July 2012 — Issue #25

NORTHWEST LEAF sued!

THE PATIENT’S VOICE

[FREE]

fighting for safe access on the city’s frontlines

+ p.28

PROFILE

WASHINGTON’S YOUNGEST PATIENT ACCESS

RAINIER XPRESS HELPS VETS TASTY

local wines & local strains NORTHWEST

STAYING LEGAL WHILE TRAVELING

July 2012

Issue #25

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NORTHWEST LEAF

contents july 2012 Nwleaf@gmail.com LIKE US AT Facebook.com/nwleaf

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60

72

PROFILE

36

The leppell family had a decision to make. When conventional medicine failed to work, they could have let their son, Dominic, slip further into bad behaviors and learning problems due to signs of autism, or they could try something different. So they did. Now, at just five years old, Dominic may be the state’s youngest medical marijuana patient.

CANNABIS NEWS 10 NATIONAL The headlines from around the country

legal 56 staying Traveling safely as a patient

rainier xpress 22 Olympia’s Helping vets along with the Oly community

Kit’s Teas 60 Behind Simpson Oil let her walk again

GONNA GET SUED! 28 THEY’RE Four WA cities threatening safe access

helps autism 82 mmj Dr. Rose tackles issue in-depth

wines and meds 44 pairing Open to the center-spread for great info

28

the strain 86 Behind Dr. Scanderson on one to check out

OPINION................9 dea fail......................12 high times................20 Shutdowns..........28 traveling............56 recipes................67 device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 concentrates........74 growtech................78 Dr. Rose....................82 behind strain..........86 COVER & CONTENTS PHOTOs

Daniel Berman/Northwest Leaf

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to advertise in or display us call Wes abney 206.235.6721 or email nwleaf@gmail.com

editor’s note

july 2012 LIKE US AT Facebook.com/nwleaf

To our readers,

PAIRING LOCAL STRAINS WITH LOCAL WINES

44

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

Wes Abney photographer & designer

Daniel Berman issue contributors michael allison KIRK ERICSON BONNIE FONG DR. Scanderson DR. SCOTT D. ROSE The Leppell family DEAN AND CASEY

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

8/juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Thank you for picking up Northwest Leaf. We’re very excited to bring you our 25th edition and start the summer off with a magazine full of strong, timely stories.

Our cover this month features a courageous young woman named Poppy Sidhu, who served the city of Kent with a lawsuit last month. The lawsuit from the Cannabis Action Coalition is the first legal action to specifically target a city for enacting a ban or moratorium on medical marijuana.

This issue also features a compelling and heartfelt patient profile on Dominic Leppell, Washington’s youngest confirmed patient, who was first authorized at age 4 for symptoms related to autism. The struggles faced by Dominic and his parents have been daunting, but with the regimented use of cannabis and a lot of love, his symptoms are easing. Dr. Rose weighs in with a science perspective on autism and medical marijuana.

For our food lovers, this issue features several new medibles, tasty recipes, and a special feature called “Tannins and Terpenes” that matches tasty local wines with some of the best strains in the Northwest. You’ll also find new growtech tips, a device of the month and Dr. Scanderson takes you behind the strain with Pineapple Express.

So, in the spirit of Independence Day and our great nation, we ask that you take a moment and reflect on the wonderful access to medicine we enjoy in this state. Without dedicated patients and activists fighting for our rights, we wouldn’t be able to sustain a quality community, not to mention our magazine, which has grown alongside of it.

If you would like to suggest a story idea, or have questions, comments or feedback, please reach out to us at facebook.com/nwleaf or email us at nwleaf@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

W e s A b n e y Founder & Editor Northwest Leaf

OPINION their effect on us, back then, was far from what we say about the effects of Sativas these days.

Why is that?

TRUTH, LIES AND BULLSHIT: DISPELLING CANNABIS MYTHS — A COLUMN By Mike Allison for Northwest Leaf

indicas vs. sativas: what’s really going on here?

We know that indicas are body numbing and sativas bring energy, but it could be that more than just genetics are at play

I

n the medical marijuana field, a lot is made of the differences between Indica and Sativa strains. Indica strains are said to be more relaxing and mind-numbing, whereas Sativas are usually said to be more energetic and thoughtprovoking.

But, I wonder, are these differences simply a reflection of the genetic differences between Indicas and Sativas or is there something else going on here? In other words, are Indicas always sleep-inducing and are Sativas always going to cause users to course with energy and creativity?

Actually, no. That doesn’t seem to be the case. Ask anyone over the age of 40 if they remember the old strains like Panama Red, Colombian Gold and Thai stick? The last thing you’ll hear from the old-timers is how lively and vigorous they felt after smoking those strains! There was even an old song called “Panama Red,” with a line that goes like this: “Nobody feels like working, Panama Red is back in town.”

Personally, I remember the Colombian

Photo by Daniel Berman

Gold quite well. Mostly, I remember being completely out of breath after walking up a single flight of stairs – at the ripe old age of 14! It was exhausting, I tell you. And that old Thai stick would turn anyone into a complete zombie, instantly! But, wait a minute now. Those strains I just mentioned are all pure landrace Sativas, aren’t they? Yet, their effect on us, back then, was far from what we say about the effects of Sativas these days. Why is that?

What is difference between the Sativas of today and those of days gone by? Genetically, they are the same.

There is no disputing that. So, it must be something besides the sheer force of genetics. Or maybe, in a roundabout way, genetics is the answer.

Consider the way we grow cannabis now and how it was grown back then.

These days, we grow indoors, mostly, and we tend to grow as quickly as possible.

In places like Latin America, of course, cannabis is still grown outdoors. One

can argue that the quality of the light or high altitude might make some difference in the final product, but I think the main difference between the Panama Red of 1977 and the 2012 Panama Red is maturity.

Since Sativas take 90 to 120 days to flower, almost all indoor growers will stop at around 90 days. Indica strains only take around 60 days to mature, though. So naturally, most pure Indica strains will be fully mature when produced indoors.

But in Thailand and Latin America, however, the farmers let their Sativas strains mature completely. That’s at least four solid months of flowering!

This difference in maturity, I believe, is why Sativas have earned their reputation in the modern era. If indoor farmers were willing to flower Sativas for the full 120+ days, I’m quite certain Sativa strains would be perceived very differently than they are now. No one would want to have some old-school Thai stick before work, anyway.

Unless, of course, your job is testing mattresses!

july 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/9

National

feds charge montana dispensary owners >> Married couple must forfeit almost $1 million in revenue from running three access points Mark Sigler and Valerie Sigler owned and operated dispensaries under the moniker Big Sky Patient Care in the small cities of Dillion, Big Sky and Bozeman. Their facilities had been under surveillance since 2010 by the D.E.A, which, based on an agent’s “training and experience,” determined that drug trafficking was taking place. A.K.A, running an access point. Undercover agents visited the Big Sky location, where one noted they could see packaged marijuana for sale, and signs advertising marijuana for sale. Between the three locations, Montana TV station KXLH reports, agents discovered 234 marijuana plants in varying growing stages. The D.E.A., I.R.S, and A.T.F have all been involved in the investigation.

Both Siglers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

Judge Donald Molloy ordered the Siglers to forfeit $450,000 each from revenue gained by running the access points.

king was mmj patient >> Marijuana plants pulled from home after death

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odney King, the symbol of police brutality and troubled relations between police and minorities in Los Angeles, died June 17 at his home in Rialto, CA. He was a medical marijuana patient, according to news reports. Although police are investigating King’s death as an accidental drowning, toxicology tests and autopsy results will take six to eight weeks to determine how he died and whether drugs or alcohol played a part in his death. He described himself as a recovering addict.

In the days after his death, Rialto police were spotted removing multiple medical marijuana plants along with gardening tools King might have used to cultivate his medicine. A lot of commotion occurred in the wee hours of the morning, when King was overheard by neighbors sobbing and yelling at his wife. Minutes later a loud splash was heard.

Neighbors said it wasn’t uncommon for King to swim at night, but a next-door neighbor called police after hearing the noise. Police responded in minutes and were unable to resuscitate him at the scene. On April 29, 1992, King was awarded a $3.8 million settlement from the Los Angeles Police Department after a jury found that he had been beaten and denied medical attention in the infamous case.

Rioting and arson spread across many minority areas of the city after three of the four arresting officers were found not guilty of wrongdoing.

King was reportedly broke in recent years, appearing on the TV show “Celebrity Rehab,” and participating in other media spectacles to raise cash.

News of his death was hard for the neighbor who called 9-1-1 to hear. “It’s unbelievable that he’s gone.

I feel like he could just walk over at any minute.’’

GRAPHIC: FLICKR/MARK GREGORY

10/JULY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE >> Hemp activist arrested after locking himself in cage to protest country’s unfair hemp laws

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he war on hemp in this country has gone on long enough, thought David Bronner, the CEO of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps. Bronner was arrested in mid-June after locking himself inside a steel cage outside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. But what he was doing inside the cage was even scarier to the Presidential Escort unit officers, and dozens of law enforcement officers who crowded him instantly. Bronner worked to harvest and press oil from several hemp plants stationed on an elevated work surface.

“The industrial hemp An officer sniffed at the plants, pulling a few leaves off to check plants I am harvesting closer. Firefighters had to cut the lock off the cage in order to arand processing into rest him, according to news reports.

Hemp is a hyper-useful resource for replacing timber pulp oil cannot produce in paper, glass fibers in construction and automotive construction, a high of any kind, and cotton in textiles. Bronner spoke with stopthedrugwar.org but according to the about his ordeal: “The industrial hemp plants I am harvesting and Obama Administration processing into oil cannot produce a high of any kind, but accordI’m in possession of ing to the Obama administration I’m in possession of approximately 10 pounds of marijuana,” says Bronner. “President Obama’s approximately 10 pounds of marijuana.” U.S. attorney who handles drug cases in Washington, D.C., will not be able to prove my hemp has any more drug value than a -Dr. David Bronner poppy seed bagel. The Obama position on hemp is not sciencebased or good for the U.S. economy. We’ve lobbied and campaigned for over a decade and feel abandoned by our president who as an Illinois state legislator voted twice for hemp cultivation.” To Bronner, the issue is Obama’s take on the whole matter. “I expected more from President Obama. The president can simply direct the Department of Justice to respect industrial hemp grown pursuant to existing state hemp programs, such as North Dakota’s.

