July 2015 — Issue #61

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July 2015

issue #61

tannins & terpenes

12-PAGE FEATURE

MARIJUANA IS SAFER THAN ALCOHOL BUT PAIRING THEM IS POSSIBLE WITH THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY...

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JULY 2015

50

tannins and terpenes 14

National News

48

Strain of the Month

16

How to stop 5052

72

Medible Reviews

34

Cannabis Custody

78

Book Reviews

38

Josh and Debbie

Steve Elliott with the roundup Injunction lawsuit needs help Travis Petrie isn’t giving up

Feds show couple no mercy

38 82

Centerfold budshot, up-close

A drop of tincture will do ‘ya

Medical doctor offers perspective

Growtech Guide

Air conditioning is a necessity

42

Star Leaf profile

64

Tasty Recipes

84

Endometriosis

Inside the new sci-fi film

Spring dishes to try out

Simone Fischer’s story

NATIONAL............................14 PROTECT MMJ........................16 PRISON DISPATCH.....................20 8 QUESTIONS.............................24 WENATCHEE......................28 MICROSTRAINS.....................30 TASTY RECIPES.......................64 MEDIBLE REVIEWS....................72 AIR CONDITIONING...................90 BEHIND THE STRAIN..................94 COVER PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN COVER STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ PRODUCTION HELP by KORI MARIE CONTENTS PHOTOS by CONTRIBUTORS

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contents

50

tannins & terpenes We’ll explore how to pair Cannabis with alcohol

Photos by Daniel Berman/Northwest Leaf Styling by Malina Lopez

NORTHWEST LEAF

the truth about the plant you thought you knew, IN every issue.

editor’s note

JULY 2015 ISSUE #61

It’s not just marijuana and merlot — there’s incredible sensory pairings ahead.

Contact editor Wes Abney to place an

this is our fourth annual Tannins and Terpenes feature, and it is one of my favorite guides to put together. While we can all admit that Cannabis is safer than alcohol, pairing the two responsibly can result in fun and unique taste and sensory experiences.

It is also a great tool for teaching non-patients about Cannabis. Everyone knows that there are thousands of types of wine in the world, but many still think that all pot is the same pot. Not true! We have sweet buds and savory buds and ones that are a bit spicy.

The symbolic pairing teaches people about the intricacies of Cannabis, and allows for a fun and festive tasting. Try out our pairings, or make up a few of your own! They sky is the limit for what you can create and enjoy. We recommend you not break the law or do anything as stupid as drive impaired. With those caveats, go have some fun!

This month marks a major change for the state of Oregon, which will implement recreational Cannabis legalization July 1. They don’t have retail storees just yet, but every day that passes will mark new priorities in law enforcement, less public money being spent persecuting a plant, and many many more joints being smoked! It feels like a chance for our country to begin a fresh new start. It makes me wonder what Washington could have done differently. As we push through this busy summer full of joy and nugs, we should still remember our drug war prisoners and those who fought to make this freedom possible. Sadly, there are still far too many people in prison for a plant, and we can’t stop fighting until they are all freed. So enjoy your legal bud, plant your four plants, but do so with the intention of honoring the plant and our freedom.

advertisement or become a drop-off location to display our magazine. You can also feel free to just share feedback, send pitches, articles, story ideas and hot news tips. This is all our plant.

nwleaf@gmail.com // (206) 235-6721

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Wes Abney

PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER

Daniel Berman

ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS

Wes and Kori Marie

TONI AGOSTA STEVE ELLIOTT SIMONE FISCHER MALINA LOPEZ KORI MARIE TYLER J. MARKWART BOB MONTOYA SEAN O’NEILL DR. SCANDERSON DR. SCOTT D. ROSE LAURIE & BRUCE WOLF

ADVERTISING nwleaf@gmail.com // (206) 235-6721 Please email or call us to discuss print and online advertising opportunities in an upcoming issue.

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national

STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion

Portland Police Say Bringing Marijuana From Washington Isn’t A Problem Feel free to cross the border whenever you want

Portland police said Oregonians who travel to Washington to buy marijuana to bring it back are “not an issue” as long as they stay within legal limits.

Beginning on July 1, Oregonians ages 21 and older are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana away from home, and up to 8 ounces Oregonians at home, under heading over the recreational to Washington Cannabis to shop for legalization law marijuana is approved by voters nothing new. in November.

