THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
# 5 9 | M AY 2 0 1 9
SPECIAL ISSUE PG. 44-63
BEHIND THE SCENES FREE /OREGONLEAF.COM
STORIES OF OREGON’S CANNABIS INDUSTRY
OREGON RETAILERS OF CANNABIS (ORCA) MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR JESSE BONTECOU & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASEY HOULIHAN WORK OUT OF THE STATE CAPITOL WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING CHANGE.
INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 years of age or older.
WASHINGTON CALIFORNIA OREGON IOWA This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For us only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. There may be health risks associated with this drug.
CANNABIS DELIVERY. NOW AVAILABLE IN SALEM. HAVEAHEARTCC.COM/DELIVERY/OR/SALEM
cannabis that gives back to oregon This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For us only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. There may be health risks associated with this drug.
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MAY 2019 oregonlEAF.COM
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11 Editor’S Note 12 NATIONAL cannabis news 14 carl’s jr. cbd burgers 16 JERRY WHITING - HEMP 2019 20 BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH 22 patient profile 26 women in weed 30 highly likely 34 belmont collective 36 next level wellness 40 strain of the month THE BEHIND THE SCENES ISSUE 44 orca 46 the daily leaf 48 nectar for the gods 50 wet vs dry trim 52 green bits 54 phylos bioscience 56 dabstars q&a 62 breeder of the month 66 Cannabis recipes 70 EDIBLE REVIEW 72 concentrate REVIEW 74 topical REVIEW 78 tannins & terpenes
PHYLOS BIOSCIENCE HAS BUILT THE LARGEST CATALOG OF CANNABIS DNA FROM THEIR OFFICES IN PORTLAND / 54
BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
behind the scenes issue oregonlEAF.COM
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62 ESTEBON D UA RT E
breeder of the month may 2019
HERMETIC GENETICS
PHOTO BY CHRIS RYAN @CANNABIS.PHOTO
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
WES
ABNEY
Editor’s Note ON THE COVER Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association Learn more about the work of this important industry organization working tirelessly behind the scenes. Interview, pg. 44 photo by daniel berman @bermanphotos
CONTRIBUTORS
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Steve Elliott National News
WES ABNEY | founder & editor-in-chief Wes@nwleaf.com 206-235-6721
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Daniel bermaN | photography & design daniel@bermanphotos.com
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My favorite part of the Cannabis industry is the connection between people and our beloved plant. It all starts with a seed rooted in soil, which is a wonderful metaphor for a relationship that has existed for thousands of years. I find so much of my life is rooted in Cannabis, and partake of the plant for medicinal and pleasurable reasons daily. 11 A behavior once deemed illegal, now widely accepted but still largely misunderstood. Which is exactly why we share our behind the scenes issue of the Leaf! Today’s Cannabis marketplace is booming with I BELIEVE THAT patients and recreational users alike, benefiting EVERY TIME WE from a plant and industry the average American still misunderstands. Our theme this month takes a look TELL SOMEONE at a few of the many people and companies that ABOUT THE are changing how Cannabis is perceived, produced, BENEFITS OF processed and sold. There are endless stories to tell, which is how we’ve filled magazines for nearly nine CANNABIS, WE years - and I hope you enjoy this issue. I recommend ARE PLANTING hopping onto our website for a glimpse into the other A SEED FOR A issues of the Leaf for some unique local content. All that said, I’d like to take a moment to offer a BETTER FUTURE. glimpse behind the scenes of Leaf Nation. When I began working on the first magazine (Northwest Leaf) in early 2010, Cannabis legalization was a distant hope at best, and a fanciful pipe dream we puffed at constantly. I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed to have been surrounded by a team of people passionate about the plant, and a consumer base that is so hungry for information, leading us to print over three million free copies in the last decade. As Cannabis has emerged from prohibition, the drive for knowledge and social reparations has only grown stronger! It warms my heart to see so many lives changed for the better, and for enlightenment to be spreading with each new mind changed about Cannabis. While our magazines have a large footprint across four states, we are fueled by a relatively small team of people who really care about Cannabis. And so I want to thank every member of the Leaf team who has worked through deadlines and piles of Cannabis to bring the best magazines possible to our readers. Without their massive efforts made to build fresh magazines each month, you wouldn’t be reading my words today. I’d also like to thank all our advertisers, and especially you, our readers. I hope that you enjoy reading and learning about Cannabis as much as we do sharing the Leaf, and that it has a positive impact on your life.
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We do not sell stories or coverage. We are happy to offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis product or upcoming event. We are targeted and independent Cannabis journalism. Email or call to discuss advertising.
Oregon Leaf is going Behind the Scenes in this Issue!
-Wes Abney
MAY 2019
national news
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justice system
weird
TRENDS
LAWMAKERS APPROVE BILL EXPUNGING 69,000 CANNABIS CONVICTIONS
POT SMOKERS WEIGH LESS THAN NONSMOKERS ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY
CBS NEWS POLL FINDS 65 PERCENT OF AMERICANS WANT LEGAL MARIJUANA
On April 16th, the Washington State House of Representatives approved a bill expunging nearly 69,000 misdemeanor Cannabis convictions. The bill, which originated in the Senate, passed the House on a 69-29 vote. It returns to the Senate for reconciliation of an amendment added by House representatives. The amendment specifies that the bill applies to misdemeanor Cannabis convictions under municipal ordinances, in addition to charges brought under state law, reports The Tacoma News Tribune. The bill will head to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk after being re-approved by the Senate. According to the Washington State Patrol, 58,864 individuals with 68,543 misdemeanor Cannabis convictions would be eligible for expungements under the proposal. Those with cleared convictions will be able to legally write on job and housing applications that they were never convicted of marijuana related “crimes.”
Recent research findings from Michigan State University suggest that adult pot smokers actually weigh less than non-smokers. The findings showed that, contrary to the popular belief that marijuana will lead to weight gain, those who don’t smoke it are actually out-weighing pot users. “Even [pot users] who just started were more likely to be at a normal, healthier weight, and stay at that weight,” said lead study author Okayama Alshaaraway. Researchers used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions to compare the body mass indexes (BMIs) of 33,000 participants 18 and older. Even though the difference is small — about two pounds — it was consistent. “Over a three-year period, all participants showed a weight increase, but interestingly, those who used marijuana had less of an increase compared to those that never used.”
JOB MARKET
Cannabis legalization in Washington state doesn’t appear to have influenced teens to use it, according to a new study from Washington State University. According to the study, marijuana use dropped significantly amongst 8th and 10th graders after legalization in 2012, and remained level for 12th graders, for those who work less than 11 hours a week at a job. One striking feature of the study was the element of work and marijuana. No matter what grade — 8th, 10th, and 12th — teens who had worked more than 11 hours a week tended to use Cannabis more often than their jobless peers. Presumably, they can afford the stuff. This also further debunks the already discredited “amotivational syndrome.” After legalization in “TEENS WHO HAD Washington, 4.8 percent WORKED MORE of non-working 8th graders THAN 11 HOURS A WEEK TENDED admitted to using pot in TO USE CANNABIS the past month, contrasted MORE OFTEN with 20.8 percent of their THAN THEIR employed peers. Among JOBLESS PEERS” 10th graders, the difference was 13.9 percent versus 33.2 percent. Twelfth graders saw the highest levels of Cannabis use, with 20.5 percent of nonworking teens using Cannabis in the past 30 days, and 36.7 percent of those working. The study was led by WSU College of Nursing Assistant Professor Janessa Graves. The study used data from the state’s biennial Healthy Youth Survey from 2010 and 2016.
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NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL BARS COMPANIES FROM TESTING JOB APPLICANTS FOR CANNABIS In a groundbreaking measure, the New York City Council has passed a bill banning most companies from testing job applicants for Cannabis use. The bill, approved by the council April 9th, is also supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio. The change will take effect one year after the mayor signs it into law. The legislation was sponsored by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. According to Williams, testing for Cannabis has meant the loss of job opportunities for far too many New Yorkers already. “Testing isn’t a deterrent to using marijuana, it’s an impediment to opportunity that dates back to the Reagan era — a War On Drugs measure that’s now a war on workers,” Williams said. “Prospective employers don’t test for alcohol, so marijuana should be no different.”
MAY 2019
TRENDS
FEWER WASHINGTON TEENS USING CANNABIS AFTER LEGALIZATION
Sixty-five percent of Americans now think Cannabis should be legal, a record high in CBS News polling. Most people view marijuana as safer than alcohol, and believe it is less dangerous than other drugs, according to the poll. Support for legalization has grown among some groups long opposed to the idea, with 56 percent of Republicans thinking marijuana use should be legal. That’s the first time a majority of GOP respondents have supported legalization in a CBS News poll. As they have for years, Americans (51 percent) say Cannabis is safer than alcohol, with just 6 percent saying weed is more harmful.
legalization
CORPORATE GIANTS BATTLE WITH MMJ CAREGIVERS FOR CONTROL IN MICHIGAN Big business interests, lured by new regulations and the promise of a profitable recreational market, are clashing with medical marijuana caregivers and patient needs in Michigan. The tension played out in Lansing on April 18th as medical marijuana patients, caregivers and business owners filled a courtroom at the Hall of Justice, reports mLive. Court of Claims Judge Stephen Burrell heard eight cases, all regarding medical marijuana regulation. Though most of the cases regarded a licensure compliance deadline, which state officials have been trying to impose since June 2018, a bigger conflict was evident. One case before Judge Burrell, The Curing Corner v. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, specifically asks THE TENSION for medical caregiver products PLAYED OUT to supply the licensed industry IN LANSING through the end of the year. ON APRIL 18TH The state’s two largest licensed AS MEDICAL growers, VB Chesaning and MARIJUANA Green Peak Industries, had tried to PATIENTS, become parties to that lawsuit, but CAREGIVERS Burrell denied their motion. Their AND BUSINESS representatives were still in the OWNERS FILLED courtroom, observing. A COURTROOM For the past year, state AT THE HALL OF regulators have allowed untested JUSTICE medical Cannabis grown by caregivers to be sold to patients at provisioning centers. As fully regulated growers have entered the picture, they’re not producing the specialty medicinal products that medical Cannabis patients need. “A lot of the medicinal products that our patients are used to using, and have been used to using for years, I have not been shown from licensed growers or processors,” Amy McKinnon-Glue, manager of licensed provisioning center Curint Corner in River Rouge, testified in court. With patients facing the prospect of losing needed medical products, licensed growers in Michigan worry they won’t be able to sell their products to dispensaries due to competition from medical caregivers. “Our licenses are worthless in this market,” read a letter signed by High Life Farms’ CFO James LaPorte.