Everyone is sick and tired of America’s bankrupt policy on hemp that forces our company to send well over a hundred thousand dollars every year to Canadian farmers. I had hoped that President Obama would not succumb to drug warriors’ hysteria regarding hemp. I really don’t know what else to do. Check out tinyurl.com/bronnerhemp for video of the entire incident

STORIES BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

Quick Hits!

police say attorneys planted pot

10 280 12 150

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Melon felons

number of tons of marijuana recovered from the Pacific Ocean near the U.S.-Mexico border, after U.S. Navy officials noticed two suspicious boats in the area.

thousands of more signatures an initiative to legalize marijuana in Michigan needs to make it on the November ballot. They have 40,000 currently, but risk not making the cutoff date. billions of dollars spent every year on the War on Drugs, according to a Houston Chronicle article.

Ron Paul is pushing for drug decriminalization. proposed cost of a fine for possession of fewer than 35 grams of cannabis in Springfield, Missouri, if a new law passes.

>> They stand accused of putting drug evidence in the car of a PTA volunteer they didn’t care much for

he mother and father of an elementary school student in Irvine, California, face felony charges related to allegations of planting drugs and paraphernalia in the car of someone they wanted fired. Kent and Jill Easter, both 38-year-old attorneys, were reportedly displeased with how their son was being supervised at school, according to the The Los Angeles Times on June 21.

But after multiple lawsuits against Kelli Peters, the PTA president, were dismissed, police said the Easters concocted their plan. “They tried to make me look like the worst person you could be when you’re involved with a school,” Peters told a local radio station. “I thought it was a joke. That I was on a joke show.” Prosecutors said Kent Easter drove to Peters’ Orange County home in February 2011, and put a bag of prescription pain medication, marijuana and a used marijuana pipe, in plain sight in the woman’s unlocked vehicle.

Prosecutors said Easter then drove miles away and called police from a payphone in Newport Beach. In an area known for Ferrari dealerships, Easter allegedly reported that he had seen Peters drive erratically to the school and hide drugs behind her driver’s seat. Irvine police investigated and found the drugs, but a subsequent interview and search of her home found “no evidence to support drug use or possession,” the Orange County district attorney’s office said.

Police said they suspected the couple had planted the pot in Peters’ car. Detectives found video surveillance footage of Kent making the 9-1-1 call, and a district rep said no other parents had expressed concern with the volunteer. “This was obviously something they had sought out and planned with the intent of having her arrested,” spokeswoman Farrah Emami said. The couple are free on $20,000 bail each and will be arraigned in August. They face up to three years in state prison.

Quoted

>> Drug smugglers stretch their imagination

FLICKR/FARBS01 We have heard of many ways to smuggle drugs across the border, but this is pretty crazy. In mid-June, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 2 ½ tons of marijuana hidden inside of -- and we’re not making this up -- a shipment of watermelons.

Officers were called to inspect the large shipment of fruit at the Mariposa Cargo Facility in Nogales, Arizona, when they came across the fruity stash. Officers discovered 674 bundles of marijuana hidden inside carved-out watermelons. The estimated value of the cannabis is $2.5 million, according to CBS Arizona.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security investigators have detained a 26-year-old suspect, and seized a tractor-trailer along with the drugs and ruined produce.

We expect competition to be fierce. As much as I want to be in the business, a lot of other people will be in the business.

-Bruce Bedrick, chief executive of Medbox Inc. in Scottsdale, Ariz, who showed off his medical marijuana vending machine during a tour of possible dispensary sites in Connecticut, which just became the 17th state to legalize medicinal cannabis.

NATIONAL

Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?

I believe all illegal drugs are bad.

Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?

I don’t think any illegal drug is good.

Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?

Again, all drugs…

It’s either ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or ‘I don’t know.’

Rep. Jared Polis ( D - co ),

questioning D.E.A chief Michele Leonhart at a hearing June 20th.

Polis has been vocal about his support for medical marijuana.

2010 study ranking most harmful drugs

12/JULY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

can you answer my question?

Answer my question please. >> Interrogated before Congress, D.E.A chief won’t say heroin, crack or meth are worse for you than marijuana

U

.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., was asking tough questions, and got nothing short of stonewalling from DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart at a hearing in June on marijuana.

As the DEA chief sat unemotionally, hands clasped in front of her, Cohen, an ardent medical marijuana advocate from Tennessee’s 9th District, grilled her on the relative dangers of the drug. Could she not admit heroin was worse than marijuana? That meth posed a greater risk to communities? That crack was, indeed, more whack? Nay, she could not. Leonhart clung tightly to her talking points — stating over and over that all drugs are illegal. “Would you agree that marijuana causes less harm to individuals than meth, crack, cocaine and heroin?” Cohen asked. “As a former police officer, as a 32-year DEA agent, I can tell you that I think marijuana is an insidious drug,” Leonhart replied. “I don’t think any illegal drug is good.” Rep. Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado’s 2nd District, pursued a similar line of questioning (see sidebar) without success. Both

of their time expired before they could gain any semblance of a satisfactory response from Leonhart, who left the room hurriedly. If they had a few more minutes they could have brought up the most recent science on which drugs are more harmful than cannabis. Short answer: MUST-WATCH VIDEO OF all of them. In terms of THE D.E.A SHOWDOWN: harm to yourself and harm tinyurl.com/potdea to others, a 2010 United Kingdom study from the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs ranked heroin, crack and meth “far above,” marijuana. Tobacco and cocaine were ranked worse than marijuana, too. Alcohol took the top spot for most harmful drug in the study, titled “Drug harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis.” What the results indicate, and what we all wish chief Leonhart understood, is that drug laws are not based in science, or on the relative dangers they pose to people, our communities and society. So why is that the case?

That’s just one more question we want answered.

BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

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NATIONAL

legalization not to blame for teen pot use >> New survey may dispell myths about the cause of rising cannabis smoking rates among teens

M

ore teens might be smoking more pot than ever before, but a new survey found that it doesn’t stem from medical marijuana legalization across the country. Economists at three universities cross-analyzed data from the most recent National Youth Risk Behavior Survey against data from the 13 states that legalized medical marijuana from 1993 to

an all-time high of 23 percent of teens have tried marijuana at some point in high school

14/jULY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

2009. Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon and Washington are a few that legalized MMJ during that time. Researchers specifically examined the relationship between legalization and marijuana use at school, whether the teen was offered drugs on school property, and alcohol and cocaine use. Their results provided no evidence that medical marijuana legalization led to increases in pot use at school, the likelihood of being offered drugs at school or the use of other harmful substances.

The researchers also looked closely at state surveys of youth risk behavior

and didn’t find such evidence.

That’s an interesting contrast to the most recent National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which found that an all-time high of 23 percent of teens have tried marijuana at some point in high school.

That’s up from 21 percent from 2010. More teens have smoked marijuana than regular cigarettes (20 percent). Still, one hypothesis for the rise in teen pot use is that they are getting it from people with medical marijuana authorizations.

After all, some believe if it is legally available, it must then be

easier for people to obtain illegally on the black market.

Daniel I. Rees, a University of Colorado-Denver professor of economics, whom we have written about for his marijuana DUI research, said “There is anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana is finding its way into the hands of teenagers, but there’s no statistical evidence that legalization increases the probability of use.”

We hope this will change some people’s ahem, outlook.

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Now in Washington

will a city ban marijuana ads? >> Denver City Council considers eliminating pesky sign twirlers and other outdoor advertisements

D

enver’s City Council has proposed two different bans on outdoor medical marijuana advertising. One would ban them within 1,000 feet of schools, parks and daycare centers while the other would outlaw them across the entire city. Of apparent concern for the city council is the influx of sign-twirlers and large outdoor signs for medical marijuana businesses that have popped up all across the city. The Medical Marijuana Industry Group, based in Denver, supports a citywide ban.

“Such advertisements unite opposition to medical marijuana, undermine our support, and are largely responsible for the banning of MMJ businesses in Fort Collins and other jurisdictions,” director Michael Elliott told Denver Westword, a Seattle Weekly sister paper. “As a community, we should decide whether

these advertisements are doing more harm than good. Perhaps the best approach would be ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ “ Elliott said. City council member Christopher Herndon said he wants medical marijuana to be a normal thing for the community, but that flashy signs have the opposite effect. “I want to further legitimize the industry,” Herndon told Westword.

“And to do that, I think it’s important for people to understand that this is for medical purposes -and when you see the signage or the spinners, it gives the impression that it’s more than medical.”

The decision whether to ban the ads within 1,000 feet of schools or citywide is scheduled to take place at an Aug. 20 council meeting.

Atleast, industry people will have had a say in it.

Such advertisements unite opposition to medical marijuana, undermine our support, and are largely responsible for the banning of MMJ businesses in Fort Collins and other jurisdictions.

-Michael Elliott, mIMG juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLeaf

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NATIONAL

WHY won’t new york do the right thing? >> Governor tries to stop controversial NYPD maneuver yielding 50k marijuana arrests annually. Senate says nope.

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here was the possibility that after July, New Yorkers carrying 25 grams or less of marijuana in public view would not face criminal charges. But such a result is exceedingly unlikely after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo failed to convince the Republican-controlled state Senate to vote for his decriminalization measure, which would have been the first of its kind on the East Coast.

Cuomo has admitted that the effort was facing tremendous political pressure. He told The New York Times on June 20 that he believed the public might need more education on the matter before trying the measure again.

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NY Governor Andrew Cuomo PHOTO: FLICKR/PATARNOW

At issue for civil rights activists is that NYPD officers make about 50,000 arrests for simple marijuana possession every year. Many of those charges stem from the police’s controversial stop and frisk procedures, which is when an officer searches a citizen and prompts them to empty their pockets. City police made more than 750,000 stops in 2011 in this manner, according to The New York Times.

Under New York law, marijuana possession in public view warrants a heftier charge than if it is discovered after arrest. Throwing more fuel on the fire is that the stop and frisk procedures have overwhelmingly

targeted minorities -- about 80 percent of all cases, even though whites use and possess drugs at equal rates, according to a 2002 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. On its

about 80 percent of the 750,000 annual stop and frisks were targeted towards people of color, even though whites use and possess drugs at equal rates, according to a 2002 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. move backed by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, it would have freed up prisons and police to deal with real criminals and clean up the streets. But, alas, the system will continue to be bogged down in marijuana possession cases, many of which occur because of people being unfairly targeted.