Oregonians going to Washington to shop for marijuana is nothing new, reports Noelle Crombie at The Oregonian. Sales data released by the Washington Liquor Control Board for May showed one recreational 502 shop in Vancouver — just across the state line — sold more marijuana than any other shop in the state, thanks in part to Oregonians, who account for about half of sales.

But Portland police said they don’t see that as a problem.

“We are not doing interdiction on people who are going there to buy their weed and bringing it back,” Sgt. Pete Simpson said. “Our drugs and vice division has not and does not focus on low-level drug transfers of any kind. They are working large-scale operations, which is not what we are talking about.”

But the Oregon Liquor Control Commission takes a dim view of Oregonians buying weed in Washington.

The agency claims it’s concerned about a 2013 Justice Department memo spelling out federal law enforcement priorities on marijuana, which include preventing black market diversion.

But if marijuana is legal in both Washington and Oregon, where does the “black market” come in?

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hOW DISPENSARIES MIGHT BE ABLE TO SERVE THE REC POT MARKET THANKS TO THE olcc

“We

don‘t know a single dispensary doing well in this oversaturated market,” said Meghan Wallstatter, who along with her husband, Matt, owns the Pure Green dispensary in Portland, reports Jeff Mapes in The Oregonian. She called recreational marijuana sales a “much-needed lifeline” for medical dispensaries.

The Oregon House-Senate marijuana committee is looking at language that would allow dispensaries to sell some Cannabis products to recreational users while the Oregon Liquor Control Commission sets up its own retail network.

But OLCC officials have said they won’t be ready to license any retailers until late next year, more than a year after marijuana possession becomes legal for adults July 1. Many dispensary owners say they hope to eventually move into the recreational marijuana business.

The Oregon Health Authority has approved 310 dispensary licenses; another 93 are pending, according to a June 12 tally. More than 130 dispensaries have been approved in Portland, and only a few of them are making money, according to consultant Sam Chapman. “If we truly want to keep this a craft industry and we want to empower the mom-and-pop businesses to be able to survive in this industry, we need to have early recreational sales,” Chapman said. “A lot of these businesses are starting to drown.”

Several lawmakers have said that because of the pace of Measure 91’s implementation, recreational marijuana users should have a legal way to buy Cannabis as close to July 1 as possible.

“We need to ensure we take every reasonable step to stop black market sales,” said Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene). Several MMJ industry spokespeople told lawmakers that Oregon should try to help preserve locally owned businesses while waiting for the Liquor Control Commission to establish the recreational Cannabis market.

Dispensaries are now limited to a market of roughly 71,000 medical marijuana cardholders according to Matt Wallstatter, a founding member of the Oregon Cannabis PAC. He said the ability to serve the adult recreational market could more than double their sales. Under amendments being considered by the Oregon Legislature, recreational marijuana users would be limited to buying no more than a quarter-ounce (7 grams) of dried Cannabis flowers, and wouldn’t be allowed to buy many of the other products that dispensaries carry, including marijuana-infused foods.

Colorado

Employees can be drug-tested Legal pot laws don’t protect you while off-the-clock

On

June 15, the Colorado Supreme Court affirmed lower court decisions allowing employers to fire employees for marijuana use while off-duty.

The decision hinged on the state’s lawful off-duty activities statute.

The court held that in order for the off duty conduct to be considered lawful, it must be legal under both state and federal law. The unanimous decision was not a surprise to advocates working to reform marijuana law and policy in Colorado.

The case involved Brandon Coats, a 34-yearold quadriplegic who uses marijuana to help with spasms and seizures because of a car accident.

Coats dealt with customers for Dish Network for three years until he was randomly drug-tested and subsequently fired for testing positive for THC. The highest court in the state has now sided with employers on this The case and issue, giving advocates others like it a clear message that highlight the state protections are gray areas needed, according and legal fixes needed in states to the Drug Policy that have altered Alliance.

The case and many their pot laws. others like it highlight the gray areas and legal fixes needed in states that have altered their marijuana laws. Given that the substance remains illegal under federal law, any rights bestowed upon civilians by state law fall far short of fully protecting medical marijuana patients and legal adult users of marijuana.

The problem is most apparent in employment, housing and parental rights.

“It’s now painfully clear that something akin to a medical marijuana bill of rights is needed for patients in Colorado,” said Art Way, state director for the Drug Policy Alliance in Colorado.