BY STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
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Carl’s Jr. unveiled the Rocky Mountain High Cheese Burger Delight on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Carl’s Jr. in Denver, CO. The cheeseburger, a double cheeseburger with jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, waffle fries and sauce infused with CBD oil, was sold for $4.20.
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HIGH DINING
CARL’S JR. COOKS UP A CBD BURGER STUNT
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IN CELEBRATION OF 4/20, Carl’s Jr. decided to join the craze by unveiling the Rocky Mountain Cheeseburger Delight - a double cheeseburger with jalapeños, waffle fries, pepper jack cheese and Carl’s Jr. Santa Fe sauce infused with CBD oil. The exclusive release was only available at one Carl’s Jr. location in Denver, for one day only. But for dedicated celebrators of 4/20, the burger AVAILABLE AT was a perfect cure for the ONE CARL’S JR. munchies. The waffle fries, LOCATION IN DENVER, FOR jalapeños, and two beef patties ONE DAY ONLY. made it satisfying for everyone partaking in the day, and the CBD made sure everyone who ate it felt good afterward. The store began selling the burger at 6:00 AM, and a steady stream of people filtered through the store to spend the $4.20 for the burger and a free t-shirt. As the tee appropriately read…“I was there and I inhaled it.” Restaurants, bars, ice cream and coffee shops around the state offer CBD products, so it was only a matter of time before a major chain decided to jump in with products of their own. It remains to be seen if a larger rollout will follow, but for now, if you weren’t there on 4/20, a regular burger will have to do.
MAY 2019
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHET STRANGE @STRANGEVISUALS FOR OREGON LEAF
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OPINION
The Basics of Buying Cannabis
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SHOP LIKE A PRO
Are you new to the pot shop scene? Maybe a seasoned smoker that has become too set in your ways? Fret not, and consider these few helpful hints for maximizing your shopping experience in the ever-changing world of Cannabis. Matthew Meyers is a longtime Cannabis community member and Oregon Leaf contributor, hailing from Hood River.
TRY DIFFERENT THINGS // There is a lot to learn in a Cannabis
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dispensary, but it will take longer to understand if you rush ahead to the more complex facets. Nobody can tell you exactly how any given Cannabis is going to make you feel, so you’ll need to experiment and pay attention to how you feel to build your knowledge base and internal quality compass. Understand that even though there is a plethora of information out there about how Cannabis will make you feel, it truly is based on the individual. Online resources can be handy for getting a general idea of a strain, but there are more factors at play such as cultivation, storage and methodologies. The method of consumption preference is also a huge variable from person to person. While it’s good to take suggestions, it is imperative you pay attention to how those options affect your body and meet your individual needs!
REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS // This plant is amazing, but be conscious of your
expectations. It’s not a magic wand that will instantly fix all of your problems. Cannabis is a holistic medicine, so try to avoid relying solely on it. Instead, use Cannabis more effectively in synergy with other holistic strategies.
BE AWARE // Be conscious of what else you’ve consumed that might influence
your experience with Cannabis, such as caffeine or alcohol. More caution must always be used when combining substances. Also, take the time to check in with yourself and write down notes on how different forms of Cannabis and products affect you. These notes can make future choices in the dispensary much easier, and help you better understand what you’re looking for. Bonus points for taking the time to do a little research on the product you like!
MAY 2019
BE PERSISTENT // If you’re having trouble finding something
that works well for you, don’t be afraid to try some new options next time you are at your local dispensary. Use your time in the shop wisely, making sure to bring your notes and ask any questions that you have. Take time to listen, and even take notes on the answers to build your understanding. If you can’t find anything you like at one shop, it’s worth trying others. It’s also possible that Cannabis isn’t right for you, and this is totally ok.
BE CONSCIENTIOUS // No matter what type of Cannabis
you’re consuming, please be conscientious of others that are around you. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean you can rub the plant in people’s faces. In fact, this might make some people never want to try Cannabis - or worse, resent the plant completely. Unfortunately, there are still very few places to consume your Cannabis legally, so use your best judgment and be respectful to the people around you!
HAVE FUN // Don’t forget to go play in the sun and breathe some fresh air while you enjoy Cannabis. A good setting and company are an important part of a good experience! Don’t discount what’s going on around you. And most importantly, be safe and responsible when consuming Cannabis!
UNDERSTAND THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PLETHORA OF INFORMATION OUT THERE ABOUT HOW CANNABIS WILL MAKE YOU FEEL, IT TRULY IS BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL.
BY MATTHEW MEYERS FOR OREGON LEAF | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
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S W E E T L I F E D I ST R O DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THIS DRUG. F O R U S E O N LY B Y A D U LT S T W E N T Y - O N E Y E A R S O F A G E A N D O L D E R . K E E P O U T O F T H E R E A C H O F C H I L D R E N
BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH
ARYA SADRI
First EXPERIENCE WITH Cannabis? I first tried Cannabis at a low key party with friends. The funny part was I didn’t think I was high, but I sure was hungry. And just couch locked and in my own head for the next few hours - the rest is history.
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A store like The Refinery is what makes the boutique Cannabis retail experience in Portland second-to-none in America. Here’s a shop that fits in perfectly amongst the art galleries, single-brand boutiques, microbrew scene and other commerce options that make Portland a tourist destination. Inside, the shop feels manageable, welcoming and no-nonsense in its minimalism. While it’s a small store, every bit of it feels perfectly utilized. Like a modern mom and pop shop, we found co-owner Arya Sadri budtending behind the counter. And with him, one of the best budtender experiences we’ve had in months.
refined assortment of strains and products, so the staff is knowledgeable on what we carry. We are lucky to have a self motivated staff that want to understand the products.
what is your opinion on test results? I don’t put much thought into How long have you been a budtender? OLCC testing requirements, What’s your favorite part of the job? but I think there is too much I’ve been a budtender since value placed on THC and CBD The Refinery opened earlier this percentages. Those values year. Experience is our focus, so are a nice resource, but as interacting with customers and the consumer becomes more tailoring recommendations to educated on their own and their needs is my favorite part. through shared experiences Cannabis has come so far and with others, it will become more consumers are looking for apparent that a therapeutic other variables association “IT FEELS are major with the plant. GOOD TO contributors to a It feels good to recommend RECOMMEND A strain’s effects. are a product PRODUCT YOU Companies showcasing you believe BELIEVE IN.” terpene profiles in and have and CBN values the customer to highlight and distinguish their come back and share their products from others. My advice experience. is to use your sense of smell and sight, and then numerical values What is your favorite way to use to finalize your decision. Cannabis? I really like to smoke flower, it’s my favorite way to What makes YOUR SHOP’s approach experience Cannabis. to customer service different? The Refinery is located in the favorite Cannabis strains? neighborhood where Lily, our Favorite effects and terpene profiles? owner and my wife, grew up It really depends on my mood. and we wanted to be a good Generally, the feeling I’m after representative for NE Portland gives me energy, creativity and the Cannabis community. and happiness. Right now, I’d We wanted a unique space recommend the Gelato Cake by that broke the stereotypes of Urban Canna or Animal Punch by what a dispensary Tyler D’s Trees. If I’m is like. We believe looking for sedation, we accomplished then it’s GMO this with some Cookies by Resin amazing help from Ranchers. I enjoy the refinery 2707 NE Broadway St, local craftsman all the scents - the Portland, OR and artists. citrus of Tropicanna (971) 291-0052 Cookies, or earthy RefineryPDX.com what are some of your nose on Cinex - but hobbies and interests I look for the taste to outside of the cannabis industry? match terps you smell. I love being a father. Aside from that, I have always enjoyed How do you help someone the competitiveness and social find the right Cannabis product? aspects of sports. I still play The initial question we ask is, basketball whenever I can. I’m “What does the customer enjoy mostly just a fair weather type of or what feeling are they after?” active person, whether hiking, From there we go through strains golfing or anything else that that fit that criteria and make sounds fun with the family or personal recommendations friends. from those strains. We have a
KNOW A GREAT BUDTENDER? NOMINATE THEM FOR BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH: THEPACKERSTACKTRAIN@GMAIL.COM
MAY 2019
INTERVIEW by PACER STACKTRAIN | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
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PROFILE
HOW DAN WALKER USES CANNABIS TO FIGHT CHRONIC PAIN
DAN WALKER is a born-and-raised Oregonian and Cannabis advocate who consumes the plant to treat chronic back pain caused by a serious car accident. Growing up in Oregon country farming with his father and grandfather - and gardening with his mother - he possesses a generational, DIY Oregonian spirit. When he is not at a Blazers game, you can find Dan at home with his family, landscaping and tending his gardens, growing his own craft Cannabis in passionate fashion.
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When did you first start smoking weed? Socially speaking, I started smoking Cannabis very young. I grew up in Pistol River, near Brookings, which is basically the northern tip of the Emerald Triangle. I was a country boy, and I helped my late father and grandfather raise cows and sheep on the farm. When I was nine years old, my father died in a car accident from alcohol, and because of that I stopped drinking at a young age. After my dad passed, I was pissed. How do you calm down when your world feels like it’s going up in flames? I drank back then because I was trying to drown everything out, but it wasn’t good because everyone dies fucked-up deaths when it comes to alcohol. Now I barely drink, but I medicate heavily with Cannabis. When did you start smoking weed medicinally? In 2000, I almost died in a car accident. I always smoked, but now I had a different reason to smoke beyond socializing. During my recovery, they tried to get me on Vicodin, but I chose to do it my own way. WHAT’S There was already a medical program in Oregon by WORKED then. I got my OMMP card for chronic back pain and FOR HIM > OG SKYWALKER AND I’m still a grower today. LA CONFIDENTIAL
What strains or cannabinoids/terpenes provide the best relief for you? I prefer a really thick smoke and heavy kushes. OG Skywalker is one of my favorites - the original! It was so boogery and sticky and it had a funky, but nose-hair curling aroma. It has that
apR.2019 2019 MAY
> DABS AND VAPE PENS FOR EASE-OF-USE & TRAVELING > POTENT, HOMEMADE EDIBLES HELP HIM GET A NIGHT’S REST
thick smoke because it’s a super resinous strain. I’m also a big fan of LA Confidential. It had similar characteristics to Obama Kush, but it was even heavier and richer. I’ve grown Blue Magoo for over ten years and I personally love growing and smoking it. It’s an incredible strain that helps my wife with her headaches. What forms of Cannabis do you prefer to use? My favorite way to consume is joints - hand-rolled. I will always smoke joints. I don’t need a bong and I don’t need a pipe, I just need some fresh papers and I’m set. However, I can’t always smoke joints because the smell stays on my hands, and the smell in general lingers so much longer than vaping concentrates. So for convenience I dab. It’s fast, there is no smell and I can smoke it in my house. There is less material like plant matter and chlorophyll. It’s more versatile and it’s easier to conceal compared to burning flower. Dabs and vape pens are the best for traveling and keeping things low key. I make my own edibles, they are extremely potent and help me get a serious night’s rest. Otherwise it’s hard for me to mellow enough to lay down and relax. Old school chocolate brownies are my favorite. I have to either hide from my kid, or I have to educate him on Cannabis immediately. I’ve been extremely honest with my son because things that are hidden potentially create taboos. While Cannabis consumption is becoming socially accepted, it’s hard being a parent even though it’s now legal. Obviously, it’s still not completely destigmatized.