In addition to the pot bill, The New York Times reported,

Photo: Flickr/Sharese Ann Frederick

face, law enforcement might seem to be fair and balanced, but the reality is that someone living in wealthier neighborhoods will likely never be stopped, while those in Brooklyn and other areas that are home to

more minorities, face random, warrantless stops occur frequently.

If Cuomo had been able to convince Republicans that they should decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, a

“Cuomo and lawmakers had not been able to reach agreements on disclosure rules for teacher evaluations and on a requirement that college and high school coaches report possible acts of sexual abuse to law enforcement.

Lawmakers were also unable to reach agreement on proposals to raise the state’s minimum wage and to create a system of public financing for elections.”

juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLeaf

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northwest

At the 2011 cup in San Francisco | Photo courtesy prohibitionsend.com

high times will visit seattle >> In September, editors of the famed marijuana rag will hold their next Medical Cannabis Cup

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atch out, Seattle! High Times is having its next Medical Cannabis Cup in Seattle. High Times Medical Cannabis Cups are expos that showcase a variety of cannabis-related business and products. High Times also hosts several panels of cannabis experts. The expos have a section dedicated to medical cannabis patients only, which is usually accompanied with a hazy cloud of smoke.

The event is scheduled Sept. 22 to 23. The location and times of the cup have yet to be determined, but Fremont Studios and Pacific Market Center are venues being considered.

The rules of the cup are going to be similar to the Los Angeles Cup and the San Francisco Cup, where only patrons 18 years of age and older can attend the events and documented patients with proper paperwork can enter the medication areas. Tickets to attend the two-day expo are usually $60-$70.

In recent years, High Times has occupied several medical cannabis friendly cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver. The 2012 expo will be the third year to have the

20/juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

BY BONNIE FONG FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

San Francisco Medical Cannabis Cup and the first to see a Los Angeles Medical Cannabis Cup. Seattle is naturally the next best city to have a medical cannabis competition. David Bienenstock, West Coast editor of High Times magazine, says High Times wants to choose cities where the conditions on the ground are favorable.

Bienenstock then remarked, “We want to go where the community is supportive of events like this.” Events such as Seattle Hempfest are indicators that Seattle is a prime location for a medical cannabis cup.

“This is an event to celebrate freedom, Bienenstock said.

“It’s not necessarily to create freedom.” The High Times staff is excited to spread the medical cannabis cup to Seattle. Elise McDonough, an art director for High Times and author of “The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook,” says she is having fun planning the Seattle Medical Cannabis Cup. “Seattle is so beautiful and progressive. It is a great city to have the next High Times Medical Cannabis Cup.”

For more information, go to medcancup.com or hightimes.com.

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access

rainier xpress in downtown olympia IS CREATING COMPASSIONATE ACCESS AS THEY heLP FROM A UNIQUE PLACE

A Veteran Approach

By Wes Abney | Photos by Daniel Berman

C

lick your heels three times and repeat ‘there’s no place like home’ might be straight out of “The Wizard of Oz,” but with Rainier Xpress’ Ruby Slippers strain, three tokes is more than you’ll ever need.

Unlike the slippers Dorothy wore in the movie, this strain isn’t covered in red sparkles or magnificent colors. It’s more reminiscent of outdoor-grown cannabis with a very light peppery smell. So why is this strain worthy of such hype? It contains over 10 percent cannabidiol (CBD).

It’s 10.2 percent to be exact, with a healthy 5.46 percent THC to balance it out.

This cross of Himalayan Kush with Utopia Haze contains medicinal properties that are beneficial and quite different than the standard 15 to 20 percent THC strains that proliferate throughout the market.

rainier xpress (360) 489-0132 117 Legion Way S.W., Olympia 98501 HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Weed Maps: tinyurl.com/rainierxpress New patient specials; free joints for vets

22/juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

“For the Ruby Slippers it’s worth the drive,” said a patient who travels 45 minutes each way specifically for the special strain. “The CBD content is what you want to get off opiates. It keeps me lucid and full of energy.

I was previously on 12 different prescription drugs, including two heavy opiates. Now I’m prescription-free.”

For owner Patrick and his staff, providing quality medicines is what it’s all about. As a Marine veteran, Patrick has firsthand experience with the issues many vets face after coming home. His access point has a veteran “Wall of Fame” for pictures, and offers some free meds and support to any veteran who enters.

He also visits a weekly support group for area veterans struggling with opiate addiction. He is the only person there voluntarily and he is open with those that ask about his use of medical cannabis.

“Everyone feels trustworthy about my MMJ authorization at the VA group,” Patrick said. “I love it. I get to share my struggles and give advice to the group.” But it’s about more than just support, he added.

“We had a vet come in who had been contemplating suicide and said that this medicine is the only thing keeping him

alive,” Patrick said. “I can’t even tell you the responsibility that I feel with that.”

In 2010, the war in Afghanistan lost more U.S. soldiers to suicide than enemy combat, according to a widely reported Pentagon report. There is a real problem needing to be addressed, and it’s a big motivator for why Rainier Xpress is here. With his background in security and a true passion for cannabis, Patrick is improving access for his city.

The access point is right in the heart of downtown Olympia, with outside glass doors wrapped smartly in their vivid logo. It keeps public eyes from seeing inside, yet allows for

Rainier Express article continued p. 24

‘‘

We had a vet come in who had been contemplating suicide and said that this medicine is the only thing keeping him alive.

I can’t even tell you the responsibility that I feel.

-Patrick, owner

access

Cont. from p. 22:

Rainier Xpress helps veterans, Olympia community

easy branding and visibility from the street.

Inside, patients must pass through a secure lobby and verification before getting into the facility. Although it isn’t a huge space, the area is comfortable inside, and features an enclosed medicine room and secondary lobby that has a massage chair.

I

n areas such as Olympia that have historically been cold to MMJ, it is vital that access points be held to high standards. Easily, Rainier Xpress could be the poster child for such a model.

“We feel like the industry is heading in the right direction,” said JB, a volunteer budtender and fellow veteran. “Patients are becoming more knowledgeable and empowered, and it makes it easier for us to find the right medicine for their needs.”

The access point has been a blessing, said patient and veteran E.S. “The professionalism and quality of meds can’t be beat,” he explained. “For me, the meds help with pain and keep me in a good mood. They really work for my treatment of PTSD.”

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One reason they might work so well is that every offering on the shelf has been tested.

From flowers to medibles, patients are now able to make informed decisions about the meds they choose. It’s even changed the way people talk. “Now our patients come in and ask ‘What is the test result?’ They want to know, and it’s become normal,” Patrick said.

When it comes to flowers, they have several choices. The Unicorn Horn is a cross of The White with Dairy Queen. The White is an award-winning exclusive strain known for its smell reminiscent of OG Kush or Chemdog, which features a stoney but uplifting high. But by crossing in the Dairy Queen, it takes on a whole different bouquet, with sweet smells and hints of citrus and pine. The smoke is smooth and clean, leaving one feeling almost magical. The high is still stoney, but yields a near-euphoric energy. It’s a terrific hybrid strain.

The Black Betty is another solid choice with 24 percent THC as its claim to fame.

Like the Ruby Slippers strain, the Black Betty has a peppery smell on the outside

and, when snapped, the nugs release a wonderful creamy, sweet smell. The smoke is clean, with a quick onset high and a light herby taste to tickle the nostrils.

P

atients will also find a large, tested selection of tinctures, topicals, medibles and even Ruby Slippers capsules. The $2 donation capsules are a pleasant, easily dosed alternative to flower. If patients aren’t relaxed enough after their trip through the place, they can schedule a medicated massage with Aimee, a licensed professional, who provides care with a medicated twist. Their full and regularly updated menu is on WeedMaps, and $10 Tuesday gives patients the opportunity to try top-shelf meds at lower prices.

If you’re in Olympia, Rainier Xpress blends professionalism with a caring staff and dedicated mission, only a few blocks from the Capitol. Now that’s worth clicking your heels together.

50 strains that ARE OR WERE available from Rainier Xpress are seen mounted in a window of the ample medicine room.

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NORTHWEST

you’re sued!

Cities can’t pass rolling medical marijuana bans without doing their homework — But a few have anyway — in Everett and Pasco and Kent and even Maple Valley — AND MORE COULD BE ON THE WAY. if patient’s don’t have access, their quality of life will change dramatically.

That’s why the Cannabis Action Coalition IS taking legal action.

I

told you that if you passed this ban I would sue you ... And here we are tonight,” was as far as Cannabis Action Coalition Director Steve Sarich got before a packed house erupted in Kent City Hall on June 5. Those in attendance clapped at that exact moment because Poppy Sidhu, dressed in a purple Cannabis Action Coalition t-shirt, walked up from her seat to serve Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke with a lawsuit. The suit names the Mayor, the City Council and the City of Kent.

The suit was served just minutes before the council voted to ban collective gardens, and access points, with a vote of 4-3. The ban criminalizes the two area access points, and will force local patients into a black market situation. For Sarich and the CAC, there was little option other than a lawsuit.

“We had discussed [a lawsuit] for months, as soon as they started passing moratoriums,” Sarich said. “I think what was finally the tipping point was an article I read in Pasco where the city said ‘well it must be legal because nobody’s sued us so far’. I said now they’re gloating because they haven’t been sued. It’s time.”

The 20-page suit is the result of the moratorium and following ban, but the heart of the issue has nothing to do with medical marijuana. It’s about the law. “The fact that they are illegally preempting state law is

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the reason they’re being sued,” Sarich said.

“The only section of the law that mentions collective gardens -- it only appears in one section: section 085. which does not grant any power to the cities and municipalities to regulate MMJ in any way [including zoning] or banning them. And the moratoriums are a form of the ban, a rolling ban because they keep renewing them. That is absolutely preempting state law.”

Several prominent examples exist of cities losing lawsuits when trying to ignore state law. In 2008, the city of Seattle tried to ban guns from parks. This contradicted state law, and the state Supreme Courtstruck the ban down in 2010. This case law can also be found in a case in which the city of Chelan tried to ban jetskis by issuing moratoriums against their use. Again, state law won and the city was forced to remove their ordinance.

