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contents RECIPES
FEB. 2017
16 NORTHWEST Up for sale: Uncle Ike’s and MSM
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ACCESS REVIEW
Paper & Leaf shines on Bainbridge
44 FEATURE Inside the reveal of Kush Marketplace
Warm yourself up with a nice hot cup of Cannabis
PG. Story by Laurie Wolf | Photo by Bruce Wolf
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E D I TO R ’S N OT E N AT I O N A L N E W S NORTHWEST NEWS PORTLAND DELIVERY M AT T H E W M E Y E RS WA H O M E G R O W D . A . R . E . I N 2017 V E L A S E AT T L E PA P E R & L E A F STRAIN OF THE MONTH KUSH MARKETPLACE TIMERCAPS Q&A TA S T Y R E C I P E S KUNG FU VAPE B O O K R E V I EW DR. SCOTT D. ROSE SIMONE FISCHER GROWTECH 2/2 YOUR BUDSHOT BEHIND THE STRAIN ON THE COVER
Photo by Daniel Berman Homegrow, pg.26 BACK ISSUES/OREGON//ALASKA
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contents
Date Night 66 Simone Fischer reminds you to always bring flowers
Photo by Daniel Berman | Styling by Malina Lopez
NORTHWEST LEAF
the truth about the plant you thought you knew, IN every issue.
editor’s note We want to hear from you
Please get in touch to place an ad or become a drop-off location to display our magazine. Feel free to share feedback, pitches, story ideas and hot news tips. This is all our plant!
FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wes abneY | Wes@NWLeaf.com | 425-219-6155
PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER Daniel bermaN | Daniel@Bermanphotos.com
ADVERTISING Danielle lothroP | washington & national sales Danielle@NWLeaf.com | 206-660-4308
CONTRIBUTORS STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS WILL FERGUSON, REVIEWS SIMONE FISCHER, HEALTH PAUL GRZELAK, EDITING MATTHEW MEYERS, OPINION SEAN O’NEILL, ILLUSTRATION ROBERT SANDERS, BUDSHOT DR. SCANDERSON, GROWTECH DR. SCOTT D. ROSE, HEALTH ERIC SKELTON, DESIGN PACER STACKTRAIN, FEATURES NATE WILLIAMS, PHOTOS LAURIE & BRUCE WOLF, RECIPES
Please email or call us to discuss print and online advertising opportunities in an upcoming issue. We do not sell stories or coverage. We are happy to offer design services with Kush Creative Group and provide guidance on the best approaches for promoting any medical, recreational, commercial or industrial product and pursuit. We are targeted.
FEB. 2017 ISSUE #80
Speak out! Tell your representatives you support HB 1092 for home grow A P P. L E G .WA .G OV / D I ST R I CT F I N D E R
IT MAY BE COLD OUTSIDE, but the grow lights are keeping plants warm across
the state right now! It’s hard to explain how beautiful a 70-degree indoor grow is in the middle of winter, with cola-heavy plants swaying lightly in the breeze. I wish the very best this winter for everyone pushing to get their gardens going for recreational or personal use! Our cover story this month revolves around a simple truth: We need to have the freedom to grow! Pot is still not truly CITIZENS CAN legal, and it is a matter of absolute hypocrisy GO TO JAIL FOR A that citizens can go to jail for a single plant SINGLE PLANT WHILE while millionaires make piles of cash selling and MILLIONAIRES MAKE growing the same plant. PILES OF CASH SELLING The time for change is now! Please read the AND GROWING story and call your legislator and tell them to THE SAME PLANT. support home grow! This issue features an awesome Strain of the Month grown by Clandestine Gardens, plus reviews of two of the nicest recreational pot stores in the state: Vela in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood and Paper & Leaf over on Bainbridge Island. I also had the pleasure of interviewing Larry Twersky, CEO of TimerCaps, a company that is pushing for new opiate packaging and labeling requirements and awareness, as well as their product that helps patients track their dosing. Dr. Rose reminds us of the importance of dressing for the weather and how to stay warm this winter, while Dr. Scanderson shares the second half of his guide to Seeds vs. Clones. I especially like the fun piece from Simone Fischer on planning out an epic Cannabis date night, something we definitely recommend for this Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone gets to enjoy a bit of green this V-day, because single or not, Mary Jane always gives love. Thanks for reading!
FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF FOLLOW US @NWLEAF FREE DIGITAL ARCHIVES ISSUU.COM/NWLEAF WWW.N W L EAF.COM Department of Corrections
No news is good news, but we want to hear from you if we didn’t get something accurate in a previous edition.
WHY CANNABIS MATTERS TO ME I am a disabled vet who deals with pain regularly. Regular over-thecounter painkillers and opioids only complicate my condition, but marijuana doesn’t!
Life is good thanks to marijuana. -Marc McNab
Send your unpublished 350-750 word letters to nwleaf@gmail.com — we love reader submissions.
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national
STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion.
Arkansas Limits Medical Marijuana Licenses to Those With OVER $1 Million In Assets
North American pot Consumers Spent $53.5 Billion in 2016 Arcview Market Research released the findings of their first-of-its-kind report
Cannabis consumers in the United States spent an consumer spending sets Cannabis apart from estimated $53.5 billion on marijuana in 2016, most other major consumer-market investment according to a new market estimate. The number opportunities throughout history,” said Troy Dayton, includes legal, medical and black market sales. CEO of Arcview Market Research. “In contrast to Arcview Market Research, a publisher of comparable markets with fast growth from zero to Cannabis market research, released the first ever tens of billions in recent decades — such as organic estimate of the entire North American Cannabis foods, home video, mobile or the internet — the market in the 5th Edition of the State Cannabis industry doesn’t need to of Legal Marijuana Markets Report. “THIS IS THE create demand for a new product MOST DYNAMIC This report finds that legal or innovation; it just needs to move MARKET I HAVE regulated marijuana sales in North demand for an already widely-popular ANALYZED SINCE America totaled $6.9 billion in product into legal channels.” THE EARLY DAYS 2016, a 34 percent increase from “This is the most dynamic market I OF THE INTERNET IN THE 1990S.” 2015. Legal sales are projected have analyzed since the early days of to grow at a compound annual the internet in the 1990s,” said Tom growth rate of 26 percent, from $6.9 billion Adams, Arcview Market Research’s new editorin 2016 to an estimated $21.6 billion by 2021. in-chief. “Just one example: a huge surge in private While all categories of legal Cannabis products equity investment in 2014 and 2015 helped drive enjoyed healthy growth, the growth of alternative the number of brands with concentrates in Colorado methods of consumption outpaced that of traditional stores from 465 to 975 in one year. flower sales, according to the report. For example, “The largest brand grew its sales 84 percent in the alternative methods jumped from 30 percent of total first nine months of 2016, but several competitors legal sales in the first quarter of 2014 to 45 percent posted triple-digit growth rates such that it barely in the third quarter of 2016 in Colorado. held on to its share of the market in a very crowded “The enormous amount of existing, if illicit, field,” Adams said.
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Forget about mom-and-pop operators having a chance to compete in medical marijuana cultivation in Arkansas. It’s a millionaires-only club. Arkansas voters in November approved Issue 6, an amendment legalizing medical marijuana. But it didn’t take long for state bureaucrats to hastily erect high financial hurdles, preventing the “riff-raff ” from becoming a part of the potentially lucrative new industry. State regulators on Jan. 3 voted unanimously to require any cultivation facility applicant in the state to show either a surety bond worth $1 million or assets of $1 million plus $500,000 in cash on hand before its application will be accepted. These steep financial requirements are separate from the initial application fee for growers, reports Benjamin Hardy at the Arkansas Times, which the panel set at $15,000 during its last meeting. Only half of that is refundable if your application fails, so if you can’t afford to throw $7,500 up a razorback’s ass, then holler “sooEEE!” then you can’t afford to even apply. With that decision, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission went a long way towards ensuring that the kind of medicinal Cannabis golden age experienced in states like California (where it lasted 20 years) won’t ever have the chance to bloom in Dixie. Only five cultivation licenses will be issued statewide in Arkansas. At their Tuesday meeting, the Commission reversed a decision they made last month, deciding not to require the cultivators to be geographically distributed across the state, reports the Arkansas Times. The new law allows from 20 to 40 dispensaries, which will distribute Cannabis to patients. Dispensaries will be allowed to grow up to 50 plants themselves; beyond that, they will depend on the five state-licensed millionaire cultivators.
Quoted
CBD Wars: Petition Filed Challenging DEA Classification of ‘Marihuana Extracts’ Hoban Law Group on Jan. 13 filed a petition in San CBD products from industrial hemp lawfully Francisco’s United States Court of Appeals for cultivated pursuant to the Agricultural Act of the Ninth Circuit to challenge what appears to 2014. be the DEA’s attempt to control cannabidiol 3. Centuria Natural Foods Inc., which (CBD), an otherwise lawful substance. lawfully imports certain exempted parts of the In an overreach of authority and without Cannabis plant, and CBD oils and derivatives consulting Congress, the Drug Enforcement therefrom. Administration (DEA) on Dec. 14, 2016, issued The recent Final Rule substantially impacts its Final Rule: the “Establishment of New Drug businesses long operating in compliance with Code for Marihuana Extract.”The change could existing laws that now could be facing significant potentially devastate developing change in existing policy. These CBD businesses and consumer, adverse impacts are caused by the “THE DEA’S FINAL RULE textile and manufacturing industries Final Rule’s attempt to create a drug EXCEEDS THE related to industrial hemp and other code encompassing all cannabinoids AUTHORITY lawfully derived cannabinoids. as Schedule I substances without GRANTED BY “This is an action beyond the reflecting the parts of the Cannabis CONGRESS.” DEA’s authority,” said Bob Hoban, plant that are Congressionally managing partner of Hoban Law Group, which exempted from the definition of “marihuana” specializes in Cannabis law and policy. “This under the Controlled Substances Act and/or Final Rule serves to threaten hundreds, if not are exempted from treatment as a controlled thousands of growing businesses with massive substance. economic and industry expansion opportunities, “Unfortunately, the DEA’s Final Rule exceeds all of which conduct lawful business compliant the authority granted by Congress and is with existing policy as it is understood and in inconsistent with the language of the Controlled reliance upon the federal government.” Substance Act and other laws applying to The petition is on behalf of three petitioners: industrial hemp,” Hoban Law Group’s press 1. The Hemp Industries Association, an release states. “The genus Cannabis sativa L. industrial hemp trade organization representing contains over 80 cannabinoids, such as those an array of industrial hemp industry actors. commonly known as tetrahydrocannabinol 2. RMH Holdings LLC, which sources its (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).”
“WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL YEARS TO SEE HOW REGULATION WORKS IN COLORADO AND WASHINGTON, AND WE HAVE LEARNED IMPORTANT LESSONS FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES.” — SCOTT SLATER (Rhode Island State Rep.) on the introduction of a bill to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in Rhode Island.
Quick Hits! 1.8 25 26
Million Massachusetts voters had their wishes postponed when lawmakers delayed the establishment of state retail Cannabis stores until July 1, 2018. Percent price drop occurred in the wholesale marijuana market in Colorado over the last year, eventually settling at a price of $1,471 per pound. Percent annual growth rate of North American legal Cannabis sales projected between 2016 and 2021.
FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion.
4+ Years After Legalization, Another Home Grow Bill possible for wa state A home grow bill has been introduced in the Washington Legislature that would finally allow adults to grow their own marijuana. But wait a minute, those in other areas of the country may be thinking. Didn’t you guys already legalize weed several years ago? Well, sorta. But it’s still a felony to grow, because our “legalization” law sucks. Yep, Washington is the only state in the Union that allows retail marijuana sales, but doesn’t permit it to be grown at home for recreational use. Medical marijuana patients, for now, are still grudgingly allowed to grow four plants, but that number used to be 15 plants before recreational legalization. The new home grow bill, HB 1092, was introduced on Jan. 11 by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), who has for a while now been a good friend to the Cannabis community. If enacted, adults 21 and older would be legally able to grow up to six plants on private premises, with an allowed yield up to 24 ounces. (I know, I know! That’s only 4 ounces per plant.) The bill would limit home grows to a
maximum of up to 48 ounces of legal harvest per residence, even if more than two adults live in the home. “NORML believes that criminalizing the personal cultivation of Cannabis is an arbitrary prohibition that has absolutely no basis in public safety,” the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws announced in a public statement. Yes, it’s been a long, hard haul for Washington state residents who want to be able to grow their own Cannabis. That doesn’t seem such an unreasonable request in a state where marijuana has ostensibly been legal since 2012. But now it’s 2017, and you can still catch a quick felony for trying to provide your own recreational supply rather than patronizing the retail establishments allowed by I-502. “Washington has been fairly unique in that it doesn’t allow for recreational home grow; even Colorado, who legalized before Washington, allows for it,” attorney Daniel Shortt told Zosha Millman at the Seattle PI. “So in some ways it makes sense that we’re seeing this kind of legislation.”
Massachusetts Lawmakers Delay Legal Pot Stores Until July 2018 Separate provisions in the law It took less than an hour and only about a half-dozen Massachusetts lawmakers to eliminating penalties for adults who quietly undo the will of 1.8 million voters. privately possess or grow personal use According to The Boston Globe, the quantities of Cannabis took effect on “extraordinary move” by lawmakers Dec. 15. That wouldn’t change under the took place in an “informal” legislative measure. “We are very disappointed that the session with “just a half-dozen legislators present.” It would undo a big part of the Legislature has decided to alter Question 4 in an informal session with new marijuana law. very little notice regarding With little debate and “THE proposed changes,” said without taking any public ARROGANCE Jim Borghesani, who led AND HUBRIS testimony, Massachusetts LAWMAKERS the Question 4 legalization House and Senate ARE SHOWING campaign in Massachusetts. lawmakers on Dec. 28 voted TOWARD “The arrogance and to significantly amend and VOTERS IS hubris lawmakers are delay implementation of toward voters Massachusetts’ voter-initiated REMARKABLE.” showing is remarkable,” said Erik marijuana legalization law. The vote sets the stage to delay the Altieri, executive director of NORML. establishment of state-licensed retail “The voters have spoken and it is Cannabis stores from Jan. 1, 2018 to incumbent on legislators to carry out their July 1, 2018. The state now exists in a will. Massachusetts was the first state in legal gray zone, with marijuana being the nation to impose criminal penalties on marijuana – doing so in 1914. After legal to possess, but still illegal to sell. The delay still needs to be approved by more than a century of this failed policy, Gov. Charlie Baker. It flies in the face of it is time to bring prohibition to an end in the law approved by voters in November. Massachusetts.”
“TO HAVE SUCH A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE CONCLUDE THAT THERE ARE BENEFITS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOULD BOOST THE CASE FOR FEDERAL REFORM.” 14/feb. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
Quoted — MICHAEL COLLINS (deputy director of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance) on the National Academy of Sciences’ groundbreaking report citing conclusive evidence that marijuana can be used as a medicine.
national
By STEVE ELLIOTT | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN Owner Ian Eisenberg in Seattle
WASHINGTON’S TWO BIGGEST MARIJUANA RETAIL CHAINS FOR SALE: $50 MILLION Want to become an instant marijuana mogul in Washington state? Here’s your chance: You just need $50 million, and you’ll own the state’s two biggest chains. The No. 1 and No. 2 Cannabis retail chains in the state on Jan. 16 announced they were up for sale as a package deal, Uncle Ike’s owner Ian Eisenberg confirmed to the Leaf. Ramsey Hamide, who owns Vancouver-based Main Street Marijuana, and Eisenberg have three storefronts apiece. They’re offering up the combined six shops for the $50 million price tag, reports John Schroyer at Marijuana Business Daily. The period of uncertainty represented by the incoming Trump administration is certainly one major factor in the decision to sell. With virulently anti-Cannabis attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions as the top law enforcement officer in the land, all bets could be off. But another factor, Eisenberg told the Leaf on Jan. 17, is the likelihood of out-of-state investors being welcomed into the state’s retail Cannabis industry. “With multiple bills in Olympia to open the I-502 market up to out-of-state ownership, the timing seems right,” Eisenberg told us. “The Republicans seem hell-bent
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on allowing out-of-state ownership of Cannabis business to licensees or by providing consulting services. and crushing our fledgling cottage industry, the timing Those who back the idea of opening Washington’s sort of feels right to put our feelers out.” marijuana market to out-of-state money say that such Main Street and Uncle Ike’s combined in 2016 to bring a move would make capital more readily available. in total retail sales of more than $64.8 million, according Cannabis businesses, of course, need investment to 502data.com, which uses data capital in order to grow and from state government. About $34.4 compete. Some other states with million of that comes from Main Street, legal marijuana markets are more and $30.4 million from Uncle Ike’s. permissive in allowing out-of-state Their closest competitor in terms corporate investments, so we’re of revenue, New Vansterdam told Washington needed the same in Vancouver, Wash., had to remain competitive. Those of a sales just over $20.6 million more cynical bent said what little in 2016, according to the site. hope mom-and-pop entrepreneurs Under current I-502 rules, currently have to establish a viable anyone who invests any funds marijuana business could be all Vancouver-based Main Street Marijuana brought in a Washington state-licensed but extinguished by opening the in over $34 million in 2016. marijuana business is required to floodgates to big corporate money have been a resident of the state for at least six months, from outside the state. said Cannabis attorney Hilary Bricken. That means outEven those in favor of opening investment to outof-staters have only been able to participate in the state’s of-staters have acknowledged the need for restrictions legal weed market by providing property to licensees to ensure that big corporations with big money aren’t (as landlords), by selling or leasing of equipment allowed to dominate the state’s Cannabis market.
NORTHWEST
By SIMONE FISCHER
PORTLAND ALLOWS CANNABIS COURIERS Delivery services won’t be able to operate standalone shops
The Portland City Council unanimously voted to allow Oregon Cannabis “courier” businesses to open up shop in December 2016 “in a move to ease financial barriers for entrepreneurs,” as reported by The Oregonian. Essentially, weed delivery can immediately begin. Many people go without transportation in Portland, and this new service fills that void. Oregon medical marijuana patients can also benefit from this service if they shop at a participating recreational Cannabis retailer. All new courier businesses require a licensed headquarters in a building that meets all of the many Cannabis permits and zoning rules. Couriers can only sell products through delivery, and they cannot sell directly through storefronts, which still have to remain 1,000 feet away from a licensed Cannabis business. Businesses already set up at a current address are exempt from this rule. Weed delivery is just one approach to the newly passed regulations. Now, GIVEN THE HELLACIOUS WINTER WE EXPERIENCED think Etsy for Cannabis in Oregon. Steep regulation and overhead costs IN JANUARY, CANNABIS turn away many would-be mom-andDELIVERY COULD COME pop Cannabis business in Oregon. True, AS A VITAL OPTION TO native business can begin to blossom out THOSE WHO CANNOT of the Northwest. “Micro” businesses can now enter the LEAVE THEIR HOUSE market and be competitive without the heavy financial backing that is required of dispensary or extraction businesses. Shops or grows can now open up and deliver directly. Remember those online wine clubs? Cannabis could eventually be delivered in the same way. Given the hellacious winter Portland experienced in January, Cannabis delivery could come as a vital option to those who cannot easily leave their house. The intensity of snow and ice as of 2017 could help propel new courier business. After working, picking up the kids, grocery shopping and cooking dinner, adding “buying weed” to a to-do list can seem futile. Imagine if we could have Oregon Cannabis delivered straight to our doorsteps (with proof of ID, of course).
