NORTHWEST LEAF Wishing you a blessed & blazed new year!
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jan. 2017 issue #79
NEWS
CBD DECLARED ILLEGAL BY THE DEA. WHAT IT MEANS FOR PAIN. Pg. 20
EDIBLES
THREE TASTY RECIPES FOR A CANNABIS MEAL Pg. 52
HEALTH & SCIENCE
SIMONE FISCHER TRIES OUT SOME CBD BEER IN BEND Pg. 64
GROWTECH
DR. SCANDERSON'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING SEEDS VS. CLONES Pg. 72
PURPLE CHAMPAGNE
I-502 PRODUCER TOP SHELF PG. 26
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What meal would be complete without dessert? Learn how to prepare these dank treats.
22 REHASHED
The Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa, CA
34 ACCESS REVIEW Gold Bar Marijuana
60 BOOK REVIEW True Living Organics, Second Edition
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52 RECIPES
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E D I TO R ’S N OT E N AT I O N A L N E W S PESTICIDES OPINIONS HIG H LY L I K E LY CBD ILLEGAL EMERALD CUP T O P S H E L F WA H Y P E H E R BAL LY NITRO HONEY GOLD BAR MARIJUANA STRAIN OF THE MONTH ALASKA SHOPS OPEN MY URBAN GREENHOUSE C O N C E N T R AT E R E V I E W B O O K R E V I EW SIMONE FISCHER DR. SCOTT D. ROSE GROWTECH GUIDE YOUR BUDSHOT BEHIND THE STRAIN ON THE COVER
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CONTRIBUTORS OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ, PHOTOS STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS SIMONE FISCHER, HEALTH PAUL GRZELAK, EDITING ERIC KAYNE, PHOTOS MATTHEW MEYERS, OPINION SEAN O’NEILL, ILLUSTRATION ROBERT SANDERS, BUDSHOT DR. SCANDERSON, GROWTECH DR. SCOTT D. ROSE, HEALTH ERIC SKELTON, DESIGN PACER STACKTRAIN, FEATURES LAURIE & BRUCE WOLF, RECIPES
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JAN. 2017 ISSUE #79
Cheers to a new year and new energy for the pot industry. We’re going to need it. 2016 was a tough year for Cannabis in a lot of ways, especially here in
the Northwest. Washington ended a heritage MMJ program to enforce a cartel run by the state with the sole purpose of generating tax revenue. Out of all the states dealing with Cannabis, Washington has been the most heartless, viewing patients as fakers and offering zero compassion for our plant or medicine. But problems were not limited to the Evergreen State. Oregon has had a massive failure on almost every level of recreational Cannabis transitioning, with bottlenecks and downright inefficiency in licensing, testing and regulations. This has put hundreds of businesses, thousands of employees and millions in tax revenue at risk. Oregon disincentivized Editor Wes Abney last month the medical market and pushed patients and their growers into the black in San Francisco ahead of market. Not a winning model for healthcare by anyone’s imagination. The Emerald Cup pg. 22 And then we have Alaska. 2016 started hopeful for legalization, but licensing delays and fear-based regulations have delayed the system for months. Alaska has had few failures, but nothing has really begun. For anyone in this process, keep ya’ head up! We need you to grow, process and sell weed. Challenge accepted! 2016 also ended with a bang from the DEA, which declared CBD a Schedule I substance. For anyone scared of Trump (or blaming him), now might be the time to worry, because the CBD ban was carried out under Obama. Who knows what the new administration will mean for pot laws. We must learn from the mistakes of the last year and make our industry a better place for business owners, employees, consumers and patients. This only happens with unity, compassion and lobbying. After seven years in this industry, I’m tired of partisan politics and lawmakers who take advantage of the splintered nature of the Cannabis industry. It is time for us to come together, find strength and common ground, and make a stand for better regulations and laws, on a local and national level. 2017 can be a great year of positive change, but it starts with a positive attitude and approach. As we make our New Year’s resolutions, let’s start with resolve to fight for our plant, to have compassion for other businesses and users alike, and to have the strength to represent our industry at the highest level. The new year will bring change and challenges, and we can in turn create positive change locally and for the world. Here’s to 2017. May your pipe and heart be full as we continue to shape this industry and world for the better.
—Wes Abney JAN. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
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national
STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), reports U.S. News & World Report. NIDA commissions the annual survey on teen usage. “We had predicted based on the changes in legalization, culture in the U.S. as well as decreasing perceptions among teenagers that marijuana was harmful that [accessibility and use] would go up. But it hasn’t gone up,” Volkow said. The survey also showed that there continues to be a higher rate of teen usage of marijuana among 12th graders in states with medical marijuana laws, compared to states without them. For example, in 2016, 38.3 percent of high school seniors in states with medical marijuana laws reported past year marijuana use, compared to 33.3 percent in nonmedical marijuana states. This reflects previous research suggesting that these differences precede enactment of medical marijuana laws. “Every time a state considers rolling back marijuana prohibition, opponents predict it will result in more teen use,” said Mason Tvert, director of communications for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). “Yet the data seems to tell a very different story. There has been a sea change in state marijuana laws over the past six years and teen usage rates have remained stable and even gone down in some cases. “The best way to prevent teen marijuana use is education and regulation, not arresting responsible adult consumers and depriving sick people of medical marijuana,” Tvert said. “It is time to adopt marijuana policies that are based on evidence instead of fear.”
THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT TEEN MARIJUANA USE IS EDUCATION AND REGULATION, NOT ARRESTING RESPONSIBLE ADULT CONSUMERS”
Big Changes in Marijuana Laws, Little Difference in Teen UsagE As more states legalize marijuana, there have been no big increases in use among teens
The results of an annual survey of U.S. middle
retailers would actually make it harder for young and high school students released in December people to get,” said Tom Angell, chairman of invalidate claims that reforming marijuana laws Marijuana Majority. “The new data bear this out, and debating legalization will lead to increased and it’s just common sense. marijuana use among teens. “Under legalization, businesses have “IT IS TIME The federally funded youth drug every incentive to follow the rules TO ADOPT use survey found that as more states and make sure their customers are of MARIJUANA legalize marijuana, youth use is actually POLICIES THAT legal age, lest they lose their lucrative dropping in some categories and ARE BASED ON licenses,” Angell told Toke Signals. EVIDENCE holding steady in others. There have “Conversely, black market dealers don’t INSTEAD OF been no big increases, as opponents care about the IDs in their customers’ FEAR” have long feared. wallets; they only care about the money “We’ve always argued that taking marijuana in there.” out of the unregulated criminal market and “I don’t have an explanation. This is somewhat putting sales into the hands of responsible surprising,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the
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“THERE HAS BEEN A SEA CHANGE IN STATE MARIJUANA LAWS OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS AND TEEN USAGE RATES HAVE REMAINED STABLE AND EVEN GONE DOWN IN SOME CASES.”
Quoted Trump Praises Philippine President Duterte’s Deadly War on Drugs U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in December
with human rights violations while carrying out held a telephone call with the president of the the executions. These extrajudicial killings have Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte said largely claimed the lives of the country’s most Trump praised his deadly War on Drugs and marginalized and vulnerable citizens, including invited him to visit the White House. Upon those who are unemployed or underemployed. assuming the presidency in June, Duterte The U.S. government had become more vocal made a public call for police and citizens alike in its opposition to the gross human rights to execute people who use or sell drugs, which violations associated with Duterte’s War on has resulted in the murder of more than 5,000 Drugs. State Department deputy spokesperson people suspected of being “involved with drugs.” Mark Toner said in a press briefing that “we’re After the phone call, Duterte said that very concerned — deeply concerned, I would Trump “was quite sensitive also to our worry say — about reports of extrajudicial killings of about drugs.” Trump apparently individuals suspected to have been “IT SOUNDS wished Duterte well in his antiinvolved in drug activity in the LIKE DONALD drug campaign and said that the Philippines.” TRUMP JUST Philippines was “doing it as a After impassioned statements GAVE A GREEN sovereign nation, the right way.” by Senators Patrick Leahy and LIGHT TO “It sounds like Donald Trump just Benjamin Cardin about the gravity MURDER” gave a green light to murder,” said of the situation in the Philippines, the Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the State Department vowed to redirect $9 million Drug Policy Alliance. “By effectively giving his in aid away from Philippine counternarcotics blessing to Duterte’s murderous campaign, the training. president-elect has signaled to foreign leaders However, this opposition from the United his disregard for both due process of law and States looks set to change if Trump pursues his human rights — and raised the possibility that dangerous support for Duterte’s drug war. An he might one day treat U.S. law with the same advisor to Trump’s transition team on security contempt.” policy said that the president-elect would start Duterte has repeatedly shown complete a “clean slate” with Duterte “without being disregard for due process or human rights. In wedded to previous policy failures.” his call for the murder of people who use or To decipher Trump-speak for you, “previous sell drugs, he promised medals for citizens who policy failures,” in this instance means Obama’s comply, and pardons for police if they are charged objection to killing people for being on drugs.
“YET ANOTHER OLD-STYLE DRUG WAR CHARACTER FOR HOMELAND SECURITY. IT LOOKS LIKE DONALD TRUMP IS REVVING UP TO RE-LAUNCH THE FAILED DRUG WAR.” — ETHAN NADELMANN (executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance) on the news that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate “big-time drug war zealot” General John Kelly to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Quick Hits! 6 25 30 States have now eliminated criminal penalties specific to the adult possession and personal use of Cannabis, as Massachussetts ended its century-long prohibition on Dec. 15.
violations of misinformation about Cannabis on the DEA’s website are being cited by the Americans for Safe Access group under the rules of the Information Quality Act. Percent of Maine’s state vote was recounted before the “No On 1” campaign conceded and the state officially legalized marijuana.
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national
STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion.
north american cannabis pesticide warning issued The Association of Commercial Cannabis Laboratories have detected high levels of the contaminants
Pesticide residue on marijuana is a problem that
won’t go away any time soon. With the state of Washington, for instance, allowing more than 225 pesticides on commercial Cannabis — yet not routinely testing for levels of any of them — issues are bound to occur. The Association of Commercial Cannabis Laboratories, Inc. (ACCL) on Dec. 7 released a statement offering information on the continuing concern of pesticide contamination on Cannabis. ACCL members in several states have detected high levels of various cultivating agents that are used to combat numerous types of fungal and insect-
based assaults during cultivation, according to the organization. “As member laboratories continue to advance their technical sophistication using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based approaches, we have broadened the ability to detect more of these cultivating agents and have come to understand that this problem is larger and more complex than anyone initially suspected,” ACCL announced. “Our most recent assessment of the prevalence of pesticides and fungicides shows that around 50 percent or more of the commercially available flowers and concentrates may contain concerning levels
“THIS RULING ALLOWS DOCTORS TO DO THEIR JOBS AND THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS TO GET BACK ON THE PROGRAM. IT IS A VERY EXCITING DAY FOR ALL OF US.”