“Patients, advocates and legislators must find a way to extend the rights of patients and legal adult marijuana users when it comes to employment, housing and parental rights.

“We need robust state protections for our patients and legal adult marijuana users, just as we have robust regulations for the marijuana industry,” Way said.

drug agency should lose its power!

Quick Hits!

2.8 4 20

Number of grams of Cannabis that Bernard Noble, a 49-year-old father of seven children, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for selling and possessing.

Number of defendants in police custody after Indiana officials raided a grow-op with 400 large marijuana plants, 60 pounds of flower ready to go — not to mention 2 pounds of BHO.

Democratic congressman wants to defund the DEA’s marijuana eradication program

U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-California) is backing legislation to end funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s wasteful marijuana eradication program. “This is a ridiculous waste of precious federal resources, especially when multiple states and jurisdictions have already legalized marijuana,” Lieu said in a June statement. “It is time for the federal government to stop making marijuana use or possession a federal crime.”

Lieu’s proposed amendment to a 2016 fiscal spending bill would cut in half the DEA’s $18 million budget for eradicating Cannabis grows, according to the report.The $9 million in savings would fund domestic and sexual abuse support programs for children, reports Mark Hensch at The Hill.

Rep. Lieu on Wednesday said he intends to completely end the DEA’s marijuana eradication program by fiscal 2017. “Next year, I will bring another amendment to eliminate the program completely,” he said. Lieu called the program wasteful, given growing support for legalization Under the eradication program, DEA pays state and local law enforcement agencies to confiscate and destroy growing marijuana plants. The program goes after both outdoor and indoor operations. According to DEA records, 4.3 million marijuana plants were destroyed last year.

It is the largest law enforcement task force in the United States, with more than 100 agencies participating, all eager for their share of that federal cash. Ordinary families have been terrorized by paramilitary units, peaceful homeowners have been buzzed by low-flying helicopters and community relations between citizens and law enforcement have suffered almost every where the marijuana eradication program has laid its heavy hand.

A ridiculous waste of precious federal resources, especially when multiple states and jurisdictions have legalized marijuana.

Age of a North Carolina man, Jeremiah White, who police said had 110 grams of marijuana on him — and now faces charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of sale and delivery of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and even resist, delay, obstruction.

40 40 100

Cost in dollars of an immediate authorization to use medical marijuana by Cannabis doctors set up right outside of the San Francisco Cannabis Cup.

Billions of dollars in estimated market value of the medical Cannabis industry in 2020 as more and more countries move to recognize the plant’s many benefits.

Number of dispensaries in California selling an infused tea called Jane’s Blend, offered in 5-, 10and 20-milligram dosages with a variety of flavors.

Quoted OTHER AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES ALREADY HAVE POLICIES IN PLACE FOR THE SAFE USE OF SPRAYING CERTAIN PESTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES.

‘‘

-Brett Eaton, a plant expert and consultant with the Denver, CO-based American Cannabis Company. Like many medical marijuana states, Colorado has struggled to regulate pesticide use in pot destined for the recreational market. Growers may use pesticides from an approved list, but there are no rules or regs for their use.

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Opinion

By NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

We must fight to protect MMJ patients’ rights!

We must stop 5052!

At the heart of this bill are the thousands of patients’ lives that will be affected by these onerous, untenable changes. The course of action for all Cannabis businesses and patients should be to try and meet new requirements, lobby the LCB rule-making process, and fight to be able to help provide medicine by supporting the injunction against SB 5052.

Most important of all is that we don’t give up!

Our community has been able to adapt and thrive in many adverse environments, and we will continue to. “United we stand, divided we fall” has never been truer. Instead of focusing on how bad things might be in July 2016, we need to work on making them better.

Help support lawsuits fighting for injunction against SB-5052, signed by Gov. Inslee, a law that has proven harmful to the MMJ patients it is helping only in name. In Washington state, lawyers Jeff Steinborn, Aaron Pelley, and Douglas Hiatt are joining forces to attack the recently passed law that decimates medical marijuana rights and access in Washington state.

Passed as 5052 and partially enacted, the remaining provisions are unacceptable to doctors, patients, and the folk who help them with growing and access points. The lawyers plan to seek an injunction to stop the law from taking effect, and

Recently passed and enacted by Gov. Inslee, SB 5052 severely limits the personal freedoms of patients and our current donation/ sharing economy, by forcing all of the medical Cannabis infrastructure into an overly regulated and controlled system.

