Jun. 2021 - NE Leaf by Northwest Leaf / Oregon Leaf / Alaska Leaf / Maryland Leaf / California Leaf / Northeast Leaf

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INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010

the GLOBAL issue

CLAUDIA DELLA MORA

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GLASS ART TAMMY BALLER

TOPICALS MAGIC CREAM

EDIBLES MOROCCAN CHOCOLATES

44 Amsterdam’s Reefer Culture Known as one of the Cannabis capitals of the world, Amsterdam has a long and unique history of accepting and also rejecting Cannabis. Leaf Nation’s Bobby Black unravels the complicated city’s take on Cannabis Culture.

////////// story by bobby black

jun. 2021

feature

WERNARD BRUINING

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BAILEY JONSON

Jason Garrett 7 10 12 18 20 24 26 28 32 34 36 38 39 40 42 44 46

Stem Haverhill, Massachusetts

DAN VINKOVETSKY

Claudia Della Mora, co-founder and managing partner at Black Legend Capital, on Cannabis as a global commodity, the challenging but rewarding path forward for the growing industry, and what the future holds for companies and our community.

BAILEY JONSON

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CHARLES TAGGART

JUNE 2021

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N O R T H EAS T

EDITOR’S NOTE N AT I O N A L N E W S LOCAL NEWS BUDTENDER Q&A GLASS ART STRAIN OF THE MONTH GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE GLOBAL COMMODITY GLOBAL CR ACKDOWN GLOBAL STR AINS ALPHA PEN REVIEW TOPICAL OF THE MONTH EDIBLE OF THE MONTH C O N C E N T R AT E O T M A LT E R N AT I V E M E D I C I N E CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY

Above: Master growers Soma, Wernard Bruining, Old Ed Holloway, and Ed Rosenthal in Amsterdam around 1996.

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@thebotanist.ma Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment 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. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

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T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E

N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F /

A B O U T T H E C OV E R For The Leaf’s first-ever Global Issue, we tapped the artistic prowess of Maine-based illustrator Cody Muir, who has become known for his surreal and futuristic editorial cover pieces for clients like The Washington Post, BBC Science Focus, Seattle Met, and Politico Europe. “I was excited to be approached by the Leaf team with the Global Issue’s cosmos-inspired theme since it gave me a chance to make something truly atmospheric,” he says. “Finding a visual method to express Cannabis’ global importance throughout history was a blast.”

ILLUSTRATION by CODY MUIR @MAGICMUIR CODYMUIR.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

WES ABNEY | FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES WERNARD BRUINING, PHOTOS EARLY, PRODUCTION MAX EARLY, FEATURES WYATT EARLY, FEATURES STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS MIKE GIANAKOS, FEATURES BAILEY JONSON, FEATURES + PHOTOS CODY MUIR, ILLUSTRATION BOBBY NUGGZ, FEATURES + PHOTOS JEFF PORTERFIELD, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING ZACK RUSKIN, FEATURES O’HARA SHIPE, FEATURES CHARLES TAGGART, FEATURES + PHOTOS JAMIE VICTOR, ILLUSTRATION DAN VINKOVETSKY, FEATURES

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SENIOR EDITORS MIKE GIANAKOS | DAN VINKOVETSKY

MIKEG@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM DAN@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM 844-4NELEAF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DANIEL BERMAN | VISUALS & DESIGN

DANIEL@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY PETE THOMPSON

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SALES DIRECTOR MICHAEL CZERHONIAK

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We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northeast Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, LeafMagazines.com. Email michael@leafmagazines.com to begin supporting and advertising with us!

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Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Global Issue of the Leaf ! CAN YOU IMAGINE a day in the future where Cannabis and hemp are traded on the New York Stock Exchange? Where container ships carry bulk biomass, flower, distillates and finished products like edibles and vape pens, along with the usual haul of bananas, shoes and cars around the world? That future is closer than we think – Cannabis legalization is quickly becoming a global issue, and like all developing markets, is full of enough opportunities and restrictions to make your head spin. I believe that someday I will be able to smoke hash from Spain while eating an edible delicacy from Denmark, while using a transdermal patch for pain from Canada in the comfort of my Seattle living room, or consumption lounge of my choosing. This reality is closer than we think, but also faces a ton of hurdles before my stoner’s delight dream becomes reality. While a lot of pot gets shipped around the world currently, it definitely isn’t legal or regulated, and that means we have a lot of policy to craft as the industry goes from the U.S. dominated states’ rights program, to a universally legal substance.

CANNABIS LEGALIZATION IS QUICKLY BECOMING A GLOBAL ISSUE, AND LIKE ALL DEVELOPING MARKETS, IS FULL OF ENOUGH OPPORTUNITIES & RESTRICTIONS TO MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN.

Along the way we need to decriminalize all possession, release all non-violent Cannabis prisoners, and find a way to make the global market equitable for all players and consumers. Does that sound like a lot to do? There’s so much more to global legalization than most think, and while it isn’t going to happen quickly, the seeds of change are being planted now. To celebrate this impending change we released our first ever Global Issue, where we explore the history of Cannabis strains, look at the global legal outlook on Cannabis, and explore the reality of turning our plant from a drug into a commodity. So what’s next? While the future is only a day away, we can all take a big bong hit and celebrate our local Cannabis, and use our voices and votes to help end the war on drugs and bring freedom to our people. In my lifetime, Cannabis has gone from super illegal to medically acceptable to completely legal to buy and grow in many states. I can only imagine what the future holds for our plant and our planet as acceptance for Cannabis spreads like a weed. As Jack Herer said, “I don’t know if hemp is going to save the world, but it’s the only thing that can.”

-Wes Abney JUN. 2021

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national news

CAPITALISM

THE FEDS

PHARMACY CHAIN RITE AID IS ‘LOOKING AT THE MARIJUANA BUSINESS’

ALABAMA GOV. SIGNS MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW

ite Aid CEO Hayward Donigan in May said that “everyone is looking at the marijuana business.” “There is complexity to that, but (we’re) certainly keeping an eye on it,” she said at THE PA-BASED PHARMACY CHAIN The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival. HAS CARRIED HEMP-DERIVED The pharmacy chain, based CBD PRODUCTS in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, has SINCE 2019. carried hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products since 2019. Donigan said Rite Aid is looking at more homeopathic options in addition to traditional pharmaceuticals. He added that the chain has had all of its pharmacists re-certified as integrative pharmacy specialists. “Pharmacists are trained in alternative therapies,” Donigan said. “They are not just trained on traditional medicine.”

west

WYOMING TRIBE MAY LEGALIZE MEDICAL CANNABIS

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mmj

he Eastern Shoshone General Council met May 14 to discuss legalizing medical Cannabis on the Wind River reservation in Wyoming, reports the Rocket Miner. Several resolutions were passed – resolutions are law on the reservation – including the authority to move forward with a medical marijuana commission to regulate, oversee and operate tribal-owned cultivation and extraction facilities for Cannabis-related products. The Northern Arapaho Tribe voted the previous weekend in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. The Eastern Shoshone General Council will reconvene June 12 to finish the process of voting on whether to legalize medical marijuana on the reservation. The General Council consists of all adult members of the tribe, while the Business Council is made up of elected officials.

additional Cannabis growing facilities will be authorized by the DEA.

jun. 2021

states currently allow the recreational use of Cannabis by adults.

M DEA WILL ALLOW MORE FACILITIES TO GROW CANNABIS FOR RESEARCH

oving to end the University of Mississippi’s decades-long monopoly on supplying marijuana for U.S. research, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said in May it will soon issue licenses to a number of growing facilities, reports Science Magazine. Since 1968, only one operation, located on the campus of Ole Miss, has been licensed to supply Cannabis to medical researchers who want to explore its value for treating conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. The DEA announced on its website that it had sent a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to three manufacturers that had applied for licenses to grow Cannabis for research studies. The memos came six months after the agency published a final rule describing how exactly the program would work. This could mark a “WE WERE EUPHORIC. huge shift after years THIS IS A VICTORY of delayed license FOR SCIENTIFIC FREEDOM,” SAID applications. Although DR. SUE SISLEY. consuming marijuana is legal for medical purposes in 36 states and for recreational use in 17 states, consumption remains a criminal offense under federal law. “We were euphoric. This is a victory for scientific freedom,” said Dr. Sue Sisley, president and principal investigator at Scottsdale Research Institute, which received one of the DEA agreements to be able to grow Cannabis for research. In 2019, SRI sued the DEA to force it to end its years of delay in processing license applications.

states now have medical Cannabis laws; 11 states have CBD-only laws.

edical marijuana has come to the Heart of Dixie. Alabama Gov. Kaye Ivey in May signed a medical marijuana bill into law. More than a dozen conditions, including autism, cancer, terminal illness, depression, epilepsy, panic disorder and chronic pain would allow a person to qualify. Despite not allowing any smoking, and prohibiting patient use of Cannabis flowers and banning growing, the move represents progress for this deep-red state. Daily total THC dosages are also limited to just 50 milligrams, which will certainly come as bad news for chronic pain patients, those fighting cancer, and others. “This is a major step forward for Alabamians,” said Karen O’Keefe at the Marijuana Policy Project. “Rather than being subjected to arrest and criminal penalties for using medical Cannabis, this new law will enable patients who are suffering from illnesses and medical conditions to safely use and access medical Cannabis, a treatment option that is accessible to so many of their fellow Americans. We applaud the legislature for passing and Gov. Ivey for signing the Compassion Act.”

ARTHRITIS, MIGRAINES AND REGIONAL PAIN ADDED TO OHIO MMJ

hio’s Medical Board has added three existing conditions to qualify to buy medical marijuana, reports the Associated Press. The panel had earlier this year determined that arthritis, chronic migraines and complex regional pain syndrome fall into the existing category of chronic or intractable pain. State residents must obtain a physician recommendation under the state’s 22 qualifying conditions and register to become eligible to buy marijuana flower and other products at the state’s 52 dispensaries. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy voted last month to make more dispensary licenses available to deal with patient complaints about lack of access and high prices. Three of the state’s 31 medical marijuana districts, all in Western Ohio, have no dispensaries.

60 64 91

percent of Miss. residents favor a special session to reverse a block on MMJ.

percent of Connecticut voters favor legalizing marijuana in a 2021 poll.

percent of Americans say Cannabis should be legal for medical/rec, or both.

By STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA

BOSTO ON DESERV PREM VES MIUM CANN NABIS Order Online: HappyValley.org/menu Serving Adults 21+ and Medical Patients Open 7 Days a Week 9am to 10pm

Gloucester 38 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 Boston 220 McClellan Hwy, Boston, MA 02129 978 515 5600 | support@happyvalley.org PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children.This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is againstthe law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA

LOCAL NEWS

EX MAYOR GUILTY OF TAKING

POT BUSINESS BRIBES A

former mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts has been found guilty of extortion related to bribes he accepted from marijuana business hopefuls, among other crimes. Jasiel Correia, who became the youngest ever mayor of Fall River when he was elected at the age of 23, had been accused of taking $600,000 in bribes. In return, Correia, now 29, provided non-opposition letters to people attempting to open legal Cannabis businesses in the city. The letters are an essential step in the process of obtaining a license to operate a marijuana-related business under Massachusetts state law. While prosecutors argued that Correia cravenly took advantage of his position to extort money from would-be Cannabis businessmen – sometimes collecting bribes personally in a city-issued vehicle – some industry watchers criticized the outsized influence granted to local officials by the state’s legal marijuana law. Under Massachusetts law, a Cannabis business must sign a “host community agreement” with the local government of the city in which it hopes to operate. These agreements must be completed before the business can apply for a license from the state. This unusual provision – unique to the Cannabis and gaming industries – gives local elected officials the power to block or fasttrack would-be pot businesses. And while this dynamic may not often lead to extortion per se, advocates are concerned with the legal demands officials make of applicants, including donating to local charities, pledging their employees’ time to municipal functions and other “good faith” payments. Such requests are generally not made of applicants seeking to open businesses outside of the marijuana industry. One Cannabis business advocacy group claimed that “legalized extortion is the norm,” when it comes to securing

Photo by y Kindel Media

a pot-related operating license in Massachusetts. In addition to the pay for play bribes he took from pot businesses, Correia was also charged with misusing investor funds from his smartphone app SnoOwl. He was found guilty on 21 of 24 counts of fraud, extortion and conspiracy. The jury returned its verdict after less than 24 hours of deliberation. The disgraced ex-mayor faces 20-year prison terms for both the wire fraud and extortion charges. His sentencing hearing will take place September 20.

MAINE CONSIDERS

PSYCHEDELIC A

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THERAPY

Photo by Ethan Hoover

JUN. 2021

new measure introduced in Maine would make the therapeutic use of psilocybin legal for adults 21 and older. The bill, introduced by Sen. Donna Bailey, would establish licensed psilocybin producers and retailers. While it would be legal for adults to purchase psilocybin products, consumption would have to take place under the supervision of “service facilitators.” Psilocybin is of course the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms. Research supporting the drug’s ability to help treat mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and PTSD has led to a renewed interest in psilocybin therapy, as well as legalization or decriminalization efforts at the state and local level. On Election Day 2020, Oregon voters became the first in the country to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use. Lawmakers across the nation took notice. Since Oregon’s historic vote, psilocybin bills have been introduced in Hawaii, Florida and Connecticut. Additionally, several Massachusetts cities have since approved psychedelic reform initiatives. Maine’s psilocybin bill is modeled on the Oregon law and even includes instructions to regulators “to otherwise make this Act as consistent as possible in substance to the laws governing psilocybin in Oregon.” The Maine measure relies on the state’s Health and Human Services department to create the therapeutic rules, establish possession limits and set licensing requirements. A psilocybin advisory board would also make recommendations to regulators. The bill does not require a diagnosis for those seeking psilocybin treatment.

MASS CITIES SQUEEZE

POT BUSINESSES

FOR MILLIONS T

he practice of collecting fees from marijuana business applicants in Massachusetts through host community agreements (HCAs) was the subject of a committee hearing in early May. Business owners and advocates testified before the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy calling for oversight on the agreements that they say favor local governments and take advantage of marijuana businesses. The state law allows municipalities to impose an “impact fee” on Cannabis businesses to address the effect the business might have on the community, such as traffic or public safety. However, industry advocates claim that most local governments demand the maximum fee – three percent of the business’ gross sales – without having to demonstrate that the business warrants such a charge or account for what the city does with the money. And some jurisdictions demand more than the three percent allowed by law. During the committee hearing, business owners and advocates asked that municipalities be made to prove the costs that they claim pot shops are responsible for through increased traffic, parking and policing, and called for the Cannabis Control Commission – the state’s marijuana regulatory agency – to have oversight of host community agreements. In addition to impact fees, some local governments demand other payments from Cannabis business hopefuls, including donations and reimbursements.

Photo by Girl With Red Hat

According to a new study, local governments in Massachusetts have collected nearly $2.5 million more than allowed by law through host community agreements. The study, conducted by the University of Massachusetts in Boston, highlights the need for legislation that establishes standards and oversight to avoid corruption. The committee hearing took place as former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia stood trial for extorting money from would-be pot businesses. However, the UMass study makes it clear that the system encourages local governments to squeeze cash out of pot businesses. In 2019, a Massachusetts law firm found that nearly four out of five host community agreements were illegal. That same year the FBI began looking into corruption in the Massachusetts pot industry. Currently, nine separate bills take up the issue of host community agreements. All nine received a committee hearing. Hopefully one of them can end the insidious pay for play model established by the state’s marijuana law.

NEW YORK’S MARIJUANA

MILLIONS N

Photo by Kym MacKinnon

ew York will collect $245 million a year in legal marijuana revenue, according to an analysis of the budget by the state comptroller. The Cannabis cash comes from taxes on retail sales through New York’s new adult-use marijuana law. The comptroller’s analysis projects steady growth in Cannabis tax revenue, beginning with $20 million in fiscal year 2021-2022, then climbing to $115 million in 2022-2023, $158 million in 2023-2024 and finally hitting $245 million when the program is fully implemented in fiscal year 2024-2025. While possession of up to three ounces of Cannabis is now legal in New York, sales of recreational pot aren’t expected to begin until 2022, which accounts for the estimate’s slow start. And while Gov. Andrew Cuomo initially claimed that New York’s legal pot program would ultimately pull in $300 million a year in tax revenue, the comptroller’s estimate will still be welcome news to the cash strapped state. After covering operational costs, 40 percent of the Cannabis cash will go to schools, while another 40 percent goes to communities most impacted by prohibition. The remaining 20 percent of tax revenue funds drug treatment and education. Negotiations between lawmakers and Cuomo on the final adult-use bill helped establish a stronger social equity plan for the state, both in the form of reinvestment and industry opportunity.

STORIES by MIKE GIANAKOS @MIKEGEEZEEY

LOCAL NEWS

>> Continued from pg. 13

New Jersey Towns Ignore Voters, Look to Ban Pot

Photo by Cambridge Jenkins IV

n the lead up to Election Day 2020, polling indicated that New Jersey residents supported marijuana legalization at near historic levels. And when voters had the opportunity to approve a legal pot industry in the Garden State, they were emphatic. Legalization passed with an astounding 67 percent of the vote in New Jersey. Post-election analysis revealed that pot was approved in 562 of the state’s 565 municipalities.

Support for taxed and regulated marijuana was strong across different age groups, political affiliations and races. Pot was popular in urban and rural areas. The message was clear: New Jersey was all in on Cannabis. And yet, just six months after the election and three months since Gov. Phil Murphy (finally) signed legislation legalizing marijuana and establishing the state’s legal framework, town after town in New Jersey is looking to opt out of the Cannabis industry. While some elected officials have cited fears of exposing children to marijuana retail or becoming known as a Cannabis hot spot as reasons for opting out, it really shouldn’t matter as New Jersey residents made it crystal clear how they felt about the marijuana industry last November. Despite this, city councils and committees across the state are ignoring the will of the voters and making the decision to ban Cannabis, eschewing much needed tax revenue from pot sales in the process. A report by nj.com found that more than 70 towns had pot business bans in place before Murphy even signed the legalization bill into law. New Jersey’s marijuana law allows towns to opt out of the recreational industry, banning dispensaries, grow facilities and manufacturing. However, any ban put in place by a city prior to the legalization law taking effect is meaningless. Jurisdictions have 180 days from the date the bill was signed by the governor to craft and pass an ordinance banning Cannabis. If it passed a ban before legalization, it has to start all over again. If a town does not have a ban in place by the deadline, August 21, 2021, it will be governed by the state’s marijuana law for a period of five years. After five years, the jurisdiction will have another opportunity to ban the Cannabis industry. While municipalities are allowed to opt out of the pot industry, possession is still legal and local governments cannot prevent delivery services from bringing marijuana orders to residents in their jurisdiction.

COURT: COMPANY MUST PAY

FOR WORKER’S MEDICAL POT LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

he New Jersey Supreme Court provided yet another example of society’s growing acceptance of marijuana when it ruled that an employer must pay for an injured worker’s medical Cannabis. The state’s high court upheld an earlier ruling by the Appellate Court in a decision that could have a significant impact on medical Cannabis cases. Vincent Hager was seriously injured when cement fell on him while he was working for a construction company in 2001. The accident caused Hager chronic pain in his back and legs that led to multiple surgeries. Hager began taking opioids for the pain and became addicted to pills, until a doctor recommended medical Cannabis in 2016. Cannabis eased Hager’s pain and got him off of painkillers. So it only seemed right that his former employer pick up the tab for this highly effective medicine. However the employer, M&K Construction, disagreed and appealed the workers’ compensation decision. The company opposed paying for a drug that is illegal at the federal level. Fortunately, the court stepped in and explained that M&K would not be breaking the law, nor would it be in possession of Cannabis. Instead, the company would be reimbursing an injured worker for the cost of his medication, as compelled by a court. In early 2020, when the case was before the Appellate Division, Hager’s medical marijuana costs were approximately $616 a month. Photo by Elsa Olofsson

JUN. 2021

CHURCH LEADERS OPPOSE LEGALIZATION A

s Connecticut attempts to join the ranks of legal Cannabis states and lawmakers work to amend Gov. Ned Lamont’s adult-use bill to include stronger social equity programs, clergy members are making their voices heard. Their message? Just say no. Just as legalization was on a positive track in Connecticut and lawmakers expressed optimism that a bill would advance, a number of prominent religious leaders have asked the governor and legislators to abandon all dope. Seven Christian clergy members and an Islamic leader held a press conference to express their opposition to legalization. Archbishop Leonard Blair claimed that ending prohibition “does nothing … to benefit the common good of our state and its people. In the pursuit of money, the well-being of our neighbors has been discounted.” One could argue that simply ending arrests for Cannabis would “benefit the common good” – as the criminal justice system tends to leave significant psychological scars and criminal records make it difficult to find employment, housing and other benefits.

But beyond that, a good adult-use Cannabis bill would encourage entry to a lucrative industry for equity applicants, it would expunge criminal records for past marijuana offenses and reinvest money in communities that have suffered greatly under the war on marijuana. Not to mention the job creation and revitalization that come along with legal Cannabis businesses. Rev. Theodore Brooks of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World was thinking of the children. “In Black and brown communities, we are going to have legalized pot stores open up and our children are going to be affected by this. We cannot allow this to happen,’’ Brooks noted. “This notion of legalized pot, it doesn’t make sense.” While Rep. Josh Elliott, a sponsor of the adult-use bill, explained that municipalities would have the final say over whether a pot shop opened in their jurisdiction, it did little to win over the assembled clergy. One can only hope that when Connecticut moves forward and enacts meaningful marijuana-law reform, the clergy members turn the other cheek.