18/feb. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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opinion
By MATTHEW MEYERS for NORTHWEST LEAF
PROGRESS TOGETHER
OR DISSOLVE APART THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR OWN BELIEFS As we move into the new year, it’s important to remember that the stresses our society feels from excessive corporate influence and power, income inequality and injustice have unfortunately been constants throughout history. Don’t be discouraged; we should always try to improve on what’s happened in the past! But recognize that we are participating in a progression of our species and planet. I see progress as a ball that has been held up by millions of different individuals throughout our history. This process often feels hopeless to the individuals carrying that ball but remember that the only direction is forward. When you look at a yearly timeline, progress can be hard to see. However, when you pull out your focus and look at a 1,000year timeline, it’s easy to see that progress has been made for at least a majority of humans. The important part isn’t figuring out whom we can blame for the problems, but collectively realizing where we are at and trying to find a solution for how things will work in the future! The status quo likes to keep the debate trapped in the “he said, she said” where it’s a big blame game, but that game is most often a waste of resources and attention. The feeling that something is broken in our societal, political and economic systems was one of the few unifying concepts of 2016. These issues seem worse now because we have access to more information than ever and have also luckily evolved our ideas on equality. Today it can be easy to complain about not being able to find a source of reliable news online, but back in the 1920s, information was far more controlled for the benefit of the oligarchs. Matthew Meyer is a Hood River-based Cannabis journalist, activist & budtender
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I am not asking anyone to forget history, which could lead to mistakes being repeated without learning! Rather, I’m asking the American people to let go of some of the ideological differences that have been cultivated over the years to keep us separated and squabbling instead of progressing and organizing. For example, our politicians (with the exception of a few) spend hours discussing issues like abortion while we don’t hear a word about the ever-growing concentration of power and resources to 1 percent of the population. Think about it; it’s more common to hear someone passionately discussing a celebrity break up or sports than the oligarchical system of oppression that affects our lives on a daily basis. The most important thing we need in this country right now is critical thinking. We are lucky to have access to more information than ever before but with all these opinions and ideas flowing around, sometimes it can be hard to take a step back and deeply think about how you feel about something. We underestimate how susceptible we are to absorbing opinions that we hear on the news or online without taking time to process it through our own moral filters. Like I discussed in my last article, it’s important to know how you feel about these critical issues and be able to productively discuss those concepts with friends and loved ones to get outside perspective and feedback on your beliefs! Remember to think critically, but also listen to and consider new perspectives! Once we have developed our own ideas and tested/developed them through
conversation and debate with friends and loved ones, we need our representatives to hear our ideas. Don’t let your voice go unheard because you are too scared, lazy or ignorant to contact your representatives. That being said, make sure the way you communicate is effective, appropriate and respectful. The midterm elections will be critical for regaining progressive political momentum! We must continue to do what we can to progress our society into a brighter future for all! This participation is important on both a societal and a local level. When it comes to legal Cannabis in Oregon, we are witnessing the first steps of the new OLCC-regulated adult use system. As with any new system, there are some benefits and drawbacks. For example, the new testing standard has kept consumers safe from the dangers of pesticides, but it has also caused price increases and confusion on the supply side of the industry. The price of testing concentrates increased roughly 400 percent along with new compliancy requirements for processors, which has collectively lead to a dramatic increase in the price adult use consumers pay for concentrates. Suddenly, grams of BHO went from $25-$75 to $50-$120, which presents a major problem: The goal of legalization was to make sure nobody went to jail for a plant, but the price structure of the new system suggests we will have a legal market for only the affluent, leaving everyone else with the black market and the risk of prosecution. This is only one myopic issue and it’s incredibly complex, but it’s important that the decision makers in this new recreational system understand what adult use consumers are going through. This is a perfect opportunity to utilize your constructive communication skills to both raise awareness about the accessibility of the new legal market, and also to suggest possible solutions to improve the system for everyone!
LET GO OF SOME OF THE IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES THAT HAVE BEEN CULTIVATED OVER THE YEARS TO KEEP US SEPARATED
highly likely
By PACER STACKTRAIN for NW LEAF
Column # 19
Highlighting amazing Cannabis pioneers who helped pave the way to greater herbal acceptance.
Seth macfarlane
A MAN OF MANY VOICES SPEAKS OUT FOR CANNABIS
The creator of hit shows like “Family Guy” and “American Dad” truly needs no introduction. While you may not recognize his face, if you’re familiar with the shows, you’ll surely recognize Seth MacFarlane’s distinctive voice, which is the sound of so many of the show’s characters. Beyond animation, MacFarlane has also directed both of the “Ted” films, and the western spoof “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” He started his career as an animator for Hanna-Barbera, working on shows like “Johnny Bravo” and “Dexter’s Laboratory.” Notice a trend? All
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of his animated programs have a certain thing in common: they’re favorites among Cannabis culture. It turns out that the affinity for his animated programs and their connection to Cannabis users is no mistake, since MacFarlane has admitted to being a proponent of legalization. In 2006, he spoke eloquently at Stanford University (a speech that can be seen in its entirety on YouTube) about the development of “Family Guy.” “It is the truth,” he said, “I smoke some pot. I’m not ashamed to say I am a supporter of the legalization of marijuana.” Keep in mind this was back in 2006, years before any state had legalized. MacFarlane has served for several years on the board of People for the American Way, a progressive think-tank and lobbying organization in Washington, D.C. He’s also been a longtime proponent of gay rights, environmental causes and other progressive agendas. “I don’t think we should legalize everything, but
[marijuana] is a drug that grows up out of the ground,” he told Larry King on his program in 2012. “You can pick it in the wild, I mean, it’s no different than tobacco.” More recently in 2015, he told Jimmy Fallon on live TV that he’s even smoked marijuana with his parents. “There was one Thanksgiving ... my sister and I were wondering if we, in this modern era, brought some pot into the house on Thanksgiving, if they would smoke it, and so we all did,” he told the entertainer. “It was a very touching moment.” Beyond his work in animation and film, MacFarlane is also an accomplished vocalist who has recorded three different award-winning jazz albums through his career. Does Cannabis give him the creative juice to make his comedy writing stand out? Perhaps. But one thing is for sure: MacFarlane is a unique American talent, and a much-needed voice in the continued mainstreaming of Cannabis.
“I’M NOT ASHAMED TO SAY I AM A SUPPORTER OF THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA.”
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LET OUR PEOPLE GROW
FEATURE
By NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN
IN A STATE THAT HAS SOLD OVER A BILLION DOLLARS IN LEGAL POT, IT IS A FELONY BY LAW FOR A PERSON HERE TO HAVE A SINGLE CANNABIS PLANT.
W
ashington state is the only one to have “legalized” while maintaining a felony for average citizens to grow their own plants. This is a massive fraud against the people of Washington, and perpetrates the continuation of the War on Drugs and a new tax on drugs. We must end this system that still disproportionately targets the poor and people of color for arrest, and free our people and plant from laws that violate our humanity and fundamental freedoms. Washington citizens absolutely should not live in fear of growing a plant that is proven to have massive medical and recreational benefits. Especially when we have an overregulated and overtaxed system that controls the legal dispensing Legal State Grow Rights of the plant. The Liquor and AK - 6 plants/adult Cannabis Board currentCA - 6 plants/adult CO - 4 plants/adult ly rules over a hegemonic + up to 12/residence cartel of pot, creating rules for OR - 6 plants/adult their special class of license D.C. - 6 plants/adult holders, while directing law ME - 6 plants/house enforcement towards the danMA - 12 plants/household NV - 6 plants/household gerous “black market.” Why would the state want to continue their War on Drugs? Why do certain 502 businesses spend tens of thousands of dollars lobbying each year to make sure our people don’t have the right to grow a plant? Because they want to control it, tax it and be the only ones to profit from it. The Washington State constitution states clearly that no corporation shall be granted special rights or privileges not available to citizens, but 502 has done exactly that. It has created a special class of citizens who are encouraged to grow pot for massive profit
AROUND THE COUNTRY
and tax while our state denies that right to its constituents. When you criminalize nature, you criminalize humanity. It is as simple as that. Our experiment with legalization has shown that growing or selling pot has no negative effects, and we need to stop pot arrests. Every other state that has legalized has given their citizens the right to harvest their own plant, and it is time that Washington state caught up with the times.
What bills are pending? HB-1092, introduced by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), would legalize up to six plants in a home and up to 24 ounces of Speak out! Tell your representatives usable Cannabis. This would effectively give you support HB 1092 for home grow all adults and those choosing to use Cannabis medicinally the right and ability to meet A P P. L E G .WA .G OV / D I ST R I CT F I N D E R their needs and exercise their freedoms. Northwest Leaf supports HB-1092! HB-2629 is sponsored by Reps Blake, Condatta and Farrell and would also legalize up to six plants and 24 ounces for personal use. Northwest Leaf also supports HB-2629! Both bills would deliver the freedom and rights that our citizens need!
What can you do? Call, email or set an in-person appointment with your legislator to let them know you support and want the right to grow a plant! Our lawmakers are often disconnected from the laws they vote on, and even hearing from as few as 5-15 citizens can be enough to sway their vote. It is our duty in a democracy to inform them of our opinions, feelings and desires, and this is how we can create meaningful representation in Olympia for all matters, not just Cannabis. Please reach out to bring freedom to our people and plant and end arrests for pot prisoners.
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FEATURE
By JON RUSSELL & NOAH PERSIN for NORTHWEST
LEAF
working together While the D.A.R.E. program has long championed against Cannabis legalization, the Cannabis industry and D.A.R.E. should be working hand-in-hand to keep our children safe. It seems like the Cannabis industry is just as committed to preventing underage Cannabis use. Can they be friends?
R
ecently, news channels and websites across the country began reporting that D.A.R.E. removed Cannabis as a gateway drug and that they were no longer teaching about marijuana in their programs. This ended up being a mistake caused by a post from an automatic news feed on their blog, but it sparked quite the conversation about the program finally coming around to Cannabis’ medicinal nature. Even though it was untrue, the news reports made us here in the GreenSea office go “hmmm” (cue ‘90s dance song here). I dove into some research about the D.A.R.E program to see if they could ever play nice with the Cannabis industry.
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D.A.R.E.’s Cannabis Views
If you were a sentient American as early as the mid-1980s on, then you have heard of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E. program. Founded in 1983, the program has long been a staple in schools across the country. For the past 30 years, D.A.R.E.’s vision has been a “world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse and other dangerous behaviors.” D.A.R.E. has been one of the more vocal voices against Cannabis legalization. They have long campaigned that Cannabis is a “gateway drug” and in their article “Let’s Not Kid Ourselves About Marijuana” they claim, “marijuana impairs learning, judgment and memory — no small matters during the adolescent years — and it can do lasting harm to the brain.” While these claims/opinions don’t necessarily hold up to serious science, that hasn’t stopped the program from fighting against Cannabis legalization. After reports were released that D.A.R.E. was relaxing their views on Cannabis, Ron Brogan, D.A.R.E. regional director, confirmed to The Huffington Post that “a service we use put this post up in error” and “we
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education has actively campaigned against marijuana use for decades, but is there a way we can all work together?
have not changed our stance that we are opposed to marijuana legalization.” No matter what their stance on Cannabis is, it’s clear that D.A.R.E is focused on keeping minors away from unsafe and unhealthy substances.
HONEST GUIDANCE AND FACT-BASED (NOT FEAR-BASED) EDUCATION IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE OUR YOUTH ARE ABLE TO MAKE SAFE, WELL-INFORMED LIFE CHOICES.
Regulated Cannabis Industry & D.A.R.E. Share Concerns
As states vote in Cannabis legalization, each state’s concern about teenage drug use has remained. The Oregon Health Authority (which governs the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program) has launched a program called Stay True to You, which aims to lower first-time Cannabis consumption in teens aged 12-20. It even goes so far as to remind teens that they may be role models for younger siblings and that they could influence those younger people towards drug use through copying behaviors. Colorado has their own program aimed at lowering teenage Cannabis consumption as well. The Don’t Be a Lab Rat campaign presents statistics from both sides of the issues to youths that may or may not be true and points out that they don’t want to find out the hard way. When this campaign was criticized and didn’t reach the intended goals of the program, they re-branded and launched the What’s Next program, which is a more thoughtful approach to teaching children and teens the potential health and social consequences of underage Cannabis consumption. These programs are similar to the newest D.A.R.E. program, Keepin’ it REAL. Both are evidence-based educational programs that provide anecdotal and scientific reasoning behind drug, alcohol and tobacco abstinence. Keepin’ it REAL is even lightening up on the “gateway drug” thing a bit; they no longer teach it in fifth, sixth or seventh grades unless the school has deemed there to be a problem with underage Cannabis consumption in their area.
