten by the executive director of Hempfest, Vivian McPeak chronicles 20 years of the world’s largest The book cannabis rally in his features new retrospective unseen book entitled simply, pictures & Protestival. first-hand As a musician, writer, and activist experiences Vivian has a rich few have had. history with the Seattle cannabis scene.

But 20 years ago, Hempfest was nothing more than a few activists with high hopes. Oh, how things have changed!

My favorite part of the book is the collection of posters and Hempfest art.

It’s almost unbelievable to look at the humble roots of such an amazing event.

section about how to talk with your doctor about mmj. It’s an important subject, and one we’ve covered with the Leaf. For people who are new to mmj, speaking with a health care professional about their medicine can be both stressful and confusing. the book does a great job outlining key questions.

There’s plenty more worth checking out, including sections on ingestion of mmj, growing and your rights/responsibilities as a patient! With over 100 million Americans living in states with medical marijuana programs, this book is perfect for all of them. It’s a handy addition to any bookshelf, and makes a great gift for a new patient’s family.

On page 20, there’s a print of the very first “Hemp Expo ‘91” poster that covered phone poles and inspired people to new “high’ts.” The first event drew only a couple hundred people, but it laid the seeds for what we know and love today.

Now, Hempfest is internationally known as the largest Hemp/Cannabis protest in the entire world.

It has seen keynote speakers including the late Jack Herer, Woody Harrelson, Rick Steves, Ed Rosenthal and more — reflect on these fine activist’s work.

Overall, this book is filled with unseen pictures and first-hand experiences that few have had. Reading this is a true pleasure and makes for a must-have for any Hempfest enthusiast! Printed on very nice photo paper, it’s also a tasteful addition to any coffee table.

Honor this tradition with a copy of Protestival, and please, go volunteer at Hempfest 2012! In the end, I believe Jack said it best. “Seattle has the Grand-daddy of all Hempfests.”

Book reviews cont. next pg.

/35

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Meet MishaZ

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Full-melt hash for just $25/g donation

this product is for patient to patient use only

Taking MMJ to a Whole New Level!

Hemply Sex is MMJ-infused water based personal lube.

For more info. contact themedicinepantry@gmail.com

Seattle mmj co-op

(206) 457-4655

8251 Lake City Way N.E. Seattle, WA 98115 (across from 7-11)

Chris@seattlemmjco-op.com

HOURS: 10-8 M-F 12-8 S/SU

Book Reviews

Tips and tricks for growing a good garden $18.00, Facebook.com/mjmadesimple

I

t sounds cliché, but this book does a wonderful job of explaining marijuana cultivation and care. The book is written by Mediman, a terminal mmj patient who found himself attempting to cultivate 25 plants. After several years (and crops) of perfecting techniques, he has mastered a grow system that promises to yield 9 lbs/crop from 25 plants.

With Marijuana Made Simple, there’s really no fluff or information that you don’t need. It’s all direct, step-by-step knowledge, conveyed with easy language and high-quality photos. For anyone who’s ever read a technical cultivation book, they’ll appreciate MMS’s approach. No clutter, just the straight growing techniques you need for your garden.

You’ll learn everything from building a grow room to increasing yields and understanding nutrients. The book also includes a chapter each for pests, mold and mildew, plus grow room security. The security section was especially interesting, and can be a topic many growers neglect. It even features a do slash don’t do list for living with marijuana plants.

Overall, this book is great for a beginning to intermediate grower, or someone interested in new techniques for heavier yields. It’s a good read, one you can find at greencandypress. com or with a quick visit to your local bookstore.

COOKBOOK FOR THE PATIENT-CHEF FEATURES TONS OF GREAT BAKING RECIPES $12.00, Amazon.com, BN.com

B

aked by Yzabetta Sativa contains 54 different recipes for a variety of cannabis treats. It starts with a nice introduction to cannabis, why eating it is beneficial, and a step-by-step guide on how to make “baked butter.”

The text contains recipes for every cannabis lover. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced cook, there’s a recipe for you. For beginners, there are simple recipes such as “crack” bars that takes only 8-10 minutes to bake and contains only four ingredients (none of which is crack, for the record).