Photo by Vanderlei Longo

Photo by Being The Traveller

Legal Pot Definitely Maybe in Rhode Island

hode Island lawmakers continue to refer to legalization of recreational marijuana as “inevitable.” However, they also continue to not advance an adult-use bill. So far, Gov. Dan McKee and Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey have both introduced competing legalization proposals. Those proposals continue to be weighed by legislators who generally sound optimistic. But recently, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi told reporters that neither proponents nor opponents of legal weed are happy with the two bills. According to Shekarchi, “there’s a lot of uncertainty around it.” And even worse, the speaker doesn’t believe that legalization will happen this year. Don’t get Shekarchi wrong. “It’s going to happen.” He’s just not sure exactly when. Pressed on the issue, the speaker said, “I think it is about a 50-50 shot [of legalization passing this year] … There are a lot of issues on the table.” Senate President Dominick Ruggerio also refers to legalization in Rhode Island as “inevitable.” However, when pressed, Ruggerio said, “Do we need to pass it this year? Not necessarily, but I think we have worked pretty hard on this … The House doesn’t really have a plan at this point in time so we will see where it goes.” Complicating things further, another lawmaker introduced another Cannabis bill. The latest, a House bill, is from Rep. Scott Slater. And while it is not an adult-use legalization bill, Slater claims his measure would establish a “de facto recreational program.” Essentially, the bill relaxes regulations in the state’s medical Cannabis program, allows more conditions to qualify for medical pot and increases patient possession limits to 16 ounces. As for the recreational measures being considered, Sen. Ruggerio says, “At least get something in the form of legislation so we can take a look at it, yes or no.” With time running out on the legislative session, hopefully he gets his wish.

Photo by Green Force Staffing

STORIES by MIKE GIANAKOS @MIKEGEEZEEY

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interview

NORTHEAST LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH

JASON GARRETT

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CANNABIS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? I got involved in Cannabis at a young age, just recreationally with my friends, being wild fun kids. Eventually, with complications to my health as a result of my Type 1 Diabetes, I became a medical user – so you could say that Cannabis has had two uses in my life. HOW DO YOU APPROACH HELPING CUSTOMERS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS YOU ASK TO HELP DETERMINE WHAT THE BEST PRODUCTS ARE FOR THEM? I approach every customer in a fun and educational way. I want them to have a great experience and leave feeling like they not only had all of their questions answered, but also that they had a fun experience and found their new local joint! Some questions I like to ask are, ‘How do you want to feel?’ or ‘What tastes and smells do you like?’ – and our favorite, ‘How are you today?’ WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CONSUME AND FAVORITE STRAINS/VARIETIES? My favorite way to consume will always be flower rolled into a cigarillo, AKA a blunt. I love concentrates too, such as a live sugar from GTI or live resin from Nature’s Heritage, but I’ll never leave flower alone. I do have a huge love for my glass pieces, too. There’s nothing out there like a really good bong rip.

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WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE A GOOD BUDTENDER? First and foremost, you have to care and listen. You need a true passion for this industry to keep you motivated, and of course, so you can product-test to be able to give your true opinions. Also, be genuine. That’s what makes people come back. They feel you knew information they needed, led them to great products and had a fun, respectable visit all at the same time! Last – patience! You never know why people are coming in or what happened to them that day. Sometimes a little extra patience will go a long way to helping them get everything they need.

29-YEAR-OLD Haverhill, Massachusetts resident Jason Garrett has been a part of the Stem team since before they even opened their doors. For months, the crew took classes on Cannabis while waiting for the CCC (Cannabis Control Commission) to catch up with the coronavirus going on. Jason’s interests are traveling for live music and art collection, such as high end limited edition pins, paintings and pendants.

STEM HAVERHILL 124 WASHINGTON ST, HAVERHILL, MA STEMHAVERHILL.COM | @STEMHAVERHILL (978) 212-9760

jun. 2021

“I DO HAVE A HUGE LOVE FOR MY GLASS PIECES, TOO. THERE’S NOTHING OUT THERE LIKE A REALLY GOOD BONG RIP.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING IN DOWNTOWN HAVERHILL? The best thing about working downtown is the growing culture and history. I’ve lived in Haverhill for 25 years and seeing it grow the way it has been recently is amazing. We work in a building that used to be the Sons of Italy – a major part of downtown. I’ve worked at restaurants and other places close by, so to be able to work in a dispensary in the heart of so much culture is just amazing! WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIRST-TIME CANNABIS USERS? I would suggest simply some good flower out of a glass bowl, with some friends in a safe environment! Maybe a little Durban Poison – something motivating with a great taste and smell. I call it my ‘clean my house’ strain. For someone trying to stay away from smoking, a gummy and a funny movie is the perfect way into Cannabis! I actually have a 72-year-old lady who came in and said, ‘I’m 72! I’ve never smoked a day in my life! Now that it’s legal, I’m ready to try it!’ She comes in every couple weeks for her pack of gummies, now very happily.

INTERVIEW & PHOTOS by DAN VINKOVETSKY @DANNYDANKOHT/NORTHEAST LEAF

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BET BETTTYY isis SOCIAL SOCIAL BETTYSEDDIES.COM BETTYSEDDIES.COM Please Consume Responsibly For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this Please Consume For use onlyorby adults 21by years of age or Drug older.Administration Keep out of the reachThere of children. There may be health with consumption of this product. This productResponsibly has not been analyzed approved the Food and (FDA). is limited information on therisks sideassociated effects of using this product, and product. This product has not risks. been analyzed approved by the Foodand andbreastfeeding Drug Administration (FDA). Thereharms. is limited information onlaw thetoside effects of using this product, there may be associated health Marijuanaoruse during pregnancy may pose potential It is against the drive or operate machinery whenand there be associated health risks. useFROM duringCHILDREN. pregnancy and breastfeeding may pose potential harms. It is against the lawThe to drive or operate machinery when under themay influence of this product. KEEPMarijuana THIS AWAY Marijuana can impair concentrarion, coordination, and judgment. impairment effects of edibles under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. Marijuana can impair concentrarion, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poisin control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1-. This product may be illegal outside of MA. may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poisin control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1-. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

glass art

Inside Tammy Baller’s New Studio (In A Skatepark)

TAMMYBALLERGLASS @tammyballer

Tammy Baller is known for her amusing cartoon-character-inspired functional glass rigs and bowls she creates as one of the top glassblowing artists in the country. She was raised in Upstate New York where she fell in love with creating art during high school. Her talents got her into RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) and she was instantly fascinated by their Glass Fabrication building. She eventually dropped out of college, got into a little bit of trouble, and then rebounded by pouring all of her energy into creating her unique and whimsical glass pieces. Tammy’s boyfriend is an avid skateboarder and collector, and her new studio on his property is surrounded by several rideable pools and skate ramps. During the summer, skaters catch air right outside the picture window – while we discuss Tammy’s glassblowing career and her plans for the future. Tammy is very involved in both functional glass events and art festivals all around the country, and you can often find her demonstrating blowing glass with poise and passion. She has trained and inspired numerous other glass artists in the Northeast and beyond. “I like to make people smile and be happy,” says Tammy. “And if I can make something that makes me laugh, that’s what truly inspires me!”

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Tammy is very involved in both functional glass events and art festivals all around the country.

jun. 2021

STORY & PHOTOS by CHARLES TAGGART @KINDBUD.PHOTOS for LEAF NATION

Stem is your cannabis comfort zone, where there’s always a warm welcome and a ready recommendation, right in buzzing downtown Haverhill. We stock the broadest, most exciting variety of top-quality products in the region, and our sociable staff will help you discover the best cannabis experience for you. So, if you’re ready to feel at home, soak in some eclectic tunes, and kick back with our brilliant budtenders, then join us. And no matter where you’re from, consider us your local joint.

Flowers • Edibles • Concentrates Tinctures • Accessories • Artisan glass

S T E M H AV E R H I L L The Local Joint for All @stemhaverhill

View our menu stemhaverhill.com

Welcome to Stem!

Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

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LEMON MERINGUE jun. 2021

REVIEW & PHOTO by DAN VINKOVETSKY @DANNYDANKOHT/NORTHEAST LEAF

In the heart of historic Downtown Haverhill, Massachusetts, Stem thrives as a cozy and welcoming woman-owned adult-use dispensary, featuring a wide variety of locally-sourced Cannabis items available for purchase. One such product, the Lemon Meringue flowers grown by Revolutionary Clinics, is quickly becoming our “wake and bake” go-to for early morning inspiration and motivation.

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REVOLUTIONARY CLINICS

This sativa-dominant hybrid cross of Lemon Skunk and Cookies & Cream boasts bright green, tight nuggets with vibrant orange hairs. The first sniff is overwhelmingly citrus, with a strong scent of freshly cut lemons and the tartness of sour cherries – while a light squeeze reveals floral undertones of honeysuckle. The Lemon Meringue buds break up into the perfect consistency, properly cured and not too dry or moist. A dry hit on a joint tastes slightly mentholated, with a whiff of eucalyptus underneath the prevalent sweet candy flavor. We paired ours with seltzer on ice with lime, and the combination proved perfect. Immediately upon lighting and inhaling, a brisk feeling of energy and creativity began to STEM HAVERHILL swell within. This 124 Washington St, inspired motivational Haverhill, MA spirit continued (978) 212-9760 to increase, stemhaverhill.com culminating in a @stemhaverhill sublime feeling of mental clarity. Stress and fatigue faded away and we were emboldened to get outside and keep moving. Combined with the increase in appetite and vigor, the lively effects of this seductive strain make it a perfect daytime smoke. Intrigued? Then stop by Stem – an eclectic mom n’ pop weed shop in the Merrimack Valley – and try some Lemon Meringue for yourself.

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the global issue

L A B GLOPEC T I V E P E RS

UNITED STATES

t home and a s m r fo e r s e examin LEAF NATION Cannabis laws n o t r o p e r l ia c pe abroad in this s ld. around the wor

THE U.S. HAS EXPERIENCED A FLURRY OF PRO-POT REFORM SINCE ELECTION DAY IN 2020 AND FOUR STATES – NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, VIRGINIA AND NEW MEXICO – PASSED LEGALIZATION LEGISLATION IN JUST THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 2021!

Currently, 17 states and the District of Columbia have legalized Cannabis for adult use, while 36 states (and D.C.) have approved medical marijuana programs. More than 237 million Americans now live in a state with some form of legal Cannabis. While individual states have spearheaded the recreational and medical marijuana legalization movement, beginning with California’s landmark Prop. 215 in 1996, it is possible the federal government may soon follow suit. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced plans to introduce a measure that would legalize marijuana federally, removing it from the CSA and its insidious designation as a Schedule I narcotic. It’s true that President Joe Biden favors decriminalization and would likely prefer to see Cannabis rescheduled rather than descheduled. However, Senator Cory Booker, who is working with Schumer on the federal legalization bill, believes that Biden would back the legislation. And with a slight Democratic majority in the legislature, there really is a chance that Cannabis is legalized in the United States this year – an unthinkable scenario just months ago.