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of these types of harmful chemical residues,” the watchdog organization’s prepared statement reads. “It is the most important quality issue regarding medical and adult-use Cannabis today,” said ACCL executive director Dr. Robert Martin. “Pesticide residues are not known to break down by heat of process or by biodegradation and remain toxic in the plant or soil for lengthy periods of time.” Fully recognizing this concern and aiming to best protect all Cannabis consumers — especially those who have compromised immune systems, impaired liver function, or are seeking consistent and constant uses of Cannabis — ACCL said its members are uniting nationwide to collaborate on establishing cultivating agent testing standards and methods. The organization is hoping that will offer informed scientific leadership to the rapidly evolving Cannabis industry. Laboratories like those that belong to the ACCL will benefit from mandated lab testing for pesticides and other contaminants, but they won’t be the only ones. Consumers, especially those with compromised immune systems or liver function, can do themselves a favor by avoiding contaminated Cannabis. The effects of pesticide agents like myclobutanil, when burned, haven’t been studied. The antifungal agent has been approved for use on fruit crops (it’s commonly used on grapes). Myclobutanil is commercially sold as Eagle 20, Rally, Quali-Pro, F-Stop, Boon and other brand names, and is often used by marijuana cultivators to stave off powdery mildew. Early tests indicate the myclobutanil can be converted into cyanide by the burning process, producing toxic fumes. It has also been found to affect the reproductive abilities of test animals. Workers exposed to myclobutanil have reported symptoms such as skin rash, allergic dermatitis, itchiness, nausea, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nosebleed and eye irritation (CDPR). In fact, it has been speculated (and convincingly so) that what is commonly misdiagnosed as “cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” is in fact a form of low-level myclobutanil poisoning.
Quoted — RICHARD EGGERS, (owner of Montana Preferred Provider, a Montana medical marijuana provider) on the ruling that dispensaries in Montana can reopen immediately after they were closed due to an error in drafting Initiative 182.
opInion
By WES ABNEY | EDITOR
NEW YEAR
NEW LEAF When I started The Northwest Leaf in 2010 with
co-founder David Jablinske, we had a lot of dreams to tell the truth about Cannabis and spread information and awareness about our favorite plant. Over the last seven years of building a concept to publishing almost 2 million editions, the world of Cannabis has changed, but the Leaf remained focused on the biggest issue of our time: medical Cannabis rights. Since Washington voters legalized Cannabis in 2012, a lot has happened, and a lot of things have worsened. At the time of legalization, I found myself conflicted about the nature of I-502. Heavy taxation, zero personal freedoms and a restrictive approach to regulation led our editorial team to oppose I-502. Over the years, as we fought for patient rights as they were slowly restricted to the point of no longer functionally existing, the Leaf was seen as being focused more on patients than on the overall changes in I-502. I want to personally express our position and goals for 2017 and the future of Cannabis in Washington state. We want to see the recreational system and the people working hard to make it work succeed, and the Leaf supports anyone trying to grow Cannabis for business or personal use. As we enter 2017, we will be exploring and sharing stories on the entirety of the recreational system, from seed to sale, and the people that make it happen. We will also explore medical Cannabis in the new system, how it has negatively affected AS WE ENTER 2017, patients, and the lives of those healed by our plant. Our journey WE WILL BE EXPLORING will also reveal the black market AND SHARING STORIES as we study the risks and rewards ON THE ENTIRETY OF THE for the current legal system and RECREATIONAL SYSTEM, oppressive tax structure. FROM SEED TO SALE, We will also continue our rich AND THE PEOPLE THAT history of Cannabis journalism, questioning laws and regulations, MAKE IT HAPPEN. and working to add more personal freedoms for Washingtonians and Americans alike. Nobody deserves to be in jail for a plant, and it is still happening in Washington post-legalization. We will also continue to advocate for the medicinal use of our plant, for full legalization in Washington and nationwide, and to hold the powers that seek to control nature’s gift accountable to the do-no-harm nature of our plant. Thank you for reading and sharing the Leaf, it is an honor to publish and share information, and we couldn’t do it without our dedicated readers and supporting advertisers.
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Northwest Leaf will continue to focus on excellent Cannabis journalism and coverage of our community heading into the new year.
By MATTHEW MEYERS for NORTHWEST LEAF
CONSCIOUS. TOGETHER. Remember to find the beauty in life and hearing another side
Listen. Learn. Lead. That’s what we have to do. Americans need to find common ground among themselves and with the rest of the world in these challenging times. We all stand on the same earth and share the same precious resources. As our consciousness and access to information rapidly expands, it’s critical that we take time to come down to Earth and focus on improving ourselves as human beings if we want that change to be reflected in the world around us. Our access to information is expanding exponentially, but our interpersonal skills and habits are still evolving at a constant rate. It’s more important than ever that we consciously set goals and check in with our personal growth. We can’t mistake being able to Google something with true intelligence. I’m not saying we should ignore these technologies, as they make many aspects of life more efficient, but we need to remember the importance of face-to-face communication and learning. For example, if you are reading about something online that doesn’t fit with your morals, you can simply avoid it — an algorithm will eventually make sure you only see perspectives you agree with. But when discussing the state of the world with a loved one or a stranger, it’s much harder to avoid topics or perspectives you don’t agree with. This is Matthew Meyer is a Hood River-based Cannabis journalist, activist & enthusiast.
normal; we won’t all agree all of the time. However, it’s important to have the discussions regardless, assuming that discussion is civil and follows the guidelines I discussed in my last article. The crucial part of face-to-face communication is being able to hear someone else repeat back what you just said so you can hear your own words. This feedback is critical to learning because it allows us to break free from our own perspective and biases (which we all have, no matter how fair you think you are). We want to believe that we can separate ourselves from the world but with the volume of humans on the planet, we cannot look for solutions that only help us. We come from different backgrounds and have different intentions and desires, but we all have to live on this planet. You can learn something from everyone you come into contact with every day as long as you pay attention and listen. This means truly listening. It can be harder than you think. Last month I highlighted some tips for having a constructive debate. Debate is always nice, but I would also challenge each reader to focus on listening and learning without trying to comment or object. You should always still exercise critical thinking, but go into every conversation looking to learn something. I believe that Cannabis has a unique ability to help build empathy. For this reason, we need Can-
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS STILL EXERCISE CRITICAL THINKING, BUT GO INTO EVERY CONVERSATION LOOKING TO LEARN SOMETHING.
nabis more than ever, especially in the Western world. We pretended that we aren’t all living on the same planet and that we can just separate ourselves with walls and political boundaries. But this isn’t true. Yes, we can build some impressive walls these days, but they are all planted on the same Earth, and we all breathe the same air regardless. Here is my suggestion for finding common ground: Start with the Earth; a physical paradise flying through space that is all too easy to take for granted. But we can all agree that it’s full of wondrous and beautiful phenomena. Next time you see a beautiful rainbow, or a breathtaking view, take the time to appreciate it and communicate that emotion to the people around you — remind them to see the beauty that surrounds us every day. Then remind them that it’s all of our responsibilities to take care of Mother Earth as she has provided us with this magnificent existence. One way or another, we must rally to protect our Earth from ever more rapid destruction by consumption and greed, or else we really won’t have any common ground left to stand on. First, change yourself, then change your personal sphere of influence, and then help others be inspired to do the same both through example and objective guidance and advice! You must dedicate time each day to checking in on personal growth progress; it’s something that you should never stop improving. If you get lost, remember to use balance as your moral compass.
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highly likely
By PACER STACKTRAIN for NW LEAF
Column # 18
Highlighting amazing Cannabis pioneers who helped pave the way to greater herbal acceptance.
SUSAN Sarandon
THE ACTRESS DISCUSSES LIFELONG CANNABIS USE Appearing in some of the most beloved films of the last four decades, Susan Sarandon needs no real introduction. Through her career, she’s won or been nominated for multiple Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards. Like many top-tier Hollywood celebrities, Susan Sarandon is more than just an actress. She’s been involved in humanitarian causes for most of her professional career, serving as a UNICEF world ambassador and was awarded the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award in 2006 for her work as an advocate for victims of hunger and HIV/AIDS. She is a social and political activist who frequently utilizes her celebrity to bring attention to diverse issues people are facing around the world, including poverty, the environment, social justice issues and — since the ‘90s — the legalization of Cannabis. She’s been open about her almost lifelong Cannabis use, saying she started in college and
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found it suited her personal preferences more than alcohol. On Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens: Live” program, Sarandon famously talked about smoking with David Bowie during their three-year relationship in the ‘80s. She also has noted that she smoked herb before almost every one of her award show acceptance speeches. And, upon further inspection on YouTube, they’re some really great speeches! In 2013, she told The Huffington Post, “I would like to see everyone be able to smoke pot,” lending her voice to support the legalization of Cannabis in Colorado. She’s been outspoken about her views and experiences, noting that while Cannabis does have medical benefits, recreationally it’s “more of a lifestyle choice,
like yoga or meditation.” Sarandon is one of the few celebrities that speaks about Cannabis like a real person. In a 2015 interview with High Times, she talked about how smoking benefits her lifestyle, saying, “that’s the great thing about smoking weed: if you lead a very, very busy life, for me, it really makes the most of the weekend. It, like, triples your weekends. If you only have certain windows to get high, it allows you to slow down and really be there … smoking helps you to connect again — to be present and conscious.” This sort of responsible, but reasonable approach to the consumption of Cannabis is what will ultimately set us on the true path of mainstream acceptance. Once the taboo is removed, we’ll all enjoy better access and less of a stigma attached to what we all know is a beneficial plant for humanity. Slowly but surely, people in the public eye like Susan Sarandon are helping to turn the tide on national prohibition. And for that, we can all be thankful as we begin 2017.
“SMOKING HELPS YOU TO CONNECT AGAIN, TO BE PRESENT AND CONSCIOUS.”
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Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking can be hazardous to your health. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery while under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product. Not for use by woman who are pregnant or breast feeding. This product is infused with marijuana or active compounds of marijuana. For use by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children.
FEATURE
By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH CBD? A new rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies all marijuana extracts, including cannabidiol oil, as Schedule I controlled substances, which the government says have no medicinal value.