As for more advanced cooks, there are nine cannabis candy recipes such as cool mint patties and chocolate marsh-mellow bites that sound delicious.

Baked also reaches a wide audience by providing recipes for cannabis lovers with particular dietary needs. It features six gluten-free recipes, seven sugar-free recipes, and nine vegan recipes. All of which have pictures that are bound to make your mouth water.

A comprehensive guide, Baked raises the bar for all cannabis cookbooks.

It has a recipe for everyone. The pictures and presentation are professional, similar to a classy non-cannabis cookbook. It is a great buy for college crowds and ganja grandmas alike. So the next time you are wondering what to took, get baked. The recipes you try could make for a fascinating journey and treat.

Book reviews cont. next pg.

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feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

A Non-Profit Medical Cannabis Co-Op

9520 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103 New Low Prices!

206-257-4628 www.MyOlympicWellness.com $10-12 / gram or $30-40 / 1/8 ths for all Top Shelf, Locally Cultivated, Indoor Dry Meds New Patients Receive Complimentary Medible and ¼ gram of Kief Member Rewards Punch Card – Earn One Punch for Every $10 Contribution and the 21st is On Us! A Wide Selection of Medibles Created In-house, &

by Puffless Productions

Please Join Us! Free Educational Seminars every Sunday at Noon on “The Medicinal Benefits of Cannabis.”

Provided by Dr. Eva Urbaniak, N.D.

Call Now for Appointment Walk-Ins Are Welcome!

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Patient, Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff in a Clean, Comfortable and Safe Environment Convenient Location with Plenty of Parking We Do Not Carry Commercial, Outdoor, Dry Meds

In compliance with RCW 69.51A

Check out our current selection and weekly specials @ www.MyOlympicWellness.com For more great news and specials, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter facebook.com/OlympicWellness

Read. Learn. Share.

facebook.com/nwleaf

twitter.com/OlympicWellness

Book Reviews

the little black book A quick and concise guide to the subculture, THAT ENTERTAINS WHILE ALSO INFORMING YOU $9.99, Amazon.com, BN.com From the makers of Little Black Books on topics like Barbeque, Dog Jokes and Poker, comes a more interesting subject matter: marijuana. This “Essential guide to the world of Cannabis,” offers nine chapters in just 150 pages, offering a little bit of everything about a lot, in a fun, concise text. The guide is an interesting overview of the subculture; celebrities and famous figures have written the introductions.

Chapters on the different way to medicate were okay as a review, but most patients new or old would enjoy reviewing the sections on talking with doctors and knowing your rights. This is one of the highlights of the book, in fact. Overall, this book would make an excellent gift for anyone that has expressed interest in knowing more about medical marijuana. They won’t even have to hurt their back trying to lift this cool guide.

CANNABIS INDICA The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains $15.99, Amazon.com, BN.com

T

his book is the essential guide to the world’s finest marijuana strains, with a well-organization compilation of descriptions of 100 different indica strains from around the world.

It describes growing characteristics and tips of each strain accompanied with glamour photos of the plants and finished buds. The book provided a nice introduction by well-known cultivator and author, Greg Green. Green provides the most valuable information in the book, describing the science behind cannabis genes, speciation and cannabinoids.

One concern we had was the author, “S. T. Oner.” The fact that the author is listed with a pseudonym takes away from the book’s legitimacy. It’s important to be able to verify the integrity of an author and in this day and age, where there is not as much persecution of patients, a pseudonym is old-fashioned.

The best part of the paperback guide is the photographs. The book catalogs some of the best bud shots with full page photos.

Patients should take a look at this book for a relaxing look at the world of Cannabis Indica, there’s a lot to see out there.

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Reviews

BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS

GOOD ON EVERYTHING Prices vary, Available from Fweedom, The Joint Cooperative, CCC, NWPRC, the Medicine Jar, Dockside Coop and others.

W

kashtray $19.99, www.kashtray.com

“W

hen your bowl is Kashed it’s got your ash.”The innovative potprepreneurs that brought you the Kasher lighter asttachment bring a new way to empty your piece. It’s design features a steel “poker” rising out of the center of the tray, perfect for clearing pipes.