INTERVIEW & PHOTO BY SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR
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KIERYNWANG
MAY 2019
WOMEN IN WEEd
In the hospitality industry, we have the terms “front of the house” and “back of the house” when segmenting employees into different categories. Front of the house members of the Cannabis industry would be your budtenders, brand representatives, managers, sales people, influencers, and even sometimes the customers themselves. Those of us in the back of the house, such as the growers, extractors, packaging team, marketing team, inventory and delivery crews, and so on – we don’t get as much spotlight as the front of the house. However, our duty to keep the gears running in the industry machine are just as important, if not more.
more normalized market via the women making household purchases. An issue that Kieryn has identified in the industry lies within the larger companies and their ability to see the picture beyond the dollar value. She warned against “catering to investors, not necessarily consumers” and noted that “it’s disappointing to see companies not listening to their consumers and employees” - instead pleasing shareholders. This is why she has urged Cannabis brands to slow down on their higher-level marketing efforts. While it is true that award-winning design and packaging is necessary to stand out among the over-saturated recreational market, as Kieryn summarized, “All this nice, beautiful higher-level stuff doesn’t benefit anyone until they can learn the basics about your product from you.” There are countless products coming online daily in every state, including Washington. Industry members like Kieryn Wang play an important role in keeping the Consumers and budtenders alike are bound to be overwhelmed by the vast Cannabis industry honest and educational. Her company, Almost Conamount of options and information regarding these products. It is importsulting, provides marketing expertise within the Cannabis industry to help ant for these brands to connect with their consumers on the ground level, companies reach their customers - specifically women. She got started providing education and addressing specific consumer needs. Kieryn adds in the industry after its transition from medical to recreational, but has a that companies “can’t know what consumers want, need, or know until you deep respect and appreciation for the pioneers who founded the industry talk to them to find out.” and allowed it to grow into what it is today. Kieryn believes in our collective responsibility to not spread misinformaIn early 2016, Kieryn assisted in the launch of Van der Pop as their tion and pseudoscience, especially for the sake of SEO hits and growing marketing manager, helping to grow their women-centric business your site. The early history of Cannabis is stained in propaganda, so we through experiential and social media marketing techniques. As Kieryn owe it to ourselves and our industry to double check all information being explained, “Van der Pop is a lifestyle brand focused on creating opporused to educate consumers on Cannabis products. Marketers are just as tunities and accessories, as well as spaces for women, whether they are responsible as budtenders for knowing the basic science online or in-person at events. To learn about Cannabis behind the Cannabis plant and how it affects our bodies. and make women feel comfortable asking questions about “DON’T BE AFRAID I asked Kieryn to give me some examples of how she weed.” She noted that this was the magnet that drew her in reaches the consumer. Once a company has solidified their to working with the company, and working in the Cannabis TO USE YOUR VOICE, BECAUSE WE NEED talking points on how to inform consumers about Cannabis industry in general. and their specific products, she recommends hosting events Many of the women that Kieryn has encountered credit MORE CONNECTORS to engage the community. Events are important tools that Cannabis as a support and resource for their daily lives. BETWEEN THE provide not only socialization and networking, but also a While she recognizes that some consume recreationally, CANNABIS INDUSTRY physical place to meet where people can collectively learn many need Cannabis to get through the day for serious together. Kieryn emphasizes marketing to the everyday AND THE EVERYDAY medical needs. Once the women began to confide in consumer, and continuing to talk about topics that more Kieryn that weed was helping them, she realized how necPERSON. I THINK IT’S educated consumers may consider to be basic. She underessary it was to begin to educate non-users that Cannabis IMPORTANT FOR LOTS stands that events cost money, but argues that it doesn’t was an option for them as well. OF DIFFERENT TYPES have to be an elaborate event. “Just provide a space for She explained to me that not only is it imperative to inpeople to be able to learn with no judgement.” form the general public about the benefits of Cannabis, but OF PEOPLE TO BE A final option Kieryn suggests for marketers is to provide it is also crucial to make sure we are covering the basics REPRESENTED IN THE informational resources both in-person and online, and and giving consumers the facts and education necessary to CANNABIS INDUSTRY.” being candid when speaking publicly about Cannabis. make informed choices about how, when, why, and where Allow people to ask you questions and have a conversation to consume - if they choose to do so. together. Maybe it’s via a platform on your website, social media, or even Why focus marketing efforts on women, if men consume Cannabis your LinkedIn profile. Kieryn said once she “claimed Cannabis” on her too? Kieryn explained that although men do, indeed, make purchases, in LinkedIn profile, she felt free to begin to encourage others to come out of “the majority of households in America, women are the ones making the the so-called Cannabis closet as well. “Don’t be afraid to use your voice, purchasing decisions. What happens in the home, and what is purchased, because we need more connectors between the Cannabis industry and the is coming across womens’ eyes.” If women have the highest buying everyday person. I think it’s important for lots of different types of people power in the U.S., and potentially the world, Kieryn warned, “It would to be represented in the Cannabis industry. It helps shed that uncertainty, be a missed opportunity if the Cannabis industry didn’t pay attention to to realize how many different types of people consume. Not just the stoner women. They will buy your products if you can convince them to.” She stereotype we’ve seen in the media.” AlmostConsulting.com/about rationalized the potential for the industry to grow if it is able to reach a
founder & owner | almostconsulting cannabis marketing
STORY & PHOTOS by DANIELLE HALLE @SWEET.DEEZY
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highly likely #45 oregonlEAF.COM
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Highlighting Cannabis pioneers who paved the way to greater herbal acceptance.
JEFFDOWDA.K.A“THEDUDE” ORIGINALLY, this month’s edition of Highly Likely was supposed to be an article about Jeff Bridges. However, while researching Bridges, the backstory of his most famous character - the Dude from The Big Lebowski - was too fascinating to pass up. You see, the Dude abides. He still does. His real name is Jeff Dowd, which school friends made a play on to nickname him “dude” as early as sixth grade. Dowd grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and was an original member of the Seattle Seven protest group that was jailed for protesting the Vietnam War in the late 60s - which is referenced in The Big Lebowski. He served six months in a federal prison for contempt of court. Dowd continues his activism to this day with work for racial equality, economic justice and environmental causes. We all know that the Dude in The Big Lebowski is a true slacker in every sense of the word, but the real dude is a legitimate movie mogul, someone who has produced, marketed and worked on the inside of Hollywood for a lengthy career. He’s even a founding member of the Sundance Film Festival, where he apparently caused a scene that resulted in a food fight in 2009. The idea for The Big Lebowski actually came from Dowd’s friendship with the Cohen brothers - since the 1980s - who were so enamored with his character that they decided to write a movie around him. And while Jeff Bridges doesn’t really smoke Cannabis anymore, Dowd certainly does. And apparently a lot. There are many tales of Dowd post-Lebowski rolling about Hollywood or elsewhere, casually smoking Cannabis with folks from all walks of life - but especially Lebowski fans
DOWD WITH THE BIG LEBOWSKI ACTOR, JEFF BRIDGES.
Perhaps the best of these accounts was written rather recently by Josiah Hesse of Colorado’s The Cannabist, about a daylong, weed-fueled press junket with Dowd, where he smoked freely and openly with everyone he came in contact with. A few years back, Dowd helped produce Mary Jane: A Musical Potumentary – a musical film that focused on a families’ trials and tribulations growing Cannabis on the black market in Northern California. It may be true that all of us have known a
dude-like character in our lives, you maybe even see a little (or a lot) of that character in yourself. What is it that’s so special about someone like Jeff Dowd? In this author’s opinion, it’s authenticity. Genuineness, if you will. And genuineness is something that is so very lacking in our digital age. We crave these connections with individuals who are able to be themselves with all the flaws and imperfections. For that, we can all thank Jeff Dowd for continuing to be the Dude.
THERE ARE MANY TALES OF DOWD POST-LEBOWSKI ROLLING ABOUT HOLLYWOOD OR ELSEWHERE, CASUALLY SMOKING CANNABIS WITH FOLKS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE - ESPECIALLY LEBOWSKI FANS. MAY 2019
By PACER STACKTRAIN / OREGON LEAF
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shop review
STRAINS 3/5
With strain options ranging from old school favorites like Chem Dawg to new school hybrids like Ice Cream Cake, and over 20 options on the shelf at any given time, the flower selection at Belmont Collective is quite solid. They have budget ounce specials starting at just $45 and their top-shelf grams range from $8-$13. I really wish the names of cultivators were displayed on the shelf alongside each flower. Knowledge of cultivation methods goes a long way in helping consumers understand what products they enjoy, work well for them and why.
EDIBLES
4/5
The edibles selection upon our visit to Belmont Collective was well above your average dispensary. With dozens of options from OMMP holdouts like Smokiez and Gron, to newer favorites like Loud Lollies and Wana, there was a range of products to satisfy almost any palette. Those looking for savory or low-sugar edibles, however, may have to look
CONCENTRATES 3/5
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The concentrates selection at Belmont Collective reflects a local consumership that strongly favors cartridges over dab-able extracts. On our visit they had options from Buddies, Golden Goose, Winberry and more. While they had some quality dabs on the shelf, there wasn’t a single solventless option and only a couple of live resins. On the plus side, pricing here was very approachable for both the dabs and cartridges, with out-the-door options startingat just $20.
ENVIRONMENT 5/5
This quaint storefront located just adjacent to Colonel Sumners Park at 20th and Belmont is a quintessential Portland dispensary. The floors are covered in actual PDX Airport carpet, a hand painted map of Portland’s major thoroughfares covers a good portion of one of the walls, and black and white photos from yesteryear all add to the classic Portland vibe of the shop. The shop is owner-operated, so customers are often assisted by the people who know all the ins and outs of the inventory - which has been thoroughly vetted by the staff prior to making its way to store shelves.