The cities and municipalities only have the right to take action that is specifically allowed by the state. If the state law says something can be done, the cities can’t say, “Oh no they

How do you enact an emergency moratorium over a problem you haven’t identified yet?

can’t.“ It’s that simple.

A growing number of Washington cities have moratoriums or outright bans on access points, including several that this article and the coalition are focusing on. Those cities are Kent, Everett, Maple Valley and Pasco. The first three all have or have had access points operate within city limits. In the case of Pasco, a storefront access point never even opened.

“In Pasco, there was never an access point, so nothing ever opened and they have nothing to delineate. How do you enact an emergency moratorium over a problem you haven’t identified yet?” Sarich wondered aloud.

This question has puzzled him and others, who claim that the city is wrong to enact a preemptive ban. “You can’t ban it to study it.

You study it, and if there is a problem then you ban it. And that’s what the state Supreme Court has said. It only makes sense.”

Maple Valley In Maple Valley, an access point called Green Society Group has taken the brunt of the city’s enforcement efforts. For founder-owners John Hofer and Chris Schoonover, the battle has been rough. “I’m not stressed about anything with the city. But the family man inside me is stressed,” explained Schoonover. “Part of me is scared and part of me is pissed off.”

Since opening GSG in April, Maple Valley

ARTICLE CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

sidhu & sarich

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NORTHWEST YOU’RE SUED! ARTICLE CONTINUED FROM P. 28 officials have made several attempts to close the business. It started with a police knock and talk and a warning, then quickly moved to trumped up code violations and fines.

“They hoped that an unsafe work order and the warnings would scare us into shutting down,” said Hofer.

“So they had to come up with a fine that would scare us. I guess that was $500.” But for GSG, it hasn’t been a single fine of $500. It’s been daily.

“I lost count after 30 days of fines ... they are supposed to come every day but I know they’ve missed a couple,” said Hofer. “But no matter what happens, we will stay open. And we are challenging these fines.”

A

s of the third week of June, the collective has accrued more than $20,000 worth of fines from the city. The next meetings on the issue will occur just days after the July issue of Northwest Leaf go to press. They are scheduled June 25 and 27. The meeting on June 25 is a public city council meeting, and the meeting on the 27 is directly related to the fines. GSG is hopeful that the city will lift the moratorium and waive the fines.

“The best thing for Maple Valley to do would be to embrace us and use us as a model,” said Schoonover. “They will not be able to beat us. That’s the end of the story.”

Everett In Everett, things haven’t been so simple. A city council meeting on June 20 saw the city attorney advising for an extension of the moratorium.

Sarich was there along with coauthor of the Kent suit Arthur West , who spoke to the council.

“You’re not an agency of the federal government,” West said. “You have no business enforcing federal law.

You’re bound as a creation of the state to follow state law. You cannot

ARTICLE CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

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green society group HAS receivED a $500 per day fine since april for staying open after maple valley disputed work permits.

“I lost count after 30 days,” co-owner john hofer said.

Green Society Group co-owners John Hofer and Chris Schoonover

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NORTHWEST YOU’RE SUED! ARTICLE CONTINUED FROM P. 30

MMPN’s Jeremy Kelsey with his state business licenses and building permits the city refused to acknowledge enforce the federal law nor have the federal law govern your actions.”

West reminded the city of its duty after the city attorney claimed that the city was obligated to uphold federal law. He also addressed the release of a memo advising cities on how to enforce MMJ bans.

“The AWC [Association of Washington Cities] has provided a road map telling cities that when they adopt bans they should color them as moratoria and use the excuse that they’re studying,” West said. “ This is consistent with a pattern of false representation to justify bans. So you are in the middle of the pack ... you’re lying like the AWC tells you to so that you can continue to ban medical marijuana.”

Further proof of the city punting the

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issue was presented by Jeremy Kelsey, director of Medical Marijuana Patients Network.

MMPN is in Mukilteo after the current moratorium in Everett forced him to leave a Broadway location. Kelsey addressed the City Council. “Some of you may remember me from last year. I went through nine months of planning with the city and building that facility on Broadway which in effect you forced me to close and relocate to Mukilteo,” Kelsey said. “I also filed for a freedom of information disclosure about this issue.. I did that because I wanted to see where the planning department was [in regard to MMJ workplan] What shocked me the most is that I had a work plan dated July 27, 2011, a threepage document from the planning department

about MMJ and that’s all I have from your city as of May 21. 2012. This is what an emergency moratorium gets you: A reminder to to get on the ball and figure some stuff out. This [three pages] doesn’t cut the mustard.”

Within the city, the same sentiment was felt by members of the planning commission.

“I’m struck by the fact this is the first time this has become before the Planning Commission,” said Commissioner Clair Olivers. “This was taken up by City Council in the form of an emergency ordinance a year ago, yet there’s been no staff report or workshop or any kind of activity until tonight’s outline was given to us.” The city also presented their opinions through their attorney, who amongst other claims stated that he advised the moratorium

“Some of you may remember me from last year. I went through nine months of planning with everett and building that facility on Broadway which in effect you forced me to close and relocate to Mukilteo,” MMPN’S JEREMY Kelsey said.

Talking to the Everett City Council about the moratorium back in June be extended for another six months.

“One advantage to extending this moratorium is that it puts us in the middle of the pack,” said the Everett City Attorney in his address to the council. “It’s what most cities have done or are going to do.”

This information is consistent with the AWC memo telling cities to “study” the MMJ issue. In one calendar year, the Everett City Council came up with just three pages of documents. As public servants, they deserve an F for due diligence. Kelsey also pointed out potential malfeasance charges against the city officials for not doing their job, an issue Sarich is prepared to raise in Kent. “We are considering filing malfeasance charges against the mayor and the council members

who voted for the ban. Official misconduct means they can be removed from office for malfeasance. We’re going to attempt to recall them and remove them from office.”

Moving forward Whether it’s a big city such as Everett or a smaller one such as Pasco, the lawsuits are a real threat, even if not for traditional reasons.

“We are not in this lawsuit for money,” Sarich said of the Kent lawsuit. “We have not asked for any damages. This is not about money.

They expect us [MMJ patients] to obey the law to the letter. So we are going to hold you to the same standard. They don’t like MMJ so they are looking for a way to ban us.

“All the city has to do is drop the illegal moratorium and the lawsuit will be dropped instantly. It’s pretty simple. Follow the state law and we won’t sue you. Break the state law and we will. There’s the message. I’ve said it at every city council meeting.”

Northwest Leaf will continue to follow these cities and others as the fight over moratoriums continues. But, due to print scheduling, some aspects of this article may change by the time the July issue is printed.

Check for updates at facebook.com/nwleaf.

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Super Lemon Haze (Sativa Dominant) Super Silver Haze X Lemon Skunk CBD:0.01% (Cannabidiol)

CBD may hold the most promise for many serious conditions. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is believed to relieve pain and anxiety, seizures, inflammation, nausea, vomiting and risk of artery blockage.

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Medical Benefits (Strain Specific)

Super Lemon Haze has been known to aid such symptoms as stress, anxiety, lack of appetite, migranes and pain.

PROFILE

36

Raising Dominic Washington's Youngest Patient

Washington’s youngest patient

By Wes Abney | Photos by Daniel Berman

At just five years old, Dominic Leppell is authorized to use medical cannabis. It helps with his autism, say his parents, Angela and Anthony, who is a fellow cannabis patient.

Each week, one of them will travel to a local Wenatchee access point to obtain medicated lotions, as well as crackers and cookies, for their son.

Although Dominic cannot speak, the effect is plainly visible in his eyes: he is simply more alive. Now he can concentrate on a single task long enough to finish. He can share toys with other children. He hurts himself less. After years of struggles with schools, the state, and a home that left Dominic’s young body with dangerous levels of lead, his rapid progress gives the family hope.

FATHER & SON Dominic’s favorite thing to do is look out the window and play.

Brother, Jaden, 6, watches a DVD in their Wenatchee, Wash home.

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PROFILE Raising Dominic

23 47 88 The number of autism cases has increased by 23 percent since the last C.D.C report released in 2006.

One in every 47 boys in Utah will be diagnosed with an A.S.D., the highest prevalence rate in the U.S. Most are diagnosed by age 4.

1 in every 88 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder, the CDC estimated in their 2012 analysis.

they weren’t simply abnormal amounts of lead in his blood. They were several times the maximum safe level. I realized then we were living in a house of lead.

-Angela Leppell, Dominic’s mom

W

hat is autism? It’s a question being asked more often as cases among children skyrocket nationally. It has no known cure, no definitive cause and manifests itself in a wide spectrum of symptoms.

At this moment, 1 in 88 children have been identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to the C.D.C. That’s a 23 percent rise since the organization’s last report in 2009. Boys are five times more likely than girls to have an A.S.D. Most are not identified until age four.

From the outside, autism symptoms aren’t always obvious. With different degrees and severities, the condition can take many forms.

In Dominic’s case, daily incidents of selfinflicted injuries are painful to see. The Centers for Disease Control defines Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) as “a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.”

“He’s in a head-butting stage,” explained Anthony, Dominic’s father, seated on an edge of the couch in their modest Wenatchee apartment. “He has a bruise on the center of his forehead that hasn’t healed in the last year. It’s always being hit.”

This compulsive behavior has serious implications. While sitting in the family’s living room, Dominic alternates from playing and running to random episodes of self-abuse.

Whether it’s a kitchen counter, the edge of the couch or a random toy, his actions aren’t easily controlled. “Because Dominic is non-verbal, we have to interpret his moods through his behaviors,” Anthony said. This is where the challenge begins. Dominic could be happy but still engage in his harmful behavior.

His parents had a decision to make. Do they load up a dose of big pharma’s “fix all” that haven’t worked for their son? Stand idly as doctors and the professionals willingly hand over prescriptions without offering alternatives?

Or do they bear the emotional burden of watching their child hurt himself without medical intervention? It was a terrible choice to have to make.

One year ago, the Leppell family made the decision to treat Dominic’s symptoms with medical cannabis. For the family, and Dominic, it was the right choice.

in T h e Be g in n in g Dominic Leppell was born May 3, 2007, the middle child of three boys. The Leppells were renting a duplex in the Wenatchee Valley, and for a time, life was stable. But early into Dominic’s life his parents recognized differences in his development compared to their other children.