No more scrambling for a random item to scoop the old residue from your bowl. Forget having paperclips, pens, hairclips, or even your keys covered in sticky resin.

Simply flip your piece upside-down over the poker, insert the poker into the chamber, and twist until all residue is gone.

The Kashtray is suitable for pipes, water pipe attachments, even vaporizers!

They’re made from high quality ceramic for strength and durability, and even include a rubber base to avoid marking furniture and to ensure the tray stays in one place.

They come in Blue, Red, Purple, Black or Green. Just be careful not to step on them, or hit anyone in the eye. That would hurt.

AM oil is a relatively new cannabis concentrate product to Washington State. It is hash oil that is produced using an isopropyl alcohol extraction method. The result is a dark brown concentrate that is carefully measured in a medical syringe to ensure precise dosages.

WAM oil exceeds expectations in all delivery methods. Smoking it on top of a bed of cannabis produces an immediate and strong head high. After smoking WAM oil, you often need to pause for a moment to collect yourself. Vaporizing the oil or using a dabbing piece delivers a much smoother inhale and allows the user to savor the pleasurable flavor. WAM oil can also be ingested and is an ideal option for patients who seek a mellow body high.

The nice part about WAM oil is its viscosity. At room temperature, it is runny enough to comfortably spread on a joint paper, on top of a bowl or into an Omicron vaporizer. When refrigerated, WAM oil can be hard enough to measure an exact oral dose or squeeze into a Volcano with out accidentally pushing the entire vial out.

WAM oil is a professional product that is lab tested with every batch. The lab results can be found on their website with their batch number. Labs have tested the WAM oil at over 70% THC and is quite possibly the strongest oil that Washington has seen.

With the WAM oil, a dab will definitely do ya!­

IN THE BEDROOM HEMPLY SEX, THEMEDICINEPANTRY@GMAIL.COM n the world of adult products, there’s a thousand and one different products to choose from. While remaining tasteful, we believe that patients should have the same access to medicated products they’d normally use. This includes adult products, which is why we’re sharing this item with you. Just in time for Valentines Day comes a glycerin-based personal lubricant. It’s medicated and edible! Give your special friend an extra treat this year, with Hemply Sex. You can contact Hemply Sex at themedicinepantry@gmail.com or ask about it at your local collective!

I

feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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growtech

success formula THE 2:1 LUCAS RATIO OF PLANT NUTRIENTS YIELDS BETTER BUDS WHILE TAKING THE GUESSWORK OUT OF YOUR GARDEN!

BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

F

eeding plants is one of the areas that has possibly the largest number of variables and one of the most challenging areas of expertise to master in gardening.

Not only are there many theories on what to give and when, but these opinions can change dramatically from strain to strain, method to method, room to room and even person to person. Add the mind numbing variety of different companies manufacturing agricultural nutrients, supplements, enhancers and the alike, and it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

To that end, there is a simple, cost-effective and popular synthetic feeding method known as the Lucas Formula. When it comes to feeding schedules, I recommend starting with something simple and effective.

Learn it exactly as prescribed.

After you feel you have a handle on what the default method looks like, and how your system reacts, you

can start making adjustments to suit your garden’s specific characteristics and personal preferences.

I know with the strains I run, I prefer to keep nitrogen higher through a later stage in bloom than prescribed by most manufacture’s default feeding schedules. In my opinion, I was only able to gain confidence in this method after doing several threshold experiments, which made it easier to determine the best amount of nitrogen for that strain, in that garden.

Of the three formulas used in General Hydroponics, grow, micro and bloom, the Lucas formula uses only the micro and the bloom formulas in the specific ratios described below and does not use the grow formula (the green bottle) at all.

The other nice part about the Lucas formula is that it uses consistent and simple 2:1 ratios that are easy to mix and remember, even for the avid gardener ;-). Lucas

you simply use 5 ml of the micro formula and 10 ml of the bloom formula for each gallon of water used in your reservoir.

EX: A 20 galLON tray NEEDS 100 ML OF MICRO.

42/feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

provides two formulas depending on whether you use fluorescent growing lamps or HID growing lamps.