WITH THE U.S. ON THE VERGE OF HISTORIC CHANGE, LET’S SEE HOW THE REST OF THE WORLD IS HANDLING MARIJUANA-LAW REFORM: NORTH AMERICA

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CANADA

After first approving medical Cannabis more than 20 years ago, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana in October 2018 when the aptly named Cannabis Act took effect. The adult-use law legalized possession of up to 30 grams of pot. The Cannabis Act also established retail sales and rules for home cultivation. While Canada’s provinces create their own guidelines for retail (and can also opt out of personal cultivation), online sales are legal throughout the country. Provinces also set the minimum age for consuming Cannabis, which varies from 18 to 21.

MEXICO

In 2018, the Supreme Court declared prohibition to be unconstitutional and tasked lawmakers with creating a legalization law. Earlier this year it appeared that Mexico would finally join the ranks of recreational Cannabis countries. However, while legalization legislation passed both chambers, the bill has stalled in the Senate, as lawmakers failed to meet the deadline set by the court. A special session could be held later this year to pass the bill but at the moment, legalization in Mexico remains up in the air. Personal possession of pot has been decriminalized in Mexico since 2009 and a medical law allowing for the use of marijuana with less than 1% of THC was passed in 2017.

jun. 2021

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL

There is a long history of Cannabis in Israel, as many consider the country the birthplace of marijuana research. Israeli Professor Raphael Mechoulam discovered THC in 1964. Since then, Israel’s dedication to Cannabis research has made the country a global leader in the field. Israel boasts a strong medical marijuana program that began in the ‘90s. Recreational Cannabis is partially decriminalized for possession of up to 15 grams.

LEBANON

In April 2020, Lebanese lawmakers legalized the cultivation of marijuana for medical use. The policy change, which officials say was financially motivated, made Lebanon the first Arab country to allow Cannabis cultivation. Legislators also legalized growing industrial hemp. The U.N. considers Lebanon one of the world’s top producers of pot and its crops could be worth up to $1 billion annually. ASIA

SOUTH KOREA

While recreational Cannabis remains highly illegal, South Korea passed a landmark law in 2018 that made it the first country in East Asia to approve the use of medical marijuana. The program is quite strict, requiring a doctor’s recommendation as well as approval from the government to obtain medical Cannabis. And, only pot-based medicines like Sativex, Epidiolex, Marinol and Cesamet are allowed. AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

Thanks to a Constitutional Court ruling in 2018, personal consumption, possession or cultivation of Cannabis in private is legal in South Africa. Medical Cannabis is also legal and a doctor can prescribe pot for any condition. Prescriptions are filled at registered pharmacies.

ZIMBABWE

In 2018, Zimbabwe legalized the cultivation of medical Cannabis. However, it took nearly a year for the first license to be awarded (in exchange for a $46,000 fee). While the medical program is struggling, it calls for high quality Cannabis to be mailed to qualified patients by licensed producers.

EUROPE

SOUTH AMERICA

The Czech Republic decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams of pot and home cultivation of up to five plants in 2010. Lawmakers approved a medical Cannabis law in 2013, which allows for patients to obtain 180 grams of marijuana per month by prescription through pharmacies.

The country decriminalized possession and private consumption of small amounts of Cannabis in 2009. In 2017 the government approved CBD for medicinal use, and in 2020 President Alberto Fernández expanded the program to allow home cultivation of medical Cannabis. The new law also permits pharmacies to sell pot products (like oils and creams), which must be covered by insurance for any patient with a prescription.

CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

Despite the famed Freetown Christiania neighborhood, which became known for tolerated Cannabis sales, marijuana remains illegal in Denmark. However, the country began a four-year pilot program for medical Cannabis in 2018. The government is allowing the marijuana used in the program to be grown locally through a special permit.

GERMANY

Germany legalized medical Cannabis in March 2017, but the program is extremely strict. Only seriously ill patients qualify for a prescription. The government licenses companies to cultivate Cannabis for the limited medical program.

IRELAND

While recreational Cannabis remains illegal in Ireland, the country is experimenting with medical marijuana in the form of a five-year pilot program approved by the health minister. Seriously ill patients failed by conventional treatment would qualify for “compassionate access to Cannabis for medical reasons.”

ITALY

ARGENTINA

BRAZIL

Cannabis remains illegal in Brazil, and those caught with small amounts are subject to community service and conscripted education on the effects of drugs. While medical marijuana has been allowed since 2015, it is reserved for terminally ill patients. In 2019 the program was expanded to include sales through pharmacies.

CHILE

Despite widespread support for, and use of, Cannabis in Chile, pot remains illegal in the South American country. Nonetheless, there have been pro-pot reforms over the years. In 2015, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet removed marijuana from a list of dangerous drugs, where it had been classified along with heroin and cocaine. The move allowed Cannabis to be sold at pot patients at pharmacies. Home cultivation for personal use of recreational or medicinal marijuana has also been decriminalized.

COLOMBIA

Possession of up to 20 grams of Cannabis has been decriminalized in Colombia since 2012, and in 2015 the country approved home cultivation of up to 20 plants. That same year, Colombia legalized medical Cannabis and established dispensaries. Most recently, in 2019, the Constitutional Court overturned a ban on public consumption.

ECUADOR

Personal use amounts of Cannabis and hash are decriminalized in Ecuador and possession of up to 10 grams is essentially legal. The Ecuadorian government legalized medical marijuana in Sept. 2019.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Italy in 2013. Shortly thereafter, the government announced that the Italian army would grow the Cannabis for the country’s medical pot program. In February 2021, the health ministry granted a license to a private company to grow medical Cannabis. Prescriptions are only available to qualified patients and marijuana is available through pharmacies. Recreational Cannabis is decriminalized in Italy and as of 2019, home cultivation for personal use was legalized.

URUGUAY

THE NETHERLANDS

The Australian government legalized medical marijuana federally in November 2016, after changing the Narcotic Drugs Act to allow for the cultivation of Cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, the rules for pot patients in Australia differ depending on the jurisdiction. While parts of the country have decriminalized pot, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the first jurisdiction to legalize Cannabis in January 2020. While still federally illegal, the ACT law allows for the possession of up to 50 grams and home cultivation of as many as four plants per household.

Everyone’s favorite pot vacation spot; yet most don’t realize marijuana is illegal in Holland. Cannabis is tolerated by the government and sold at coffeeshops. Possession of up to five grams is decriminalized. Public consumption at coffeeshops is allowed.

PORTUGAL

In 2001, Portugal became the first country to decriminalize all illicit drugs, including Cannabis. Currently, those in possession of up to 25 grams of marijuana or five grams of hash face no criminal or civil penalties. Portugal legalized medical Cannabis in 2018, establishing sales through pharmacies. Growing marijuana remains illegal.

In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana. The following year, lawmakers approved home cultivation of up to six plants and cultivation clubs allowed growers to work together to produce 99 pot plants a year. In 2017, Uruguay implemented its dispensary program, consisting of 16 licensed pharmacies approved for retail sales.

DOWN UNDER

AUSTRALIA

CARIBBEAN

BARBADOS

Barbados legalized medical Cannabis in 2019 and also allows registered Rastafarians to legally use marijuana through the Sacramental Cannabis Bill.

JAMAICA

In 2015, Jamaica legalized medical Cannabis and decriminalized possession of up to two ounces. Personal cultivation of up to five plants is allowed, as is the sacramental use of marijuana by Rastafarians. Jamaica faced a Cannabis shortage earlier this year due to a drought and increased demand.

STORY by MIKE GIANAKOS @MIKEGEEZEEY/LEAF NATION

the global issue

CANNABIS CA CANNABISCANNABISC CANNABIS W

THE GLOBAL COMMODITY

hat will it take for Cannabis to become a global commodity, and what does success imply for the current and future marketplaces that are selling Cannabis in the U.S. and beyond? I zoomed with Claudia Della Mora, the co-founder and managing partner at Black Legend Capital – an investment and advisory firm based out of Los Angeles and an expert in international Cannabis legalization – to explore what the future holds for the plant, the industry, and our ability to consume Cannabis internationally.

CANNABIS AS A COMMODITY Traditionally, a commodity is the raw material that makes up finished products like petroleum, sugar or rice that can be traded internationally in large quantities with little restrictions, with pricing based on supply and demand as prices fluctuate. Commodity potential within the Cannabis industry includes THC flower, hemp biomass, THC/CBD distillates or isolates, and crude oil. While these have potential as bulk commodities and to one day be traded on the exchanges, there are three essential pieces to the puzzle that must be made to fit before Cannabis products can be sold as commodities globally. While most U.S. companies see the future of Cannabis as a commodity coming from federal legalization, the real barrier to global trade is the United Nations Drug Treaty. “Cannabis needs to get to a point of international legalization to have a commodity status, and that will require a type of standardization and minimum requirements for products to be traded and sold,” said Claudia Della Mora. “Although everyone looks at the U.S. as the biggest market, it’s only the biggest developed market, but it’s not going to be the biggest manufacturing market. I do believe when everything is federally approved, Cannabis will be cultivated in low labor cost countries like China, Mexico, Columbia – so those countries will be very important while people buy from them.”

jun. 2021

Claudia Della Mora, Black Legend Capital co-founder and managing partner.