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T
he perceived gray area when it comes to CBD has resulted in a thriving industry. Nonpsychoactive, but medically effective, cannabidiol is currently sold in tinctures, gum, edibles, oil and other forms. That industry, unfortunately, appears to have been destroyed with the stroke of a pen. Under the new designation, marijuana extracts will have a new identification number. This is to allow the DEA and other federal agencies to track shipment of the products separately from Cannabis itself, reports Justin Worland at Time magazine. The rule also clears up the legal consequences for dealers of CBD extract. “For practical purposes, all extracts that contain CBD will also contain at least small amounts of other cannabinoids,” the DEA’s new rule states. “However, if it were possible to produce from the Cannabis plant an extract that contained only CBD and no other cannabinoids, such an extract would fall within the new drug code.” In announcing the change, acting DEA administrator Chuck Rosenberg said the new code was necessary to comply with treaty provisions and “track quantities of this material separately from quantities of marihuana.” A new code, 7350, was added specifically for “marihuana extracts,” joining 7360, the code Cannabis had already been assigned. According to the DEA, a “marihuana extract” is described as “an extract containing one or more cannabinoids that has been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis, other than the separated resin (whether crude or purified) obtained from the plant.” Companies affected have just 30 days from Dec. 14 to do their initial paperwork. If they miss that deadline, their registration will be in violation. The Cannabis Business Alliance (CBA) on Dec. 15 released a statement on the rescheduling. The organization, which advocates for Cannabis business owners, called on the federal government to reconsider this unprecedented move that will prohibit access for patients in need across the country. “Scientific research has shown time and time again that cannabidiol, or CBD oil, is therapeutic for treating countless medical conditions,” said Mark Malone, executive director of
the CBA. “This is an unwarranted and erroneous move by the DEA who has proven yet again it has not kept pace with the findings of modern science. “To put any cannabinoid, which is proven to treat ailments including seizures, epilepsy, PTSD, Crohn’s disease and fibromyalgia, on the same level as heroin is irrational and irresponsible,” Malone said. “Once again, the federal government has shown that it has not caught up with modern science,” said Nate Bradley, executive director of the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA). “It’s common knowledge that CBD has numerous medical uses, including curbing the effects of epilepsy and reducing muscle inflammation from injuries. To deny that shows a complete disregard for the facts.” The DEA is asking that all Cannabis extract companies re-establish their paperwork for the newly labeled “illegal” substance by Jan. 13, 2017, including any CBDspecific companies and products. “This action is beyond the DEA’s authority,” said Colorado Cannabis attorney Robert Hoban, adjunct professor of law at the University of Denver, reports Leafly. “The DEA can only carry out the law, they cannot create it. “Here they’re purporting to create an entirely new category called ‘marijuana extracts,’ and by doing so, wrest control over all cannabinoids,” Hoban said. “They want to call all cannabinoids illegal. But they don’t have the authority to do that.” “This is a huge step backwards for Cannabis prohibition and especially for patients who live in states without established medical Cannabis laws,” said the CBA’s Malone. “Now is the time to come together and voice our concerns loud enough for the DEA to reconsider.” But, according to the folks at Medical Marijuana Inc., “the media has been misreporting the story.” That company is sticking
with a previous court decision rather than the new DEA rule. They clearly feel that the DEA has overreached its authority, because they’re going to keep selling CBD. “Medical Marijuana Inc. is pleased to announce that the DEA federal registry amendment to create a new code for ‘marihuana extracts’ in no way affects the company’s hemp oil, containing naturally occurring cannabinoids, including CBD, or its operations,” said Dr. Stuart Titus, CEO of Medical Marijuana Inc. “In the past, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has conclusively held that hemp products, such as those marketed by the company, which are derived from the part of the Cannabis plant which is exempt from the Controlled Substances Act, is legal for import from Europe,” Dr. Titus said. “In the 9th Circuit case that served to uphold the legality of the company’s products, the Court struck rules that had been promulgated by the DEA that would have made the company’s products a scheduled substance and the Court permanently enjoined the DEA from enforcing the stricken rules. “There has been no superseding ruling since the 9th Circuit’s decision,” Dr. Titus said. “Therefore, the company’s products continue to be legal and are not controlled substances. Accordingly, the legality of Medical Marijuana Inc.’s products remains unchanged in light of this new federal registry.” “It’s unclear to what extent the DEA will follow through on its threat to move against businesses that manufacture Cannabis oil products,” according to Project CBD. “For the moment, it would appear that Cannabis oil companies that operate in compliance with state medical marijuana laws will stand a better chance of withstanding a federal assault — at least initially. The Rohrabacher Amendment, which must be renewed by Congress in April 2017, explicitly prohibits the Justice Department from using federal funds to undermine state medical marijuana laws.” Under the incoming Trump Administration, especially considering attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, no fan of marijuana, all bets are off at that point.
UNDER THE NEW DESIGNATION, “MARIHUANA EXTRACTS” WILL HAVE A NEW IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. THIS IS TO ALLOW THE DEA AND OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES TO TRACK SHIPMENT OF THE PRODUCTS SEPARATELY FROM CANNABIS ITSELF.
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rehashed
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by ERIC KAYNE for The San Francisco Chronicle
Dec. 10-11, 2016 / Santa Rosa, CA / TheEmeraldCup.com
THE EMERALD CUP
returned to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds with about 30,000 attendees smoking, ingesting and sharing Cannabis in a massive display of the California pot industry. The cup is the largest Cannabis gathering to offer up sanctioned Cannabis consumption in the United States, showcasing all of the top brands from California and the rest of the world for legitimate crowds of people to celebrate freedom and a love for the plant. Ranging over the entire fairgrounds are hundreds of booths, venues for music, trade shows, and a thick haze of smoke that was present from Dec. 9 night till late Dec. 10. This year’s event broke attendance records, with some credit going to the passing of Amendment 64, which (legalized!) Cannabis in the state of California. While the consumption/ sampling areas were for patients only, the smell of marijuana smoke covered the entirety of the fairgrounds. Everywhere and every corner had a session, dab rig or joint being lit. For many attendees, the WINNING event is the last great Cannabis festival TheEmeraldCup. of the year, and a great way to cap the com/2016-winners win of legalization. Inside the sampling areas, over 150 booths were handing out as much weed as they could pack into the event. Many of the booths had trays of giveaways, edibles, soda fountains or lines for dabs. One highlight was the booth from Guild Extracts, which handed out fire dabs of live resin along with THC-A for anyone willing to give it a taste. That booth alone gave out an estimated $25,000 in oil! The sharing and enjoyment of consumers and patients is what drives the Emerald Cup to success. One of the biggest draws this year was the music lineup (Damian Marley, Dirty Heads, Stick Figure, The California Honeydrops and Tribal Seeds, to name a few). Essentially a world-class Cannabis event mixed with a high-end music festival; it’s easy to see why the Emerald Cup draws the crowds it pulls each year. Another repeat hit was the Hall of Flowers, stashed away in a non-smoking building featuring Cannabis brands and all the entries for the cup. Stacked in an octagon glass display were hundreds of flower samples, all entered faithfully into the cup, hoping to bring home an award.
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PROFILE
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
ARLINGTON, WA
Purple Champagne
GDP
TOP SHELF Q&A TJ Werth, Owner
When did you first start growing pot and what was that like? Over five years ago I heard an NPR story that said something about MMJ. I had Hep-C and it was right in the law, and realized I could get a green card. I had grown as a kid, and said, “hey, I can do that.” So I built a greenhouse in the backyard and bought seeds online from Amsterdam, feminized cheese, I got 6 seeds, popped ‘em, and got four females. I grew in a greenhouse, and then I flowered them out, and all this I learned and followed from a book for 24.99 on Amazon.com.
That’s awesome and a really cool way to rediscover the plant. What did you do with the pot you grew?
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I got 3 ounces of weed and went to a collective and
sold it for $150 an ounce — my very first crop. So I was like, “well, hey, I can do this,” and I had a piece of property in Arlington and started growing out there with a partner.
Did you know you wanted to run as a business back then? I started with my 401(k) funds because I wanted to send my son to a private school, because he has autism, and it’s $30,000 a year. One day I was driving down the road and asked where am I going to get money? I was an engineer before; I worked in a cube, with a wife and kids in a Kirkland cul-desac, which I still have today. Podworks started five years ago, — Top Shelf ’s parent company — and my partner who had convinced me growing weed was a good thing ended up being an embezzler. So I went out on my own, worked out my system during
People like the weed. What can you do but grow the best you can and try to get people to smoke it... anybody sees anything that isn’t right, they holler out and we take care of it. At least, that’s the goal; it’s never perfect. But everyone smokes weed and is a weed enthusiast. The only hard part is that they can’t smoke the weed as it comes off the garden. They take pride and are loyal because they know they are doing something good. We are producing something, not taking, and I’m not a greedy guy and I try to give a living wage with medical, dental and vision.
What are your favorite strains in the garden right now? We have what we call the “crazy 8” and a few more in reserve. It’s Blue Dream, Dutch Hawaiian, Death Star, Granddaddy Purple, Lemon OG, Purple Champagne, Pineapple Super Silver Haze and Bubbleberry. That’s my “crazy 8s.” Also have a really nice Dutch Treat, a really nice Gorilla Glue, just got Blackberry Kush and Bubba Kush back as well.
How does it feel to be here today and what are your goals for the company?
medical Cannabis, and when 502 happened, I got one of my three Tier 3 apps approved.
Was it easy to start growing on a commercial scale? We’re farmers. A lot of people don’t get that. It’s cyclical, it has ups and downs, and we try to flatten out some of the ups and downs and make it consistent through our business model. That’s always been a trick. We wanted cashflow from the beginning, so we cropped every week to make sure that we have consistent products. A lot of people take their eye off the ball. It’s a bit like juggling. I’m a little bit anal, and even I get run over periodically and I try real hard to avoid that. That’s farming.
In medical days, you guys provided edibles and FECO/RSO oil to over 100
collectives. Now you are in 157 stores in Washington. What do you attribute your success to? People like the weed. What can you do but grow the best you can and try to get people to smoke it, and once they smoke, know that they will buy more. It’s like that. And we always have fresh weed. Frequent harvests make for better weed. It’s like fresh fruit. You don’t want last year’s orange. You want an orange somebody picked last week.
A lot of work clearly goes into producing your products. How many employees are on the Top Shelf team? Since we started in 502, the 19th of December, 2014, we have 50 people working here and I talk to the troops once a week and everybody gets it. If
It’s pretty wild, and we got here real quick. We are still going through growing and transitioning into a larger sized company. At almost five years old, it feels almost textbook now — it feels good. But it’s also difficult, and I’ve definitely gotten a few grey hairs, and ... we’re just getting started, but it feels like we’ve achieved something. We have anywhere between 70 and 100 pounds of trimmed weed a week as TopShelfWA.com far as production today and we are continuing to grow. I have a whole second warehouse next door and we are working to expand into that and continue to offer good products with good customer service.
Do you see Top Shelf going beyond Washington in the future? Five years from now, I want to have 90,000 square feet of canopy and be ready to go national. Then we can make the jump and go public. We want Top Shelf in New York one day. Now, whether it happens or not, either way is alright with me, because I am happy to be where we are too. We are going to keep going no matter what; it’s all good. Nothing can stop us because we are growing legal weed!