Any time you use fluorescent growing lamps (T5, T8 etc.) regardless of the stages of growth, you simply use 5 ml of the Micro formula (brown bottle) and 10 ml of the Bloom formula (red bottle), for every one gal. of water used in your system and reservoir. For example, if you have an ebb and flow table with a 20 gal. reservoir used to fill and drain the tray, you would use 100 ml of Micro formula (5 ml/gal x 20 gallons = 100 ml) and 200 ml of

Bloom formula (10 ml/ gallon x 20 gallons = 200ml).

Top off the reservoir daily using a pH corrected water. This is water which you have pH-adjusted to your preferred range, usually between 5.65.8 in hydro as required to maintain a full reservoir level. After adding back an amount of water equal to the total amount of your reservoir capacity, you should change the reservoir and put in fresh solution.

For example in the same system when you have finished adding 20 gallons of water total in topping off your reservoir daily, it’s time to

A 14-day-old plant with drip feed set for every 8 hours for 45 seconds

quick tips for using the lucas formula: 1 For young plants just transplanted into the hydro setup,

give them 50% strength nutrient mix to prevent overfeeding while they’re young.

Gradually bring the mix to full strength as they grow the next few weeks or so.

2 Between vegetative and flowering cycles you

should dump your nutrients, then flush to remove salt buildups.

3 Don’t forget to shake your GH nutrient bottles before using them.

4 The Lucas formula is normally intended for use with RO (reverse osmosis) or near 0 PPM water.

change the reservoir.

I recommend having a separate “top off ” reservoir that contains the appropriate amount of pH-adjusted water pre-measured (in our example’s case, 20 gallons). When that reservoir is empty you know it’s time to change your system’s reservoir.

Anytime you are using HID (metal halide, high pressure sodium etc.) growing lamps, you would simply use 8 ml of the Micro formula (the brown bottle) and 16 ml of the Bloom formula (the red bottle) for every one gallon of water in your reservoir. Using our flood and drain

system example with a 20 gallon reservoir, you would use a total of 160 ml of micro (8 ml/gal x 20 gal = 160 ml) and 320 ml of bloom formula (16 ml/gal x 20 gal = 320 ml).

These days, many gardeners are employing the benefits of fluorescent lighting for the vegetative stage of growth, then switching to HID lighting for the bloom stage. Lucas recommends switching the ratios from 5 and 10 ml/gal to 8 and 16 ml/gal at the transition point of the lighting your plants are getting.

5 If using the hard water micro formula, do not pH down this stuff, the hard water micro will drop pH gradually over the first 24 hours after introducing a fresh mix into your system.

the 2:1 RATIO REFERENCE GUIDE: G-M-B — (Grow-Micro-Bloom) 0-5-10 — when using fluorescent lighting 0-8-16 — when using HID lighting The numbers above indicate the number of milliliters (ml) of Flora Grow, Micro or Bloom formulas I use in one gallon (US Liquid) of nutrients.

Got a growing question? email thegreengardengroup@gmail.com feb. 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIALS

4204 Russell Rd. Unit #A Mukilteo, WA 98275 (425) 346-4533 mmpn@live.com

Op

-S M n e

a

-7 a 1 1 t.

p

behind the strain

707 Headband

THE SUPER SOUR, DIESEL FUNK CAN GET OBSCENE, ESPECIALLY IN THE LAST STAGES OF FLOWER WHEN THE SMELL CAN TRAVEL 50-100 FEET FROM THE GARDEN.

A POTENT 60/40 TO 70/30 SATIVA-INDICA HYBRID

How it grows:

No matter what lineage you actually believe,

almost everyone who has tried the 707 Headband agrees this is a strongly Sour Diesel-influenced plant. Vigorous and stretchy, light green-colored and a nitrogen eater late into flowering, this plant can be a beast to grow. When done properly, huge dense yields can be expected of deeply fuely, sour colas, which can be expected with 14-23 days of veg and 65-75 days into flowering.

This is the stretchiest plant I have worked with at length.

It’s not uncommon for it to increase 300% from veg to flower.

Toping, LST and other height-mitigating techniques makes this plant easier to manage and increases yield dramatically.