D.A.R.E.’s mission is “teaching students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives.” > Oregon provides parents a guide called Preventing Underage Marijuana Use that discusses how to talk to your children about Cannabis use and how to prevent underage consumption. > Colorado’s What’s Next programs talks about the consequences teens may face if they are caught consuming Cannabis before they are 21. > Washington state launched the Listen 2 Your Selfie program. This program is to help children and teens “focus on what’s important, forget marijuana.” They have a consequences page that discusses real world consequences that aren’t based in reefer madness. As you can see, everyone has the same goal here: to prevent underage children from consuming Cannabis. If D.A.R.E. is serious in its mission to prevent the use and abuse of Cannabis amongst teens or even adults, it is well proven that a regulated market is the most sensible approach. It is also proven that criminalization creates criminals and has not made any impact in curbing usage. In fact, criminalization may very well be one of the largest contributing factors in making Cannabis widely available to anyone (including children). Criminal organizations rarely (never) ask for proof of age and make their wares available 24 hours a day. It is also well known among the greater scientific and medical community that Cannabis is not a gateway drug and the vast majority of correlation between Cannabis usage and other usage can be
EVERYONE HAS THE SAME GOAL HERE: TO PREVENT UNDERAGE CHILDREN FROM CONSUMING CANNABIS
Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Let’s take a moment to compare D.A.R.E.’s specific mission statement and state-funded programs in states with legalized recreational Cannabis. I believe that D.A.R.E. and the regulated Cannabis industry could be very good friends!
explained in the following ways: 1. Exposure: Your unregulated source also carries and thus exposes you to other illicit “harder” substances. 2. Propaganda: You try Cannabis and realize very quickly that the propaganda you’ve been fed up to then is not true. You didn’t jump out of a window thinking you could fly, you didn’t rape anyone, you didn’t die. In fact you may have felt pretty good and had a laugh (there’s a reason humans like to get high). In fact, studies show a decrease in violence and aggressive behavior in long-term Cannabis consumers. 3. The gate opens the other way: Using Cannabis was not your gateway to drink or use other drugs, illicit or not. Other substances were your gateway to Cannabis. 4. D.A.R.E. or S.C.A.R.E.: There’s a reason horror movies do so well in theaters. People like to be scared. D.A.R.E.’s scare tactics may have backfired and actually attracted children to Cannabis use. Cannabis legalization brings a host of regulation and public health programs, and recent reports show that consumption under 21 has actually declined in states where legalization has occurred! Since D.A.R.E.’s focus is on reducing/ eliminating drug and alcohol use among children and teens with less emphasis with regards to adult abstinence, isn’t it in the best interests of the D.A.R.E. program and our children to further legalization and regulatory efforts? We should all work together towards a future where Cannabis is safely available and highly regulated like alcohol or tobacco. Honest guidance and fact-based (not fear-based) education is the best way to ensure our youth are able to make safe, well-informed life choices. GreenSea Distribution would like to begin working with D.A.R.E. and the Cannabis industry to open a dialogue.
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access
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
VELA Strains 5/5 SIX-DOLLAR grams and $18 eighths intermingle comfortably
with $18 grams. Most of the bud is $10-$12/g, with a ton of tasty options to pick from. The buyers opted for strain and farm quality, not price, which provides a wide variety of strains from top quality producers. We mainly saw heritage and small-batch producers, as well as Jet City Gardens, veganic Zion Botanicals and all woman-owned Doctor and Crook Co. bringing tasty strain options. We loved seeing larger farms like Noble Farms, Top Shelf and the outdoor from Sun Cliff.
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Edibles 5/5 A REFINED high-quality selection of brands that all serve a purpose on the menu. We liked seeing medical options like high-CBD tincture, RSO capsules and transdermal patches. Traditional edibles from Winterlife Mixers to Legal sodas were available as well. They also carry Catapult Coffee by Fairwinds Manufacturing, chocolates and pastilles by Goodship, Tomato Basil Soup mix by American Baked and a new soda line from Olala.
Concentrates 5/5 THE EXTRACTS selection at Vela is broken down into solid brands and price points. They have $25 grams of shatter and wax for the bargain dabbers, as well as $30 grams of CO2 Organics, which is a great deal. We also saw solventless hash from Leaph, several rosin selections, high-end BHO from Oleum, Creme Broulee live resin from Weed Bunny and fantastic natural terpene introduced distillate from Suncliff. They also have tasty cartridges from Avitas and Nectar Craft.
RAVEN GRASS
FRIDA 6.76%
0.81%
THC CBG
15.37% 0.29%
CBD CBN
This warm and sweet-
THE SCORE
smelling flower is a ar o ma wonderful example of how CBD-rich Cannabis d en s it y can be beautiful and cu r e tasty too! The flower is l o o ks just covered in crystal f l avo r and explodes with ef f ect flavors of sweet lemons t otal 29/30 and berries and a distinct Fruity Pebbles glow. The smoke is equally sweet, with a light mild intake and an easy exhale. Effects are relaxing and mildly euphoric, bringing a sense of wellbeing and calm THE FLOWER IS JUST that’s wonderful any time of day. COVERED IN CRYSTAL ($12/g)
GOODSHIP
LEMON LIME PASTILLES THC 40X2.5Mg
CAN BE TAKEN These interesting treats are nicely packaged and can be ANYWHERE taken anywhere and in any
THE SCORE
TA S T E VA L U E EFFECT L A BE L t ota l 18/20
situation for discrete consumption. The dosing is a little funny but they are actually a perfect dose, especially for low-tolerance users. We took to eating four at a time (10mg) and dug the quick-acting high, refreshing lemon lime taste and altogether pleasant mouthfeel. ($33)
VELA // REC 21+
1944 1st Ave. S. #100 Seattle, WA VELAcommunity.com @VelaCommunitySodo (206) 457-4359
Environment 5/5 A HIGH-END experience with an educational focus? And a full garden and processor on-site? Sounds like a dream, but it is real. The staff at Vela are friendly, have a medical and health-based approach and want to connect people with the very best. All the products are rated on a scale that relates indica to sativa, with useful info on how the products will make users feel, and the staff is ready to answer questions with a private medical consultation room.
LAMB’S BREATH DISTILLATE Suncliff has THE SCORE cultivated a brand based on ta st e an all-natural f lavo r and sungrown ef f ec t approach, and it la b el shows mightily t ota l 18/20 in their products. This distillate is processed from Lamb’s Breath material, and then reintroduced with the natural terpenes when it finishes the distillate process. The end result is a beautiful oil with a bright lemon-pine 71.7% front and a nose-tickling earthy finish. The dabs and THC effects are right on point, 0.30% with a full high not found in CBD other distillates. ($50/g)
This is a store that will make tourists, first-timer grandmothers and connoisseurs alike feel comfortable and deliver a good experience for each.
Overall 20/20 WALKING INTO Vela Cannabis is an experience unmatched by any other in the state. The ability to see a full garden, packaging and concentrate license in the same environment as a high-end retail Cannabis store is truly wonderful. For a tourist or consumer who has never seen a plant in flower before, the experience can be transformative. But even for a Cannabis veteran, the chance to see such a well thought-out store is worth investigating.
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access
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
paper & leaf Strains 5/5
PAPER & LEAF boasts a huge selection of producers on the shelves. We saw tasty flower from Lazy Bee Gardens, Phat Panda, Heavenly Buds, Dawg Star, Fireweed, Top Shelf, Sonic Green and more. With strains and prices ranging from bottom to top shelf, there is something here for everyone. We also really liked the solid selection of pre-rolls!
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Edibles 5/5
WHETHER looking for a CBD tincture or a tasty
snack that will get you high, they have an option for you. We really liked seeing the full selection of tinctures like Deep Sleep by Fairwinds Manufacturing, or Happiest Self by Ethos Extracts featuring St. John’s Wort. They also carry activated cooking oil by Ethos, Magic Pebbles treats, flavored syrups and Lemonade Quenchers, a great easy ingestion method. Overall, it’s a solid selection!
Concentrates 5/5 THE SHOP carries a wide selection of oil ranging from $25
a gram to $50+. We appreciated that there were options in both price and quality, with the obvious adage being you get what you pay for. Still, the $25 grams from producers like Billy Goat did not look bad, with tasty strains like Plushberry, Sour Diesel and OG Kush. We liked the high-end options from Oleum, Gold Line, Phat Panda, Millennium Extracts and Rogue Raven. There’s a dab for everyone here, with the only hard part being choosing a strain and price.
SKÖRD
SOUR TANGIE
19.48%
THC
0.25%
CBD
The team at Skörd really THE SCORE hit a homerun with this ar o ma Sour Tangie. It is a d en s it y beautiful bud, packaged in glass even down to cu r e the 2-gram level, and l o o ks has a connoisseurf l avo r grade production and ef f ect attention to detail that t otal 28/30 is evident in every part from packaging to smoke. This sweet and sour sativa has a sharp tangerine smell that cuts straight through the nose, burning into the palate with a sour fuel and a sappy citrus taste. The smoke is clean and TANGERINE SMELL THAT CUTS STRAIGHT has a sweet and delicious taste, with heady sativa effects THROUGH THE NOSE that deliver a hard cerebral kick. All in all, a perfectly done flower! ($12/g)
OIL BARON
GASMASK GAGA EDIBLES
PEANUT BUTTER CUPSTHC 10X10Mg
These tasty cups come in artful THE SCORE packaging that feels professional TA S T E and quality. Opening the box reveals a rich peanut buttery VA L U E smell, and the golden-wrapped EFFECT treats beckon to be eaten. The taste is exactly L A BE L what’s expected, with a light green taste that t ota l 17/20 we liked. It is definitely hard to eat just one; we enjoyed ours with a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. ($35)
ENJOYED OURS WITH A CUP OF COFFEE
SUGAR WAX Gasmask wax is a golden amber
goop that glistens and sparkles, just waiting to be dabbed and enjoyed. It is greasy and light in structure, with a consistency that is easy to dab and work with. The smell is lighter 73.41% than hoped, but a close THC smell has notes of fuel and A CONSISTENCY THAT earthy pine. The flavor was IS EASY TO DAB AND also a little flat, WORK WITH. but with a clean vapor, and the indica effects hit hard. ($50/g) THE SCORE
ta st e f lavo r ef f ec t la b el t ota l 13/20 PAPER & LEAF | REC 21+
8040 NE Day Rd W. Bainbridge Island, WA PaperandLeaf.com @PaperandLeaf (206) 780-7814
Environment 5/5 STEPPING INTO this beautifully designed and
classically Northwest space is an exercise in comfort. The friendly staff are quick to greet and point us toward the stunning collection of beachwood-glass display cases of local strains. Multiple people were being helped as natural light poured in from the windows overlooking the edibles and concentrates stations. A few had their dog. The vibe is uniformly warm, even in this weather.