QUICK HIT Belmont Collective is a quirky little Cannabis shop with a really cool and unique vibe. There’s a little something for most everyone and it’s easy to get lost in conversation with the easygoing and conversational staff. Much like with THC percentages, don’t get lost in the numbers and overlook a gem. Bottom line? Belmont Collective is a conveniently located shop with a fun atmosphere that has quality products for a fair price.
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15/20
BELMONTCOLLECTIVE.COM / 2036 SE BELMONT ST, PORTLAND / 7AM-10PM DAILY / 503-477-8953 / @THEBELMONTCOLLECTIVE
BELMONT COLLECTIVE MAY 2019
REVIEWS by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
T H E R E ’ S A L I T T LE S O M E T H I NG F O R M OST EV E RYO N E AN D I T ’ S EAS Y TO G E T LOST I N CO N V E R SAT IO N WI T H T H E EAS YG OI NG AN D CO N V E R SAT IO NAL STA F F .
EOSLABS
EOS LABS is the first pharmaceutical grade Cannabis inhaler on the Oregon INSPIRE market. Utilizing the same technology as CANNABINOID asthma inhalers and developed by medical EXTRACT industry professionals, this product is both INHALER medically focused and discreet. This Eos “SOUL1:1” inhaler is combustion free, TASTE 2/5 EFFECT 4/5 battery free, and odor PKGNG 4/5 free - providing a healthy alternative to smoking VALUE 3/5 TOTAL 13/20 and a great option for medicating on the go. While the product may take some getting used to if you don’t already use an inhaler, it’s action is simple and is picked up quickly. $65 THC: 4.2mg/serving, 420 mg/container CBD: 4.5mg/serving, 449 mg/container
FLAPJAX EXTRACTS “SHERBET” SMALLBATCH LIVERESIN Chronic Cultures
160 SQ. FT. OF AUTHENTIC PDX CARPET
COOWNERS JOHN KIRK, MICHAEL HARRIS AND JOHN’S BROTHER, BENJAMIN KIRK.
FLAPJAX continues to impress with this Sherbet small batch live resin collaboration with Chronic Cultures. Sun and soil grown in Gold Hill, Oregon, Chronic TASTE 4/5 EFFECT 4/5 Culture’s flowers are prime PKGNG 4/5 for fresh frozen, live resin extraction. The nose is sweet VALUE 5/5 TOTAL 17/20 and creamy with subtle floral and spice undertones. A low temp dab yields an excellent translation from the nose with creamy, nearly cake-like flavor up front that gives way to a more complex cinnamon and hop profile on the finish. The oil is potent and delivers a strong body high with lasting effects. $25/gram / 66.69% THC / 7.85% Terpenes
MAY 2019
shop review
2837 WILLAMETTE ST A, EUGENE / 8AM-9:50PM DAILY / 541-515-6514 \\\\\\
T H E B U D T E N D E R S W E R E Q UIC K TO P ROVI D E A VAS T A M OUN T O F P RO D UC T I N F O R M AT IO N , AS W E L L AS AN U P L I F T I NG E N E R G Y .
NEXT LEVEL WELLNESS STRAINS 5/5
With over 50 strains of flower, Next Level Wellness is sure to have quality options for all - regardless of the price point you’re looking for. A thorough ranking system is used to break down different qualities and costs, ranging from elite to bargain, with platinum and silver holding down the middle. Expect to find strains from local Eugene farms including Fox Hollow Farms and Focus North, not to mention other highly respected gardens like Benson Elvis and Resin Ranchers. Whether you’re looking for something more affordable or elite, Next Level Wellness will have you covered.
EDIBLES
5/5
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The edible options at Next Level Wellness were both innovate and wide-ranging. Magic Ginger Beer, Gron Pearls, and Retreat’s 1:1 Fruit Fusion Gummies were just a few of the products that lined the shelves. They also offer an expansive amount of options for medical patients, including Mary’s Medicinals CBN patches and muscle freeze for those looking for pain relief. Prices range from $5-$36 per edible based on dosage and size.
CONCENTRATES 4/5
Parallel to the flower and edible selection, Next Level Wellness does an incredible job holding down the concentrate department as well. White Label Farms in particular was front and center with their shatter, terp batter, diamonds and cartridges. It’s hard to go wrong with close to 100 different varieties of hydrocarbon concentrates and 250+ cartridges. However, if you are looking for solventless option, it may be best to head elsewhere.
ENVIRONMENT
oregonlEAF.COM
5/5
Next Level Wellness offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The budtenders were quick to provide a vast amount of product information, as well as an uplifting energy. This helped ensure that they are there to give each individual their own personalized experience with each visit. The feng shui had a great feel to it as well, boasting the flower of life painted on several walls, and a wooden honeycomb shelving system that displayed flower options.
QUICK HIT 19/20
Located just off of College Hill in south Eugene, Next Level Wellness has been proudly serving the community since the medical days - and is now approaching four years of recreational sales. Their outstanding customer service is sure to have you coming back time and time again. Being local to Eugene, I know I will be heading their way more often! No parking out front? No problem! There is a parking lot behind Next Level Wellness dedicated to their customers.
MAY 2019
\REVIEWS BY MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
Cultivated by Focus North
FATSO GMOXLEGEND OG BRED BY Cannarado Genetics, Fatso from Focus North is a cross between everyone’s recent favorite - GMO - and Legend OG. Upon opening the jar, your nose is immediately filled with pungent aromas of garlic and fuel, followed by notes of both sweet and spicy pine. The flower is perfectly cured, and retains a good moisture content that preserves the full flavor and terpene profile. The joint I rolled burned exceptionally smooth with white ash, as the resin coasted its way down the paper. From start to finish, my mouth was saturated with the extraordinary flavors of garlic, dark roast coffee, and sweet fuel. I found Fatso to be a more balanced version of GMO, whereas the Legend OG offers a more subtle and sweet aroma. This strain would work well for anyone that experiences anxiety, nausea, migraines or insomnia - as it boasts potent sedative properties.
AROMA 5/5 DENSITY 4/5 CURE 5/5 LOOKS 4/5 FLAVOR 5/5 EFFECT 5/5 TOTAL 28/30
BLUEBERRYCOOKS
White Label + Raw Zen Cartridge WHITE LABEL’S new 60:40 live resin/ TASTE 5/5 distillate cartridges pack a double EFFECT 4/5 punch of potent flavor and PKGNG 4/5 effect. These cartridges differ VALUE 3/5 from most in that White TOTAL 16/20 Label takes high terpene extract and distillate to achieve this amazing combination. Cultivated by Raw Zen, Blue Cooks is a flavor explosion that coats your mouth with fresh blueberries and rank skunk. The initial effects are very heady and gradually work their way down the body. I recommend this product to anyone looking for a euphoric and relaxing experience, as Blue Cooks clocks in at 7.35% myrcene.
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GRATEFUL GREENERY
WHITETAHO
MAY 2019
REVIEW by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
“THE FLAVOR IS MILD WITH PLEASANT NOTES OF BLACKBERRIES, FUEL AND SKUNK.”
T
HE FIRST THING I NOTICED upon lighting up my hand-rolled joint of Grateful Greenery’s White Tahoe Cookies was the incredibly light and smooth smoke produced by the flowers. Being primarily a concentrate consumer these days, smoking most flowers will choke me out. Yet, the smoke from this greenhouse grown example of White Tahoe Cookies is fantastically easy on the lungs. The extra light smoke, the white ash, and the compact bud structure all indicate a coco-grown product, which was confirmed by taking a glance at the company’s website. The flavor is mild with pleasant notes of blackberries, fuel and skunk. The high is mellow and the effects from this betaCaryophyllene dominant plant are apparent - with a noticeable body relaxation and calming of anxiety - making it a great choice for daytime relief where mental clarity and focus are needed.
BRED BY: @KUSH4BREAKFAST LINEAGE: THE WHITE X TAHOE OG 21.1% THC | .04% CBD | 3.3% TERPENES
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behind the scenes issue
44
OREGON RETAILERS OF CANNABIS ASSOCIATION
oregonlEAF.COM
The passage of Measure 91 was just the beginning to legalization of Cannabis in Oregon. There is still a lot of legislative leg work to be done to evolve and maintain the market to its full potential. Oregon Cannabis Retailers Association (ORCA) stands to be a bridge between industry professionals and legislators who write the future changes in the industry. Oregon Leaf interviewed a couple of the minds behind ORCA, Executive Director Casey Houlihan and Membership Director Jesse Bontecou, to learn about the organization’s important work.
MAY 2019
CASEY HOULIHAN AND JESSE BONTECOU AT THE OREGON STATE CAPITOL IN SALEM.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW ORCA GOT STARTED? ORCA was
founded in 2015, right after Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed our Cannabis legalization ballot measure (Measure 91) at the end of 2014. We were founded by a small group of Oregon Cannabis business owners who shared a vision for establishing a legal, regulated system for retail sales of adult-use Cannabis where businesses can thrive. We work to make sure that the OLCC and the legislature protect the will of Oregon voters as it relates to Cannabis.
WHAT IS ORCA’S MISSION? Our mission at ORCA is to cre-
ate and support a thriving, safe and respected legal Cannabis industry. We work with policymakers on the state, federal, and local levesl to educate them about the challenges unique to the Cannabis industry, and to advocate in favor of sensible regulations that treat Cannabis like other legal products. ORCA is made up of over 350 Cannabis business owners and operators at all levels of the supply chain. The majority of our members are Cannabis retailers, but we also represent a large number of processors, producers, wholesalers, testing labs, and ancillary businesses – folks whose successes depend heavily upon a robust and thriving retail marketplace, which in turn creates an environment where all upstream businesses can thrive.
WHERE AND HOW OFTEN DOES ORCA MEET? ORCA holds an
open-forum meeting for its members once a month, usually on the last Monday of the month, beginning at 6:30 PM. We feature a different special guest speaker each month - usually a member of the legislature or other regulatory body - to provide indepth updates and answers on the issues that matter most to our members. We then have a social hour where folks can relax in their natural habitat with other Cannabis business owners. The meetings are usually held in Portland, especially when the legislative calendar prohibits us from organizing anywhere else. But we often take our meetings on the road and have tried to cover every corner of the state. Our next meeting will be in Portland at the Offices of Cultiva Law (222 NW Davis Street, Suite 420) on Monday, April 29th from 6:30-8:30 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM and our special guest speaker is Steve Marks, OLCC Executive Director. Meetings are open only to members and invited guests.