CANNABIS

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IN TERNATI ON A L L EG A L I Z A T I ON

ANNABIS CAN CANNABIS CANCAN SO S T ANDA RDIZATION

For Cannabis to be treated as a commodity, there must be universally accepted standards for products. Currently, every state in the U.S. has different standards, as does each country across the globe. For there to be import/export of products, standards for quality, testing, ingredients and many other factors must be determined. There will be different standards for medicinal/ pharmaceutical grade and recreational Cannabis, including cultivation, processing and the end user product. PR IC E TRANSP A REN C Y

There has to be a benchmark for prices, with differentiation, just like with the oil and gas industry. Once there are standards agreed upon internationally, there can be pricing set for types and grades of products, which would allow the ability for trade on a global commodity scale. “In order to be a commodity, a product must be freely traded and sold,” said Della Mora. “Oil is a benchmark for pricing, but gas is refined from oil and priced locally. One interesting thing is that raw materials are sometimes a minor cost of the cost of the finished goods – sugar costs very little by the pound, while a two-liter bottle of Coke is above two dollars with little added expense.” THE THREE VERTICALS OF THE INDUSTRY

While it is easy to think about the Cannabis industry as one giant melting pot, there are actually three distinct divisions that come from the same plant: industrial hemp, medical Cannabis and recreational Cannabis. Recreational Cannabis is like the alcohol or consumer packaging industry with lower regulations, medical Cannabis

is similar to pharmaceuticals in terms of regulations and expectations, and industrial hemp can be used for either industrial applications, pharmaceutical grade medical products, or even recreational use. This is a complex web of overlapping products, and it’s important to understand how each vertical has a different function on a global level. INDUSTRIAL HEMP & CBD

Hemp is the only aspect of the three that is today at a commodity level globally, with import and export being legal in the U.S. at under .3% THC, or .2% THC in the European Union. As a commodity, hemp-derived CBD has crashed in prices globally, and the value continues to fall as supply outstrips demand and more farms come on-line globally to produce industrial hemp and CBD. MEDICAL CANNABIS VS . R E C R E AT I O N A L

MMJ is a very specific aspect of the commoditization of Cannabis because processors use THC and CBD raw materials that are specialized, not just anything random. They often require specific ratios of cannabinoids and for the products to be grown or processed in a specific way, like European Union Good Manufacturing Processes certified. These raw materials are also used for specific types of treatments. When you get down to specifics, the real difference between recreational and MMJ is not the end user, but the standards used to classify what category the Cannabis falls under. Apart from regulations like quality control or specific dosing, the only difference between MMJ and recreational is the label on the jar. G L O B A L DE MA N D

Although the global pandemic may have caused an up-tick in Cannabis consumption over the past year, the numbers appear to be here to stay. “Americans legally purchased $17.9 billion of legal Cannabis in 2020, not including the black market or states without legal Cannabis,” said Della Mora. “Which is $7.2 billion more than was bought in 2019 – so the pandemic saw a massive increase in sales – with the combined medical/rec market projected to reach $23 billion annually by 2025. Globally, the value is estimated at $130 billion by 2025, with Mexico alone estimated to be a $60 billion market.”

While there are U.S. based companies that have hundreds of employees and millions of dollars in revenues, even the largest U.S. producer/processor is woefully undersized and unprepared for a global Cannabis market. The market conditions that currently exist domestically have created an environment that has made Cannabis a cash crop in America, but this will not necessarily be the case long term. At the center of this bubbling market is the American idea that Cannabis producers have an inherent value that will make them ripe for acquisition from multinational companies, or that the products and brands they produce have enough domestic value and demand that there will always be a warm market for U.S. companies to sell their products domestically. However, this rose-tinted optimism has new competition on the horizon. “A small number of companies can already supply all the commodity input needed to meet global demand for CBD,” explained Della Mora. “THC is limited state by state in the U.S., currently with high demand, but there is no sense in producing Cannabis in expensive countries or in climates not friendly to cultivation. Small producers might want to provide their knowledge, distribution networks and sales relationships to larger companies that will ultimately produce Cannabis in Mexico or elsewhere. That is the primary value that a small cultivator in the U.S. can provide to a large company once Cannabis is legal globally.” In short, the current state of global legalization works in the producer/processor’s favor in the U.S., as does a lack of federal legalization. Even if the U.S. legalizes before the U.N., a national legal market would likely hurt small to medium U.S. producers in the long run, as they try to compete against multi-state operators and the rush of investment from major corporations. “Of course, I don’t want to sound like a downer, and no producer/processor wants to hear this as they continue pouring money into companies, especially when there is domestic demand,” said Della Mora. “But from an entrepreneurial view, you have to understand your clientele before starting a business – and I think a lot of people are not sophisticated enough to make good decisions long term.”

CAN AMERICAN GROWERS COMPETE? >>

CANNABIS

while the U.S. currently dominates the Cannabis conversation, it is far from the center of the world when it comes to pot’s future as a commodity. And while the U.S. can legalize at the federal level, that doesn’t mean they can export it lawfully. “It has to be the United Nations moving Cannabis to a U.N. Schedule II or III – that would allow countries and investors to create a market for products to be sold legally,” said Della Mora. “Right now to import and export MMJ, a narcotic license is necessary and it has to be compliant to the 1961 U.N. convention.”

THE CURRENT STATE OF GLOBAL LEGALIZATION WORKS IN THE PRODUCER/ PROCESSOR’S FAVOR IN THE U.S., AS DOES A LACK OF FEDERAL LEGALIZATION.

STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by BLACK LEGEND CAPITAL

Continued from previous page

CANNABIS

the global issue

CANNABIS - THE GLOBAL COMMODITY

Listen to Leaf Life Podcast Show #115 Legal Cannabis in Mexico, with guest Claudia.

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CAN AMERICAN GROWERS COMPETE IN A GLOBAL MARKET?

products. ‘Made in America’ could be the stamp that keeps U.S. companies alive – just like the demand seen in the United Kingdom for Australian products that follow the commonwealth trade history of other commodities.” In the European Union and most of the developed world outside the U.S., local governments As noted previously, with commoditization control commodities like minerals and natural comes standardization, meaning that Cannabis resources, and issue permits to companies to in Mexico or Columbia will have to follow the extract, refine and sell these products. From a same rules, regulations and standards as Cannaregulatory standpoint, the less companies involved bis grown in the U.S. In reality, all Cannabis will the better, as it takes fewer resources to regulate be regulated similarly globally, meaning that the and hold accountable a couple massive compasame standardized quality will come from counnies than a large number of smaller companies. tries with more favorable growing climates and This means that globally the market is already lower production costs, which will make it very tilted in favor of huge companies, especially those difficult for U.S. domestic producers to compete with experience in other industries. abroad. The biggest hope for U.S. growers will “In Germany, three companies won the right be local demand, and the potential for the U.S. to cultivate because it is a no-brainer for the Government to impose tariffs or taxes that make government to work with three companies instead competition easier for U.S. growers producing the of dozens, with less management and risk, and same quality of products as those in other parts of everything being provided the world. easily in big amounts on a silver “I think that there will be consum“THERE’S ALWAYS platter,” explained Della Mora. ers domestically and globally that “So any little company would be OPPORTUNITY want to choose ‘Grown in Amera waste of time for a regulating ica’ products versus those grown WHEN THERE ARE government.” in South America or elsewhere,” LIMITATIONS, SO I Nonetheless, Della Mora sees explained Della Mora. “Not all, opportunity within the complex but there will be those who choose ALWAYS ENCOURAGE web of global Cannabis. domestic products if regulations ENTREPRENEURS “There’s always opportunity allow disclosure of where the raw when there are limitations, so I material comes from, like in food/ OR BRIGHT MINDS always encourage entrepreneurs beverages/clothing. If those trends TO THINK ABOUT or bright minds to think about follow, there will be a portion of the SOLUTIONS,” solutions,” she said. “Because consumers that prefer locally-made

jun. 2021

CANNABIS

when you provide a solution, it’s a good investment of time. Obviously, whoever finds solutions in the meantime is going to make a lot of money, because it’s going to be a few years at least before full commoditization. Eventually, what we would like is for a real commodity situation, for Cannabis to be traded globally – and whoever is first to figure this out will take the market.”

espite the challenges facing American companies on a global market, Della Mora is hopeful that the changes in international law will lead to a greater acceptance of Cannabis as a safe recreational drug and medicine, which will continue to create new opportunities for companies in America and around the globe. “My hope is that it will be federally and internationally legal, so that everyone can use it recreationally,” said Della Mora. “But I really hope that this plant can be recognized medicinally and wellness-wise everywhere, because it really does help. We are discovering that Cannabis consumption might even help or protect against viruses like COVID, so we need more research and acceptance. I really hope that people who use Cannabis for medicinal uses can do so without the stigma and ignorance, and that there is going to be global information awareness so that people can learn more about this amazing plant – not from the point of view of stoners, but from medical practitioners working to save lives.”

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STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION

Are you

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the global issue

Signs in Amsterdam warn against smoking Cannabis in public.

AMSTERDAM’S COFFEESHOP CRACKDOWN

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OR THE PAST HALF-CENTURY, Amsterdam border municipalities (where many rowdy tourists enter has been considered the Cannabis capital from neighboring countries like Germany, France, Britain of Europe, if not the world. Long before and Belgium) rather than in Amsterdam, where weed legalization seemed possible here in Ameritourism comprises a significant portion of the city’s econca, Amsterdam’s coffeeshops were the only omy. Sadly though, it looks like that’s about to change. place where one could buy and consume Earlier this year, Amsterdam’s first female mayor Femmarijuana openly without fear of criminal repercussion – ke Halsema, proposed, among other things, enforcing thanks to the Netherlands’ policy of “soft drug” tolerance the wietpas ban in the capital for the first time. In a letter (gedoogbeleid). But over the past decade, that tolerance to the city council on January 8, Halsema outlined a sehas eroded due to the right-leaning Christian national ries of policy changes regarding the city’s Cannabis ingovernment and complaints from the citizenry. dustry. Aside from the so-called “residence criterion,” the Just before the pandemic, tourism to Amsterdam was proposal would also institute new licensing requirements at an all-time high – averaging nearly 2 million to legalize the supply chain – allowing THE LOSS OF visitors per month – half of whom were there, shops to purchase their Cannabis legally at least in part, to visit some of the city’s 166 from government-approved sources (thus CANNABIS Cannabis coffeeshops and/or infamous Red Light eliminating the problem of illegal “backTOURISM IS District. Residents have long decried the throngs of door” suppliers who are often connectSURE TO HAVE ill-behaved tourists who reportedly piss, puke, lited to organized crime) and keep more A DEVASTATING ter, shout and fight in their streets, and seeing the stock on-premises. However, these new EFFECT ON THE city tourist-free during the COVID lockdown has requirements would also limit the number only spotlighted these “overtourism” complaints. of locations each coffeeshop brand can CITY’S ECONOMY To address these “quality of life” concerns, the operate and eliminate over half of the Dutch government began taking steps to reduce tourism: remaining coffeeshops in the city. banning new hotels and tourist-targeted businesses As expected, coffeeshop owners are pushing back (such as Red Light tours and souvenir shops), restricting hard against these measures. Joachim “Joa” Helms, Airbnb rentals and increasing their “tourist tax.” In 2012, co-owner of the legendary Green House coffeeshop and they introduced the “wietpas” (weed pass) policy, which spokesman for the Dutch Cannabis Retailers Association banned non-residents from visiting coffeeshops; howev(BCD), says that the coffeeshop industry is being unfairly er, until now, the policy has been enforced primarily in targeted for the problem of misbehaving tourists.