Take the short ferry ride from Seattle and head to Paper & Leaf out on gorgeous Bainbridge Island.
Overall 20/20 THIS SHOP is certainly worth a visit, whether you’re
a resident or just hoping for a fun day out. Take the short ferry ride from Seattle and head to Paper & Leaf out on gorgeous Bainbridge Island. You should easily spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area’s amazing parks and green spaces. That appeal is well-captured by the folks at Paper & Leaf, which is clearly focused on sourcing many organic products that showcase the best Washington has to offer.
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$25 $25 Eighths Eighths $25 $25 Gram Gram Concen Concen $5 $5 Joints Joints $5 $5 Edibles Edibles
http://greencolla http://greencolla
This product has intoxicating eects and may be habit forming. M Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the inuence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one and
s ntrates ntrates
arcannabis.com arcannabis.com
Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. older. Keep out of the reach of children.
10422 Pacific Ave. Tacoma, WA 98444 8:30am To 11:30pm 7 Days a Week
NORTHWEST Leaf
STRAIN OF THE MONTH By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
L
ight green buds of Amnesia sparkle in the light, with frosty crystals dancing before the eyes in a comforting display of raw THC and top shelf bud. The straight Amnesia strain has a peppery and lightly sour wood and earth smell to it, with light but sharp underlying tones of pine and hint of cheese. The complex flavor profile and great bag appeal make this strain stand out before even smoking it. Each medium-sized nug is cured well, with a light fluffiness and an easy snap without any stickiness. Loading a bowl or rolling with this flower is easy, and the flower has an even deeper smell that’s released when broken up. Smoking a bowl of this flower is a relaxing and smooth experience. The flower burns cleanly and quickly, releasing a solid hit that is mild on the lungs and throat. A light sour earthy taste comes with each hit, and the exhale is a sweet mellow smoke that exits without complaint or cough, with each bowl ending in a fine white ash. A quick head rush emerges after the first couple hits, followed by a warmth that grows from the lungs out into the body. Amnesia is a celebrated indica with time-warping and enhancing effects, which set in extremely quickly. The best way to enjoy this flower is while doing something relaxing or enjoyable, like chilling with a book and some good jazz or sharing coffee with a friend. It is a perfect out-and-about indica, but don’t plan anything strenuous or stressful. Let the waves of Amnesia bliss roll you into a fun and peaceful high.
AVAILABLE FROM
( REC 21+)
www.ClandestineGardens.com/store-locator
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THE COMPLEX FLAVOR PROFILE AND GREAT BAG APPEAL MAKE THIS STRAIN STAND OUT
26.3% THC CLANDESTINE GARDENS
Amnesia
topshelfwa.com /TOPSHELFWA
@TOPSHELFWA_
THIS PRODUCT HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA CAN IMPAIR CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION, AND JUDGMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THIS DRUG. THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF THIS PRODUCT. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS 21 AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
FEATURE
By WES ABNEY
Kush MARKETPLACE How this cool new website is helping guide & connect consumers and legal retailers in a region that’s full of recreational Cannabis products.
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S
ome people have long joked about being able to order pot online or creating the “Craigslist of weed.” The team at Kush Tourism decided to take that concept and make it a reality. The dynamics of how weed is sold in legal markets have changed drastically over the last decade. Pre-medical pot was sold on the black market in Ziploc bags and much of the medical Cannabis was delivered in that method too, with turkey-bagged pounds transferred from patients to dispensaries. Today, consumers buy their weed in the store, prepackaged, tested and purchased by the dispensary. But how do the thousands of growers connect with buyers at the stores? Imagine being a store buyer trying to source specific products. With 1,900 grower applications so far in Oregon, the workload is tremendous. Buyers need to know in real-time what products are available, and the Kush Marketplace makes that a possibility. “Before [marketplace-type sales networks] the industry was ancient in the way it was doing business, in a way as if it was before the internet,” explained Chase Nobel, co-founder of Kush Marketplace. “Whereas now, we have made sales for a small producer so much easier because they can reach so many buyers at once and vice versa, buyers can find products they need at a moment’s notice, on demand. Rather than trying to sift through producers from the past, they can set a filter and see what products are available now.”
Logging into the marketplace brings up a menu that feels like a typical digital storefront, except full of weed. Tabs include deals, wanted ads, products, producers, retailers, ancillary and state-specific options. Clicking on products brings up a filter with 24 different options, with selections like sativa, indica, pre-roll, shatter, CBD, topicals and more. This allows potential buyers to filter exactly what they are looking for and then sort through available products. “This saves retailers a lot of time,” Nobel said. “Retailers can also put out wanted ads and we blast it out to over 600 processors in the state to see who has inventory. They make an ad for high-CBD cartridges, we blast it out and anyone with CBD carts will respond and say, ‘hey, we have at this price/potency,’ and the retailer can immediately find out who has the best product and price for that order.” The system works for both producer/processors and retailers, and has facilitated about 1,500 monthly users and $100,000-250,000 dollars in monthly sales. About 50 new users join the site each week. The deals change daily, so the site constantly refreshes with new weed deals across the state. The team behind the marketplace monitors the deals and vets them for anything fishy, and they work to put the best deals at the top of each category.
“WE’RE TRYING TO BE A CRAIGSLIST OF CANNABIS; A FORUM FOR PEOPLE TO DO BUSINESS AND HELP THEM BE MORE EFFICIENT, SPECIFICALLY WITH COMMUNICATION.” “We sift through it,” co-founder Michael Gordon said. “We make sure there are good deals. If something is off, we pull it. We fill the page and the top of our newsletter with the juiciest deals. We want to grab people’s attention and help retailers get the best deals possible.”
R
CLICKING ON PRODUCTS BRINGS UP A FILTER WITH 24 DIFFERENT OPTIONS, WITH SELECTIONS LIKE SATIVA, INDICA, PRE-ROLL, SHATTER, CBD, TOPICAL AND MANY MORE. THIS ALLOWS BUYERS TO FILTER EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR AND SORT THROUGH AVAILABLE PRODUCTS.
otating deals makes the site feel almost like eBay, where everything is on a timer. The Marketplace has done product auctions, although the majority of deals are cash for product one-time sales. Deals range from grams of flower to 20-pound lots of trim to run, and everywhere in between. One minute a sale can be made for 2,000 grams of oil at $13,000, and then a pound of flower at $3.50 per packaged gram could be on the table. Once the transaction is approved, the producer/ processor connects with the retailer, and they handle the actual passing of Cannabis for money. The marketplace acts entirely independently of the industry, while making the whole process more efficient. “We’re trying to be a Craigslist of Cannabis; a forum for people to do business and help them be more efficient, specifically with communication,” Gordon said. The digital version has been so successful that the team is bringing a live version of the marketplace to Portland in March. Forty producers and processors will set up booths with samples of their flower, oil and other products, and retail owners, buyers and budtenders will have a free chance to explore the wide world of Oregon recreational pot in a fun and natural networking environment. “The Marketplace event will be like the old farmer’s markets of weed, but instead of focusing on sales, the point is to facilitate wholesale between companies and dispensaries,” Gordon said. “So you can see 200 products in a day and see them on the spot instead of setting up meetings over a period of weeks or months. And if you want to know what is truly the best deal around? After going through 40 companies, you can see that.” Interested producers, processors or retail buyers and employees can sign up for the March 8 event at Market.KushGuide.com and get more information about the marketplace service there as well. The team is also launching a printed guide of products that will launch in Oregon this summer.
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FEATURE
By WES ABNEY
TimerCap.com
Chatting with the founder of 1-800-DENTIST about how he got into running TimerCap, which helps you keep track of your Cannabis. How did TimerCap get started? TimerCap was started six years ago by a friend from college I knew for over 30 years. I was one of the original investors, and after some time of it not going the way we planned, some of the other investors decided to make a change and so I took it over. I had just sold 1-800-DENTIST, and it was the right fit at the time.
What made you want to invest in TimerCap? It struck a cord for me. My mom was addicted to prescription pain meds. When I was 9, I remember having to give her Demerol shots in her tush. She was either strung out or mad because we couldn't give her meds, and she ultimately died at 60 due to medical complications, and I never knew her not strung out on something. So it hit personally. When my wife and I do investing, we follow three principles: It has to be good for society, we have to have fun, and three, we have to make money. And it’s in that order. That’s our priority ladder.
Is the company giving back? [The principles] don’t end with the companies we work with. TimerCaps are made in North Hills, California by a company of autistic adults who put together our products and a lot of other products. If companies want to do work with American workers, this is a great group to do it and they produce great work. You just have to know you can do good and make money at the same time. You have to have it in your consciousness.
How are TimerCaps helpful for opiate patients? When you take an opioid, you are cognitively impaired and time becomes an issue. We’re saying, “bad people, bad people,” when it comes to addiction, but what tool did we give them when 20 minutes seems like two hours when you are in pain? We need to provide tools that let patients have self-empowerment so they can know what is safe when they get back in the car or take their next dose. This can be an incredibly effective tool for both safety and addiction/harm reduction.
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Q&A Larry Twersky, CEO
Your company also has a MMJ line. How do you feel about medical Cannabis and how can your product help? Laws for opioids are getting stricter and stricter, which is good for the Cannabis industry, and if you are in pain, you are going to look for a way to deal with your pain, and people need a safe way to know how to ingest their Cannabis. You need to know if roommates get into your stash; if they know that you know, they won't do it. So, we have three points that are the same for opioid abuse and Cannabis. Finally, it is just like any other drug, so if it is in the house with children, it needs to be in child-resistant packaging and people need to know when it is safe to get behind the wheel. We have them in different sizes for concentrates and for vape pens and flowers, and so you get to know the last time it was opened, and if it’s in a car and you haven't used it, that could be very useful information.
You also co-brand your product with Rite Aid, CVS and weed dispensaries. How does that help a Cannabis company?
What problems do you see with the way prescriptions are currently dispensed?
How does TimerCap solve this issue?