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PROFILE
JUSTIN RUIZ HypeHerbally tries to go from medical Cannabis to the recreational world By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
ON
Dec. 14, the Snohomish County Council renewed a moratorium on new Cannabis businesses first passed in June without public comment or a hearing, all based on a single complaint that pot businesses are too clustered within the county. Proof that reefer madness is alive and well post-legalization, the original complaint was filed by Diane Symms, co-owner of Lombardi’s Pizza on the Bothell Everett Highway, a chain known for average pizza and a full wine and beer menu. She claims that clustering pot shops is hurting her business and neighborhood, and argues that the public doesn’t want or deserve the impact of having choices of where to buy their pot. “My feeling about it is if you had one of these retailers every five blocks, that would seem to be a reasonable amount,” Symms told The [Everett] Herald. “But three in this one area is too much.” HypeHerbally owner Justin Ruiz said the decision has put his business on an indefinite hold, costing him millions in potential revenue, of which the state takes a more than 46 percent cut for taxes. “We just want our chance to convert to the recreational system, keep Cannabis off the black market and contribute to the tax base in the county. There is not a single good reason for keeping us from doing that,” Ruiz said. It is an awful hit to his heritage medical business.
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RUIZ FEELS AS THOUGH THE COUNTY HAS TAKEN AWAY HIS ONLY OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSITION INTO A LEGAL BUSINESS AND HE IS PREPARED TO FIGHT BACK.
THE
“clustering effect” of pot stores in friendly zoning is the direct result of complaints from people like Symms, who feel that alcohol businesses, massage parlors and bikini coffee stands are just part of the culture of Snohomish County, but that Cannabis hurts the community she hopes to sell pizza and beer. What Symms fails to understand is that the moratorium she triggered is only stopping two stores from potentially opening, and neither is near her currently operating pizza company. The business most adversely affected by the decision is miles away on Highway 99, in a commercial district that has a dozen pot shops in a stretch running from Lynnwood to Everett, all without public complaint or impact. “Clustering is not bad. Highway 99 has always been full, it was a highcrime area for a long time and if we bring licensed, taxed businesses to the area, it actually cleans up the block. Clustering is a good thing for the economy and Highway 99 as a whole,” Ruiz said. “It’s not our fault that the initial zoning from 2012 is what restricts us into these areas that have a lot less houses and a lot more traffic.” HypeHerbally began as a medical patient collective garden access point in 2012. The business employed over a dozen workers at $15 an hour or above, paid more than $1 million in taxes over the course of four years, and operated fully within the confines of state law. For Ruiz, the irony is that by paying his taxes and serving patients until the end of the MMJ law in July, he is being punished while other retailers that converted earlier have been able to open across the county. “There was nobody else in medical that was transitioning over and waiting to help patients, the prices aren’t as competitive and there’s not as much access in 502,” Ruiz said. “Everything is different. And because we wanted to make sure our patients were able to be served as long as possible, we took it to the very end because that’s what felt right. We got punished for it very obviously because the moratorium was passed five days before medical ended and we already had our final occupancy permit meeting.” Completely ignoring the fact that state law has regulated and set up guidelines for these businesses, Symms feels that her mainstream business ownership makes her feelings about pot more important than the will of the people. Typical of the entitled drug war enabler mindset, Symms ignores both logic and reality in her baseless arguments made before a council willing to push any issue coming from a mainstream business owner. “Something has to change,” Symms said. “I do not want to see this moratorium just go away. I do want there to be some kind of regulation.” What Symms and the council failed to recognize is that pot is already everywhere in Washington, the black market exists all around Snohomish County, and pot shops are highly regulated in how and where they can do business. “We have to stop having councils for rewriting rules that already exist, regulating an industry that already is running right,” Ruiz said. In an effort to help mitigate the financial and legal impact the shutdown of medical Cannabis collectives like HypeHerbally had in the area, Snohomish County doubled the number of available retail licenses last year. Having applied for three while serving medical patients through his collective as long as possible, Ruiz watched other stores open second and third locations, while patiently awaiting his own opportunity. Now he feels as though the county has taken away his only opportunity to transition into a legal business, and he is prepared to fight back. “At this point, we are exploring lawsuits. We feel our rights have been violated and that the public vote is not being honored,” Ruiz said. “They are trying to get away with as much predatory regulation as possible. I’ve
“WE UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE WANT ACCESS TO MARIJUANA,” COUNCILMEMBER RYAN SAID. “WE JUST DON’T WANT NEGATIVE IMPACTS TO NEIGHBORHOODS.
definitely missed out on over two years in a legal market, but it didn’t feel right at first to just bail on medical, and now I’ve missed out on at least nine months in the legal market, and the revenue and taxation we could have created.” Typical of a council that is using politics to mask a prejudiced motive, councilmember Terry Ryan argued that the council is qualified to judge exactly when an area has the correct number of legal pot shops versus black market dealers, in a formula referred to as “the sweet spot.” “We understand that people want access to marijuana,” Ryan said. “We just don’t want negative impacts to neighborhoods. We’re trying to find that sweet spot in between access and negative impacts on neighborhoods.” The council is simply continuing the reefer madness that led to the issue in the first place. Punishing a legal, taxed and heritage Cannabis company is hurting the community through a loss of jobs, revenue and black market opportunity. Cannabis businesses are safer and more regulated than establishments selling alcohol, which has a direct negative social impact on communities. Any clustering is the result of 1,000-foot buffers from schools and parks for pot that booze companies don’t have to deal with.
HypeHerbally open in 2012 to serve medical Cannabis patients in Everett.
“This is my third closure,” Ruiz said. “I’ve been fighting for pot since I got busted in high school in 2003, where my senior project was a 32-page bill to legalize Cannabis. I’ve been fighting for medical patients and pot my entire adult life, and I’ve paid out millions in taxes and employment. I thought I could do it legally, and did everything I could to make it legal, and now feel like they don’t want us to have that pathway.” For now, Ruiz will keep fighting for his business, and hope that his fight will cause other pot businesses affected by moratoriums to stand up. “My big hope is to get open and to get our culture back,” Ruiz said. “Let’s build our community back to where we had it as best we can, because we can’t undo this tragedy, but we can make the best of where we are at. I encourage anyone hurt by this type of moratorium to come together.”
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PROFILE
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
The transition from medical to recreational couldn’t stop the cult-like following for their oil
NITRO HONEY A
heritage medical concentrate company from Snohomish County is making a splash into the recreational market with high-end oils, internal pesticide testing and a passion for connecting consumers with the best high possible. Founded by Max Boyd, Nitro Honey has processed high-end Cannabis concentrates since late 2013. From a peak of more than 70 collectives in the medical scene to being shut down when the laws transitioned this summer, Boyd and his team have had to fight to enter the recreational market and bring their brand of oil with them. They teamed up with Mother Nature’s Own, a craft-focused Tier 1 in the Sultan area, and built a lab with custom Iron Fist extraction equipment, then began their first runs of oil this fall. “We built out everything ourselves except for the electrical, installed a custom extractor that we worked with Iron Fist to build, and started running as soon as we had our final approval in hand,” Boyd explained. “The most exciting thing now for me is the new people I meet in the industry, the challenge to succeed in this market and bringing products to market.” The hardest transition for Cannabis companies operating since before 502 was passed has been adjusting to the rules, regulations and pitfalls associated with transitioning from medical to recreational Cannabis. For Boyd and the team, the challenges hit right from the start. “We started with nothing, only $10,000 left after the buildout, so I went to four growers I knew well looking for clean pot without pesticides. We purchased $10,000 in pot from five farms, and four out of five failed for pesticide testing after we had made it into concentrates,” Boyd said. “So we lost $47,000 worth of sales that we could have generated and got stuck with a whole bunch of stuff we couldn’t sell and had to destroy.” While pesticide testing isn’t required on every batch in 502, Boyd set out with the goal of having pesticide-free products for recreational and medical users alike. Sourcing product to process into oil has been the hardest part of the business.
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Space Queen Crumble
They learned the hard way that flower that can pass a pesticide test can’t work out in oil form. “The farms that failed weren’t adding chemicals on purpose in my opinion, but their practices weren’t working with us,” Boyd said. “Today we pre-test gardens and will not buy unless it has been tested in flower, and then we buy a small batch and make it into oil and retest it, and if it doesn’t pass, we send it back. If it does pass, we take it to market. It’s a simple concept that is harder in practice, but it keeps our brand integrity and quality alive.” The best part about the Nitro Honey team is the positive attitude and approach towards the strug-
EVEN AFTER THE SETBACKS, THEY HAVE COME OUT ON TOP WITH THEIR MORALS INTACT AND A QUALITY PRODUCT AND BUSINESS MODEL THAT IS READY TO CAPITALIZE IN 2017. gles they have gone through to be in business today. Even after the setbacks, they have come out on top with their morals intact and a quality product and business model that is ready to capitalize in 2017. “For now, we are focusing on what we do best: live resin, shatter and wax,” Boyd said. “We have some of the best on the market. Other people don’t do five-day purges and two flips a day and handle the oil with tender loving care as if it was still just 100 medical grams a week. We haven’t changed our system; we just keep improving it. Start to finish, we are at seven to nine days before it is ever put in a package.” Their signature Nitro Honey logo is recognizable now on shelves in stores with golden amber dollops of oil ready to be vaporized into mind-numbing dabs. Signature options like Space Queen crumble or Jack the Ripper sugar wax are filled with terps and testing below 50ppm in solvents, with many tests in the 5-15ppm range. Nitro Honey is known for a smooth dab, heavy on flavor and effects, and without a harsh cough. This has built them a significant and loyal following as users seek out the oil for the recreational or medicinal high they need. “The best part for me is standing in a store in a Nitro Honey shirt and someone will say, ‘man, that is the best stuff I ever smoked.’ I’m very humble about it and I know we make one of the finest products in Washington for taste, testing, terps and care,” Boyd said happily. “It’s a big passion for us. We love people enjoying our oil!” NitroHoney.com | @MotherNaturesOwn
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access
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
gold bar marijuana Strains 4/5 WE FOUND a nice selection of strains here ranging from
$8-15 a gram for the majority of options, and joints starting at $5. Daily specials ranged from 5 grams for $35 on select flower, to a daily 25 percent discount shelf, and 10 percent off any amount over a quarter. Tasty looking flower included options from Artizen, Badass Grass, Phat Panda, Seattle’s Private Reserve and more. They also carried joint and cigar options from La Cubana, which rounded out a solid overall flower selection.
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Edibles 4/5 A FAIR selection of edibles with consistent daily deals and options for higher dosages. Munchie lover options included Green Light Edibles, a variety of tasty treats from Zoots, and a few flavors of Bhang Chocolates. They also had two types of infused soda, a small but needed selection of topicals for patients, and nice choices from Magic Kitchen, Nasty Jack’s and GaGa Peanut Butter Cups.