“He always rocked [back and forth] and eventually a doctor described it as ‘violent rocking,’” his mother, Angela, said. “That’s when we started wondering ... what it could be.”

At the age of 3, Dominic was taken in for an exam that included a blood screening. “The blood tests found abnormal amounts of lead in his system,” Angela explained. “But they weren’t simply abnormal. They were several times the maximum safe level. I realized then we were living in a house of lead.”

Links between lead poisoning and autism have been suggested, but despite scholarly research, nothing has been clearly established.

Dominic was ultimately diagnosed on the

autistic spectrum, along with an unhealthy exposure to lead, which remains in his system to this day.

“The lead was everywhere. In the paint chips, in the dust, in the dirt outside where the kids played,” Anthony said. “We had to move, and the doctors contacted the state. That brought our first experience with CPS (Child Protective Services).” The state intervened, but instead of targeting the property owner, the Leppells said they were served an eviction notice.

Told that continuing to live there would endanger their children, the three-day notice left the family homeless. “We had to move in with our parents, but the state did nothing to target the landlord,” Anthony said, his frustration remaining evident. “The sad thing is that the house is still being rented today.

The state has done nothing about the lead or landlord.” Eventually they moved to a new, leadfree apartment. They hoped for a fresh start.

Dominic soon began preschool at a Wenatchee public elementary school in the special education program. He had trouble sharing, paying attention and behaving properly, his parents said. But those were expected, and through the school program, and the cannabis at home, Dominic was improving.

On May 8, 2012, life once again threw a curveball at the Leppells. Shortly after sending Dominic to school, Anthony and Angela got a call from his teacher. She told them Dominic wasn’t feeling well and that he should be sent home for the day. Thirty minutes later, they arrived to find that Dominic had been taken by

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PROFILE Raising Dominic Dominic couldn’t complete activities like using a puzzle app on his family’s tablet computer before starting to use cannabis products six months ago.

ambulance to the hospital after a school staff member described Dominic as “pale, lethargic and trippy.”

Angela said they were not contacted about the decision to send Dominic to the hospital nor asked by the nurse about her opinion/selfdiagnosis of Dominic. She said she believes knowing the side-effects of the prescription drugs that Dominic had previously been prescribed, the opinion of the school nurse did not warrant the hospital trip.

Less than two hours later, Dominic was released from the hospital without blood work or analysis, she said. He had though been given a blanket diagnosis of drug toxicity. In the days that followed, Anthony said he believes a school nurse violated privacy laws by requesting medical records for him and Dominic. The nurse called CPS, and wrongfully solicited information from Dominic’s primary care and cannabisauthorizing doctor, he said. “Fortunately, this whole incident has had a positive outcome.

We’ve been able to open a lot of minds.”

CPS did come into their home to investigate the topicals and medibles Dominic uses, Anthony said. They found no danger or threat to the kids, acknowledging the positive family environment the Leppells have created, he said.

With the help of Pamela Woodard, a family

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friend, MMJ advocate and access point owner, a letter was sent to Wenatchee Public Schools outlining Dominic’s cannabis regimen and the proper steps for monitoring his condition. The district has also been warned that any further improper intervention with family/student rights will result in a lawsuit, Angela said.

D osag e a n d r e su lt s Now that his medical cannabis use is known, Dominic’s parents have been able to pass along dosage and regimen information to his school and others with questions. Compared to a heavy dose of pills, his treatment is relatively benign.

“Each morning we rub topical creams or a topical spray onto Dominic’s forehead, chest and back,” Anthony explained. “This is before school, and it has helped tremendously. When he gets home in the afternoon we usually give him one to two infused crackers, and another dose of lotion an hour before bed.”

The results have been noticeable. Dominic has developed better social skills such as sharing, holding a longer attention span and having fewer negative behaviors at school. He has even acquired basic verbal skills. He can almost say “Mom,” as he climbs into her arms on the couch.

The word “Dad” comes out sounding like there

were 40 more A’s, but it’s clear progress. Before starting the treatment, those improvements were thought to be years away. “His teachers have been blown away, and it’s all in the IEP (Individual Education Program) reports from school,” Anthony said. “His first report stated that he was unable to sit still for more than three minutes. The next one, six months later, reported that he could focus and stay still for 10 minutes.”

After medicating, Dominic transforms from a high-energy force into a more attentive and interactive little boy. On days when the family doesn’t have medicine to give him, he displays more aggression. His limited attention span grows shorter.

“When he is medicated he is actually more alert. His levels are more normal with the meds,” said Pamela, who helps donate medicine to the family and advises on dosage. “It is very easy to regulate dosage going cracker by cracker (usually Cheez-its). Soon the family will be getting infused butters and oils to make their own dosage and have a consistent supply of medibles.” For the family, cannabis has been nothing short of a miracle. Dominic’s behavior has improved, he’s happier in the mornings and sleeping well at night. His quality of life has improved significantly, along with his potential for the future, Angela said.

West Chelan Holistic Health owner Pam Woodard, the family’s veritable medical cannabis advocate.

The results have been noticeable. Dominic has developed better social skills, holds a longer attention span and has fewer negative behaviors while at school. He has even acquired basic verbal skills. Before starting his cannabis treatment, improvements were thought to be years away.

“You can see it in his eyes. When he is hurting, frustrated, in pain ... or when he is content. He’s so much happier with this medicine,” Anthony said passionately. “Now, we have only glorious things to look forward to.”

Choos ing medical m a r i jua n a All parenting is a major amount of responsibility.

For every parent, that means feeding, clothing a child and ensuring a proper environment for learning, growth and safety. Of course, not all children are the same, and have experienced staggeringly different qualities of life that influence their development.

For Dominic’s parents, the choices they have been forced to make are not as common or simple as sending their son off on the school bus. They are faced with a decision that carries inherent risks for them and the child they cherish. Yes, Dominic is autistic. But that isn’t an end-all diagnosis, and the condition can be dealt with in many ways. The path the Leppells chose worked for them, and could work for other children — possibly — but parents cannot go this route all on their own..

Doctors should be included in the decision to institute any kind of cannabis regimen, for legal, moral and clearly, medical reasons. Then again,

one hopes that parents with autistic children will read the side-effects of the mainstream FDAapproved pharmaceutical medications that have already been offered to Dominic. They’ll begin to understand why anyone would be hesitant to offer these drugs to a young child already struggling with a host of troubling symptoms.

The side-effects of many of those drugs include increased aggression, restlessness, nausea, agitation, depression, drowsiness, dizziness and mood changes — just to name a few. Are these risks worth a child’s health and well-being?

What about natural medicine? Medical cannabis has already changed Dominic’s life.

His story should inspire and give hope to so many other parents wondering how to help their children living with autism.

For more info tinyurl.com/nwleafautism 2012 C.D.C report summarizes most recent data on autism, features useful information on warning signs, diagnosing and state-by-state prevalence rates.

in t h e e n d CPS. Police involvement. Criminal charges.

Harmful. Illegal. Wrong. Especially when it comes to children, much of mainstream America continues to associate medical marijuana with negative consequences. In the end, what is a concerned parent to do? For the Leppells, the best way to help their little boy was a simple one. They have chosen to make Dominic Washington’s youngest medical cannabis patient.

tinyurl.com/nwleafautism2 Important study takes a look at how lead poisoning may induce autism, and what influence hightened levels of lead in the blood have on cognitive and behavioral development.

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TACOMA / OLYMPIA / SEATTLE

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1-800-625-8519 www.cannahealth.org 253-383-3506

SPECIAL SECTION

TANNINS 44/juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

W When it comes to wine tasting stereotypes, cheese is the common pairing for socialites and amateur foodies. Wine is known for unique flavors and tannins that match so well with powerfully odious, or strong tasting cheeses.

But cheese isn’t for everyone, and chocolate and wine pairings can lead to overindulgent evenings alone with an old blanket and a favorite movie. This got us thinking. What natural flower has the perfect combination of scent and taste to match with wine? Cannabis.

In short, a glass of wine a each night has been said to have positive health effects, and make for a perfect match with a healthy and local cannabis strain. Our guide matches five different types of wine with some great flowers Seattle has to offer.

A special thanks to Dean and Casey of Seattle, and Analytic 360, for their help and guidance with creating this special.

Remember to never drink and drive and always medicate responsibly. Enjoy!

by Northwest Leaf staff and contributors | Photos by Daniel Berman

TERPENES The art of pairing local strains with local wines

SPECIAL SECTION

This flower carries an overwhelming lemon scent and is hauntingly reminiscent of Dawn dish detergent.

When snapped, the nugs release a pungent citrus flavor and a slightly spicy undertone.

The smoke is very clean, with the lemon smell tickling the nose on exhale. The effects are energetic and surprisingly long-lasting for a sativa.

&

Barnard Griffin 2010 Chardonnay Retail: $15-20 | This big, rich, and buttery Chardonnay is made traditionally with hints of

vanilla and toasted oak. This wine is best enjoyed cool but not cold, and can be enjoyed with seafood or even a creamy vegetable soup.

Super Lemon Haze •14.7% THC Available from Fweedom Collective — fweedom.com (206) 734-9333 This flower carries an overwhelming lemon scent and is hauntingly reminiscent of Dawn dish detergent. When snapped, the nugs release a pungent citrus flavor and a slightly spicy undertone. The smoke is very clean, with the lemon smell tickling the nose on exhale.

The effects are energetic and surprisingly long lasting for a sativa.

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& 2008 Mercer Merlot

Retail: $16-21 | This Merlot has pronounced aromas of cherries and cassis with hints of cocoa, vanilla and allspice. It is full-bodied with spicy berry flavors and a broad structured finish and moderate tannins. Merlot’s are great to eat with rich and heartier foods or appetizers, and pairs well with red meats. For cheeses, brie, Gouda or even smoked provolone work well.

confidential cheese •16.58% THC Available from both Collective — bothcollective.com (206) 588-1036

Analytic 360 tested Confidential Cheese at 16.58% THC and .08% CBD, and definitely pulls a lot of it’s smell from the U.K. The overwhelming cheese is evident when snapping a nug, though the creamier undertones can be attributed to the L.A. Confidential. This Indica dominate strain is perfect for pain and stress, and pairs well with a nice glass of wine. It will also leave you hungry— perfect for the main course the Merlot wants to pair with.