THE MAJORITY OF OUR MEMBERS ARE CANNABIS RETAILERS, BUT WE ALSO REPRESENT A LARGE NUMBER OF PROCESSORS, PRODUCERS, WHOLESALERS, TESTING LABS, AND ANCILLARY BUSINESSES – FOLKS WHOSE SUCCESSES DEPEND HEAVILY UPON A ROBUST AND THRIVING RETAIL MARKETPLACE,
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST STRENGTHS YOU SEE IN THE OREGON CANNABIS MARKET? The Oregon Cannabis
market is a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed on the rest of the country and the rest of the world. There is no other part of the country or the world that – on a per capita basis – has the same amount of history and experience and wisdom and knowledge on how to produce some of the highest quality Cannabis on Earth. We have entire communities of artisan producers here who have spent decades - sometimes generations - perfecting their craft, and it absolutely shows in the quality of our Cannabis. Unquestionably, the best Cannabis in the world comes from Oregon. There’s also a deep bench of talented folks here that have been cultivating skills that have been instrumental in helping to advance the industry nationwide. Oregon is already exporting our talent and skill to outside markets that need our expertise. Beyond that, we have one of the most geographically ideal environments on Earth for producing incredible amounts of very high quality sungrown Cannabis. The way that the midwest is the breadbasket of the United States, Oregon is the stash box.
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE OREGON MARKET COULD BE IMPROVED? There are far too few opportunities to review and revise the regulations that govern how the Cannabis market operates. Oregon regulators need to stop treating Cannabis like it’s radioactive and start treating it like it’s the biggest economic opportunity our state has seen in decades. There has also been very little appetite in the legislature nowadays to help tackle some of the most systemic problems facing the Cannabis industry, and so one major improvement would be a specific committee in the legislature that’s dedicated to handling Cannabis industry issues. We had such a committee in 2015, 2016, and 2017 - and far more progress was made during those years in helping to make sure there was appropriate review and revision of how the rules were impacting the business owners that have to follow them.
WHAT ROLE WILL ORCA PLAY IN THE NEXT DECADE OF LEGAL CANNABIS ACROSS OREGON AND AROUND THE NATION? We want to continue to be the voice of the Cannabis industry here in Oregon, and do what we can to help spread the innovative solutions we’ve created here to help other new states, territories, and countries to adopt sound approaches to Cannabis legalization. We will continue to work as a conduit between the businesses operating at the ground level of Oregon’s Cannabis industry, and the regulators tasked with developing and implementing rules to regulate them. We also want to do our part to help end the federal prohibition of Cannabis and the War On Drugs. If we are successful, then our members here in Oregon will be positioned at the forefront of the fastest growing industry in a generation.
PRIORITIES FOR ORCA BILLS TO WATCH
SB 582 EXPORT BILL
Permits the Governor to enter into intergovernmental agreements with other governments to export Cannabis out-of-state.
SB 420 AUTOMATIC EXPUNCTIONS
Automatically removes past Cannabis convictions and offenses from records without requiring manual expunction procedure.
SB 379 EMPLOYMENT PROTECTIONS FOR OFF-HOURS CANNABIS USE
Prohibits employers from not hiring or firing a candidate/employee for off-hours Cannabis consumption.
INTERVIEW by MATTHEW MEYERS | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
behind the scenes issue
COFOUNDER STEPHEN GOLD, ACCOUNT MANAGER ALEX SARASOHN, COFOUNDER ANDY YASHAR AND CONTENT WRITER CARLEN WASHINGTON.
As the Oregon Cannabis industry continues to evolve, more and more new businesses (and business ideas) are changing things up. The Daily Leaf is a mobile app and website that aims to educate consumers regarding the retail Cannabis scene. It’s a terrific resource for both consumers and for businesses. We sat down with The Daily Leaf Founders Stephen Gold and Andy Yashar to talk about what makes their unique website so useful. the flower that is grown in our region of the world. We truly believe that once it becomes legal, Oregon’s Cannabis will be sought after around the globe. Now we all know that this is not something that will change with a snap of the fingers, so unfortunately, there will likely be years in between this becoming a reality. Everyone needs to brace themselves to ensure they get to that finish line…or start!
INSIDE THE DAILY LEAF 46
HOW DID THE IDEA FOR THE DAILY LEAF COME ABOUT? The concept of The Daily Leaf came about in 2014. We’re Cannabis consumers ourselves and wanted to find better information on deals. We found that it was extremely difficult to find valid information about products at affordable prices. For example, if we saw an advertisement for a $99 ounce, we would go to the shop carrying that particular special and find that we drove 20 minutes for sticks and stems. We thought, if only there was a way for someone to see a picture of a product or deal before they drove to a dispensary... Then that person would be more inclined to go to make a purchase, as they’d be more informed on exactly what they’re getting.
oregonlEAF.COM
HOW DOES THE BUSINESS WORK? The Daily Leaf is a mo-
bile app that helps educate and guide Cannabis consumers to their next purchase. It’s available for iPhone and Android phones, allows people to easily digest deals, exclusives, vendor days, fresh drops, and anything else in between that dispensaries and brands want to get the word out about. All information advertised on The Daily Leaf is entered by each individual dispensary or brand to ensure that the information provided is legit.
WE TRULY BELIEVE THAT ONCE IT BECOMES LEGAL, OREGON’S CANNABIS WILL BE SOUGHT AFTER AROUND THE GLOBE.
MAY 2019
WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS OCCURED WHILE RUNNING A SITE LIKE THIS? Almost every month we WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED STARTING UP? As with many startups, and especially in the Cannabis industry, we had to pivot quite often in the early stages due to OLCC regulations being implemented, and the constant changing of rules from medical to recreational use. Early on, the rules for marketing of Cannabis products changed quite frequently and to ensure the dispensaries, producers, and processors that we worked with were staying compliant within our platform was a constant challenge. Further beyond the rules surrounding marketing and advertising, every time a new process was implemented for the companies touching Cannabis, it set our partners back and took their dollars away from the expansion of their business and into the mundane updates needed to stay compliant. Many times a business getting into Cannabis has to wait months for approvals, and that drains the budget they would normally want to invest in the public awareness of what they are doing. Marketing and advertising is typically the first thing that gets cut.
YOU FOLLOW THE INDUSTRY FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE THAN MOST OF US. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GOOD SIGNS YOU’RE SEEING OUT THERE IN THE OREGON CANNABIS INDUSTRY? BAD SIGNS? The Oregon Cannabis industry is very
close knit, and there are a lot of positives coming out of it even though the market is currently flooded. One could say that it is over licensed and there is too much product being produced, with not enough people in Oregon to fulfill that supply. Another might say that this will eventually allow for Oregon to lead the charge for Cannabis export once this is allowed. In Oregon, we are all extremely lucky to have access to
run a big giveaway through The Daily Leaf where one person will win a huge prize pack of ancillary Cannabis accessories (bongs, pipes, Magical Butter Machines, grow tents, cool new items that are popping on the scene). Sometimes the prize packs will be worth over $1,000 dollars in value with all the brands we get to donate product. It is always a great time to see the faces on the people who end up winning when they come in to pick up their loot. We’ve had people come in our office who were absolutely shocked we were handing them that many products for their prize. People who rode their bike to our office only to realize they need to come back for a second trip, to people actually crying with excitement - it is always fun to see who walks through the door and their expression of joy or sometimes confusion!
WHAT WOULD SURPRISE US MOST ABOUT THE COMPANY? We’re a local company that loves Cannabis, and a lot of our time is spent helping brands establish their presence, regardless of whether the brand is advertising on The Daily Leaf or not. We play a big part in helping companies shape their image and their approach to marketing. Before a producer or processor has the ability and budget to advertise their products, they need to make sure everything that faces the customer is legit. We want the Cannabis industry to succeed, and the only way to push the boundaries and to fight the overall stigma that surrounds the plant is to put our best foot forward as an industry.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? Legalization! Banking reform and new tax laws! Let’s get it Oregon!
INTERVIEW by PACER STACKTRAIN @THEPACERSTACKTRAIN | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
superior conditions, superior cannabis.
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ASK FOR US AT YOUR LOCAL DISPENSARY.
cascadehigh.com Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
behind the scenes issue
A LOOK AT SOME OF THE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM ROOTS IN PORTLAND\ AND MOST GROW SUPPLY SHOPS.
48
NECTAR FOR THE GODS
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EACH COMPONENT of the Nectar for the Gods nutrient
line is geared towards quality, flavor and appearance, rather than maximizing yield. Through their strong environmental stewardship program, Nectar for the Gods is able to drastically reduce waste and energy consumption. The nutrient line contains 17 different bottles with directions for use and recommended feeding regimens on the back of each. Nectar for the Gods has three feeding schedules they recommend listed on their website - the Spartan regimen, the Greek regimen, and the Roman regimen. Each regimen calls for different combinations and amounts of the 17 bottle nutrient line, allowing growers to find out what’s best for their particular fruit or vegetable. Nectar for the Gods also offers four different blends of soil - Blend #2, Blend #4, Blend #7, and Blend #8. Blend #2 is the soilless medium, which makes it suitable for hydroponic growers. Most of the blends are a base potting soil that can sustain daily feedings, except for Blend #4, in which a few feedings a week are recommended. In the continuing effort to keep things local, Nectar for the Gods is a great resource for Oregon farms and farmers looking to boost the quality and flavor of their plants. OregonsOnly.com
MAY 2019
Nectar for the Gods is an Oregon-based fruit and vegetable nutrient/ soil company based out of Springfield, Oregon. Originally known as Harvest Moon, owners Frank and Scott scaled up from their garagesized batches into a commercial space.
EACH COMPONENT OF THE NECTAR FOR THE GODS NUTRIENT LINE IS GEARED TOWARDS QUALITY, FLAVOR AND APPEARANCE, RATHER THAN MAXIMIZING YIELD.
REVIEW by WILL FERGUSON | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS & NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415
behind the scenes issue
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WET TRIM VERSUS DRY TRIM AFTER EACH HARVEST, GROWERS ARE LEFT WITH THE DECISION TO EITHER WET TRIM THEIR PLANTS, OR WAIT FIVE TO SEVEN DAYS AND DRY TRIM. THERE ARE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES TO BOTH. . . MAY 2019
THE WET TRIM UTILIZING A WET TRIM METHOD MEANS THAT RIGHT AFTER THE PLANT IS CUT OFF ITS STALK, THE TRIMMING/ DELEAFING PROCESS BEGINS. HERE ARE A FEW ADVANTAGES TO TRIMMING RIGHT AFTER HARVEST:
THE DRY TRIM DRY TRIMMING IS WHEN THE BRANCHES ARE GIVEN AMPLE TIME TO DRY OUT AND BECOME BRITTLE BEFORE THE TRIM PROCESS BEGINS. SOME ADVANTAGES TO DRY TRIMMING ARE:
POSITIVES
POSITIVES
> Easier to manage the process, especially if you are a novice grower.