Boasting tremendous inter-nodal growth and unruly hybrid vigor, the 707 can easily take over a garden if not properly managed, pruned and thinned several times throughout veg and flower. Charcoal carbon filters are a must when growing this plant. The super sour, diesel funk can get obscene, especially in the later stages of flower so plan on changing your filters twice as frequently. Or you should expect the smell to encompass an area 50-100 feet away from the building housing your garden.

While this strain doesn’t get particularly littered with trichomes the way a Jack the Ripper or Sour Grapes will, it still packs one of the strongest, most pronounced bouquet’s I have ever had the fortune of seeing in the Cannabis family.

The Genetics: Sour Diesel x OG Kush x Eastcoast Sour Sour Diesel x OG Kush Sour Diesel x Master Kush x OG Kush East Coast Sour Diesel x Master Kush

Smoke Report:

The smoke is thick and satisfying with an explosion of sour on the inhale. Mild but not overwhelming lung expansion gives way to a severely diesel fuel exhale. The dank fuel taste lingers on the tongue for at least a minute after the last smoke leaves the body; that taste somehow, is seemingly being refreshed with each breath taken thereafter. A mint will be necessary.

BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

The Effect:

As I write this I can feel

the headband being slowly and gingerly placed upon my head, but behind my eyes and temples.Which is very nice. This one is a bit of a creeper whose effects are fully realized about 5-10 minutes after smoking.

Without a lethargic, eye drooping effect, the 707 is calming yet clear and active.

Bottom Line:

Believed to be named for the

California area code the 707 headband provides a very special medicine. When cared for and cultivated properly, the result is a splendid display of two of America’s most popular creations. With its creeping nature, enjoyable taste and smell, and an effect comforting as well as lucid, genuine 707 ‘band is a rare treat.

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health & science

DANGEROUS AND HIGHLY AVAILABLE. FAKE CANNABIS IS LEGAL. IT has MANY NAMES. BUT THE SCIENCE BEHIND SCARY SYNTHETICS LIKE K2 AND SPICE, WHICH SELL IN GAS STATIONS AND SHOPS ACROSS the country, IS SHOCKING.

By Dr. Scott D. Rose/Northwest Leaf Special Contributor

F

ake marijuana, also known as synthetic Cannabis, is sold as “herbal incense” and labeled not for human consumption.

Even so, these herbal blend products are inexplicably being consumed at a furious rate by humans.

Until recently, these products have been widely available in head shops, mini marts, and gas stations. The business of Internet herbal incense blends is booming. They are, of course, available for purchase to “anyone over 18 years,” “legal in the US,” and with no requirement of a doctors’ authorization for use. This legal, but alternative way to get high is proving to be dangerous.

Users can experience paranoia, severe

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anxiety, hallucinations, nausea, skyrocketing heart rates and some have even died. There has never been a death associated with overdose from marijuana. Synthetic Cannabis is just that — it’s not the real thing!

These products represent a new wave of synthetic drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids (syn-CBs) are chemically engineered substances.

They are similar to THC—one of the active ingredients of Cannabis. When

smoked or ingested these substances produce a high similar to Cannabis.

Brands (containing or once containing syn-CBs) like Spice, K2, Aroma, Skunk et al.... mostly state ingredients to be “a combination of rare plants, herbal extracts and botanical concentrates.” But beware! Labels do not give you the other chemicals found within that have been added to these products to give them their signature spike. Without the necessary

regulation, consumers have no idea what they’re really getting. There are no routine blood or urinalysis testing for these substances, and people have wrongly equated the products’ ‘legal’ retail availability with being ‘safe’.

Synthetic Cannabis blends were first sold in the early 2000s, and it was thought that they achieved their effect through a mixture of legal herbs. A German lab confirmed the presence of two syn-CBs in an

absent from these synthetic blends is One very important molecule: cannabidiol (CBD), a sedative and anti-anxiety agent found in cannabis.

The amount of syn-cbd’s added to the herbal blends varies widely.

herbal mixture in 2008. It was determined that these substances were responsible for the psychotropic effects.