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“People who come to smoke weed aren’t the ones causing the disturbance,” he asserts. “Usually, it’s guys being loud on the street and being drunk – and those aren’t typical coffeeshop people.” So if drunk people are causing most of the problems, BCD representatives argue, why not ban tourists from bars? They also point out that the ban will only exacerbate the very criminality officials claim to be concerned about. “If you want to prevent an illegal market, then coffeeshops are essential,” says Helms. “Every smoker that’s not allowed in a coffeeshop is one that buys his weed from an illegal dealer!” According to them, the tourist ban is bad policy for several reasons: It endangers tourists by exposing them to shady street dealers who also sell hard drugs, carry weapons and rip people off; it funnels revenue from Cannabis sales into the hands of criminals, rather than regulated, tax-paying businesses; and it forces tourists to consume their Cannabis out in public, rather than inside designated shops, thus exposing passersby to their smoke. “With the US and Canada legalizing, Cannabis culture is only getting bigger and bigger,” Helms observes. “So instead of closing shops to tourists, we should embrace what this city was always known for and legalize. That’s the best, most obvious solution.” As of now, plans to relocate the Red Light District from the city center to a new “sex zone” on the outskirts of town are already underway, and the Cannabis control proposal is on track to take effect next year. Even if the ban does go into effect, however, many predict it will be short-lived, as the loss of Cannabis tourism is sure to have a devastating effect on the city’s economy – not just the coffeeshop owners, but also hotels, tour operators, restaurants and other businesses. Hopefully, a fairer compromise can be negotiated that addresses residents’ legitimate concerns, while still allowing tourists to continue enjoying Amsterdam’s world-renowned coffeeshop culture.

STORY by BOBBY BLACK @BOBBYBLACK420 for LEAF NATION

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the global issue

THE WIDE WORLD INDICA

MATANUSKA THUNDERFUCK

Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley is the origin of this classic strain that is commonly referred to as MTF. Popular since the 1980s and known to produce different effects in different users, this cultivar is a bit of a wild card. Those familiar with the varietal claim it is one of the most potent and complex strains in existence.

SATIVA

JACK HERER Jack Herer

is the name of both a legendary Cannabis activist, and an equally renowned, energetic and notoriously flavorful thin-leaf varietal hailing from Amsterdam. Bred from a threeway cross of Haze, Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk, breeder Sensi Seeds created the strain in the mid‘90s in honor of the great activist. This spice, pine and citrus forward cultivar is known to produce a heady, cerebral and creative high.

INDICA HYBRID

DJ SHORT BLUEBERRY

34 INDICA HYBRID

OG KUSH

Legend has it that DJ Short scoured Central America and Southeast Asia to find the genetics that would eventually be bred into the renowned DJ Short Blueberry, also known as the True Blueberry. The purported lineage of the strain is Highland Thai, Oregon Purple Thai and Afghani. While the strain has international roots, the legwork to breed the strain was done in Seattle, Washington.

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The OG Kush has a truly wild history behind it. Reportedly, the strain originated in Florida in 1991 and in 1996, Josh D flew wet cuts from Florida to Los Angeles, California where it exploded in popularity amongst both consumers and celebrities. At one point in time, outrageous prices of SATIVA $6,000 to $10,000 per pound were MAUI WOWIE being paid to Hawaii is known to be home acquire this to some incredible tropical especially hefty ganja, as well as some smoke. prized genetics. Maui Wowie is a classic thin-leaf varietal that is arguably the most famous of the archipelago’s cultivars, bursting onto the scene after making its way stateside in the 1970s. Maui Wowie features a mango, lemon-lime, pine-forward aroma that is known for its euphoric and mellowing effects.

HYBRID

MONTANA SILVERTIP

This sparkling cultivar is Montana’s shining gem and a rare, but special cultivar. With storied lineage that is said to be a Grand Daddy Purple x Silver Kush cross, this heavy-duty hybrid packs a powerful punch, delivering characteristics of both the body-high-leaning GDP and the uppity zip of the Silver Kush.

SATIVA

NYC SOUR DIESEL

SATIVA

ACAPULCO GOLD

Mexico’s most famous Cannabis strain and arguably the world’s best known sativa, Acapulco Gold is a musky, tropical, haze-esque landrace strain that exploded in popularity in the 1960s and was touted as the first “connoisseur pot.” Though rare, it can still be found in old heads’ gardens along the West Coast and beyond.

The exact lineage of NYC Sour Diesel is a bit muddled, thanks to two versions of the strain existing. The original version was most likely a Chem Dog plant that was unintentionally pollinated by another plant in the same room in Staten Island, New York sometime in the early 1990s. Later, Soma Seeds got a cut of the Sour and put out their version – which many referred to as Grapefruit, thanks to its aroma and flavor that called the fruit to mind.

SATIVA

RED CONGOLESE

Popularized in California, this hybrid is derived from landrace strains from two different continents – South America and Africa – producing a notably stimulating, creative and motivating cultivar. The strain has a strong tendency to produce focused and functional effects, coupled with a high degree of mental clarity, making it an excellent choice for daytime consumption.

SATIVA HYBRID

DURBAN POISON

jun. 2021

Durban Poison is a special landrace varietal originating from the South African port city of Durban. The strain is a classic thin-leaf varietal and produces a buzzy, energetic and motivating high via a piney, lemon-lime and musk-forward smoke. Rumor has it that the strain was popularized by Cannabis greats Ed Rosenthal and Mel Frank in the late 1970s.

OF WEED STRAINS

INDICA

HINDU KUSH This strain

is named after the mountain range stretching through Afghanistan from Pakistan to Tajikistan, which is the area this cultivar is indigenous to. Hindu Kush is a short and bushy plant that produces thick, hefty and tree-like colas. The strain has a reputation for producing stunningly dark purple and black leaves, and is commonly known to create a couch-locking, heavy-handed body high for the user.

HYBRID

SHIATSU KUSH

Originally bred as an heirloom strain, Shiatsu Kush hails from the Japanese island of Amami Oshima. This rare varietal was originally brought to the Americas by legendary seed bank BC Bud Depot, known for its deeply relaxing effects and complex terpene profile that tends to present with prominent notes of cedar and menthol.

STORY by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/LEAF NATION

CANNABIS HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN THE HIGHLY DEVELOPED, HYBRIDIZED AND SELECTIVELY HUNTED PLANT THAT IT IS TODAY. Once upon a time, certain Cannabis strains existed solely in specific regions throughout the world. As the popularity and value of the plant rose, so did cultivators’ interest in diversifying their product lines – thus beginning the development of our modern day Cannabis cultivars. Select growers took this niche interest and began traveling internationally, hunting for new varietals from select regions around the world. These growers, many of whom eventually changed their focus from cultivation to breeding, helped usher in a new era for the plant and the community around it.

WE CULLED TOGETHER SOME O F T H E T O P ST R A I N S F R O M AROUND THE WORLD TO SHOW HOW CANNABIS’ I N T E R N AT I O N A L R O O T S H AV E S E T T H E STA G E F O R A N E W G LO B A L M A R K E T.

reviews

TECHNOLOGY ALPHAPEN BRNR LABS

BRNRLAB.COM | @BRNRLAB

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

THE BATTERY

Introducing the BRNR Alpha – a premium vape pen at a price that anyone can afford.

“One of the safest, sturdiest, smoothest-pulling vape pens I’ve ever hit.” jun. 2021

THE PORTABILITY and discretion of a good vape pen make it an indispensable alternative to the desktop dab rig. But most of the vape pens on the market tend to fall into two categories: the cheap, disposable types that don’t last long and may or may not be off-gassing toxic fumes; and the higher-end vapes, which are better quality and typically come with a heftier price tag. But now, you can have the best of both worlds with the new Alpha Vape from BRNR Labs. The BRNR Alpha has a sleek, spaceage design that’s available in four different colors: pink, blue, space gray and black. There’s no button to press – activation is triggered by inhalation. There’s also no light to show it’s on, instead using haptic feedback (a subtle vibration) to let you know it’s working. It comes with a Grade-A battery that’s compatible with any standard 510-threaded cartridge, a refillable glass AVD cartridge, an aluminum sheath, an adapter ring (to adjust the sheath height for longer cartridges), and a micro-USB charging cord. Let’s take a look at each of these components more closely:

Alpha features a Grade-A battery, meaning it has met the strictest of safety and quality standards. Unlike B and C-Grade batteries, Grade-A batteries have a longer life and are less likely to leak or explode. The bottom of Alpha’s battery features a micro-USB port for charging and a tiny switch used to toggle between the two heat settings: low and high. Since there’s no button, there’s no messing around trying to remember how many clicks or which colored light corresponds to which setting. When set to low, the atomizer heats to the temperature where the terpenes just begin to vaporize, preserving as much flavor and aroma as possible – perfect for highterp sauce carts. On the high setting, it heats to just below the temperature where any off-gassing might conceivably occur – delivering a heavier hit that’s optimal for highTHC distillates. Both temperatures are sensor-controlled by BRNR’s proprietary Smart Pulse Technology – a sophisticated algorithm that sends automated intermittent pulses of power to the atomizer, rather than constant heat. This prevents the device from overheating and reduces stress on the ceramic core, extending its life.

THE CARTRIDGE

Alpha Pen comes equipped with an AVD (Advanced Vapor Devices, BRNR’s sister company) cartridge constructed using only the highest quality and safest materials available. All components within the air path – including a pure nickel and kanthal heating element, the zero-absorption borosilicate glass chamber, and the clean ceramic core – are certified non-toxic, non-reactive and inert. Thanks to AVD’s extensive quality control and testing, their carts are considered the new gold standard for many top-name concentrate producers.

THE RESULTS

In the final analysis, Alpha is one of the safest, sturdiest, smoothest-pulling vape pens I’ve ever hit. It provides strong, steady hits with no overheating and long battery life. It’s built to last years rather than months, which not only saves you money, but is also better for the environment. And with its one-year warranty and the very reasonable price point of just $25, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better vape pen for your money.

REVIEW & PHOTOS by BOBBY BLACK @BOBBYBLACK420 for LEAF NATION

NORTHEAST

RECREATIONAL & MEDICAL DISPENSARIES

EVERYDAY LOW PRICES

EXCLUSIVE FLOWER YOUR FAVORITE STRAINS FOR LESS. PRE-GROUND FLOWER THAT’S READY TO ROLL.

WORCESTER (REC) • ALLSTON (MED) mayflowermass.com @mayflower.mass

@mayflower.stores

This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edible Marijuana Products may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-2221222 or 911. This product may be illegal outside of MA. Please Consume Responsibly. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE Affordable advertising available now! email michael@leafmagazines.com for details on marketing your brand and company in OUR JULY 2021 CONCENTRATES ISSUE!

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TOPICAL of the month

BACK TO ROOTS

MAGIC CREAM

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

$50 — 600mg THC/3 oz container contains organic coconut oil, beeswax, lavender essential oil and full spectrum cannabis extract.

Do you believe in magic?