Pharmacies are allowed to sell pill organizers that don't meet or exceed drug safety laws in states they are sold in. You can dispense into a non-descript pill box, leaving emergency workers wondering what a person might be taking. That's tantamount to a car dealer disabling car seats and air bags. It’s ridiculous. When you go into a pharmacy, there are safety laws for a reason. The fact that you can turn around from the pharmacy and put in a new package that they sell for profit is hypocritical. Do they believe in the safety info? Do they believe in what the doctors wrote? If we have laws, we should enforce the laws. In an environment where 50 percent of the population doesn't take medication as it is prescribed, I believe we are setting people up for failure without compliant packaging.
There are three main points. First, it lets a patient know the last time they opened their medication. Secondly, it’s a household deterrent; anyone can know the last time a medication was opened, and the ability for misuse or theft/abuse is deterred through awareness of it being opened. It’s a diversion, detection and awareness tool. The final point is that it maintains the complaint nature of the original packaging with the legally required information listed.
One of the things that we really encourage is that we are a great first-time gift for dispensaries to hand out. While it’s a good thing for patients to buy, we customize our caps for dispensaries and the dispensaries that use us for first-time patients see a huge benefit. This is one of the best viral tools a dispensary can hand out. Spending a few dollars on getting a branded viral marketing tool and giving the patient a memory tool to remember the dispensary, plus a way to remember how to measure when it’s safe is the best social responsibility tool a dispensary can hand out. The companies that choose this show that they are smart marketers and have a tangible way to show corporate responsibility as well as the benefit to the community.
“IT’S A DIVERSION, DETECTION AND AWARENESS TOOL.” FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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recipes
By LAURIE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF
PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE This deliciously warming beverage will have you forgetting just how awful the weather is recently.
1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk and the half-and-half. Stir in the sugar and heat mixture until dissolved. 2. Add the chocolate and cannabutter and stir till melted. Remove from heat and stir in the extract.
3. Pour into cups, sprinkle with the candy and top with whipped cream.
INGREDIENTS 3 cups milk 1 cup half-and-half ¼ cup sugar 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate 4 teaspoons canna-butter 2 drops peppermint extract 4 tablespoons crushed peppermints Whipped cream
Serves four
Most of us have been homebound way more than we like. And honestly, in Portland, does anyone know how to drive in the snow? I think not. Seattle seems to have a better handle on it. And … I may be wrong, but I have yet to see a snowplow. Stay home, make some canna-butter or canna-oil, and try this hot chocolate. If peppermint doesn’t do it for you, leave out the extract, crush up some butterscotch candies, stir them in, top with whipped cream and let them have their way with this fab drink.
IT HAS BEEN CRAZY COLD!
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3 -BEAN CHILI No meat, and yet this chili is rich and hearty. Adding the coffee for richness came to me in a moment of culinary risk-taking, but it turned out okay. Terrific, in fact. Not too much; just a teaspoon gives the dish another layer of depth.
1. In medium sauté pan, heat the canna-oil over medium-low heat. Sauté the onion 5-7 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes. 2. Add the diced tomatoes, canned beans, tomato paste, rosemary, and coffee. 3. Simmer the chili for 30 minutes. 4. Serve with the toasted pita chips and top
with the cheese (and jalapeno if you like spicy).
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons canna-olive oil 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 red pepper, chopped 1 orange pepper, chopped 1x 15-oz. can diced tomatoes 3x 15-oz. cans of beans, e.g. kidney & cannelini 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon instant coffee 1 cup pita chips, toasted ½ cup shredded cheddar 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded & chopped, to taste
HAM & PEA SOUP 1. Drain the soaked peas and set aside in a medium bowl.
2. In a large soup pot, heat the canna-oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, carrots and garlic for 2-3 minutes. 3. Add the peas and the ham hock to the saucepan and sauté for 4-5 minutes. 4. Add the dill, bay leaf, salt and pepper to 6 cups of water or vegetable stock.
5. Cook soup at low simmer for an hour. 6. Remove bay leaf and the ham hock.
Taste for salt and pepper and serve warm.
INGREDIENTS
½ pound dried split peas, soaked overnight covered with water 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil ½ cup chopped onion ¼ cup chopped celery ¼ finely chopped carrots 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 ham hock, scored 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 6 cups water or stock
Serves four
If pea soup gets too thick, add stock or water. However, if that does not happen, you will have a lovely soup on your hands. Adding stock means adding more flavor. This soup lasts for a week and freezes well!
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Reviews
By WILL FERGUSON | PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS
KungFuVapes.com
THE CARTRIDGE OFFERS A WARMING FEATURE THAT BRINGS THE CANNABIS OIL TO A WARM, EVEN TEMP. FOR A FEW SECONDS.
Kung Fu Vapes “John Fu” Reusable Car tridge
This company is leading the CanThe cartridge offers a warming feature that nabis industry with cartridges and brings the Cannabis oil to a warm, even temaccessories specifically made for perature for a few seconds. Cannabis distillate. This John Fu carThe vaporizable temperature functions even tridge features a removable mouthin colder weather. Refillable cartridges can piece that allows for oil to easily be hold up to about 1 gram of Cannabis concenfilled into the chamber trate before their performance without making a mess. THE SCORE is compromised. The mouthpiece relies John Dawson and Kung PAC K AGIN G on a 3-hole design that Fu Vapes are taking the legal F UN CTION allows for great airflow Cannabis industry by storm DE S IGN when vaporizing higher with their ever-improving VA L UE volumes of your favorite designs that make medicating concentrates. TOTA L 19/20 both discreet and easy.
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AVITAS PURE, PREMIUM CANNABIS OIL CLEANER. SAFER. TASTIER. Extracted with natural, food-grade CO2. No additives or flavorings. Ever.
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This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children.
Reviews
By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com
THREE A LIGHT By JOSHUA HAUPT, 215 PAGES, $500
O
ne of Colorado’s top marijuana growers, Joshua Haupt, is attracting lots of attention due not only to his incredible yields, but their high quality. In his book “Three A Light,” he shares the methods that make his growrooms some of the most productive in the world. “Three A Light” is simple and straightforward, text-wise, but graphically gorgeous with half the pages being full-color photographs. It’s an impressive volume — the very definition of a coffee table book — and it’s priced accordingly, at $500. But even at that price point, the book made a big impact upon its initial release in November 2015 and is moving toward an impressive 1,000 copies sold. According to Haupt, the book took two-and-a-half years to produce. But once you have it, you have a “standard operating procedure for your business,” he said, whether you want to grow 3 pounds per light (we’re talking dry flower weight, ready to use) with just one light, or are starting a large-scale grow. While the price may drop some jaws, it snaps into clearer focus when one realizes that Haupt’s methods (and nutrients, of which he also has a commercial line) promises a drool-worthy yield of 3 pounds per light. That, of course, means the book will more than pay for itself in yield the first time you bring in a successful harvest.
“We back the book,” Haupt told me. “We have a list of everybody who’s purchased the book, and we have a full team dedicated to customer service. You can call us, and we can definitely walk you through a very solid solution. And most importantly, just make sure that you hit those high yields.” Haupt’s growing methods prominently feature a radical trimming process he calls “schwazzing.” All the fan leaves, normally solar panels for the plant that help to feed the flowers, are removed. Haupt said his company can’t advocate people schwazzing if they don’t feed the plants his company’s nutrients to replace what the leaves would have done. Haupt’s company is rapidly expanding. In fact, it recently hired Coca-Cola’s former vice president, Terry Fitch. But Haupt still adds personal customer service for anyone who invests in one of his books; he seems to actually take joy in helping other growers achieve mind-boggling harvests. Full disclosure, taking full advantage of the methods in Haupt’s book require pairing grows with nutrients that he created in collaboration with an agricultural chemist. That’s why a starter pack of Success Nutrients is included with the purchase of each book. The nutrients are currently sold online and out of Haupt’s Denver warehouse.
IN THIS BOOK, JOSHUA HAUPT SHARES THE METHODS THAT MAKE HIS GROWROOMS SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRODUCTIVE.
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PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN
health & science
SURVIVE THE COLD! Dressing for your health as temperatures drop
W
BY NORTHWEST LEAF inter months arond these parts are everyone else grabs coats. Genetic factors play into being more SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR marked by blustery, short, cold days, and or less sensitive to the cold, as does environmental conditioning. DR. SCOTT D. ROSE lots and lots of rain. Many people strugFor example, someone who grew up in Michigan may be “better gle through the winter months and usuprepared” for the cold than someone from Southern California. ally vacation somewhere tropical, if they Wearing the proper clothing is the best preparation for spending can, to try and break it up! Exercise routines time outside. Besides people just being uncomfortable from the outadhered to during for most of the year tend to fall door elements, hypothermia can quickly turn a dangerous situation deadly. away during the winter months. Dreary conditions are an obstacle for many who feel that they do not even DANGERS OF COLD WEATHER want to go outside for any length of time and do anything at all. The number of calories burned through decreases with inactivity, thereby Hypothermia occurs when the body gets loses heat faster than the body decreasing metabolism. According to research reported by Johns Hopkins can make it. This can occur when exposed to cold air, water, wind or rain. The University, people tend to gain five to seven pounds on average during the body temperature can drop to low levels at temperatures of 50 F or higher in winter months. Previous negative experiences with being cold and wet in the wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60 F to 70 F water. outdoors stifles many and keeps them from leading a more active lifestyle Hypothermia gets worse as the body temperature continues to drop. Watch during the winter. But, dressing for success in the PNW’s cold, wet, windy for the “-umbles” — stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles, which show outdoors is possible. changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. Mild hypotherSome people’s constitution just seems to be conducive with being outdoors mia is marked by a core body temperature (rectal) from normal 98.6 F down during the winter months. These individuals wear shorts or t-shirts when to 95 F and symptoms of shivering, pale blue/grey skin, poor judgment, mild
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(against your skin) manages moisture; the insulatunsteadiness with balance and walking, and numb ing layer protects you from the cold; the shell layer fingers and hands. Getting out of the elements and (outer layer) shields you from wind and rain. rewarming may treat mild hypothermia. “Cotton kills” because the material cotton reAs the downward progression of hypothermia tains perspiration and can leave you continues, medical attention becomes feeling wet, clammy and chilled. imperative. Moderate hypothermia is “Wilderness Cotton is not a good choice of insumarked by a core body temperature of is not a lation, especially not as a base layer, 95 F down to 93 F and symptoms of luxury but in the backcountry. violent shivering, dazed consciousness, necessity of the andThenever base layer moves perspiration slurred speech, lack of concern/flat afaway from your skin, which can keep fect, and irrational behavior such as human spirit.” –Edward Abbey you dry and warm. The best base layundressing despite the cold. ers are made of polyester, polypropylSevere hypothermia occurs at a core ene, merino wool, silk or other matebody temperature of 92 F down to 86 rials that wick moisture and dry quickly. F and lower, which is immediately life-threatenThe middle layer insulates you by trapping warm ing. Shivering occurs in waves with pauses in beair next to your body. Here you want to think nattween or ceases entirely, muscle rigidity occurs and ural fibers and fleece. Wool, and goose down are immobility ensues — pulse rate decreases, and the natural fibers with excellent insulation properties. pupils dilate. At 90 F, the body moves into “hiberThe middle layer weight should be chosen based nation” mode where everything slows down: peon activity level and temperature ranges. ripheral blood flow, breathing and heart rate. The outer shell layer is all about shielding against At 86 F, the body is in a state of “metabolic icebox.” The person looks dead but is still alive. Often, wind, rain and snow. Most allow at least some perspiration to escape, which is vital for the under a hiker or skier’s body temperature will drop really low before others notice that something is wrong. layers to breathe well, and virtually all are treated with a durable water repellent to make water bead Hypothermia is an emergency condition and can up and roll off the fabric. quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if heat From a simple windbreaker to a snow jacket with loss continues. Cold exposure injuries can also occur in wet, a removable liner coat and hood, there are many types of outer layers. When selecting outer shells, windy and cold temperatures as well. Frostnip look for items labeled as “waterproof/breathable,” occurs on the skin of the face, ears and fingertips since they will protect 100 percent against water with whitish to blue discoloration and numbness getting in but still let out perspiration. “Water that goes away upon rewarming with no permaresistant” means breathable, but it will only hold nent damage. This is a progression toward frostbite up for a short time in light rain. “Waterproof and where the skin and the underlying tissues actually freeze and look pale or blue, and feel numb, stiff, and rubbery. Frostbite requires freezing temperatures, but chilblains do not. When spending too much time in cold but not freezing temperatures, chilblains may cause pale and blistered skin like frostbite after the skin has warmed. The skin does not actually freeze, but can be very painful.