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.
GROWN by HEAVENLY BUDS
24.6%
RASPBERRY KUSH THC This frosty and dense purple speckled flower has a
THE SCORE
great jar look that made us excited from the start to aro ma smoke it. The flower is lightly fruity with an earthy d en s it y undertone that truly smells delicious. Breaking open the bud brings a more vibrant cu re smell, and the moisture content THE FLOWER IS l o o ks LIGHTLY FRUITY was good. Care was evident in f l avo r the flower, which is labeled as WITH AN EARTHY pesticide-free on the jar. Tokes of ef f ect t otal 25/30 UNDERTONE... the flower were clean with relaxing and mellow effects, washing pain and anxiety away for several hours. ($15/g)
PROCESSED by DREAM CITY
57.5%
SOUR AMNESIA BHO
THC
Like an amber dollop of bright and skunky
THE SCORE
frozen sunshine, this BHO is solid shatter and holds a beautiful taste and high inside. The initial consistency is tough for dabbing, and care must be taken to get a proper dab on the tool without waste or worry. At low temperatures, a sharp citrus and diesel vibe expands from a clean BEAUTIFUL TASTE smoke, leaving tastebuds tingling AND HIGH INSIDE with a sweet, mild exhale. ($45/g)
F LAVO R EFFECT LA B E L VA LUE tota l 17/20
GOLD BAR MARIJUANA MED/REC 21+
17002 415th Ave. SE, #A2 Gold Bar, WA 98251 (360) 217-8905 GoldBarMarijuana.com
Environment 3/5
Overall 16/20
WHAT THIS homely location lacks in style or flash
A NICE addition to the local Cannabis scene, this
it makes up for in customer service and deals. We found the staff to be hardworking, dedicated and excited to share products and information with customers passing through. We liked the small town friendliness in the store, where being rushed or pushed in front of a bay of flashing television menus is not on the agenda. It’s simple, straightforward and positive customer service.
store is an easy stop for customers passing through Gold Bar and the Highway 2 area. While the store is not the prettiest we’ve covered, you can’t judge a book by its cover. The inventory and product quality is on point with the shops closer to the city, and there is something for everyone here. Check out the store on Facebook for daily and weekly deals to get the best price on your medical or recreational needs.
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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 | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN
T
his exotic cross of Cherry Pie and Starfighter is so pungent and terpy you’ll feel as if a cloud of gas has wrapped up the immediate area. Harvested on Nov. 16, this fueldriven strain has earned its name. The flower is solid but fluffy, with an instant light stickiness and a perfect snap. Whether in a gram or an ounce, the top shelf flower from Secret Gardens of Washington comes in glass. We noted the care and attention taken in the packaging, along with the proper trim and cure of the flower. The glass allows the smell to fully mature — opening a jar is pure heaven. The first notes coming off the strain are sour and loud, with rich notes of raw fuel and earth combined with a sappy rich fermenting fruit undertone. The smell lingers in the air long after the jar is closed, leaving its imprint on the room and the mind. Loading a bowl leaves finger tips lightly coated in sticky resin. Smoking the flower reveals a nice moderate burn with a clean ash and a smoke that is easy on the lungs. The flower is all sour power, with the earthy funk coming through on the finish. After a few tokes, the effects rush to the head, relaxing the senses and spreading outward in the warm waves of a blissful body high. This indica-dominant strain has only moderate couchlock, and we found the high frees the body and mind from anxiety and pain, and allows for relaxation or activity with pleasurable results. Check out this strain and others from Secret Gardens of Washington at your favorite retailer!
AVAILABLE FROM
( REC 21+)
TREES POT SHOP 10532 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98133 (206) 257-4407 / TreesPotShop.com / NWCS425.com
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GASM
THE FLOWER IS ALL SOUR POWER, WITH THE EARTHY FUNK COMING THROUGH ON THE FINISH.
MASK
SECRET GARDENS OF WASHINGTON
25.77% THC
FEATURE
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Visiting one of Alaska’s first legal Cannabis shops: Alaska Fireweed
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ for ALASKA LEAF
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A n c h o r a g e ’s f i r s t d o w n t o w n d i s p e n s a r y
opened its doors on Dec. 17 to lines, news coverage, fanfare and lots of happy customers. After what has been for many consumers and industry folks a long wait, the presence of an open Cannabis store in downtown Anchorage was a major moment in Alaskan weed history. For store general manager Will Ingram, the experience was as exciting as it was rewarding. “It was nuts! We opened to a line of 40-plus people and everyone was super happy,” Ingram said with a laugh. “We had guys with inflatable joints and pot leaves, the news and bloggers were taking videos, and because we have a big storefront, we got everyone in the door and had multiple budtenders running to make sure everyone got helped!” The team had a soft opening two days before that helped to work out the kinks heading into the grand opening, which brought a wave of consumers that hasn’t died down a week into business. People of all ages, backgrounds and demographics have come out to try the legal weed system, and to make their own inaugural first purchase of pot. Many were surprised at the size of the building and the professionalism in the environment, which the team at Fireweed has worked hard to cultivate. “We want to set a standard and an example with a high-end and boutique shopping experience here downtown. This spring and summer we will be exposed to several thousand tourists a day dropping off to experience Alaska, and we want to give them a positive and unique Cannabis experience before they head out on their adventures,” Ingram said.
ALASKA FIREWEED
715 W 4th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 907-258-9333 www.AK-Fireweed.com
White Widow | indica dominant hybrid This cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian Indica was grown by Greatland Ganja in Kasilof.
While there are still supply and demand issues that have Ingram and the rest of the team concerned about keeping product available, they are already looking ahead to the future of where the industry will be. “We want to show cultivators this is where you want to put your bud; this is the premium store for Cannabis in legal weed. We hope to maintain that consistency and have cultivators keep their products in here,” Ingram explained. With five strains initially on the shelf and more coming in weekly, the Fireweed team’s biggest goal is to ensure that they always have products on the shelf through the lean times, an issue that has plagued other dispensaries across the state. Locations in Valdez and Fairbanks have intermittently opened and closed as supply arrived and sold, which makes grabbing market share from the black market and helping the brand difficult. The day that our team visited Alaska Fireweed, five strains from Greatland Ganja were available on the shelves, like White Widow testing at 7.15% THC, Northern Lights at 9.8% THC, Jack the Ripper at 13.27% THC, Space Rip at 16.22% THC and Pineapple Express at 13.57% THC. Product from Budding Alaska was in back, waiting to be packaged. Co-owner Susan Nowland said having good strains and access for the consumers has been a joy and a reward for the two years of hard work
she has put into opening the store. A retired registered nurse who is passionate about the medical aspects of Cannabis, Nowland hopes to help both recreational consumers and medical users get access to quality products in the store in a safe and professional environment. “I wanted to create a place that somebody my age or younger feels comfortable walking into. When I first started visiting Cannabis stores in Oregon, I couldn't do it! I’m an old ‘60s hippy; it’s not like I didn't know what weed was, but I felt intimidated,” she said. “What we are trying to do is make it fun, inviting and comfortable to come in, and with staff that are friendly, passionate and knowledgeable about the product and the industry.” Nowland attributed some success to the Anchorage Cannabis Business Association (ACBA), which provided support and information in an open sharing environment. Nowland is excited to serve consumers and to help any other members of the ACBA or those trying to start doing what the Fireweed team has just begun. “It’s like every day I went to work as a nurse, I did it because I wanted to; there was never a day that I didn't love going to work, and same with this,” Nowland said. “We are selling smiles, providing pain relief and bringing joy to somebody's life, and that's what I get excited about.”
PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, BACKGROUNDS AND DEMOGRAPHICS HAVE COME OUT TO TRY THE LEGAL WEED SYSTEM, AND TO MAKE THEIR OWN INAUGURAL FIRST PURCHASE OF POT.
General Manager Will Ingram displays some of his great astrophotography in the shop.
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HAND TRIMMING & PACKAGING WE PROVIDE LABOR SOLUTIONS: I-502 STAFFING, HARVESTING, BIG LEAFING, BUCKING, HAND TRIMMING PLUS PRE ROLLS, PACKAGING FLOWER AND OIL. START A FREE TRIAL TODAY! CONTACT@CANNAHAND.COM
(206) 963-9977
CANNAHAND.COM
profile
By WES ABNEY | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN
MyUrbanGreenhouse.com
GROW YOUR OWN WAY
CO-OWNERS All the kits come with options on size and wattage of the LED light.
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STEPHEN LEWIS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRANDON CASSENS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ANDREW BROCK CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER
MY URBAN GREENHOUSE
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CEO OF A SCALABLE HOME GROW SYSTEM
When did you guys start working with greenhouses?
Was it difficult to transition over from peppers to pot?
Why do growers like deep water culture production?
The company actually started about three and a half years ago. Originally, it was centered around small-scale horticulture to help people with their home garden. It was focused on herbs, fruits or veggies, anything like that. Our big question was: How do we make it easier for anyone to be a successful grower, to grow their own food sustainably, and to provide for their family and community?
Our whole goal from the get-go has been to enable anyone to be a successful grower no matter what they are trying to grow. We spent a lot of time developing our systems to ensure a hands-free approach that you won't find with other kits or companies. Everything from the LED system to our nutrients is designed for simplicity, to enable anyone to be successful whether they have growing experience or not and to maximize the potential of the plant.
The biggest benefit is that the plant’s roots are constantly exposed to nutrient-rich water hanging in the cycling water, maximizing the grow potential of the plant. Another nice feature is that it takes half as much nutrients as a normal hydro or dirt system. At the end of the cycle, there’s a hose connection to the pump and you can flush the whole system and keep it real simplified. Our systems typically require less maintenance than other grows systems — it’s a hands-free grow style. People can expect 10 to 20 minutes a week in general maintenance, topping off water and topping off nutes, but the rest of the function is automated.
How did you start experimenting with aquaponics?
Why do you want to help people grow their own pot?
We made a giant greenhouse in Brandon's backyard and made an all-encompassing aquaponics system! Basically we put in a 60 by 20 greenhouse, dug out a 5-foot-deep trench that was 10 feet long and wide for the fish and a retaining reservoir for the water. The whole idea with aquaponics is to harvest beneficial nutrients from fish waste to feed the plants, and to let the plants in turn feed the fish in a constantly cycling and circulating system. Basically the fish waste is caught in a filter and grows beneficial bacteria for the plants that act as the plant food. That is awesome! What type of fish and plants?