> The wilted sugar leaves can protect the bud from mishandling and dust/particulates.
> Less of a chance for mold to develop, as there is less surface area. > More aesthetically pleasing buds as they’re given a chance to “puff up” There are also a few disadvantages to the wet trim method. For example, it leaves the buds more susceptible to temperature fluctuation and any potential particles of dust or dirt circulating around the drying room. Trimmers also need to be more careful in the handling of each bud, as there are no sugar leaves protecting the bud from any mishandling.
> Flavor and aroma are preserved, as the buds and leaves are allowed to dry out at their own pace. > The cure time is shortened. One of the disadvantages to dry trimming is that it’s a more time consuming process, however, letting the branches slowly dry at their own pace will improve the overall quality of the flavor and smoke.
GUIDE by WILL FERGUSON | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
Super Premium CannaBIS
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behind the scenes issue
STEVE KASTENBAUM, ACCOUNT EXEC MATT BECKLEY, DIRECTOR BIZ DEVELOPMENT CAMERON TAYLOR, CUSTOMER SUCCESS MANAGER JUSTIN SCHULTZ, ACCOUNT EXEC AJ MCBRIDE, SENIOR IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT
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GREEN BITS Q&A | CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER CHARLIE WILSON
How did you get started working for Green Bits?
I joined Green Bits in late 2016 after meeting the early team via a mutual connection. I come from a background in software and payments. Green Bits was well down the path of building the former (great software) and already understood the importance of developing the latter (integrated payments). As such, it was a great fit. Since joining, it has been a fantastic experience working with Cannabis operators in Oregon and around the country.
WHILE MANY OF US NEVER DREAMED THE WORLD WOULD NEED POINT OF SALES SYSTEMS FOR POT, WE’RE MOST DEFINITELY THERE. AND IT’S AT THIS FOREFRONT THAT WE FIND CHARLIE WILSON OF GREEN BITS, SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY RESPONSIBLE FOR TRACKING 25% OF LEGAL CANNABIS SALES.
oregonlEAF.COM
What are the challenges working for a company that other businesses rely heavily on in order to stay compliant? It comes with a lot of pressure.We take
MAY 2019
is that we have a single technology platform, complemented by a configuration engine that powers the specific requirements of each state - and even each municipality, where it applies. This approach allows us to build something that can reliably serve operators in many states, but in a scalable and cost-effective way. That said, the Cannabis industry is very formative and in a state of continuous change. We work hard to stay upto-date on the specific requirements of each state as they evolve, which, as any license holder can attest, is quite often.
Where do you see Green Bits in five years? Are there any plans to expand globally now that more and more countries are legalizing? We are
great pride in the business health of our customers. Clearly, in Cannabis, compliance is a big part of that equation. While we have built a solution with a tremendous focus on compliance, we never consider our job done, as each new day presents a new compliance obligation for our customers. It presents a new compliance obligation for Green Bits too.
IT HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH CANNABIS OPERATORS IN OREGON AND AROUND THE COUNTRY.
What are the challenges of tailoring each POS for specific states and regulations? The reality
ROY SHERWOOD, TEAM LEAD CUSTOMER SUPPORT DANIEL PITRE, IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST LUKE GARRISON, SR. IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST LAUREN CONTRERAS, CUSTOMER SUPPORT MAT MALABANAN, CUSTOMER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
focused on delivering a great product and service experience to our current customers. If we do this well, it will give us the opportunity to continue to grow and expand. We are keen students of the industry, and we are fortunate to have a large footprint of customers that collectively transact 1 in every 4 dollars of legal Cannabis sold in the United States. This allows us to see trends and best practices across a wide array of Cannabis businesses that inform our product and service roadmap. There is so much opportunity to bring new capabilities to our customers that will enable them to run compliant, operationally efficient, and rapidly growing businesses. GreenBits.com
STORY by WILL FERGUSON | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
behind the scenes issue
PHYLOS BIOSCIENCE
WE CAUGHT UP WITH BRIAN CAMPBELL, A PLANT BREEDER AND GENETICIST WITH A PH.D. IN CANNABIS GENETICS FROM COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, AND MOWGLI HOLMES, THE COMPANY’S COFOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TO STEP INSIDE THEIR WORLD OF CANNABIS SCIENCE AND DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF PHYLOS.
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GENETICIST BRIAN CAMPBELL ALONGSIDE CEO MOWGLI HOLMES AT PHYLOS’ OFFICE IN PORTLAND.
How does Phylos help support ongoing Cannabis breeding projects? And how has this support evolved since legalization in 2015? / Essentially pre-2018 Phylos was a testing company, testing for plant genotypes and plant sex tests. That’s how we mainly supported people in the industry - the sex test was to help figure out males versus females and save growers money by removing males from production as soon as possible. Now through collaborative projects we have amassed the largest collection in the world of Cannabis DNA. We have all this genotype info, but to put that into action you need phenotypic (physical) information too. When you have both you can use statistics, so you can figure out what genes are controlling the traits. But it takes a long time and you need a lot of data in order to develop molecular markers. BRIAN CAMPBELL
/ We are trying to drive and do serious plant breeding ourselves. Phylos currently has customers from 30 differents states and 8 different countries. When we wanted to start getting more phenotype info, and we wanted to work with cultivators and breeders for more information. We wanted to crowdsource, so we can make the next generation of tools. We created the breeder innovation network, with individual projects with different goals. It stays private to the public, but we use the data in aggregate so we can look for bigger trends. We never share anyone’s data with another party, but we can start to see a range and begin to make molecular markers.
oregonlEAF.COM
MOWGLI HOLMES
MAY 2019
Phylos Bioscience was founded in 2014 by Mowgli Holmes, Ph.D. and Nishan Karassik, and has been steadily evolving with the Cannabis industry since legalization. Five years ago, Phylos primarily supported growers and breeders through accurate sex testing as the company began to map existing Cannabis strains within the emerging legal market. Today, Phylos is working with breeders, and collecting data to further understand the process of Cannabis breeding.
LAB TECHNOLOGIST DAVID GRABER USES A MULTICHANNEL ELECTRONIC PIPETTE TO PERFORM A PLANT SEX TEST
How has the Phylos Galaxy helped navigate the huge spectrum of phenotypes within Cannabis, and can it map market predictions and potential Cannabis trends of the future? The best part of the galaxy is that it’s not static - it’s constantly evolving and growing. As we start to add all this phenotypic information (THC content, aroma, taste) it’s gonna be an evolution, where the information from your reports becomes more detailed and accurate. There is the breeding side with molecular markers, but there is also the user side. As we inform the model it becomes more explanatory of products on the shelf. DNA fingerprinting will become valuable market trust. Over time we can keep adding pieces of information. BC
Are you primarily interested in working with Cannabis breeders or Cannabis growers? It seems like a lot of growers are beginning to breed their own genetics to give them more exclusivity over popular strains and cuts. Does it matter at this point? We want to provide new strains for producers by developing high performance plants. Growers have been the life-blood of this company and we don’t want to push them away. Our breeding information is just as valuable to growers. But we can start with a foundation of breeders and open up that transparency from the foundation. BC
WE HAVE AMASSED THE LARGEST COLLECTION IN THE WORLD OF CANNABIS DNA.
How do you track different varieties or support cannabinoid-specific research? Are Cannabis (THC-dominant) and hemp (CBD-dominant) varieties mapped in the same galaxy? Are these genetically distinct backgrounds because they came from different places, or is it an artifact of artificial selection because they were bred for specific purposes? It’s an interesting question and it’s still up for academic debate. Is hemp a phenotype or is there an evolutionary distinction? In my opinion, it doesn’t matter because these things can inter-mate, we have mixed them. What about the historical hemp now that the regulation of less than three percent of the market? You have arbitrary controls that will affect the outcomes of the future of hemp. To me, despite the bottlenecks, there is still an amazing amount of diversity. BC
It’s all Cannabis. “Hemp” is a regulatory concept, not a scientific one. Everything exists within the same galaxy, but we will be able to pinpoint traits as we continue to move forward and collect more data. Hemp was originally used for fiber, but now it’s gonna look like fields of stickyass weed because it’s all AC-DC. As canopy sizes go up, it’s going to be harder for small farms to complete. The hemp world is an excuse to have a massive canopy, and the mechanization of hemp farming will look a lot like big agriculture. Unlike the smaller canopy sizes of THC-dominant Cannabis, where the craft and quality of the plant can play a bigger role. Phylos.bio MH
STORY by SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
behind the scenes issue
What is a Dabstar, and how does highlighting the rock stars of Cannabis inspire you to share stories?
I think you nailed it, to me Dabstars were always the rock stars of Cannabis. These were the people I looked up to and respected in the community, and I wanted to shine a light on what was going on in the culture. I never considered myself a Dabstar, I was a small-time basement grower with an idea to be something more. It was the stories of the people around me that inspired me, and continue to inspire me today.
What does Dabstars do as a company, and how do you help companies in the Cannabis industry?
A lot of these brands are essentially operating in the dark, cut off from banks and traditional media, fighting an uphill battle from the start. I think as Dabstars, we have been granted a giant flashlight that we try to wield responsibly, highlighting people, products, and brands that are standing out in their niche of Cannabis.
Why is social media important for the Cannabis industry and legalization movement?
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Bringing an entire industry into the light has been a painful process. Most Cannabis business owners found themselves engaging with their base via social media, and I think that is even more prevalent today as we network our community together all over the world. For all its faults, the internet has essentially democratized media. If you have a strong message and it rings out with the people, you can find yourself with an audience, and I think that has in a sense radicalized a new generation of stoners. No one gave us legal weed - we took it back - and that message has resonated across the planet via social media.
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What is a day in the life like for you as a Dabstar, and what is your favorite part of leading your company? We work our asses off like every other startup. We installed a new CEO this year (Jeremy Jacola) and my partner (Jair Vellmen) is based out of Amsterdam, so between us we hit the clock pretty hard 24/7. I grew up in the tiny town of Ouray, CO - population 2,500. My mom passed away from a hunting accident when I was four years old, and my dad raised me the best he could working full time. I never even dreamed I would have a passport, let alone be traveling the world celebrating Cannabis. For me, that’s the fuel that keeps it all going.