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& SPECIAL SECTION

2009 magnificent wine co. riesling

Retail: $10-15 | There is a zesty spirit of freshly squeezed apple and pear juices as the glass reaches your nose and the dry crisp freshness dances on the tongue with great balance between fruit and acidity. This versatile wine can be enjoyed with almost any meal (to personal taste).

Green Queen • 17.05% THC • 0.07% CBD Available from have a heart — haveaheartcc.com — (206) 257-4500 This flower is a cross between Green Crack and Space Queen, and features an almost rotten sweet smell, with earthy undertones and a hint of citrus.

It has a very full and expansive smoke that leaves a strong high centered in the core. This sativa strain is very euphoric and energetic while being surprisingly effective at alleviating pain.Testing was provided by Analytic 360.

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This flower is a cross between Green Crack and Space Queen, and features an almost rotten sweet smell, with earthy undertones and a hint of citrus. It has a very full and expansive smoke that leaves a strong high centered in the core. This sativa strain is very euphoric and energetic while being surprisingly effective at alleviating pain.

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The Haze has a smell reminiscent of chamomile tea, with very fluffy and delicate nugs. When snapped or torn a slightly earthy and sweet citrus smell is released. The smoke is easy on the lungs, and the trademark hazy high is energetic and stoney. Whether drinking mimosas and taking tokes for breakfast or celebrating a night out, this pair is sure to delight.

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This Blackberry is a truly unique phenotype rarely seen in Seattle. It features an enigmatic floral smell that is full and strong. The scent is very sweet and recalls roses, but is also akin to a simple daisy. The taste is clean, with a lighter smoke that is easy to take heavy hits of.

The indica-dominate effects are great for pain, and end in a slight euphoria tone.

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Staying legal while you travel >> If you got authorized in Washington, you do not have protection as you travel to other states. So what can you do?

If you’re in any other state, displaying a Washingtonissued medical marijuana authorization to a police officer who has his mitts on your marijuana will probably be as effective as telling the cop you promise never, ever to smoke weed again.

But, a handful of the 17 states where medical marijuana use is legal have what are known as reciprocity provisions. Reciprocity, in the medical marijuana arena, allows patients from one state to be protected against arrest for possession in another state. But if you live in Washington, you’re out of luck: As of April 2012, only Arizona, Maine, Michigan, Montana and Rhode Island have such protection, according to NORML’s website.

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“Even for those [states] that do have reciprocity, most of them require two things,” said Keith Stroup, a founder and legal counsel for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in Washington, D.C. “One is that the condition or the disease for which you were recommended the medical marijuana must also be a disease or condition that’s covered in their state law,” Stroup said. “And number two, which is a real hard one, the state you’re from must also offer reciprocity to patients from the state you’re in. … There are very few situations in which a medical marijuana patient who has been authorized in one of the 17 states will be protected in another state.”

Authorized Washingtonians can atleast visit Oregon, our nearest medical marijuana neighbor, to have a measure of protection while in that state. Oregon is the only state that allows nonresidents to receive a medical marijuana authorization in the state, and that’s an option being used by people who

By Kirk Ericson for Northwest Leaf

find themselves often visiting Oregon.

The process is pretty simple: in order to get an Oregon card, out-of-state residents need to provide paperwork from their Washington health-care provider that details their qualifying condition. Any condition that qualifies someone in Washington will be recognized in Oregon.

“We don’t like to schedule people unless we know that they are going to qualify for that condition,” said Iva Cunningham, owner of Alternative Medical Choices in Portland. “We do a lot of prescreening.”

Cunningham said she doesn’t see a lot of business from Washington residents looking for protection while they visit Oregon. It’s more common, she said, to see visitors from Michigan and Rhode Island who have conditions that don’t qualify them in their home state for a medical marijuana authorization but which would qualify them for a card in Oregon.

Getting an Oregon state medical marijuana authorization isn’t cheap. Counting

the doctor’s visit and the state’s charge for procuring a card, you will spend anywhere from $195 to $415, Cunningham said.

B

ecause a Washington medical marijuana authorization won’t safeguard you in other medical marijuana states, your best bet is not to get caught with cannabis in another state.

“Common sense is (you should only) travel with a small amount,” Stroup said.

PHOTO BY PAUL ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

thE ONLY WAY FOR A PATIENT TO HAVE 100% PROTECTION IS TO RESIDE IN A STATE THAT HAS RECIPROCITY, TRAVEL TO ANOTHER STATE THAT ALSO HAS RECIPROCITY, AND HAVE A QUALIFYING CONDITION COVERED BY THE OTHER STATE’S LAWS. IT’S AN EXTREMELY HIGH BAR. “And don’t smoke in the car because if you get pulled over for a traffic offense and the officer smells marijuana, that gives him the legal right to search the car without a search warrant.” Patients should not cross international borders with their medicine.

What about when you’re flying? Stroup said NORML gets reports periodically of patients flying out of Oregon, Washington and California whose marijuana is found during a normal search and then returned

to them once they show their medical marijuana card. “However, they don’t have to let you go,” he said. “You’re clearly vulnerable if you try to get on an airplane with marijuana because you’re violating federal law.”

A Sea-Tac International Airport rep confirmed that airport policy is to let medical marijuana pass. “Our policy is we follow state law,” Sea-Tac spokesman Perry Cooper said. “If you have a state card for the marijuana, you’re allowed to have it.”

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profile

Kit-Tea’s

Incredible Journey She was 30, and in a serious accident— then cannabis let her walk again. Now she’s the face of an extensive line of teas, edibles and topicals, and giving back to the patients the way she was.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

N

‘‘

If it wasn’t for Eddy Lepp and his Simpson Oil, I’d be sitting in a wheelchair.

I’d be on morphine and back at 92 pounds.

You can find Kit-Teas at locations from Seattle to Olympia.

Contact her for wholesale information at (253) 298-1090.

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ext to water, tea is the most commonly consumed drink in the world. Thousands of years have come and gone, but tea remains as both a method for medicinal ingestion and a near cure-all for a variety of ailments, depending on what you’re brewing.

Herbal blends can help with everything from nausea to headaches, chronic pain to menstrual cramps. All this was not lost on Kitty Miller, whose extensive knowledge of herbs led her to make a life-changing decision. “They are the safest medicine, especially when mixed with cannabis,” she said, holding up one of her company’s nicely designed silver tea boxes.

Her products, Kit-Teas, are part of a line that has grown to a staggering 76 varieties and counting. She started one year ago with 13 basic tea blends. Now she offers a full-service range of medicated products. “Patients will come to us with their needs and we develop custom blends,” she explained. “Most don’t want to get ‘high,’ but they want a product that meets their needs.”

For Kitty, the medical needs of her patients hits close to home. The victim of a horrible car accident, Kitty said she attributes her entire life and health — and her ability to walk — to cannabis.

“If it wasn’t for Eddy Lepp and his Simpson Oil, I’d be sitting in a wheelchair,” she said with clear emotion. “I’d be on morphine and back at 92 pounds ... a drooling mess.” This is how it happened: In 1998, a driver ran a stop sign and

T-boned Kitty’s car, rolling it eight times and leaving her with a severed spine and a laundry list of other serious injuries.

Her spine alone required 13 surgeries, and to this day, she has all 74 bolts and pins required to piece her body together.

After the grueling surgeries, she used a wheelchair and was stuck using heavy opiates. Shortly after the accident, her husband died, leaving her immobile with a young son to raise.

“I remember being in that wheelchair and my son saying ‘I can’t lose you Mommy.’ I knew then that I had to fight.”

Seeing the immense pain Kitty was in, a close friend took her — wheelchair and all— to Eddy Lepp’s famous California ranch. Lepp was known for growing copious amounts of cannabis and creating a potent extraction of Rick Simpson oil for anyone who needed it in the community, to the consternation of law enforcement.

Lepp and his friends put Kitty on a quarter-cup dose of Rick Simpson oil daily. That’s 57 grams of a medicine usually ingested a 10th of a gram at a time.

“I was in la-la land for a while,” she said laughing. “But slowly ... I got fixed.”

Doctors had told her she would never walk again with modern medicine. With the heavy dosage of the oil, her nerves starting growing back in her spine, and her spinal cord began fixing itself, she said. Over time, she was able to transition to a walker, and today is able to walk and function in what she described as a normal way. She said she battles chronic pain, which has been

test results by Green Leaf Labs: Lip Balm> .518mg THC per gram • Tincture> .208mg THC per gram • Grapeseed Oil> .876mg THC per gram

Herbal blends can help with everything from nausea to headaches, chronic pain to menstrual cramps a major motivator for expanding Kit-Teas.

“Eddy gave me my legs back, my family and my son,” she said. “That’s why I do what I do.” The product line now features tinctures, pain sprays, medicated lotions/ bio-freeze, chap stick, peanut butter and jelly, and, of course, her wonderful tea.

“We are trying to approach people with a route of administration for medicine that they are already used to,” explained Jeremy Miller, Kitty’s husband.

“Can you imagine a product like Tylenol that says ‘Now with Cannabinoids?’ That’s what we’re going for.”

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Recipes COUNTRY APPLE DUMPLINGS Prep Time: 20 Min Cook Time: 45 Min

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored 2 (10 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough 1 cup medicated butter 1.5 cups white sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 (12 fluid oz) can or bottle Mountain Dew ™

Preheat oven to 350 F°. Grease 9x13-inch baking dish. Cut apples into eight wedges and set aside.

Separate crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in dish. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in sugar and cinnamon.

Pour over dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew™ over the dumplings. Bake 35 to 45 min. in until golden brown.

Easy Olive Oil, Tomato, and Basil Pasta Recipe Prep: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes 1 (16 oz) package farfalle pasta 2 tomatoes, Roma, seeded and diced 1/2 cup medicated oil, preferably Olive 2 cloves Garlic, minced 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips Salt and pepper to taste Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, tomatoes, medicated olive oil, garlic, and basil.

Season with salt and pepper.

PHOTO: FLICKR/MADLYINLOVEWITHLIFE

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Behind Car Toys on 125th and Aurora

Seattle’s Premier High-End Medical Cannabis Collective

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rehashed PHOTOS BY WES ABNEY/NORTHWEST LEAF

Standing up for safe access in Kent For more on the fight to keep medical marijuana in Kent, see You’re Sued! on page 28.

My message to you today is to keep my body safe. I medicate daily, and my pharmacy shouldn’t be moved to the streets. I want to be safe when I come to Kent, and when I get my medicine.