We had tilapia, big mouth bass and some catfish. They technically are edible but we didn't eat them; we actually turn the fish into compost. Towards end of year it gets cold, so we would do something with the fish — instead of letting them die we bring them out and turn them into compost and use that for outdoor plants. We primarily now grow peppers, but in the past we grew a bunch of exotic fruits like bananas, mangos, exotic peppers, all in the Hillsboro [Portland, Oregon] area. Bananas in the PNW. Awesome! When did you decide to flip to Cannabis? Have you guys grown pot before?
We started out as small medical growers for personal use and transferred when the laws started changing. We saw an opportunity for people to grow weed effectively and we didn't see a good system out there to help people do that as an all-inone package. That's how we started with the home grow system that we currently have today.
There's nothing as satisfying as growing your own, and you know what is in the plants. You can hope the growers and dispensaries meet and comply with testing, but you can't ever be sure or know what's been in the plants. The potential for bad weed being out there in the industry is high, and home growing allows successful growing with knowing what has been in the plant and what's going into your body. Today you have a few different types of systems. What are the differences and benefits?
There are three different tiers of grow styles that depend on the space available to a residential or small grower. The first is our sea of green (SOG) style tent, with an aeroponic grow system. The second is our SOG hydro tents, which can be set up for two plants or larger flood and drain systems. All the kits come with options on size and wattage of the LED light. Our newest product is oriented towards larger-scale medical or residential growers: an undercurrent deep water culture system that is modular and can be scaled from small to large, all while maintaining a single water system. That is our best system to grow the biggest, baddest plants in the quickest amount of time!
What do you say to the people considering investing in the My Urban Greenhouse systems?
We offer full support throughout the whole process. We provide lifetime support and can help remotely with these plants. We came out for those people who are nervous — people who believe they have a black thumb. We’ve yet to have a single return or dissatisfied customer and today everyone who has gotten a system is a successful grower!
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recipes
By LAURIE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF
ARUGULA & PESTO
SPAGHETTI This pasta totally rocks. The sauce is earthy and tangy and the uncooked arugula adds a freshness that you will adore. I like to keep a jar of the pesto on hand for a spread on sandwiches and bruschetta.
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the arugula, walnuts, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Drizzle in the olive oils. 3. Pour pesto into a serving bowl and stir in cheese. 4. In a large saucepot, bring salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
5. Drain the pasta, return to saucepot off heat, and toss with the pesto and the remaining bunch of arugula. 6. Divide pasta between the four plates, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan.
INGREDIENTS
6 cups arugula, packed ½ cup walnuts 4 garlic cloves, peeled ½ cup olive oil 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt Pepper 1 pound pasta 1 bunch arugula, rinsed & dried on paper towel 2 tablespoons olive oil Small chunk Parmesan for grating
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Feel free to substitute spinach for the arugula. This dish would also be wonderful with the addition of shrimp, scallops or chicken.
BRUSCHETTA 1. Heat oven to 325° F. 2. Place the bread on your work surface.
Rub one side of the bread with the garlic cloves. Drizzle or brush your bread with the canna-oil.
3. On a baking sheet, toss the olive oil with the tomatoes, garlic, and scallion. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have lost their shape and the scallions have started to turn golden brown. 4. Divide the tomato mixture between the bread slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Makes four servings at 2 pieces per person. 8 thick slices crusty bread, toasted 2 whole garlic cloves, peeled 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, minced 3 scallions, cut in 1-inch pieces Coarse salt and pepper, to taste
THESE THREE TASTY RECIPES WOULD MAKE FOR A GREAT DINNER! I’m bringing back a few recipes from my cookbook “Herb: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Cannabis.” This project allowed me to delve into the entertaining world of eating Cannabis, from tasty appetizers to a medicated dinner to the lemony goodness of this dank dessert.
Use high quality bread and olive oil, it makes all the difference. For a classic version, use fresh tomatoes with basil and mozzarella.
LEMON BARS 1. Heat oven to 340° F. 2. Spray 9-inch pan w/ cooking spray. 3. In a small bowl, combine the flour,
butters and confectioners’ sugar. 4. Press into prepared pan. Bake 20 min.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and beat till fluffy. 6. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and beat till fluffy.
7. Bake until filling is set, 25-30 minutes. 8. Let bars cool before cutting. Serves 12. Cooking spray 1 cup flour ¼ cup butter ¼ cup canna-butter ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 2 eggs
These lemon bars are pretty tangy and really suited for lemon lovers. They get their slightly greenish hue from the tasty canna-butter.
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concentrates
By WES ABNEY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN
Processed by Dabstract
GOD OPAL L
ike the legendary nectar of the gods, this sugar wax is a golden shiny explosion of flavor, the true essence of the God Opal. Slowly unscrewing the lid reveals a bright and sweet taste of floral honey, light citrus and lavender. Light hits the waxy structure with a glistening rebound, making the oil shimmer as it sits inside the glass jar. The consistency is perfect for dabbing, with a light oily sheen on the delicate crumbles as it perches on a dab tool. The terpenes on this oil are out of control, and they tingle the frontal lobes and illuminate the mind before the first dab is even consumed. Vaporized at low (read as low-low) temperatures, the flavor and taste is simply spectacular. Sweet floral notes meet earth in a light and dry smoke that kisses the lungs and exhales with a rush that runs through the body like a lightening bolt. Instantly relaxing and euphoric, sounds are sharpened while the eyes relax and the mind slowly calms down, settling into a warm and fuzzy body and mind melt. The dab leaves a light lemon flavor on the palate and in the nose, and breathing seemed to open up as the high terpenes interact with the Cannabis. This beautiful oil definitely deserves its name, and lucky for us, this nectar can be purchased at your local weed store, not Mount Olympus.
AVAILABLE FROM
( REC 21+)
2020 Solutions (Bellingham) Bud Hut (all locations) Fweedom (Mountlake Terrace) Clutch Cannabis (Renton) Clear Choice Cannabis (Tacoma)
85.28%
THC 0.27%
CBD 7.59%
TERPENES 2.86 PPM residual solvents
LIGHT HITS THE WAXY STRUCTURE WITH A GLISTENING REBOUND, MAKING THE OIL SHIMMER AS IT SITS INSIDE THE GLASS JAR. 56/jan. 2017 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
Reviews
By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com
TRUE LIVING ORGANICS By THE REV, 2016, 284 PAGES, $25
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GROWING ALL-NATURAL MARIJUANA INDOORS
T
2ND EDITION
“Soil made for Cannabis in containers has to be his is an update of one of the most popular organic Cannabis much different than soil(s) made for other plants, cultivation guides in the world, due to Cannabis’ voracious appetite and growth and it features lots of new and rates, especially under typical high-performance revised information, including all- grow room conditions,” The Rev writes. “The rules are different for high-temp high-menew photos, to help indoor gardentabolism soil and the amount of life ers perfect their craft. you will be feeding (the microbeasties); The burgeoning market for marijuana AS A BONUS, means consumers are more informed and hells yes TLO soil mixes are strong; THERE’S DETAILED so there’s a lot of life besides the plant more demanding than ever before. And INFORMATION chowing down (consuming nutrients).” many (or most!) consumers, especially medical patients, prefer the clean taste As a bonus, there’s detailed informaABOUT ORGANIC tion about organic hash making, and a and soaring high of organic Cannabis. HASH MAKING, guide to solvent-free extraction. What separates the best organic growAND A GUIDE TO The accessible writing style has won ers from the rest? “True Living OrganSOLVENT-FREE The Rev a lot of followers. The book sifts ics” can help you achieve excellence with revised and advanced soil-mixing recipes, through the insider jargon surrounding EXTRACTION. the organic Cannabis cultivation comthe importance of using “true living water,” new tea and spike recipes, and easy-to-follow munity, and shows you how to produce top-quality, step-by-step instructions. chemical-free marijuana flowers in your home at The comprehensive troubleshooting section is a minimal cost. If you’re looking for one indispensable handbook great help, especially to novices. If you just want to grow fine organic weed but don’t have time to mix for growing truly natural and organic marijuana, your own soils and teas, you guessed it! Ready-made entirely free of chemicals, “True Living Organics” TLO (True Living Organics) soils are available. is a good choice.
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THIS BOOK HELPS YOU SIFT THROUGH THE INSIDER JARGON SURROUNDING THE ORGANIC CANNABIS CULTIVATION COMMUNITY
health & science
STORY & PHOTOS by SIMONE FISCHER | Special Contributor
CBD BEER!