Germany was particularly quick to action and outlawed the products in January 2009. Just four weeks after Germany banned syn-CBs, researchers noted new products containing ‘second generation’ syn-CBs that weren’t specifically covered by the law and so, they remained legal. Chemists rapidly innovate new syn-CBs to stay one step ahead. That’s how the ‘legal’ smoking blends game works.

Initially developed for pain treatment research, syn-CBs can have a 3x to 5x more intense reaction as compared to THC. Natural whole plant Cannabis contains many cannabinoids as well as other molecules that work together producing the proper effects, helping your body to achieve homeostasis. Cannabis compounds are a symphony working together. The sound of one horn playing is just not the same. One very important molecule that is absent from these synthetic blends is cannabidiol (CBD), a sedative and anti-anxiety agent. The amount of syn-CBs added to the herbal blends varies widely. Not only do you not know what you are getting, you don’t know how much either. There can be as much as a 5x difference in synCB’s from one product to the next.

LASTING EFFECTS So how dangerous are these countertop occupiers? Anxiety attacks, hallucinations, nausea and chemical dependency are common with use — one death has been directly attributed to use, and several other deaths associated.

Three teenagers in Roswell, GA were hospitalized after using Spice.

One teen had a severe reaction to the drug, resulting in swelling of the brain.

A 19-year-old Aurora, Ill. man crashed his car into a house moments after phoning his brother in a panic from smoking a “legal Marijuana alternative.” He died. Then there is Lamar Jack, the 19-year-old college basket-

ball player who died from “acute drug toxicity with excited delirium that led to multiple organ failure.” The drug was determined in the coroner’s final report to be a syn-CB.

RISING TREND

There has been a definable explosion of use and problems: 14 calls to poison control in 2009, 2,915 calls in 2010, and the tally for 2011 is near 6,400.

Current US Federal law allows for a one-year DEA study of the effects of one syn-CB on the human body to determine whether it should be permanently classified as Schedule I in the United States. At least 43 states have banned all syn-CBs at this time.

The laws have not kept products off the market. The presence and drive of the syn-CB industry is affecting drug policies and further pitting the government against people that want to be able to activate their cannabinoid system at will. Every civilization in recorded history has adopted ways of altering consciousness and there has never been a death associated with an overdose of Cannabis. The same can not be said of the syn-CBs. Why are these legal? No really, why are they?

Unlike Cannabis — which has years of peer-reviewed research to support its safety, and health benefits — there is no comprehensive research on the use of syn-CBs. Long-term use of the synCBs, as well as the other herbs contained in the herbal incense products is a big question mark.

Cannabis has been used across the globe with a great track record of safety for thousands of years now. What we are seeing is a byproduct of the failed prohibition of Cannabis. It’s the high tech moonshining of cannabinoids.

“I emphasize,” wrote the researcher behind the first syn-CB “that this compound was not designed to be a super-THC, it should absolutely not be used as a recreational drug.”

Let this be a warning to all Medical Cannabis patients: don’t be fooled. Stay true to your medicine.

Stay true to your Cannabis!

Three teenagers in Roswell, GA were hospitalized after using Spice.

One teen had a severe reaction to the drug, resulting in swelling of the brain. A 19-year-old Aurora, Ill. man crashed his car into a house moments after calling his brother in a panic from smoking a legal alternative.

BY THE NUMBERS:

5 100 1995 10-30 6,348

Number of synthetic cannabinoids banned nationally as Sched. 1 drug. The list includes JWH-018, JWH073, JWH-200, CP 47,497, and CP 47,497 C8).

Estimated number of different synthetic cannabinoids developed for research purposes since 1990 across the globe.

Year that a Clemson Univ. researcher created the chemical compound that Spice is believed to have repurposed for commercial use.

The time in minutes that the average user’s high lasts, though some anecdotal reports suggest it can last as long as three hours.

Number of calls in 2011 about synthetic marijuana to American Assoc. Poison Control. This is more than double the 2, 915 calls reported in 2010.

STATS: WWW.HDAP.ORG/SPICE.HTML

spice-effects: Panic attacks, heart palpitations, Impaired driving, increased anxiety, respiratory complications, aggression, mood swings, high blood pressure, altered perception, paranoia, nose bleeds, hallucinations and seizures.

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