-Shari Douglass, Grandmother and Patient, above

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DEVICE OF THE MONTH

“Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil”

a piece by keebler williams PRICE: $1,000 | HOURS TO COMPLETE: 12+

72/juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

story BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN The motif for this device of the month comes from the mind of lampworker Keebler Williams.

The piece features three skulls symbolizing the aspects of the title, and intertwining tentacles that circle the outside.

The piece also features several synthetic opals that have been bridged in to help keep the piece together. They give it a distinctive look, a true blend of exactly what he had in mind, he said. “I spent over 12 hours building this piece,”

Check out more of Keebler’s work at facebook.com/keebler.williams.7 keebler@glasspipes.org degeneratesciencelabs.com

Williams said. “I started with three skulls, moved to tentacles, and ended up making one of the skulls into the nug jar.”

The nug jar is a handy included feature, with a cork that lifts out of the skull to reveal an equally

nifty medicine-holding area. With the overall piece valued at $1,000, we’re talking art, not street.

“I love being an artist, and I’m very excited to be in this industry,” Keebler explained. “Every year it’s getting bigger and bigger.”

Northwest Leaf ran into Keebler at the Sonshine Washington Organic’s Farmers Market where he does live glassblowing every third Saturday of the month. Although he is relocating to start a business in Eugene, Oregon, Keebler said he will still be in

Washington frequently. “I really enjoy the markets. I don’t have to disguise a pipe as a ‘tobacco water device.’ I can be real about it.”

Know a device worth featuring? >> Email us at nwleaf@gmail.com

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This month’s featured concentrate is an old flower classic, Grand Daddy Purps. While known for big buds and frosty purple looks, the concentrated version is a beautiful amber color. The taste is extremely clean, and when dabbed slowly, a delightful sharp taste that can only be described as “purple” is experienced.

The effects are quite nice, with the Indica genetics offsetting the normally energetic nature of BHO. We found ourselves alert but with a very medicated body high two to four hours after dabbing. This would really be appropriate for almost any time of day, but ideal as the last dab of the evening.

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growtech

KEEPING YOUR GARDEN COOL

By Dr. Scanderson for Northwest Leaf

G

78/juLY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

2

make sure to insulate

I’ve always failed to understand why people make such strong distinctions between open and closed indoor gardens.

Regardless of the method, both perform most efficiently when all areas of the room are completely sealed up, insulated, and have no air flow except for those areas intended for this purpose. But at summer’s hottest moments, a wellsealed and insulated room keeps the cool in and heat out, more efficiently.

10 handy tips to avoiding a “summer crop” as the mercury rises

rowing medical cannabis in the Pacific Northwest can be very rewarding since our tempered climate limits the external variables our indoor gardens must compensate for.

In the more than 15 years I have lived here, I have concluded that there are two seasons. There is the Main Season, whose characteristics will become evident after describing the second season; and summer, which can be any one of a number of potentially non-sequential weeks — although, they’re generally grouped during the months of May through September.

During the “summer,” a large bright ball of fire is exposed for minutes at a time and temperatures often climb into the upper 60s! This causes what I’ve come to call the Northwest greenhouse effect. It’s most visible when locals notice the temperature exceeding 60 degrees Fº and immediately feel the need to peel their clothes off and parade about. The limited number of summer weeks leaves the majority of locals with skin bright enough to sustain brilliant solar reflection.

1

Seal up all the air flow

If you’re running air-cooled lights, they work most efficiently when maximizing the CFM’s originating from your fan source. Two ways to accomplish this: a) double-check all connection areas between soft and hard ducting, as well as the seal around the glass in your hoods for air leaks. Do this by running your hands around your hoods and along ducting runs while the system is running. Apply lightproof ducting tape around any areas you feel air blowing. B) Use as much hard ducting as you can (yes it is more work, and you must tape all the seams of the elbow joints). If possible, plan extra length in your runs to avoid any 90-degree bends in favor of creating a softer angle. This will dramatically decrease air friction — it’s not uncommon to improve air flow 20 to 30 percent after combining just these two tips.

Generally, by August, the cumulative additional beams of sun have generated enough energy to push temperatures to an extreme measure. During these months, every local news station is forced to immediately drop all efforts to report on anything but the effects of the potentially deadly heat meteorologists predict may climb as high as 82 degrees in some areas. You’ve been warned.

This means that indoor gardeners, depending on how you have your room set up, may fall victim to the dreaded “summer crop.” This is the kind of harvest that can be observed flowing through various access points this time of year, and is caused by unmanaged heat. In preparation for warmer times, we would like to provide you with the following 10 tips to use in your garden.

Implement them now or start planning on the upgrade so you can cruise right through the summer weeks, wear as little clothing as possible and have your medication continue to improve even during the warmer weeks of summer.

PHOTO BY FLICKR/AKFOTO

3 4

If your indoor garden is treated with an intake of fresh outside air (brought in only after treating through a HEPA or other biological grade filter), be prepared for the nights where temps grow 10 to 15 degrees warmer. It makes a huge difference in the temperatures your garden is capable of maintaining and can be dramatically compounded if the same outside air is used to cool your lights.

are you prepared?

During the summer, something weird happens: the sun comes out, then sometimes stays out!

More hours of sunlight and the change of seasons means late afternoon sunlight that is rarely seen during the main season. Depending on your setup, this could mean light leaks in your room. It’s important to doublecheck the “light proofedness” of your garden.. Those late afternoon sunbeams can hit your windows at angles and for time periods unique to the summer months, and, if not treated properly, could create light leaks extending through vented air cooled hoods, intakes, or air conditioning ducting. Light leaks can cause stress, hermaphroditic traits and may possibly prevent your plants from entering the flowering state entirely. My mentor, “The Big-C,” recommends treating any exterior windows with awnings that can easily be created by attaching a tarp to the top and two side walls of the exterior window frame leaving the bottom untreated. The bottom section of the tarp can then be pulled away from the window and weighted down to provide ample room for venting, while creating absolute light seal. Imagine it as a giant exterior dryer vent made out of a tarp.

5

STOPPING THE LIGHT

Increased heat in summer can also mean decreased humidity. By adding in a regulated ionic humidifier during daytime hours, you will be able to both maintain adequate humidity levels and provide a cooling mist for your plants that will assist in bringing the leaf’s surface temperature down.

avoid humidity

Turn to pg. 80 for tips 6-10

growtech

10 tips for KEEPING YOUR GARDEN COOL

6 7

Continued from pg. 78

If you are using bottled C02, try poking several holes up and down the exhaust line, and run it directly through the canopy of your garden.

Alternatively, you can run an exhaust line to each plant site if your method allows for that. This will create the added benefit of directing the valuable gas right to the areas your plants absorbs it in, and, because evaporation is a cooling process, the gas comes out ice cold — providing another source of relief for your plants.

bottles of c02

Another way to offer protection against heat stress is to bring the temperature of your reservoir down. Bringing the temperature of the root zone down allows the rest of the plant to thrive in warmer temperatures and, the colder the water, the more oxygen it can hold. If your budget allows for it, pick up a water chiller and bring the temperature of your reservoir to between 60 and 65 ºF. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to run the water too cold; the lines will tend to create lots of dripping condensation, letting you know it has dipped too low. If possible, get the reservoir out of your grow room so it is not exposed to the higher temperatures and intense HID lighting. If that’s not doable, be sure reservoirs are covered up with lids and or reflective material. Another way to bring the reservoir temperature down without laying down cash for a chiller is to freeze a bunch of water bottles and float them in the reservoir.

8

cool ‘ur reserve

Another way to offer protection against heat stress is to bring the temperature of your reservoir down. Bringing the temperature of the root zone down allows the rest of the plant to thrive in warmer temperatures and, the colder the water, the more oxygen it can hold. If your budget allows for it, pick up a water chiller and bring the temperature of your reservoir to between 60 and 65 ºF. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to run the water too cold; the lines will tend to create lots of dripping condensation, letting you know it has dipped too low. If possible, get the reservoir out of your grow room so it is not exposed to the higher temperatures and intense HID lighting. If that’s not doable, be sure reservoirs are covered up with lids and or reflective material. Another way to bring the reservoir temperature down without laying down cash for a chiller is to freeze a bunch of water bottles and float them in the reservoir.

hood covers

9 10

By adding C02 to your garden, your plants can continue to perform and thrive at temperatures in the low 80s, where some plants may experience heat stress. When looking to bring the temps in your garden down by five to eight degrees, compare the cost of adding and running adequate air conditioning to just adding C02. It will allow your plants to perform at the higher temps and you may just have an “ah ha!” moment of justification for all the extra work.

co2 is cooling

Once your garden has been dialed in to support and maintain the proper climate, let Mother Nature work her magic. Nothing is more frustrating to your plants than adding in another 100-degree heat source — a.k.a you — especially if your garden is on the threshold of being too hot. The Matrix will tell you that the human body generates more bioelectricity than a 120-volt battery. While that may be “open for discussion,” on average, people generate around 100 kilocalories per hour, or 116 watts, so get out of your garden, Copper-top!

please stay out

Photo: flickr/mccun934

I hope these tips offer some solutions for gardening during the summer while helping your plants avoid heat stress. We could always just agree as a community to end the Northwest greenhouse effect, but I think these tips will be a faster solution for now. Enjoy your summer and Happy Gardening!

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(253) 298-1090

health & science

fighting autism with medical cannabis >> Although it’s a controversial method, research shows promise for helping kids

A

utism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. The word autism refers to a range of disorders on the “autism spectrum” collectively known as the autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs. One in 88 children are born today with an ASD, according to a report in 2012 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s a 78 percent increase since the CDC first reported stats in 2007. No medical detection method exists at this time, treatment methods vary widely, as do outcomes, and autism has no known cure.

Much debate and controversy surrounds the use of medical cannabis to treat ASDs. The debate stems from not only its classification as a schedule I drug in the United States, but also because of the age of the autistic patient population.

However, some well-intentioned families are turning to medical cannabis as a way to help relieve the stress in their children.

ASDs are disorders of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors.

Symptoms typically become apparent before a child is 3 years old. ASDs have strong genetic ties and there are many proposed causes of ASDs. Some suspected causes have been linked to the environment, such as heavy metals, pesticide

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BY NORTHWEST LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCOTT D. ROSE

exposure and childhood vaccines. ASDs do not have a clear unifying mechanism. Perhaps ASDs are a few disorders caused by multiple mutations converging on a few common pathways forming abnormal development in the nervous system.