BEHIND THE SCENES OF
CANNA SERIES IPA BY COALITION BREWING
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T
he biggest highlight from my Weed Week experience last month was getting to know the brewers behind Oregon’s first commercially available CBD beer. Did you know hops are the closest analog to Cannabis? I was lucky enough to interview the brewers before their panel to discuss more about the first legal marriage between Cannabis and hops. I traveled to the Coalition Brewing headquarters in Southeast Portland. A handsome brewer with an Irish accent greeted me and beckoned me inside. There I met Elan Walsky, co-owner and founder of Coalition Brewing. Coalition had teamed up with Phil Boyle, who represents Half Baked Labs, a company that specializes in high-quality Cannabis edibles. Boyle provided guests with tasty nonmedicated treats from Half Baked Labs like ginger snaps, caramel fudge and cranberry cream cheese dip with fermented hot sauce. Double yum. The brewers met Boyle during a Cannabis soirée, where they were trying to find the right person with the knowledge on where and how to go about infusing their beer with CBD. Here’s the catch: in order for CBD beer to remain legal, it must remain below the 3 percent threshold to be sold to the public. Boyle’s Cannabis expertise, combined with Coalition’s brewing talent birthed an exceptional Canna Series IPA. I have chatted up dozens of Cannabis growers in my line of work, but I have never officially crossed over to brewing until now. I was born and raised in Portland, Ore., and I learned to enjoy regional craft beer and wine over the years (despite our sea of green). Although Cannabis stole my heart, it doesn’t hurt to learn from our craft beverage cousins, especially in an emerging, highly competitive/ regulated industry that’s both a nightmare and an infinite blessing. After being walked through the brewing process, Walsky brought up interesting research points on CBD and its relationship with ethanol (or alcohol) as we know it. CBD is a known antioxidant, meaning it helps fight against free radicals (or oxidation of cells). A study conducted by the University of Kentucky’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences wrote a report titled: “Transdermal Delivery of Cannabidiol Attenuates Binge Alcohol-Induced Neurodegeneration in a Rodent Model of an Alcohol Use Disorder.” Research shows that cannabidiol or CBD, helps promote the healthy breakdown of fat cells damaged by alcohol use. CBD may help reverse the effects of cirrhosis or “fatty-liver” disease. This isn’t
to say CBD cures cirrhosis, but it could help lessen the blow. In relation to alcohol consumption, CBD might just become your new best friend. After all the fancy science talk, we got to the real meat and potatoes: the beer! Coalition concocted a West Coast-style IPA infused with CBD oil called the “Canna Series IPA.” “As far as West Coast IPA goes, the term is usually used to describe an IPA that is lighter in color (tends more towards straw colored than amber colored), is less malty with a drier finish, and focuses on hop flavors and aromatics rather than just bitterness,” Walsky said of his West Coast IPA. Let me be clear: I am not an IPA fan. I was completely ruined by the 2013 “Oregon IPA Apocalypse” as I like to call it. It was a time in Portland when if you drank anything but an IPA, you’d be considered uncultured and lame with poor taste. Let’s just say, my heart sank a bit when I found out I would be downing another Portland IPA. The boys walked me to the bar and the beers were being poured. The CBD beer itself was a golden sheen, like clear yellow honey. They poured me an entire glass. We cheered, and I took my first sip. First of all, this had to be the most approachable IPA I, myself, have ever come across. That alone says a lot for someone who usually despises IPAs with a fervor. It was a clean, crisp IPA without the dreaded, drawn-out, bitter aftertaste. The hops and bitter seemed perfectly balanced during and after my tasting. I drank my entire glass in less than a minute. There wasn’t a “green” weedlike flavor to it either. It tasted like the smoothest IPA you can find, but it had the crispness of a beloved pilsner, or Czech-style beer I usually drink. The buzz was relaxed and calming. It’s like beer Xanax (in the best way possible). I always feel sleepy when I drink, but I didn’t experience the usual groggy mental fog. I will be so bold to say this beer might actually be a form of liquid courage, because
it completely drowned my ever-present anxiety (thanks CBD). I wanted another, but I felt lucky enough to enjoy an entire glass to myself. I honestly can’t believe I am praising an IPA; the Coalition team sure knows what they are doing back there. Other than beer and Cannabis pairings, there is much to learn from a similar craft subculture. One of the greatest strengths of Oregon’s beer and wine industry is their ability to come together and get things done as one. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) governs both the Cannabis and alcohol industries. The craft beer boom also experienced an explosion of growth, only to be stifled by the OLCC’s reactionary policy. Walsky discussed how back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Widmer Brothers, Portland Brewing Co. and Full Sail among others got together to push through legislation that allowed breweries to sell and consume beer at the production facility. That piece of legislation changed the trajectory of craft beer, allowing an industry to find its stride in a world of endless regulation. It gives me hope knowing our craft beer brothers and sisters have conquered their own Goliath, because the Cannabis industry has yet to settle the score with our own. Legalization wasn’t the end, it was the tipping point. Now that a legal market has been established, we must tell the OLCC what we need as a collective whole. Allowing tasting in dispensaries, or going further by allowing a public place to consume Cannabis will be the next groundbreaking feat. Oregon already approved Cannabis delivery services. Let’s hope a real, legal Cannabis bar will come to fruition in 2017. Coalition has not released their Canna Series IPA to the public yet, but it should be available to those over 21 after New Year’s Day. For more information on Coalition Brewing and their awesome beers, check out their website: coalitionbrewing.com.
THIS BEER MIGHT ACTUALLY BE A FORM OF LIQUID COURAGE, BECAUSE IT DROWNED MY EVERPRESENT ANXIETY.
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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health & science
HOW FULL IS YOUR CUP?
TREAT YOURSELF FIRST SO YOU CAN HELP OTHERS
“Rest & self care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” - Eleanor Brownn
qi-reducing lifestyle.” In other words, fill up your cup. Self-care refers to the care and cultivation of self, focusing in particular on the soul and the knowledge of self. There are a numBY NORTHWEST LEAF ber of self-care fundamental determinants of health. For example, SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCOTT D. ROSE humans need sufficient air, water, food, and sanitary elimination of excrement. There must be a balance between rest and activity as well as between solitude and social activities. Self-care includes keeping safe and participating in social groups. The self-directed pers your cup full or empty? Well, fill it up and fill it up first, so formance and mastery of self-care activities and choices are a requirement that your cup may runneth over and you may offer the surplus of maturity. to others. This is not the same lesson of the glass that may be Each action taken to nourish yourself and meet your own needs pours a half empty or half full; that is more a matter of perspective. This little love into your cup. If you do not fill your cup or keep it full, who will? is filling up your cup of self-care, and making choices to do so as And if someone deposits into your cup with no a priority. But our society teaches us that taking care of ourselves return, then they run the risk of running deplete, first is selfish and a negative. When someone is trying to give of making you an energy sucker. themselves and they are depleted, they just can’t pour from their empty cup. With the new year upon us, and many vowTaking care of your self first is a novel concept. The most important time in ing to hold themselves to some resolutions, it is the world is the time you make for yourself. time to focus on improving your life and thereRest and self-care are essential, especially in our fast-paced, stressful times. by others’. Fill your cup first, and you will create Many people do not get adequate rest to restore and replenish their bodies an abundance in your life from which to give to on a routine basis. The immune system declines in its ability to fight inthose around you. This is a practice in mindfulfections effectively without adequate rest. The hormonal system is deranged ness and a choice to change a mindset to one of with increased cortisol production, leading to weight gain and increased ingrowth, where you can change and adapt beyond flammation. Diets low in fiber and nutrients but high in unhealthy fats, a lack your current capabilities. of routine exercise, and use of alcohol, nicotine, and prescribed/illicit drugs Some do a good job of filling their cup; others are all examples of unhealthy self-care lifestyle choices. A saying in Chinese do not. Some individuals and professions such philosophy states, “lead a qi (universal life force) producing lifestyle, not a
I
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“IT’S NOT SELFISH TO LOVE YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AND TO MAKE YOUR HAPPINESS A PRIORITY.
as caregivers, doctors, social workers, teachers and parents tend to give of themselves with little expectation. These people can benefit most by filling up their cup and keeping their cups full. When the cup is empty and the giving continues, they end up taking with negativity, or sharp words or by putting up a wall that feels impenetrable to those around them. These individuals, yourself or anybody can continue to make payouts to others more easily and sustainably by investing in themselves first. Get past the unwritten law that taking care of yourself is selfish, and put yourself first once in a while. It may actually be selfish to not take time for yourself, because doing so denies your own importance. Fortunately, there are many ways to fill your own cup and there are no membership fees involved. Physical self-care consists of eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of clean water daily, achieving adequate sleep, and engaging in regular exercise. Add good hygiene to the list for an increase in self-confidence when one has a well-kept appearance and better overall health. Aside from the aforementioned physical attributes of self-care, the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our self need to be cared for as well. For emotional self-care, surround yourself with individuals who build you up, not bring you down. It is tough to soar with eagles when you flock with turkeys. Just being able to tune into and be aware of your emotions is important, and being able to experience them and working with tools like breathing techniques for emotional regulation and balancing is key to good emotional health. For mental self-care, you must ask yourself if you are stimulating and challenging yourself enough mentally. Writing, Scrabble, intellectual conversation, etc., all challenge your brain to grow and fill up your cup. For spiritual self-care, recognizing and feeling a part of a greater something outside of your self helps to fill your cup. A belonging, and giving back to community is imperative. Finding meaning and purpose to life can lead to finding your reason for being on this Earth. Operating with an attitude of gratitude, or being happy for what we have and not focusing on what we don’t, helps to fill our cup. There are many ways that you can fill your cup, but the idea is that you must fill it and keep it full on a regular basis. One way is to slow down and take time for yourself. Nobody is going to give you this time; you must carve it out — even if only 10 minutes a day to start, it is the regularity and what you do with that time that counts.
(Meditation is a regular practice that nurtures all four aspects of self-care for filling your cup.) You are worthy of being able to spend time as you choose. You deserve it. You don’t need to meet any expectations before allowing yourself to take a breather. You don’t need a reason or an excuse. Make it a priority. Find balance by taking time out. “I don’t have time for a time out, there is too much to do.” Do you truly lack time or do you carry around an unrealistic, self-imposed standard of perfection that won’t allow you to relax? (“Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment.” – Deepak Chopra) The to-do list will always eat away at you every waking moment if you let it. Before you can “take” your time out, you need to be comfortable letting your standards of perfection slide a little. An empty cup is a step toward burnout. Fill up your cup with things that light you up inside. Most of us know we need to do this, we either just choose not to, or end up not making our happiness a priority. This is not good. You have to live with you for the rest
IF YOU DON’T FILL YOUR CUP OR KEEP IT FULL, WHO WILL?