non-breathable” is the equivalent of an emergency poncho, fine for low-key protection but little else. Gloves, mittens, neck and face protection, and hats also increase success. In colder conditions, or over extended periods, mittens are better than gloves since they keep fingers together, which traps heat more effectively. The head and neck are major areas of heat loss, so cover your neck with a scarf, balaclava or neck gaiter. Balaclavas, windproof face masks, scarves or hats will all protect your head from the cold. Add a hood over top in extreme cold or snow/rain conditions to keep your head gear dry. Hats made of natural fibers such as wool, alpaca or synthetic fleece are ideal. Proper footwear is the remaining piece proper of winter wear, starting with socks. Socks made from natural fiber are ideal. Alpaca insole inserts can wick moisture and to further insulate the foot. Boots and shoes come in many different styles to fit just about every application. As with the outer shell layer, the main factors with boots and shoes are how waterproof are they and how well do they breathe? If you don’t have a ton of money to spend, thrift shops such as Goodwill or Value Village usually carry this type of gear. Many use the excuse that “it’s just too cold out” to avoid exercise and the outdoors. We need to look for ways to tear down obstacles for burning more calories as an ever-growing nation. Getting outside is an excellent way to burn more calories and appreciate our great outdoors here in the PNW. So this year, instead of plane tickets to a tropical destination, invest in proper gear so you can dress for success in the Pacific Northwest.
WHY YOU HAVE TO LAYER Okay, enough with explaining the possibilities (scare tactics) of hypothermia and cold injuries. Remember I said that it is possible to dress for success in the PNW’s cold, wet, windy winters! Only two basic principles need to be understood: layering, and “cotton kills.” No matter what you do outside during the winter, layering will make adapting to changing conditions and activity levels much easier. There are three layers, each with a purpose, and each may be consist of multiple garments. The base layer
Dr. Scott D. Rose is a Naturopathic Acupuncturist in the Seattle, Washington area. FEB. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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health & science
By SIMONE FISCHER | SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
Date Night EDIBLES
My edible of choice is Grön chocolate bars. They come in a variety of flavors (milk and dark chocolate), and you eat them piece by piece for controlled dosing. My favorites are the dark chocolate espresso bean and dark chocolate toffee bar. You can find Grön at most recreational Cannabis shops around Portland. They are dosed at 50mg per recreational edible, but can be split into five 10mg pieces. Other states will carry similar edibles offering chocolatey goodness. If you are new to edibles, break off a square of chocolate and cut it in half. This should give you roughly 5mg of THC by Grön’s standards. Do not eat any more until after two hours. Once the high takes hold, you gotta ride it out. If you are a medical patient, try one of Grön’s 75mg chocolates! Now that you’re already staying home, go hard and really enjoy your Cannabis to its fullest potential. Enjoy each other’s company. Roll up your favorite weed and pop the fancy bottle of champagne! Since you don’t have to worry about driving, you can loosen up your sobriety standards.
Light the candles. Make a nice meal. Don’t forget the music.
FLOWERS Good old-fashioned nugs always get the job done. Top shelf Cannabis runs like water these days. Try CBD flower to relax nerves or release any pre-date tension. CBD may help reduce anxiety in those who experience it. Judge your Cannabis on the quality of smell and cure when buying flower. Don’t shop by numbers alone unless you are there for the cannabinoids, too.
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STAYING HOME WITH CANNABIS * H I G H L Y * R E C O M M E N D E D *
If
you want to skip the overpriced and overcrowded restaurant scene, you have many solid options. My no. 1 suggestion is cooking a light, delicious dinner for you and your sweetie, sharing a few edibles, smoking weed in the various form you prefer and enjoying the remainder of the evening over Champagne.
DINNER FOR TWO
I suggest roasting game hen (smaller/quicker cook time than traditional chickens) with pan sauce, polenta and crispy oyster mushrooms. There’s not much in season in the dead of winter, but a roasted bird will never go out of style. I often will pair it with garlic Parmesan polenta because it’s easy and will marry the game hen pan juice super well. I threw in some mushrooms because they are in season, and (when roasted to a crisp) are a delicious contrast between the velvety polenta and tender chicken. It’s a fuss-free meal that requires minimal attention and prep. You can pre-season your birds and make the polenta a day ahead. Your date will adore you and your efforts. So pour yourself a glass of wine, light a joint and prepare your meal together. No salads. I ask you to indulge.
VAPE PENS / PRE-ROLLS
CREATIVE COMMONS/PEDRO FERNANDES
If you’re a homeowner or just have one of those delightfully lax landlords, then kick back, roll up the best Cannabis you can find and have a few ready-to-light pre-rolls available to enjoy for later (like pre or post dinner). I myself always go for sedative weed at all times. It’s more commonly known as “indica,” but it truly means Cannabis with elevated levels of linalool, caryophyllene and limonene. For everybody else, I recommend going with a sativa or sativa-dominant hybrids (Cannabis with elevated levels of myrcene and terpinolene) to keep the evening going. If you are under the rule of strict landlords, I suggest you invest in a vape pen. They have higher levels of THC and the smell is virtually non-existent. You don’t have to worry about leaving a lingering, potentially eviction-causing smell that could disturb those around you.
CONCENTRATES The popularity of dabs — or concentrates — continues to grow in the legal market. The advantages of dabbing are the flavors, the smell is less pungent (similar to vaping) and the high is much stronger. If you are living in an apartment situation, or want to discreetly consume Cannabis, I highly recommend dabbing. The only drawbacks to dabbing are monetary. Gram prices are on the rise and start at $40-50 for anything worthwhile. Your initial “dab set-up” (oil rig, enail, nail, torch, dab tools) can be expensive at $100-$500 minimum.
Go home.It was crowded there anyways, right? Smoke the weed. Have consensual sex. Enjoy some of your favorite chocolates or Cannabis edibles. Better yet,melt the medicated chocolate and drizzle it on each other for sensual fun. I might sound like a hedonistic pig, but I promise you’ll have a great time. Why did you decide to go out in the first place??? Remember: Home is where the heart is.
GOING OUT WITH CANNABIS
If
you plan to be out on the town and using Cannabis or alcohol, then you need to designate a driver or do the smart thing and call a cab/rideshare. Don’t be stupid, buddy.
Eat. Drink. Be Romantic.
BRING A FRIEND
I prefer pre-rolled joints, but if you or your partner are the paranoid type, run with a vape pen. The smell is faint in comparison to smoking a flower joint. You can buy vape cartridges or disposable pens at your local Cannabis dispensary. They usually start at $50 after tax, and go as high as over $100 per cartridge for high-end concentrates. Although many may cringe at a $100 price tag, understand you are supporting an Oregon craft business that delivers high-quality products. Good weed isn’t cheap, and neither is the corresponding concentrate. Spoil your loved one and try a fancy vape pen. Looking to be sustainably stoned for the duration of your night out? Then eat an edible before you take off. That way, you won’t have to fuss with a pre-roll. You will be a delightfully giggly and enthusiastic eater during your dining experience. With that said, if you are not a seasoned edible consumer, wait until you get home before you pop a chocolate. Nothing is worse than haphazardly eating an edible, and unexpectedly turning into an inaudible pile of mashed potatoes, unable to maintain conversation or forge coherent sentences. I speak from experience. A few date nights have turned terribly wrong because of a seemingly innocent cookie.
Simone Fischer is a Portland OMMP patient and Cannabis advocate. She is a contributing editor at Ladybud Magazine and a graduate of women’s and gender studies from Portland State University.
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NORTHWEST LEAF /NWLEAF @ NWLEAF
Use Code ‘freeleaf’ for free shipping @seedsherenow
@seedsherenow
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+ Many More Breeders To Choose From
feature
By WILL FERGUSON @710DENCIES | GROW PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS | AERIAL PHOTO by JUSTIN CLAPICK
Deschutes Growery
Producing top-quality flower in
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S
BIG LEAFING COOKIE WRECK
COVER CROPS
THE OWNERS STRESS THE NEED FOR CONSUMERS TO CONSIDER WHAT GOES INTO THE CANNABIS THEY SMOKE OR INGEST.
beautiful Bend.