Improper protein synthesis can signal molecule production (ex. endocannabinoids) and impair regulation, leading to an imbalance in the excitatory-inhibitory mechanisms of the nervous system.

For example, the type of nervous system disruption characteristic of ASDs contributes to seizures from epilepsy. Medical cannabis has been shown to help control seizure activity.

With any treatment of ASDs, the main goals are to lessen effects of the disorder and decrease the stress on the patient and family members. Increasing the quality of life and functional independence through sustained, intensive educational programs and behavioral therapy early in life has been shown to be helpful. That approach has been shown to help children acquire better self-care, social and job skills. More than half of children diagnosed with ASDs are prescribed psychoactive drugs or anticonvulsants. The most common drug classes being offered are antidepressants, stimulants and antipsychotics.

Treatment is expensive. It can total almost $4 million

over the lifespan of an ASDs child with severe deficits when you factor in medical costs, educational costs and lost potential earnings. Given the many challenges of raising an ASDs child, many parents are willing to try a variety of potential remedies. Many of those potential remedies are controversial and unproven. More parents are considering medical cannabis. One look on the Internet finds news reports and anecdotal reports of parents using medical cannabis for their ASDs children, and many are finding benefits.

Cannabis influences the human organism in a variety of very interesting ways. Since the discovery of the cannabinoid receptor and the endocannabinoid system, our understanding of cannabis and how it works in the body continues to evolve. Endocannabinoids are the compounds made by the human body that are similar to the active compounds in the cannabis plant.

The endocannabinoid system is a complex system of cellular receptors to which these compounds bind and have activity.

This activity is a “fine tuning” or regulation of physiology. Endocannabinoid receptors are found in many tissue types. For example, this system is involved with embryonic implantation, embryo development and growth.

Its limitless interaction with most biological systems in the body helps to explain its range of effects. The role

Dr. Scott D. Rose is a naturopathic physician acupuncturist pain management specialist (not ASD specialist) in Kirkland

1st Lt. Antonio Terlaje, right, and his son Tonio, 3, play with a toy as Antonio’s older son Xavier, 5, watches television June 14 at their JBLM home. Tonio was diagnosed with autism when he was 22 months old.

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine/ Joint-Base Lewis McChord

the endocannabinoid system plays in the development and treatment of ASDs, at this time, is largely unknown.

In her work with the Behavioral Sciences Department of Israel’s College of Judea and Samar, Dr. Ester Fride notes that in animals, the endocannabinoid system fulfills many important developmental functions. These include neural development, neuroprotection, development of memory and the development of motor skills such as the suckling instinct.

She states, “A role for the endocannabinoid system in the human infant is likely.” Fride strongly recommends the use of cannabinoids in pediatric medicine in her work in nonorganic failure to thrive cases. Fride’s work has shown that there is a gradual development of the CB1 receptor type in the nervous system of young organisms. CB1 receptors are the binding site for THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. In other words, children might respond positively to the medical application of cannabinoids without undesirable psychoactive effects.

Melanie Dreher, a registered nurse, has studied the cannabis users of rural Jamaica for more than 30 years. She and a team set out to identify the neurobehavioral effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on neonates and reported their findings in the Journal of Pediatrics in 1994. They compared the babies of moms who used cannabis during pregnancy with those who didn’t. They compared the infants using standardized testing at 3 days old and at 1 month of age.

At the 3-day mark, no significant differences were found between the two groups. At 1 month, however, the cannabisexposed babies scored higher in areas of alertness, irritability and self-regulation, and were judged to be more subjectively rewarding for caregivers, had better physiological stability and required less examiner facilitation to reach goals.

Interestingly, the neonates of heavy-cannabis-using mothers had better scores on autonomic stability, or the basic functions of the body such as blood pressure and even their breathing rate.

One characteristic of ASDs is behaviors with high levels of repetition, such as self-grooming.

The effects of THC were studied in a population of mice bred to have autistic traits, including repetitive behaviors. As reported in the Journal of Current Neuropharmacology in 2011, THC had a positive effect in reducing repetitive behaviors.

Only the autistic mice were sensitive to motor depressant effects (reduced repetitive behaviors) of THC at the low doses used, when compared to the control nonautistic mice. “It is tempting,” they report in their conclusion, “to suggest the evaluation of THC or other cannabinoids with reduced psychoactivity in irritability, tantrums and self-injurious behavior associated with Melanie Dreher’s 1994 study of cannabis users and their children in Jamaica autistic individuals.”

At 1 month, the cannabis-exposed babies scored higher in areas of alertness, irritability and selfregulation. THEY EVEN HAD BETTER SCORES ON BLOOD PRESSURE STABILITY AND BREATHING RATE.

In a letter to the editor of the Journal of European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2012, Rami Bou Khalil a Lebanese psychiatrist, asks the question, “Would some cannabinoids ameliorate symptoms of autism?”

He states that there is ever-increasing research in the field of ASDs. He said; “CBD and THC may help in improving symptoms of ASDs by their sedative, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant and tranquilizing effects. In addition, the cannabinoid system has already been shown to be implicated in social behavior in rats.”

As cannabinoid research continues to show effectiveness in animal models, he said “the rationale supporting their efficacy may outweigh their legal and ethical adversities when administered to children in the setting of randomized controlled studies.” In other words, it might become undeniable that cannabis research must be conducted in human subjects -- maybe even children.

Autism spectrum disorders are defined by their symptoms, with some considering adequate control of symptoms as definition of cure. Others see ASDs as simply a difference and those individuals should be accepted as they are and not treated as diseased.

With the ever increasing prevalence and awareness of ASDs, cannabinoid research must be continued in this area .

A family considering cannabis therapy must first seek an informed choice about the risks and benefits of cannabis use, legalities involved and best ingestion methods. A family should engage in behavioral and intensive educational interventions as there are many different protocols, organizations and support groups to reach out to for help.

Long-term use of cannabis is arguably better understood than it is with mainstream drugs. Autism might not have a known cure, depending on definition of “cure,” but cannabis seems to have much potential in the treatment of the ASDs.

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behind the strain

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

This is the only strain I know with a movie named after it. The movie revels in the lore of Pineapple Express, the legendary, formerly rare strain. Before becoming available in seed form, Pineapple Express was highly sought after for its unique and pleasant effect, intoxicatingly sweet island scent and beautiful bag appeal. The genetics for this strain are not known precisely, adding to the mystique that follows this strain. This month, we’re featuring a guest gardener: Rednose, who has graciously offered to share his experience cultivating Pineapple Express.

HOW IT GROWS:

smoke report: Dried and properly cured Pineapple Express flowers are a sight to behold. Light green calyxes swollen and coated with resin glands are a perfect contrast to the brilliantly colored orange pistils. Rednose’s grow report on the multiple, evenly sized flower sites come through clearly for bag appeal: multiple swollen, dense, wellformed buds make up three grams. When properly cured, this medicine’s complex flavors are realized. Typically known for overwhelmingly fruity flavors, the pheno type I sampled from Rednose’s garden had the expected island fruitiness but was accompanied by some delightfully strong, spicy and peppery undertones. I can only imagine that they come from the “probably” trainwreck side of the equation.

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PE is a sensitive but rewarding plant requiring diligent care.

During the cloning and rooting phases, she is quite aggressive, often being the first to show roots and new growth among the other strains in small rock wool cubes. Don’t let this trait fool you: quick rooting characteristics quickly translate to an excessive amount of offshoots concentrated at her base. She begs to be cloned and gives ample opportunity to do so. The novice grower should leave her untopped because she’ll grow like a Christmas tree. Her indica/sativa hybrid traits are well displayed in the bushy lower section of the plant, and internodal spacing increases significantly as you go up the stalk. When topped, she could become the widest plant in your garden if left alone, and might become quite unruly growing horizontally in nearly vine-like fashion. With proper LST, ample support and thoughtful pruning, she can be molded into a beautiful structure. This continues in flower because nearly every branch will require support. For this reason, SCROG, SoG, or at least tomato cages, are recommended. Flower sites, though not massive, are numerous, growing down to the The novice base. The pheno I run likes the nutes low but is a grower heavy drinker, possibly requiring more frequent should leave reservoir changes. She is easily shocked from high her untopped nutes and lets you know with yellowing leaves.

We let her run for nine weeks on a modified GH as she’ll grow like a 3-part flora formula leaving seven to 10 days for flush. Diligence late in flower is helpful to Christmas identify and remove any hermaphroditic growth tree. that is often observable in the ninth week, prior to the trichomes becoming amber. Trichome production is plentiful, although the heads didn’t swell as significantly as other strains.

Whether this is genetic or environmental has yet to be determined.

This, can be a challenging strain for the novice gardener, but, with just a little experience, it has excellent potential -Rednose

(Probably, since we don’t know precisely)

The Genetics: Hawaiian Maui Wowie x USA Trainwreck

Breeder: G-13 Labs Indica/Sativa: 50/50 Flower Time: 56-65 days The Effect: Definitely a creeper, This is another

strain to add to the list of “try it quick, then wait a bit” medications. A pleasantly light and delicate bouquet of flavors takes some intention to distinguish. It’s not the obvious, juicy-fruit-the-tasteis-gonna-move-ya-type-of smoke I was expecting. I made the mistake of going back for seconds (and fourths and fifths) too early in a quest to “distinguish” the “complexity”of the flavors. In my quest to distinguish the complexities, writing became futile. I found IT WASNT myself laughing in hysterics THE JUICY at levels of schmucktitude I FRUIT had achieved after watching “Sideways” and trying to TYPE OF express myself as a cannabis SMOKE sommelier. My second go I WAS EXPECTING around went much better, leaving me with a clear and energetic effect combined with a relaxed, jovial feeling in my body. And now that the article is almost completed, I’m sure some return visits to distinguish those flavors further will be in order.

the bottom line: Pineapple Express lives up to its reputation as one of the most sought-after strains for growers and patients alike. Decadent with mainstream publicity and well-loved in counterculture, this medication should be a staple in most access points. It could offer an excellent counterpoint and complement to something like Blue Dream.

Ultimately, Pineapple Express would provide much needed relief for our patients.

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