of your life. Why would you choose to allow your happiness to fall low on the priority list? Negativity is quick to follow, and no one wants to be around a negative person all the time. In contrast, a cup that runneth over gives us a positive outlook and renewed energy. When your cup is overflowing, you experience an intense happiness that can spread to those around you. You feel more confident, your thoughts are more positive, and you expect positive results. You are able to extend yourself to others and not feel depleted after doing so. When you take personal time to do things for yourself, you are filling up your cup and “recharging your battery.” Give yourself permission to take those few mindful minutes each day to be peaceful … you can worry for the other 23 hours and 50 minutes. Taking care of yourself equals keeping your cup full. If you don’t do things to keep your cup full, you have nothing left to give or share with others. By consciously focusing on our own self-care, we choose a richer life for ourselves and those around us. Bring yourself back into focus for this new year. “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” - Mandy Hale
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growtech
SOW A
SEED
T
OR
PLANT A
CLONE
PART 1 OF 2: BENEFITS AND DEFICITS OF RUNNING SEEDS
he age-old debate: pop new seeds, or plant that ing seeds and opening them. If you wanted to get that variety, there clone? You’ll find strong proponents in each was only one place you could find it. Such a characteristic facilitated category equally as committed to their diametmany of my most successful partnerships that I still enjoy today. BY NORTHWEST LEAF rically opposing positions, and both are correct. Seeds provide that opportunity to be the first and only with your SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR I come from a long and tattered history of selection. DR. SCANDERSON seed acquisition abuse behaviors and for the lonThe greater the number of seeds you choose to select from, the gest time refused any clone under any circumstance. higher the likelihood of finding a particularly stellar version that is After much effort, I have learned to control my habits and have focused difficult to emulate. More importantly, you are making those choices. That on improving techniques with my existing flock. During that time, I took in allows your personal tastes, feelings and expressions of perfection you find with a few clones from some of my closest family and the results have been stellar. this plant to be fully self-expressed and personal to you. Naturally the finished I owe all of my best rounds from this past year entirely to the generosity and product will have the most weighted influence on selection, but growth patterns, kindness of those who blessed me with an elite stock of cultivars to run in my veg time, tolerance to stress, longterm stability, ability to maintain perpetual water (you know who you are). Reflecting on this past year’s experience, I find a vegetative state and so forth are important too. So not only are you bringing a new balanced perspective between the two approaches for selection. new selection to the Cannabis community, you are also in many ways expressing In this month’s Growtech, I’d like to begin a two-part series comparing the yourself as a gardener. Those of us who are not particularly social creatures can benefits and deficits of starting new seeds vs. planting a clone. also find meaningful connections through the experiences of others enjoying the For me, exposing new seeds to the world for the very first time is a special characteristics that are highlighted through selections. experience and how I imagine people feel when they talk about being a kid on Seeds also carry with them some pragmatic and inherent benefits. Let’s start Christmas morning. The idea that the plant I am cultivating is something that with availability: I don’t think you can log onto social media or read through a has never been exposed to our Earth, its environments or the beings around it, is Cannabis publication of any kind any longer without being bombarded with an opportunity to participate in a miracle. I’ll always have a small space dedicatopportunities to acquire Cannabis seeds. Gone are the send and pray days of ed to opening, testing and exploring new varieties and phenotypes and perhaps being relegated to overseas outfits. There are hundreds of U.S. suppliers and I may have a slight bias toward that area. Having said that, I’ve really had my distributors of fine Cannabis seeds and new ones seem to sprout up daily. Most eyes peeled open to the many benefits of running clones over of them are connected with some of the most reputable breeders in the past year. But let’s start with the benefits of starting the industry, making supply, selection and competition for a fair from a seed anyhow. market price all work for the buyer. Perhaps you don’t imagine yourself getting the Seeds are also reasonably easy to store for same rejuvenating experience I’m describing from long periods of time until conditions are ideal starting new seeds but nonetheless, there in lies an into start selecting them. One can acquire a line herent benefit, the uniqueness of the potential is valuknowing the future will provide opportuniable. All of the varieties that people first sought me out for ty to select it even if the present doesn’t allow were seeds I discovered through my hobby/habit of acquirfor the care of any plants. Seeds have extremely
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uniform growth as well, throwing as symmetrical a growth pattern and structure as the plant ever will. Last but certainly not least, seeds are always guaranteed to be free from pest infestation and nearly all diseases. Prior to having a dedicated quarantine room, this became an open and shut case for me. I am committed to a 100 percent pest- and disease-free environment, and I simply couldn’t assure the tight levels of controls required to support such a commitment while introducing new plants, any of which could be carrying an endless variety of pests or disease. Those of you more inclined to run clones may already be hearing some of the challenges associated with running seeds even as the benefits are highlighted. First and foremost, the packet of seed that represents endless potential also includes those with no potential. Meaning, you don’t know what you’re going to get. It took some time and experience working with multiple lines from various breeders before (at least in my case) it became evident which breeders were working with the types of principles and plants that I wanted the progeny from. I can’t remember reading a description that didn’t sound like the most amazing plant ever to be created. So with everything sounding so dank, how can you choose? Well, it didn’t take long to figure out which breeders took the time to release a stable product that consistently reached top shelf quality and mirrored the description, and which ones do not. In this learning curve you will find some packs that are duds, with nothing worth keeping, some without the stability you need, and so forth. As a result, seeds are difficult to rely on if a specific result is imperative quickly. At the end of the day, a large dedicated space to test seeds is as necessary as it is to take in new clones. While the seeds won’t have any pests riding on them, their gender stability is something that often needs to be monitored. The results of gender instability can have a devastating effect on your round if you haven’t fully tested that plant. Many of us have made the mistake of running a seed untested in production only to find two to three pods of pollen that blow past day 55. A dedicated testing space assures the gender stability of the plant and can cull those that don’t meet the selection criteria. It also helps you gain information on the veg times, and approximate time for the various flowering stages. I always like to know about when my plant will stop stretching and start setting, when setting will start swelling and so forth. As a water gardener, it’s imperative to have this information to provide an ideal nutritional plan. A test round
gives up this information in spades, creating a range you know you can safely work to dial in the particulars for. It also seems responsible to get up on my sustainably harvested, vegan soap box for a moment and offer a little bit of information in the way of consumer protection. I am not a breeder. I don’t do private side projects of my own where I create seeds; I’m still trying to master growing. This has allowed me to sit in a unique space and I am blessed and privileged to say I have seen and worked intimately with many of the world’s top breeders. Needless to say there is a large group of people who care deeply about this plant and want to create new varieties for people to enjoy. Their dedication is unparalleled and inspiring and many of the projects they bring to the table represent a lifetime of work … sometimes more. The breeders in this category deserve a debt of gratitude. They are the bean makers and I’m the bean counter; we are a symbiotic pair. If I did nothing more in this lifetime than select through packs of Cannabis seeds, categorizing, observing, making notes and delivering feedback, I will have lived a rich and fulfilling existence. I’m most grateful to have an unlimited number of lines, breeders and parent stock to pursue this adventure with. There is another side, however. If you are driven by money, greed and ego, you may find an attraction to becoming a Cannabis seed breeder. This is one of the reasons you see literally hundreds of new breeders offering enormous catalogues of seed varieties all between $75-200 per pack. With the proper marketing, swag, glitz and glamor, it’s been proven over and over that you can take a bag of seed from an already established line, rename it, claim it as a new creation of your own with a couple of lights in a small tent, and bang out $50,0000 to $100,000 worth of seed packs in about four months. Combine that with the sludge bucket, pot-pimping shit show called the High Times Cannabis (bought) Cup and you have a circle jerk of people making millions of dollars in a weekend off unsuspecting stoners trying to catch part of the cool. It’s such a tempting proposition to just make a run of seeds, run a pack or two and start selling the shit outta ‘em. Sadly enough, the marketing and culture has become so com-
moditized it’s not uncommon to see people boasting about the two females they got from their 10- or even 12-pack of whatever super exclusive $150+ seed pack they waited in line for hours to scoop at High Times. The thirst is literally so real, they just want to be part of any hype at all. It has become socially “uncool” to speak about bad results from a breeder riding the wave of commoditized 420 culture. From these particular breeders perspective, doing things like fully testing their seeds out in a variety of environments, growing methods and skill levels is just a waste of time. For them, creating anything beyond an f1 would just be an opportunity for their competition to release the next new hotness first, ’cause that’s all they’re after, no matter what form it takes. These breeders are a cancer on our industry and have done nothing but give credential and financing to High Times and other criminal outfits that serve only to exploit a popular social trend for financial gain. It doesn’t take that long to figure out whom I’m talking about; just run some packs and the results speak for themselves. I will always be partial to starting a new life by opening a Cannabis seed, and thusly have found in my perspective a way to circumnavigate the bullshit and spend my time only with those breeders that have put the time and intention into their work that I feel is worthy of our combined efforts. But still, I have yet to produce a bloom from a personal selection in over a year. Wondering how such a dedicated seed junky could reach such levels of recovery? You’ll have to wait until next month to find out when I review the benefits and deficits of planting a clone. Until then, if you are trying to locate a cultivar in seed form, have questions about which breeders I have had the most success with and which I recommend avoiding. My email is always open at DrScanderson@protonmail.com. Until next time, Happy Gardening!!!
EXPOSING NEW SEEDS TO THE WORLD FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IS A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE, LIKE BEING A KID ON CHRISTMAS MORNING.
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budshot
PHOTO by @SPURSBROKEN | ROBERT R. SANDERS | PORTLAND
OREKRON FARMS
TRUE PURPLE BERRY This flavorful indica provides a strong body buzz and is not as heavily sedative as most indica strains.
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Got sweet garden/bud photos?
Share them with us and they might appear here next month! Email your top 2-3 not-taken-witha-phone-unless-they-were-superduper-steady high-resolution images to nwleaf@gmail.com along with the usual details on what’s being grown and who to credit (please see corner for the information to include with your email).
AVITAS PURE, PREMIUM CANNABIS OIL CLEANER. SAFER. TASTIER. Extracted with natural, food-grade CO2. No additives or flavorings. Ever.
IT FEELS GOOD TO FEEL GOOD ASK FOR AVITAS. AVAIL ABLE AT FINE CANNABIS RETAILERS. AV I TASAG.CO M
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.
BEHIND THE STRAIN
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THIN MINT
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES BAG APPEAL & SMOKE REPORT Among the most exceptional looking specimens of Cannabis, Girl Scout Cookies is a complete show-stopper. Bright green calyxes softly fade into dark purple tips, each expectorating a bright orange pistil or two. All this caked under a blanket of trichomes thick enough to stretch the resin heads into thread when you break the blooms apart. The intoxicatingly sweet scent of fresh baked dough, vanilla and sugar blossoms that Cookies have become known for transfixes the senses. A more in-depth second waft reveals a complex OG fuel starting from a fresh rubber tire giving way to an acrid chemical OG scent. Even when properly dried and cured, the flowers require some patience to ignite simply due to the volume of resin sandwiched into every available space. Once combusted, a rush of hashy, earthy, OG flavors with just a small, smooth touch of mint goes to work on your mouth. The exhale brings the numbing taste of hot asphalt and rubber that twists itself around your mouth, changing gently into a sweet and spicy exhale before lingering dauntingly in the air.
EFFECTS Clear your schedule, you’ve got militant chillin’ to do. Not for the inexperienced patient or part-time medicator looking to relieve symptoms and go about their day with any degree of BY NORTHWEST LEAF effectiveness. No, my friend, plan your weekends around SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR these meds. The look. The flavor. The experience is all so DR. SCANDERSON intoxicating, it’s hard to believe as quickly as this flower extinguishes any head-centered pressure, that it’s a creeper, GENETICS: F1 Durban x OG Kush but indeed it’s full consultation is only revealed several minutes after introduction. LINEAGE: The thin mint cut of Girl Scout Cookie is a coveted cultivar that takes credit For some, this medication provides intense, pain-relieving, trancefor much of the original craze this variety inspired when made available to the thirsty market like states that may be more aptly described as endured, after which a of high-end connoisseurs. Lots of cuts and bag seeds of this strain have done a good job well-deserved nap is often an order. For others, it’s a nice medication muddying the waters regarding the expression of the original plant but all share some to use when sleep, calm or pain-relief is an order and the “go to” similarities, not the least of which is its seemingly unending ability to impress. strains are not doing it. Potency abounds without having to turn to concentrates; this flavor lives up to the hype.
HOW IT GROWS
Flowers in 67-78 days
Featuring one of the most critical characteristics for staying power, this cut performs well in perpetual veg. A strong rooter and medium pace of growth lend well to mothering plants. She’s quite pH sensitive, but when kept in range, she takes over a garden with an unmistakably deeply serrated leaf pattern, dark green colors and red petioles. She responds extremely well to topping and training and will reward ample veg time and training techniques with several evenly sized rock-hard spears that can be deceptively heavy. Loading up the potassium around weeks two to three beyond what typical sensitive plants tolerate helps her thrive and complete stretch into bud set. I’ve always found this cultivar to perform best when ran for 10 or more weeks, leaving extra time for bud swell, which seems to just keep going and going in my experience.
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The intoxicatingly sweet scent of fresh baked dough, vanilla and sugar blossoms that Cookies have become known for transfixes the senses.