BIG LEAFING
VEG ROOM
ustainability is the name of the game at Deschutes Growery in Bend, Ore. This Cannabis farm is the first completely solarpowered grow operation in the nation. A rooftop full of solar panels powers the multiple flower rooms that utilize both LED and HPS lighting, as the farm makes their full transition to their completely sustainable model. Deschutes Growery pheno hunts all of their new genetics, growing everything from seed, which minimizes the chances for diseases and pests to be introduced. Cookie Wreck, Purple Kool-Aid and Bermuda Sour are some of the farm’s staple genetics, all of which contain unique terpene profiles that are enhanced by the clean, organic nutrients used. The owners stress the need for consumers to consider what goes into the Cannabis they smoke or ingest. Sourcing clean, sustainable nutrients is an essential component of low-impact farming, which we need to see more of in the Cannabis industry. Deschutes Growery utilizes an irrigation system based off high to low water pressure, which eliminates the need for electric water pumps. Each pot in the flower room contains a clover cover crop mixture that helps to naturally transmit nitrogen to each plant through the shared root system. This eliminates the need for outside amendments in an effort to create a soil system that has everything it needs for multiple cycles. We were lucky enough to visit the garden on harvest day, where an array of flavors were brought down for big leafing. Cookie Wreck, Bermuda Sour and Stardawg were on the chopping block and had the shop smelling like an array of flavors. Growing clean, organic, craft Cannabis is what Deschutes Growery is all about, as they have big plans for the recreational market by being Oregon’s most sustainable OLCC producer.
Flower Available From Natural Wonders | Oregrown |Dr. Jolly’s Full List at DeschutesGrowery.com/stockist
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growtech
SOW A
SEED
L
OR
PLANT A
CLONE
PART 2 OF 2: BENEFITS AND DEFICITS OF PLANTING CLONES
ast month’s Growtech explored the benefits conditions or flawed feeding applications. Clones also tend to and deficits of starting your gardens from a have strong natural resistance to pests and diseases, and are seed, so this month’s Growtech will illumiable to maintain a perpetual vegetative state. BY NORTHWEST LEAF nate starting your garden from a clone. Let’s The consistent theme to all these benefits is the predictable SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR jump right in. nature that clones provide; you’ll know what you’re getting, DR. SCANDERSON So many farmers rely heavily on the nursery at least to some degree. Let’s take a closer look at some of the component of their farms as well as other supmore subtle features of this characteristic. ply lines to provide them with an ongoing fresh supply of healthy Discovering the correct feeding schedules and environmental clones. The production and predictability of such a model assures reliconditions a specific variety of plant thrives under are among the most ability. Clones are already females, which eliminates the need for gender complex, time-intensive and important endeavors of gardening. Having selection, as is the case with seeds. Clones also almost universally reliable feedback on other growth characteristics such as ideal flower tend to display more vigor and accelerated growth window, specific time periods for each stage of developrates — especially in the early and mid-veg stages ment from clone through veg, and each of the stages — when compared to their seedling counterparts, of flower through dry and curing schedules is also which saves time. important. Each of these puzzles have many different CLONE BENEFITS pieces and only provides feedback on the placeAs a proven winner, clones are more stable than seeds, as any interment of each piece, once every 90 to 120 days on average, which is sexual traits have (theoretically) been selected out. Clones have higher akin to filling an Olympic swimming pool with a dripping faucet. tolerances against plant stressors such as unstable environmental By starting from clone, you may not have the precise formula that
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will work for you specifically, but at least you’re starting with the pool considerably more than halfway full. Knowing the specific flower you’ll end up with has many benefits beyond the grower’s perspective. Working a particular variety often includes a predisposed amount of marketability. Many of the most desirable clones garner such popularity from the demands the market places upon it. Even on a micro level, there are often specific varieties a particular patient or friend requests due to their desire to have a reliable supply for themselves. The intrinsic ability to have beneficial influence over the demand for the completed product is a stellar and valuable commodity that many clones can provide. Any market for a variety of Cannabis also establishes mediums for cultivation standards, which allows for comparisons of test results with other gardeners. This environment fosters communal discussions that spread knowledge. Such openness amongst a community with a very specific shared interest results in a deeper, more accurate understanding of the information and improved accessibility to such knowledge. This ultimately furthers the plant’s agenda to have the greatest amount of its genetic potential actualized through our efforts in the garden.
pests and diseases. The practice of sharing clones further proliferates these parasites and can also be a prime contributor to the systemic resistance to treatment observed in resistant pest populations. The predictability of the outcome of a specific clone can also be largely linked to the grower, or more specifically, the growing methods employed in its cultivation. It’s not uncommon to fall in love with a particular variety after enjoying its finished blooms only to find — after running it through your system — the results differ enough to no longer enjoy it in the same ways. Existing comparisons highlight these detriments as well as the benefits described earlier. Some cultivars can adapt to a wide variety of environments, while others thrive considerably in an organic environment and still others result in a most favorable finish when grown using synthetic feeding components. Lastly, but perhaps most important to someone who promotes an artisan approach to cultivation, is the defined nature that growing another’s selection offers. A clone is simply another gardener’s opinion of an ideal representation of that variety. You may agree with the selection and enjoy sharing in the benefits pre-selected varieties offer, but at the end of the day, you are promoting another grower’s work. This is beneficial in many ways, but when it comes in place of promoting your own, it can remove what I consider to be the most enchanting part of the pursuit. For me, the addictive intoxication I find myself lost in is the ability to express myself through the creation, discovery and selection of new varieties of Cannabis: New to you, to your friends and to the world. Introduced through your distinct partnership, and covered in your
WHAT BENEFITS ABOUT FARMING FROM SEEDS OR FROM CLONES GETS YOU THE MOST EXCITED?
CLONE DEFICITS Starting to sound almost too good to be true? Don’t worry, I’m a true seed-aholic and am here to rain all over this clone parade. As much as one can tout the benefits of knowing exactly what you’re getting when growing from a clone, the devil’s advocate (ahem) would ask, “but do you really?” That is to say, you don’t really know what else you’re getting with all these assurances a clone provides. Far and away, gardens suffering infestation from bugs, disease or a combination of the two can be traced back to the introduction of a contaminated clone. Protecting completely against any sort of contamination is a time-intensive process simply on account of the life stages and developmental stages associated with some of the most insidious
opinions that exists for no other reason than the result of your unique partnership with space and time as a human. Ultimately, it all comes down — like everything in the pursuit of cultivating life — to what seems to intrinsically call to you? What benefits about farming from seeds or from clones gets you most excited? Which detriments found in either seem like they would be most reasonable to deal with? Somewhere in the past two months in this two-part exploration, my hope is that you will find some direction you can take your garden in. Discover some new varieties of Cannabis no one but you has ever visited or bring a new standard to a highly prized existing variety. Either way, enjoy the ride of being seamlessly woven into the fabric that is the evolution of this beloved plant. Happy Gardening!!!
Follow along
Instagram @DrScanderson_gT
Drop me a line thegreengardengroup @gmail.com
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budshot
PHOTO by @SPURSBROKEN | ROBERT R. SANDERS | PORTLAND
THIS STUNNING SATIVA IS YOUR COMPANION FOR CONQUERING A BUSY DAY OR GOING OUT ON AN ADVENTURE.
Available from Foster Buds (FosterBuds.com) Glisan Buds (GlisanBuds.com)
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ARBUTUS FARMS
DURBAN POISON Got sweet garden/bud photos?
Share them with us and they might appear here in a feature spread next month! Just email your top 2-3 not-taken-with-a-phoneunless-they-were-incredibly-superduper-steady high-resolution images to nwleaf@gmail.com along with the usual details on who to credit for the strain, breed, grow and photographer.
BEHIND THE STRAIN
Drop me a line
thegreengardengroup@gmail.com
Watch a video
YouTube.com/DrScandersonGt
LA CONFIDENTIAL HOW IT GROWS The phenotype that I had a chance to work with is LA Confidential in its growth structure. Perhaps the first and only area of improvement I could hope for from the phenotype I selected is a slightly faster veg time. She’s a slow starter, throwing small, fat three- and five-leaf sets with medium internodal spacing. Vegging this plant for 6 weeks or more is helpful if producing a large yield per plant is a goal. Feel free to grow her large and in charge as she will stretch very little, only about 25 percent or so in flower, although she may stay in the stretch stage longer than other plants (25 days) dutifully filling in a canopy nicely. Heavy pruning and branch selection is key to creating a quality yield. She grows chaotically into a bush with lots and lots of leaves. A heavy hand with branch selection and copious leaf thinning will help guide this lady to creating bulbous flower sites. I found little to no nutrient sensitivity evident with this plant; she wants to beam with health. Continuing to thin leaves throughout the flower cycle will ensure adequate light penetration and airflow. This is extremely helpful to compensate for the thick, bushy plant structure that may create an ideal breeding ground for pest and disease if not managed.
EFFECTS
Flowers in 55-58 days
The very potent and dominant indica lineage of this plant’s heritage is immediately evident upon ingestion. The thick, flavorful smoke is jam-packed with high levels of cannabinoids ready to latch onto your brain’s receptors and lock your body to the couch. They don’t call it couchlock for nothing. An insidious combination of high-testing blooms combined with a creeper effect that unassumingly enchants the BY NORTHWEST LEAF mind into an indulgent partnership, leaving my body SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR feeling as though I were growing roots. I may have never DR. SCANDERSON BREEDER: DNA Genetics experienced my chair so comfortably. Like hairs standing up on the back of my neck, a ripple of sensitivity evenly GENETICS: OG LA Affie x Afghani spreads across all borders connecting my body to the seat. With each new breath, those areas became softer and LINEAGE: Representing the famed OG LA Affie clone in seed form, DNA offers this less distinct until the difference between me and the place I was outstanding variety. Don and Aaron continue to quietly assassinate the competition, sitting became indiscernible. deliberately separating themselves from the hype trains they have seen come and go, allowing their work to speak for itself. Turn down your hearing aids, ‘cause these boys are still crushing the game.
BAG APPEAL & SMOKE REPORT
Extremely dense and resinous buds boast a beautiful contrasting combination of deep purple, dark green and bright orange colors. Thick, blond, crystal-encrusted calyxes with deep orange and red pistils and purple and pink color twinges throughout make these blooms nothing short of admirable. Gathering a dose to grind explodes at fallout levels of terps. She features deep astringent earthy kush and hash smells akin to a Bubba but with more OG funk to it. The flowers, as dense and thick as they can finish, required extra time to dry and cure properly with an ever-evolving dance of flavors and scents intoxicatingly finding their final place. The flavors of the combusted bloom reveals a potent display of OG gas and earth and leaving the body with a hashy, sour coffee flavor with subtle hints of licorice and anise.
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LIKE HAIRS STANDING UP ON THE BACK OF MY NECK, A RIPPLE OF SENSITIVITY EVENLY SPREADS ACROSS ALL BORDERS CONNECTING MY BODY TO THE SEAT.
SUMMARY What a special plant. Although a tad slow to veg out, she more than makes up for it with super fast finishing times, a short and manageable canopy height, impressive yield and ultra high quality flowers.