BEHOLD a magical THC-infused topical brought to you by a wholesome farming company that typically sells non-infused baked goods like bread and muffins. Provoking a belief in magic, this full spectrum salve explodes with 600 milligrams of THC in an only three-ounce container! I travelled to Bethel, Maine to clear my head in the beautiful countryside, only to find myself nestled between picturesque mountains in a farming community as sweet and quaint as one could imagine. Back to Roots’ farm is located in Woodstock, but the towns are connected by Route 26, which is the only main road around – bringing the small-town vibe that’s evident in the topical. Magic Cream can be applied liberally to the most sensitive and sore parts of the body to alleviate pain, tension and stress.

jun. 2021

199 CURTIS HILL ROAD, WOODSTOCK, ME BACKTOROOTSMAINE.SQUARE.SITE

The lavender scent is subtle and does not linger – allowing this cream to be utilized virtually undetected and making this a great unisex option. The coconut oil and beeswax make this a moisture-rich formula that feels wet upon application and leaves some residue that will need to be wiped off. Therapeutic and restorative, this cream relieves sore muscles almost magically with fastacting ingredients that make you feel nothing short of charmed. Magic Cream is the medicine of your dreams in a lightly scented, no frills, down-home package. Back to Roots’ THC products can be purchased with a medical card online or at Pine Tree Glass Shop in Bethel, Maine, while Magic Cream with CBD can be found on their website and is available to the public for $35.

REVIEW & PHOTOS by BAILEY JONSON @BADMSBAILEY for NORTHEAST LEAF

HOMEGROWN HEALTH WINTHROP, ME THE GRASS STATION ENFIELD, ME GREEN BEAR 420 NEWPORT, ME

50MG THC PER CHOCOLATE

STUBBORN JACKASS FB.COM/S TUBBOR NJACK AS S

Stubborn Jackass was created by Chris Palmer with the vision of supplying affordable medical Cannabis products for both his family and his community. These Moroccan chocolates are a delectable and exotic treat, made by a talented chocolatier from a grassroots company.

CHOCOLATES REVIEW & PHOTOS by BAILEY JONSON @BADMSBAILEY for NORTHEAST LEAF

Subtle but delicious, with spicy notes of nutmeg and black pepper.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

MOROCCAN

Featuring 60% dark chocolate, 40% milk chocolate, nutmeg, ginger, cassia, turmeric, black pepper, allspice, clove, cardamom – not to mention vegan decorating paints from Poland, Maine – this fine gourmet edible will leave you feeling guilt-free on a chocolate high. The packaging is basic but clean and refined. On one side, a silver reflective mylar and on the other side, a clear window with two colorful graffiti speckled chocolates. The artful design is reminiscent of a Jackson Pollock painting and adds a fun spin to the classic chocolate truffle. At about one square-inch in size, these chocolates are small – but the perfect size for medicating moderately. Each chocolate square has 50mg of infused THC, which is the perfect amount for dosing throughout the day. The flavor is subtle but delicious, and spicy notes of nutmeg and black pepper shine through. This is not an overly sweet confection, instead crafted for an adult palate. The dark chocolate is sophisticated and smooth. They are well-tempered and the chocolate inside is creamy and even. This edible has a nice bite! The high was calming and made me feel fun and giggly – no racing mind or uncomfortable feelings. These chocolates were great for socializing and I did not feel weighed down or sluggish, rather, just serene and content. When the effects began to wear off, there was no tiredness or hangover. Later that day and into the morning, I continued to feel carefree and soothed.

EDIBLE OF THE MONTH

AVA I L A B L E F R O M

concentrate of the month

HIKER TRASH CANNABIS CO.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

WIZARDMILK Once again, I found myself traveling along the rolling hills and green pastures of Maine’s backwoods trying to find some comfort in the springtime air. Knowing that Maine has some of the best extractions in our region, I went on a mission to acquire some serious terps. Fortunately, I was able to get my hands on some of the elusive Hiker Trash full spectrum live rosin. I’ve encountered Hiker Trash Cannabis Co. in the past and appreciated their in-depth knowledge of genetics – they know what’s hot and what’s not. I respect their ability to predict future terpene trends and their palate for strains is quite similar to mine. Grown in-house, their single-source, small-batch flower is fruited to absolute perfection. With entire rooms reserved just for creating and collecting resin, Hiker Trash is surely keen on quality. This really shows in their concentrates, which check off every box on the list. Hiker Trash just upgraded to a brand new logo with a sleek insignia, but is subtle on the marketing side. Presented simply, their concentrate is stored in plain glass jars with a black cap covered by their logo.

jun. 2021

I came to find out that this cultivar is very unique to Maine, being a cross of CookieMaine from The Captains Connection, Wizard Punch and Green Team Genetics’ Milkbone. Hiker Trash rosin is cold-cured in a temperaturecontrolled storage unit until they begin to see terpene separation, which is when they start whipping or mixing until it reaches its final form. Observers will truly appreciate the light yellow color of Wizard Milk live rosin. Obviously a wet badder, there’s a distinct juiciness to the texture that is incredibly appealing – including little puddles of terp-juice in the corner. Upon application to my dabber, the texture was rich and creamy, spinning like caramel when at room temperature. Wizard Milk’s scent is sweet like cereal milk, but there’s also notes of citrus candy akin to Lemonheads. Venturing out in Maine’s dense forest was the perfect honeycomb hideaway for me to relax and really explore the medicinal value of this strain. A heavy head change hit first, with a slight chilling effect down the limbs – a true HIKERTRASHCANNABIS.COM treat to medicate with in the glistening sunshine. @HIKERTRASHCANNABISCO You can find Hiker Trash Cannabis Co. at local seshes in Maine and distributed to Kind Guy in Biddeford. You can also reach out to them on Instagram with any questions about genetics, technique, or to find out about upcoming rosin drops!

REVIEW by BOBBY NUGGZ @BOBBYNUGGZ_OFFICIAL for NORTHEAST LEAF | PHOTO by BAILEY JONSON @BADMSBAILEY

alternative medicine

KRATOM

Interview with Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the American Kratom Association

It was an unseasonably cold February night in 2018 when I found myself in one of Alaska’s roughest neighborhoods. Indistinct shouting and blaring police sirens cut through my anxiety as I approached a wooden lean-to lit by only a neon green sign that read “Smoke Shop.” When I opened the creaky front door, I was greeted by dim fluorescent lights and a slew of unsavory characters who were probably just as confused by my presence as I was. But we were all there for the same thing: kratom.

Effects

jun. 2021

Illustration by Adobe/Irissca

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

erived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree that is native to Southeast Asia, kratom has been consumed for centuries. An herbal cure-all of sorts, kratom is said to treat everything from impotence to stomach bugs, as well as ease pain and anxiety. While the plant has a rich history in Eastern medicine, it is relatively new to the Western consciousness. First introduced to Europe in the early 19th century by Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals, the plant has yet to gain wide acceptance Suppose Haddow is correct in his assertions, and kratom can in the United States, in part, because of misinformation. wean those addicted to prescription opioids of their affliction. Why is So, why has this humble plant become so demonized in kratom currently classified as a Schedule I drug alongside Cannabis, the United States? Used in small doses, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, meth and peyote? According to Mac Haddow, a Senior Fellow on Public kratom works as a In this, Haddow is succinct. Policy at the American Kratom Association, the answer is stimulant – similar to “[The FDA] has expansive power, and they disseminate relatively straightforward. drinking an energy propaganda about [kratom]. They infect the whole discussion from “It’s probably an outgrowth of the [FDA] bias against drink. In large quantities, a public policy standpoint by citing a string of deaths that were all-natural products. They hate homeopathic products, kratom can have an previously attributed to kratom, but have since been refuted,” says and they hate plants and anything that doesn’t require a analgesic effect as it Haddow. ‘New Drug Application,’” says Haddow. binds to the body’s The most damaging narrative to come from the FDA concerns the The problem, Haddow believes, is akin to the natural μ-opioid death of nine Swedes in 2010. Two years later, the original cause of FDA’s response to vitamin supplements in the ‘90s. In receptors death was redacted by The National Board of Forensic Medicine in 1991, the Nutrition Advertising Coordination Act was Sweden. While kratom was detected in the systems of the deceased, introduced, in which the FDA would have the power to the Board determined that it was not the primary cause of death, but rather, it was tighten the regulations regarding supplement labeling. The Act was shot the adulteration of the consumed kratom. down and replaced by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act “Kratom in its pure state is not dangerous,” insists Haddow. (DSHEA) in 1994 during the Clinton Administration. Under the DSHEA, Just like Cannabis, the problem is not the plant itself. It is the mismanagement a dietary supplement cannot be approved or authorized for investigation of the product by smoke shops and other entities that saw the analgesic effect of as a new drug, antibiotic, or biologic unless it was marketed as a food or kratom and thought, “Maybe we can mix it with some things.” dietary supplement before such approval or authorization. On this, Haddow and the FDA agree. This distinction becomes important when it comes to the ability of “As we work to combat the opioid crisis, we cannot allow unscrupulous vendors kratom producers to market or advertise their product as being able to take advantage of consumers by selling products with unsubstantiated claims to treat illness. More importantly, it stifles one major sector of kratom that they can treat opioid addiction or alleviate other medical conditions,” wrote consumers: those trying to beat their opioid addiction. acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D., in a June 2019 press release. When used in small doses, kratom works as a stimulant – similar Without tight regulations and rigorous testing protocols, consumers can be to drinking an energy drink. In large quantities, kratom can have an putting themselves at risk by consuming kratom. But that doesn’t mean that we analgesic effect as it binds to the body’s natural μ-opioid receptors should throw out the baby with the bathwater. As a 2020 Johns Hopkins led (MOR). Unlike prescribed opioid drugs such as Tramadol and Percocet, survey of 2,798 adult kratom users in the United States revealed, kratom is worth the bond kratom forms to the MOR are weak – reducing the likelihood of the investment of creating stringent regulations. In the survey, 87 percent of those forming an addiction, making it a possible answer to the opioid crisis. consuming kratom to treat opioid dependence reported relief from withdrawal “The difference is significant because kratom doesn’t give you that symptoms. Even more remarkable, 34 percent of addicts were free from opioids reinforcing high, so therefore, it doesn’t have addiction liability. What after a year. happens with traditional opioids is that they go to your respiratory system, “It’s just like the FDA’s response to supplements. The solution was not to ban and that’s what accounts for the them. The solution was to make sure that they were regulated properly. And that’s majority, or the vast majority, of IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN what kratom needs, which is why we advocate at the state level right now for the opioid overdoses. You literally LEARNING MORE ABOUT KRATOM kratom Consumer Protection Act, which essentially says you cannot adulterate it; suffocate. Kratom has no significant AND THE COMPANIES BACKED BY THE you can’t synthesize the alkaloids, you have to manufacture properly and label it impact on your respiratory system,” AMERICAN KRATOM ASSOCIATION, properly,” says Haddow. explains Haddow. VISIT AMERICANKRATOM.ORG.

STORY by O’HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/LEAF NATION

Danny Danko teaches you everything you need to know to get growing now!