DABSTARS Q&A | JONAH TACOMA, FOUNDER, CANNABIS PROMO COMPANY
MAY 2019
How have your traveling experiences influenced your views on Cannabis? Traveling opens your eyes in so many ways, but one thing that hit me right away was how accepting the Cannabis community is. Cannabis is a common denominator for so many people, and that holds true all over the world. I’ve had breakfast in buildings older than our country, smoked weed at world heritage sites. It is crazy what Cannabis has done for me and my family, witnessing firsthand the impact Cannabis has all over the world.
How is Dabstars growing & adapting for the future? I think there is a lot of momentum towards national federal legalization, and we have always positioned Dabstars around that - building the brand and prioritizing market share over profits in the beginning. These days we are opening up new states each month, expanding the brand.
You now have branded Dabstars products sold in seven different markets. How is your brand transcending social media into product licensing, and what are your goals in that area?
We were nominated for best Washington oil company in 2013, so I think this was always a natural evolution for us. Federal laws have forced companies like ours to work with different partners in each state, and we have adapted to that model with Dabstar products being sold around the country. We recently partnered up with Yeti Extracts in Colorado and I’m excited to see products launching in my home state this year. We have six new states in the works and are in talks with Canada about moving the brand out of the United States.
How do you view the current direction of the Cannabis industry in the US, and worldwide? Cannabis will be central in the next election, and politicians are going to have to take a stance one way or the other. As Cannabis users we are no longer the minority, we are the vocal majority wielding real political clout. The clock is ticking and the big guys are lining up. Cannabis belongs to the people and we need all the head start we can get with federal legalization. Canada exported $48 million in Cannabis last year, other countries are watching what’s going on and reshaping their own policies across the globe.
What is your craziest Dabstars moment? I came off the stage at the Seattle High Times after a big giveaway, when a red headed stranger approached me arms out with a giant bottle of what I assumed was tincture. I took the five inch dropper, squeezing it full and squirted it under my tongue, holding it for the sublingual effect. Red stood staring at me with a gaped expression. Finally he tells me like a line straight out of Cheech n Chong “You just took the most acid I’ve ever seen man!” I spit it out but it was too late. Long story short, it was a long crazy trip and I ended up drinking Patron with David Arquette and Senior Fumo in a shitty hotel room. So many wild nights in this industry. Facebook.com/dabstars
STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PORTRAITS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS & PHOTOS COURTESY DABSTARS
behind the scenes issue
Others see the benefit of certification because retail stores create a demand for a certified product that is driven by consumer demand.
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SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATION FOR CANNABIS
Sustainable farming is an effort to create ecological balance while producing a crop. Many Cannabis growers in the Pacific Northwest are utilizing sustainable farming practices to maintain balanced ecology. Certified organic (WSDA, OMRI, and CCOF) pesticides are applied as needed, beneficial insect habitat is encouraged, and organic fertilizers are used. The drive to farm sustainably generally comes from a commitment to the environment and the increased quality observed by improved plant health from organic practices. Some growers farm in a manner they consider sustainable without certification.
THIS THOROUGH REVIEW CREATES AN ENFORCED SENSE OF GOOD GROWING PRACTICES BY ALLOWING A THIRD PARTY TO INVESTIGATE THE ENTIRE FARMING SYSTEM.
MAY 2019
I spoke with Certified Kind founder Andrew Black recently, who has spent the past 13 years working for Oregon Tilth - one of the nation’s most trusted organic certification agencies. Andrew has worn many hats in organic certification, including farm program manager, inspector, final reviewer, Latin American specialist, and certification officer. Andrew has inspected hundreds of farms and food processing facilities in the United States and Latin America, and has made certification decisions for hundreds more. He is an expert compliance reviewer for products certified to the USDA National Organic program, plus the organic standards of the European Union, Canada, and Mexico. Not to mention, Andrew is also on the board at Sun + Earth Certified, an upcoming beyond organic certification program with reduced certification fees from Brother David’s net sales. A Cannabis grower can contact Certified Kind for a consultation to review Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and nutrition practices to determine if this certification is a good fit for the grower. The list of pesticides and fertilizers allowed must be OMRI certified. After consultation, an inspector visits the farm and carefully reviews all practices outlined in the certification standards. After certification, the farm is inspected yearly to ensure compliance to the highest organic standards. Inspectors also collect samples for pesticide testing of over 200 analytes, whereas the state of Oregon only tests for 60 analytes. This thorough review creates an enforced sense of good growing practices by allowing a third party to investigate the entire farming system. Certified Kind also helps prepare farms and processors to meet USDA Organic standards. Old Apple Farm is a Certified Kind recreational Cannabis farm in Oregon City, Oregon. Trevor Stameisen cultivates Cannabis here, where they cultivate in living soil - fertilizing with compost teas and organic granular fertilizers to increase soil microbes and biodiversity. They also release beneficial insects to reduce the need for OMRI pesticides. He believes the increased root and plant health from regenerative farming enhances terpenes and increases the quality of the crop. This ultimately creates a demand in dispensaries for sustainably farmed Cannabis. He chose Certified Kind because the organic standards are compatible with his philosophy of sustainable farming. The inspectors carefully reviewed practices including pesticide use, IPM, and fertilizer usage. Also, the inspectors at Certified Kind contact product manufacturers to find correct organic products, and inspectors audit practices periodically to ensure correct practices are consistently followed. Growers who select sustainable certification should choose an organization that aligns with their personal values about farming. If you contact a certifying organization, be prepared to produce records of past farming methods. There are many inputs that can be used to produce Cannabis, and selecting EPA registered OMRI products is a good start toward sustainable certification. Work closely with your inspector and choose products compatible for certification. MLachapell.com
STORY by MORIAH LACHAPELL FOR OREGON LEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
BREEDER OF THE MONTH
ESTEBON DUARTE How, when and where did you discover Cannabis?
I THINK THERE WILL BE BOTH CRAFT BREEDERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS THAT CREATE SEED FOR LARGE SCALE OPERATIONS AS WELL. THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS PRODUCTION IS NOT CLONES. THERE’S NOT A LOT OF CROPS THAT DEPEND ON CLONES, SO WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIX THAT PROBLEM.
I lived in Long Beach and met a friend’s sister and her boyfriend who were from Santa Cruz, and they were bull breeders for bull riding. I remember the genetics aspect piquing my interest and I came to find out they were also pot breeders. I was responsible for my own Cannabis intake and as I familiarized myself with what Cannabis was and what it did for me, I started collecting seeds. I did some guerrilla growing in Long Beach to observe their characteristics and responses to environment.
How did you discover your passion for breeding?
I was 13, so 1992, the first time I physically sprouted a Cannabis seed. It was the collection of coastal California varietals the bull riders gave me. I was very into collecting things and organizing things, and from the first time I popped a seed, I knew this was something I’d have my hands on for years to come. This was a whole new set of experiences and it was a whole different world, the secret nature of the thing. It created an alter ego for me. You hide most of it, but want to share some of it.
What type or types of strains do you prefer to breed with?
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The more diverse the better. The sheer variety of breeding with stuff from all over the world, it develops so much every day. I’m fascinated by the diversity within Cannabis and it’s the driving force for what I am after. Followed up by stability, as that’s an important factor for growers as well. Some are farming commercially, while others are just growing for themselves or their families.
What will the future of Cannabis breeding look like?
The future of Cannabis breeding will look like any plant breeding. There will be a huge population of F1 hybrids available commercially, and you’ll have your small craft breeders as well. There are lots of people clamoring after hotspots throughout the world, trying to collect seed in preparation for limited genetic access - and they’re not wrong. A one male to one female breeding program is not a breeding program. I think there will be both craft breeders and commercial operations that create seed for large scale operations as well. The future of Cannabis production is not clones. There’s not a lot of crops that depend on clones, so we’re going to have to fix that problem.
oregonlEAF.COM
What breeder’s work is particularly inspirational to you? I love what Professor P at Dynasty Genetics is doing. I have a lot of respect for the team at Humboldt Seed Organization. Neville was a stud. Some of that is just finding a path and sticking to that. I have a lot of respect for anyone that can curate a handful of strains, versus blasting out whatever hybrid is hot on the streets.
What are challenging aspects of being a breeder?
HERMETIC GENETICS MAY 2019
Regulation first and foremost. They don’t know how to handle pollen and seeds, and we need canopy space. We need more and more and more space. We need acres to truly research genetic potential and isolate the winners. I always envisioned the R&D license as a collaborative project between producers. It is not the proper mechanism for a breeder. Access to proper research tools holds us back from being able to work with even basic groups of scienceminded individuals. HermeticGenetics.com
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OVER THE COMING YEAR, OREGON LEAF WILL BE DOCUMENTING THE LIFE CYCLE OF A CANNABIS PLANT FROM SEED TO SALE! THIS LONG AND CAREFUL PROCESS ALL BEGINS WITH A BREEDER, AND FOR THIS SPECIAL PIECE, WE’LL START WITH THIS EXTRA SPECIAL BREEDER OF THE MONTH FEATURE ON ESTEBON DUARTE AND HERMETIC GENETICS. There are a dizzying amount of moving pieces involved in bringing a Cannabis product from concept to sitting on a dispensary shelf, purchase and consumption ready. Doing it all in full compliance - in the midst of regularly shifting regulations - is no small hurdle. We’re going to document every step of the process, from seed to sale, starting with some Hermetic Genetic seeds - which have already been popped and started. They will be transferred to small pots soon and then to their final growing place late Spring. Make sure you pick up a copy of our ‘Behind The Scenes’ issue next year, as it's bound to be one of our most exciting and fun to read issues yet. Thank you all for your readership and for continuing to pick up and enjoy our completely free and authentically produced publication each and every month!