YOUR SOURCE FOR CULTIVATION INFO, INTERVIEWS, NEWS, ACTIVISM AND PRODUCT REVIEWS! Grow Bud Yourself podcast is available on all streaming platforms and whereever you get your podcasts! Send questions to info@growbudyourself.com

Past Special Guests Include

Follow along! @dannydankoht @mikecheckg @growbudyourself

Jorge Cervantes, Kyle Kushman, Tommy Chong, Aaron from DNA Genetics, Jenn Doe, Milo/Big Buddha Seeds, Swerve/The Cali Connection, Ed Rosenthal, Chemdog, and Adam Dunn!

Growing your own marijuana can be both a liberating and political act.

Former HIGH TIMES Magazine Senior Cultivation Editor and author of the book “Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Marijuana” Dan Vinkovetsky (Formerly known as Danny Danko) and cohost former HT Editor-in-Chief Mike Gianakos provide news, activism reports and cannabis cultivation tips for connoisseurs, aficionados and medical patients alike. Bonus: Interviews with expert growers and professional seed breeders, ‘Strain of the Fortnight’ and ganja growing questions & answers.

Cannthropology

WORLD OF Cannabis PRESENTS

Amsterdam’s Reefer Revolution

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

How a handful of activists and entrepreneurs transformed the Venice of the North into the Cannabis capital of the world. If there’s one city in all the world most associated with marijuana, it is undoubtedly Amsterdam. For decades, the city has been known for its liberal attitudes toward Cannabis … but it was not always this way. The Dutch policy of Cannabis tolerance—and the resulting coffeeshop industry— traces back to a handful of counterculture visionaries in the late 60s and early 70s who pushed back against the powersthat-be and paved the way for the thriving Cannabis culture that followed. THE PROVOS Like America’s Diggers and Yippies (whom they influenced), Amsterdam’s Provos (short for provoceren, meaning “to provoke”) were a leftist group that combined political protests with absurdist street theater in an attempt to goad authority figures into making public fools of themselves. One of their founders was a performance artist and anti-tobacco activist named Robert Jasper Grootveld. Starting in the early 1960s, Grootveld and his Provos launched a guerilla war against the tobacco industry, as well as a pro-pot disinformation campaign called the “Marihuettegame” (marijuana game). The premise was to score “points” by tricking police into arresting you for legal substances that looked similar to weed to demonstrate their ignorance about it. Those points could then be redeemed for real weed at the Afrikaanse Druk Stoor—an underground drug shop they opened in the Jordaan in 1963.

jun. 2021

Dutch pot pioneers: Kees Hoekert and Provo Jasper Grootveld of the Lowland Weed Company selling Cannabis plants on their houseboat The White Raven. COURTESY COR JARING LOWLAND WEED COMPANY After the Provos disbanded in 1967, Grootveld partnered with a kindred spirit by the name of Kornelis “Kees” Hoekert. Like Grootveld, Hoekert was a disgruntled tobacco addict who’d switched to smoking weed and hash. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much Cannabis available in the Netherlands at that time—just imported black-market hash, typically of questionable quality. Remarkably, it was Hoekert who first realized that Cannabis didn’t need to be imported—it could actually be grown anywhere, including there in Holland. So in 1969, he and Grootveld bought a kilo of hemp seed pigeon feed from a pet store and began planting it everywhere—in the forests, in the parks, by the airport, and even in front of police stations. More significantly, though, they grew thousands of plants out on the deck of Hoekert’s houseboat (The White Raven) and began selling seeds and plants as the Lowland Weed Company. The plants had no THC and weren’t suitable for smoking—it was just political theater designed to educate and trick authorities into creating a bogus scandal. But since Holland’s Opium Act (their version of the Controlled Substances Act) only forbade the sale of dried Cannabis leaves, not seeds or live plants, the police never took the bait. Nevertheless, they achieved their desired result: The police’s lack of action led people to conclude that Cannabis was now legal to grow in the Netherlands—making the Lowlands Weed Company the country’s first “legal” Cannabis merchants. The publicity also drew Cannabis enthusiasts from around the world to the White Raven. It became such an attraction that a hippie tour

called the Magic Bus began stopping there twice a day, bringing tourists below deck for a smoke, a cup of “high tea,” and a speech from Kees or Jasper. Meanwhile, a similar scene was playing out across town, where a hippie chick named Mila Jansen (known today as “The Hash Queen”) had opened a boutique/teahouse called Kink 22 where customers were served a joint alongside every cup of tea sold. MELLOW YELLOW Soon, others would build upon the Cannabis teahouse concept. The first was a 23-year-old hippie friend of Hoekert’s named Wernard Bruining. Tired of dealing hash out of their apartment, Bruining and his roommates Amsterdam’s first coffeeshop, commandeered a the Mellow Yellow. vacant bakery outside COURTESY WERNARD BRUINING the city center and in 1973, opened Amsterdam’s first official coffeeshop. They called it the Mellow Yellow, after the Donovan song based on the urban myth of smoking banana peels to get high—an inside joke they believed only stoners would get. Their plan was simple: Rather than haggling over prices for arbitrary amounts of hash and grass wrapped in foil as was the custom, dealers at the Mellow Yellow sold standard quantities packed in clear bags at set prices, so customers knew exactly what they were getting. To avoid detection, their rotating group of dealers would sling sacks from a leather satchel while disguised as customers. RISE OF THE COFFEESHOPS Naturally, it wasn’t long before other entrepreneurial-minded stoners followed Bruining’s lead. In April 1975, Mellow Yellow regular Maarten Brusselers opened his own coffeeshop, the Rusland. Next came the Bulldog—opened that December by sex shop owner Henk de Vries, who applied a new level of business acumen to the model. Within months of those first shops opening, the Dutch government made a fateful decision—one that would ultimately catapult Cannabis culture in Amsterdam from underground to mainstream. In 1976, they amended the Opium Act to create two distinct classes of drugs: “hard drugs,” considered dangerous to the public good; and less harmful, non-addictive “soft drugs,” under which hash and marijuana were classified.

Old-school Bulldog poster and a 1981 Lowland Seed Company promo.

Amsterdam didn’t just pioneer sales and social use of Cannabis—it was also at the forefront of genetics and cultivation. Then, four years later in 1980, they went even further—announcing a pragmatic new harm-reduction policy of Cannabis “tolerance” (gedoogbeleid). After that, Cannabis use and sales—though still technically illegal—would now be decriminalized, thus paving the way for the rise of the coffeeshop industry. In the two decades that followed, the number of coffeeshops in Amsterdam grew exponentially—up to 400 in 1990, then 750 in 1994. In an effort to manage the “wild west” situation unfolding, in October 1994 the Netherlands established a new regulatory system for coffeeshops called the AHOJG criteria (a Dutch acronym), which imposed some basic rules: no advertising, no hard drugs on the premises, no disturbing of the peace, no minors, and no large quantities (daily limits of 500 grams per shop and five grams per customer). THE GREEN TEAM Amsterdam didn’t just pioneer sales and social use of Cannabis—it was also at the forefront of genetics and cultivation. After the Mellow Yellow mysteriously burned down in 1978, Bruining traveled to America in search of sinsemilla—returning the following year with new genetics and a hippie farmer from Oregon by the name of “Old Ed” Holloway. Together, the two set out to “make Holland the Jamaica of Europe”—establishing the first commercial cultivation operation in Europe and selling their harvests to the coffeeshops. Next, Bruining brought in his old friend Hoekert as a partner to launch the Lowland Seed Company—the first commercial Cannabis seed company. Before long, some of the world’s top pot breeders were showing up wanting to join their “Green Team,” including Ed Rosenthal, Sam the Skunkman (developer of the groundbreaking Skunk strain), and Nevil Schoenmakers (who later co-founded the Seed Bank and Green House cofThe genetics feeshop). The genetics Master growers: Soma, Wernard developed in and sold developed in from Amsterdam by these Bruining, Old Ed Holloway, and and sold from legendary breeders would Ed Rosenthal in Amsterdam Amsterdam by serve as the basis for most around 1996. of the popular strains of these legendary COURTESY WERNARD BRUINING today.

breeders would

AMSTERDAM DETHRONED serve as the basis Unfortunately, after decades of increasing Cannabis tourism (including for most of the the annual Cannabis Cup events each November), the Dutch government began taking steps to reign in the coffeeshop industry. In 2008, they popular strains enacted a rule prohibiting shops within 250 meters of a school—forcing of today. 43 shops to close. Then in 2012, they passed the wietpas (weed pass) rule that effectively banned tourists from coffeeshops (for more on this, see this month’s special section). These new restrictions, coupled with the meteoric rise of legal Cannabis in the US, have essentially dethroned Amsterdam as the world’s Cannabis capital. Nevertheless, the city’s groundbreaking policies and pioneers have undeniably paved the way for the Cannabis freedoms and phenotypes we now enjoy in America.

For more on Amsterdam’s Reefer Revolution, listen to Episode #12 of our podcast at worldofcannabis.museum/podcast. Story and photos originally published on worldofcannabis.museum and reprinted with permission.

COURTESY WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM AND WERNARD BRUINING

STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N

MOSQUITOES SUCK

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

by Mike Ricker

ou work your ass off and deserve a vacation. You save, plan and prepare, while exerting double the energy for the chance to finally check out and head for that sandy paradise for a classic decompress. So, when the bags are loaded with your scene safely in the rearview, a healthy exhale loosens the shackles. But there’s still the travel – the scramble to the airport for the obligatory grope from TSA, the uncomfortably close proximity to unsavory strangers, and the cultural barriers that add to uncertainty. Eventually, you settle in, figure out food and acclimate to the surroundings, as the echoes of your three-ring life finally begin to wither into inaudible static. Here, the suit noose is unknotted and traded for sandals in sand, memorable breezes and a fresh day at the beach. You’ve earned this break. The quietude of ocean whispers is palpable, accentuated with unapologetic sunshine and careless laughter. This is the perfect time for a spliff with a freshly hacked coconut served chilled, rightfully accompanied by a bamboo straw. This is your oasis of fluffy clouds and salt. A deserved respite to create open space in the crowded turnstile mind and begin the healing, so that you can return refreshed and recharged. This time is for you. This is where you relish in your accomplishments and reflect with gratitude. Suddenly, what do you hear? It’s a buzz – a fly, a mosquito? No, it is much bigger. “Is it someone’s music down the beach?” you ask, as the equivalent to a scratching needle down the vinyl breaks the hypnosis of your ambience. This is a dissonant tone, replete of anything remotely enjoyable. It is high, but nothing enters the periphery, until there, creating a smudge on your perfect horizon is a propeller plane lugging a banner that advertises a discount buffet. The invader, you surmise, probably cut a deal with the local sleazeball governor to rent the view, essentially putting a moustache on your Mona Lisa. It is that moment that you realize there is no escape from the dirty pickpockets who scour the empty corners lurking for nefarious opportunities – the junk mailers, scam callers – and the perpetrators of personal space. It is that moment that you realize nothing is sacred anymore.

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Jun. 2021 - NE Leaf

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