STORY by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 | PHOTOS by CHRIS RYAN @CANNABIS.PHOTO
RECIPES
T H I S I S A N O D E TO T H E S T R AW B E R RY , a s t h i s 66
i s t h e i r se a s o n t o s h i n e . D u r i n g s t ra w b e r r y se a s o n yo u ca n s me l l t h e m b efo re yo u eve n se e t h e m . I n t h e w i nt e r m o n t h s , yo u ’ re l u c ky i f yo u ca n g et t h e i r fra g ra n ce fro m a s c ra t c h a n d s n i f f a p p ro a c h . R i p e s t raw b e r r i e s a re j u i c y a n d s we et a n d g row n n e a r by , s o i t ’ s b ette r fo r yo u a n d
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b ett e r fo r t h e p l a n et . T h ey d o n ’ t h a ve t o t ra ve l fa r t o g et t o yo u r m o u t h - a n d i n t h e se t h re e re c i p e s t h ey a re p a i re d w i t h Ca n n a b i s - s o t h e re ’ s a l o t t o l ove . S t raw b e r r y F i e l d s fo reve r ! # D o nt Fe a r T h e E d i b l e MAY 2019
Berry Good Idea
by laurie wolf Photos By Bruce wolf
POT PARFAIT 1 1/3 cups vanilla Greek yogurt, plus 2 tablespoons 1-2 tablespoons canna-butter or oil 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 cup Grape Nuts cereal, plus 2 tablespoons 1. Place 1/3 cup yogurt at the bottom of each glass. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Grape Nuts on the yogurt. Top with ¼ cup sliced strawberries. 2. Add another 1/3 cup yogurt and follow up with the cereal and the berries. Top each glass with the remaining yogurt and the remaining Grape Nuts.
SWEET BERRY SALAD 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons canna-oil 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper 4 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced 1 cup strawberries, sliced ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
1. In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, oils, mustard, salt and pepper. 2. Toss the remaining ingredients together gently so you don’t bruise the berries. 3. Add the dressing and toss again. Serve immediately.
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BERRY PAIR OF SMOOTHIES ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped and melted* 12 strawberries, rinsed, stems removed, cut in chunks 1 medium banana, peeled, sliced and frozen 2 cups milk, dairy or nut 2 teaspoons canna-oil 1. Place your two glasses on your work surface. When the chocolate is melted, run the rim of each glass through the melted chocolate. You will probably need to tilt the bowl of chocolate to get the rims covered. 2. Combine the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into the two glasses and enjoy.
*Place the chocolate in a small bowl or microwave safe cup. Microwave for 20 seconds on half power. Check the chocolate. It may not look melted, so stir it. If not melted, microwave in ten second intervals till almost fully melted.
All recipes serve two
Find The Exotic.
Escape The Ordinary.
www.exoticblendzpdx.com For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Do not drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
Rebel Roots Farms Rogue River, OR
“Purity, Quality, Consistency�
@rebelrootsfarms
www.rebelrootsfarms.com This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
EDIBLE OF THE MONTH
Every juice comes in a glass bottle with a child-proof lid. One of the worst aspects of the Cannabis industry is our consumption of singleuse plastics that continue to litter our planet. It’s great to see glass being used, and hopefully a recycling program will be something that Herban Tribe considers. Fresh-Pressed Orange Juice
It tastes just like fresh-squeezed orange juice, with a hint of grass. The taste of Cannabis would probably go undetected for the less discerning consumer, but I do taste just a slight, Cannabis-like flavor. At best, I prefer this product as a wake-n-bake option with my breakfast when I have a free Saturday.
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Sour Diesel Lemonade
I loved the combination of Sour Diesel terpenes and lemonade, and I believe the risk of combining the two paid off. I appreciate the fearlessness of owning the flavor of Cannabis and working with it, instead of always trying to hide the flavor - which seems to be the standard these days. The terpene profile of Sour Diesel pairs well with the lemonade, elevating the tartness of the lemon drink with a gassy edge. For those who enjoy or are willing to try the flavors of Cannabis, I highly recommend it.
oregonlEAF.COM
Grape Juice
HERBANTRIBEJUICES cannabis-infused beverages
The best - and potentially the worst - thing about the juice is that it hits you much faster than
an edible digested through food. The liquid hits you faster, similar to the effects of alcohol, but you’re stoned. After three nights of routine testing with the juices, I noticed that on a full stomach, I felt the effects in 30 minutes (20 minutes if I was drinking juice on an empty stomach). When I needed to sleep, with enough juice - about half a bottle or 25mg of THC - I knew that I’d be out within the hour. Those with little time to spare will appreciate the immediacy of drinkable forms of THC. With that said, I warn those with low tolerances - go slow and only consume no more than 1/4 of the bottle at a time, no matter how delicious it may be.
MAY 2019
Although grape can be polarizing flavor, this juice brings me back to my childhood. It’s a rich, grapey juice that conceals the flavor of Cannabis the best out of the three in my opinion. So if you prefer not to taste the weed, go with the grape juice. I cut it with a little bit of sparkling water and loved the fizzy addition. $ 2 5 , 5 0 mg T H C p e r b o tt l e H e r b a n Tr i b e . c o m @ H e r b a n Tr i b e
TASTE 5/5 EFFECT 5/5 PKGNG 5/5 VALUE 4/5 TOTAL 19/20
REVIEW by SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
cultivation classic science-forward cannabis evaluation city-wide events main stage conference awards ceremony parties
tickets and information at
cultivationclassic.cc
P O R T L A N D, OR
WILLAMETTE WEEK Presents
R evo l u t i o n H a l l |
MAY 17-18 2 0 1 9
CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH
TASTE 5/5 EFFECT 5/5 PKGNG 5/5 VALUE 3/5 TOTAL 18/20
oregonlEAF.COM
72
KUSHCAKE ROSINSAUCE The potent and relaxing full-body effect balances nicely with heavy waves of relaxation in the eyes that roll down the body. CULTIVATED BY LEFT COAST FAR MS WASHED BY NW RAISED EXTRACTED BY BEAR ROSIN
MAY 2019
THE KUSH CAKE ROSIN SAUCE FROM LEFT COAST FARMS X BEAR ROSIN hit my palate with a
wonderful, earthy-forward flavor, followed by deliciously sweet diesel finish. Its potent and relaxing full-body effect balances nicely with heavy waves of relaxation in the eyes that roll down the body. The combination of effect, smoothness, and delicious flavor had me coming back for more until the jar was scraped clean! The texture is a thicker sauce with small, but easy to manage solventless diamonds - which makes getting the right size dab surprisingly easy for sauce, especially when recently taken out of the fridge. Always seal and store your concentrates in the fridge, or freezer for bubble hash! Don’t let the valuable terpenes in your hash go to waste by leaving them out at room temperature! The only criticism of this rosin sauce I can make is regarding the price, which is by far one of the highest available on the Oregon recreational market. However, any cutting edge product will normally command a premium price for being ahead of the curve, as the producer is taking a risk with putting resources into R&D. It’s a little expensive but exciting to experience the future - and to support companies that are looking to evolve and develop new in novative products! LeftCoastConnection.com, 69.57% THC, 0% CBD
REVIEW by MATTHEW MEYERS @EARLMCDABSITY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN
TOPICAL OF THE MONTH
“it’s edible, and smells and tastes delicious.”
LUMINOUS BOTANICALS
74
oregonlEAF.COM
DEW SENSUAL CANNABISOIL L U M I N OU S B O TA N I C A L S LuminousBotanicals.com @LuminousBotanica ls @LuminousDew
MAY 2019
SCENT 5/5 EFFECT 5/5 PKGNG 5/5 VALUE 5/5 TOTAL 20/20
has been a trusted brand in the Oregon Cannabis industry for years, providing edible and topical products to consumers around the state. Their oils are made from Clean Green Certified, sungrown whole-plant material, and their extraction methods result in a pure product. One of their more popular products getting recognition these days is DEW - a Cannabis oil designed for intimate use. There are two varieties available: the high THC DEW Pleasure for enhanced sensation, and the THC/CBD DEW Comfort for reduced discomfort. The product is produced using the same lipid extraction technique that is utilized for all of their products, which results in a sparkling clear, golden colored oil. Not to mention it’s edible, and smells and tastes delicious. Of course, this product can be used for people of any gender identity. Depending on the oil you choose, DEW can enhance feeling and help to bring a spark into the bedroom, or it can reduce discomfort for anyone for whom sex is physically uncomfortable. In our experience, THC is what helps with increased stimulation, while CBD helps with any discomfort. Trying DEW out for the first time, what stood out most was how amazing the sensation was for both partners during use. Cannabis has been used for centuries for recreational and medicinal purposes, and it’s wonderful to have it available for intimate use now as well.
REVIEW BY PACER STACKTRAIN @THEPACERSTACKTRAIN | PHOTO BY @BERMANPHOTOS + @NATEW415
Roseway
Organics
7420 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, Oregon 503 477 4368
grass fed
vegan
free range
gmo free
@rosewayorganicspdx
YOU’LL WISH YOU KNEW US WHEN YOU STARTED. Supplying the Pacific Northwest with quality promotional products and real service since 2008 541.323.5274 info@flashink.com flashink.com
Based in Bend, Oregon • Shipping nationwide
shirts • hats • hoodies • patches • pins • stash jars • lighters & just about anything else
420 NE 60th Ave urbanfarmacypdx.com (503) 957-7832
Hours: Mon/Tues: 10:00AM - 9:00PM Weds - Sat: 10:00AM - 9:45PM Sun: 11:00AM - 7:00PM Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of marijuana. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep marijuana out of the reach of children.
tannins & terpenes
TJ’s Gardens Durban Poison paired with Claim 52 TJ’s
Durban Poison IPA 78
TJ’S GARDENS DURBAN POISON
6.9% Terpenes / 3.3% Terpinolene TJ’S GARDENS have got their Durban Poison dialed, having truly figured out how to cultivate this South African landrace in an indoor environment - which is no easy task. This freshly harvested example tested out with nearly 7% terpenes and offers a cerebral, creative high. The beautifully manicured nugs produce a strong aroma of funky tropical fruit, lemon and lime, and spice.
CLAIM 52 TJ’S DURBAN POISON IPA
oregonlEAF.COM
7% ABV IPA brewed with Citra + Simcoe
THE TEAM AT CLAIM 52 joined forces with TJ’s Gardens to produce a deliciously hoppy brew, inspired by TJ’s prized cut of Durban Poison. Using lemon zest from over 70 pounds of lemons, and brewed using intentionally selected hops chosen by both teams for their complementary profiles to the strain, the beer pours a hazy orange gold color and smells strongly of bright and resinous hops. Paired together, these two are a recipe for a good time. The uplifting and mentally stimulating Durban Poison flowers inspire creativity and movement, while the beer relaxes the body and lowers inhibitions. Perfect to bring to the tailgate party before the game, a weekend barbecue with a few friends, or to loosen up before going out on a Friday night.
REVIEW by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS *Oregon Leaf Disclaimer* Anytime you are mixing two substances of any kind, you have to be extra vigilant of the effects. We strongly recommend conducting pairings with others in a safe and private space, in small quantities.
MAY 2019
“ The uplifting and mentally stimulating Durban Poison flowers inspire creativity and movement, while the beer relaxes the body and lowers inhibitions.”