Patients should not have to lose rights so that businesses can gain them!

then continue to pursue a lawsuit to determine the ultimate constitutionality of the law.

As many as three or four separate lawsuits are possible, including a suit to stop the “Enforcement Priorities” ordinance soon to be at the city council in Seattle. This lawsuit could stop the closure of over 60 percent of Patient access points in the city, which is currently planned under the mayor’s proposal. These lawsuits represent the best chance to stop the law from taking further effect, resulting in devastating consequences to patients and doctors.

Please help save meaningful access and legal protections for patients. All donations help and will be put toward the lawsuits.

What will the injunction do?

The trio of ace attorneys on this case will file several different lawsuits that will dismantle the new law, returning and protecting patients’ rights and limits as they currently stand under 69.51a.

This means that patients will continue to have access to medicine from a compassionate peer-topeer system, or through collective garden access points. The lawsuits would also limit the authority of the LCB or state to ban specific products, extraction methods or sharing between patients.

Visit www.gofundme.com/saveaccesswa and donate whatever you are able to. Every donation

STOP 5052 INJUNCTION FUNDRAISER

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 11, 2015. at MMJ Universe 26130 SE Green Valley Rd. Black Diamond, WA 98010 (253) 315-2673. Free entry.

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helps protect patient access to much-needed medicine! More than $5,000 has already been given to the attorneys, and more than $7,400 have already been raised at time of print on the Go Fund Me page to support the legal costs of the injunction. The goal is to raise at least $40,000 to fully fund the fight to save MMJ!

Special thanks to those who have donated already to help stop 5052.

Martin Nickerson, owner of Northern Cross, injunction founder | Sara Sutton, High Society Trimmers co-founder The volunteers of Northern Cross, who donated their tips | Northern Cross patients raised $3,900 in small donations Planet Joe of NWCM | Thinc CO2 | Happy Cat Co2 Organics | A Greener Today | Cured Cooperative | Victoria Hill Steele Family | Big Bill | Knotty | Andrew Smith | Stephen P Hadley | Hibrix Organix | Eastside Greenlight Vitamin CBD | Thriving Gardens CC | Ricki Schneider | Kristin Save MMJ | NW Green Resource Vivian McPeak | Loren Moore | Damon Agnos

national

STEVE ELLIOTT is the editor behind tokesignals.com, an independent blog of Cannabis news and opinion

Australia

MILLIONS FOR MARIJUANA A

pair of Australian grandparents June 12 made the biggest-ever donation to medical marijuana research to investigate its use in treating childhood epilepsy and other diseases.

Barry and Joy Lambert’s granddaughter Katelyn suffers up to 1,400 seizures a day, and medicinal Cannabis could save her life, reports Alicia Wood at The Daily Telegraph. Lambert said he and his wife made the $33.7 million The donation gift after seeing Katelyn respond to Canwill put Australia nabis treatments for her debilitating condiin the lead tion, Dravet syndrome. among countries researching the “Our vision is to make Australia a world medical properties leader in researching how to realize the of marijuana powerful medicinal potential of the cannabis plant,” Lambert said. “The experience of our granddaughter, who suffers debilitating epilepsy, has opened our eyes to the extraordinary

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The surprise gift of $33.7m will benefit research on the many medicinal uses of Cannabis.

possibility of cannabinoids treating her condition and a range of chronic illnesses that often don’t respond to conventional treatments.

“We believe this investment in the future of science and medicine will provide the much-needed evidence to rapidly advance the use of medicinal cannabinoids in the treatment of childhood epilepsy and other serious illnesses,” he said. “The Lamberts’ unprecedented gift holds the promise of achieving innovative and effective new medicines to alleviate the suffering of countless numbers of people,” said Michael Spence, a vice chancellor at the University of Sydney.

“It will enable research across a...range of applications from addiction, cancer, obesity, childhood epilepsy and chronic pain to dementia and mental health disorders.”

canada opens up medical laws Patients across the country celebrate a Supreme Court ruling in their favor

C

anadian medical marijuana patients can legally use all forms of the plant thanks to a unanimous ruling by the Canadian Supreme Court on June 11. Restricting patients to dried marijuana flowers for medicine was declared “null and void” by the court. Now, Canadians who qualify for medicinal Cannabis can legally have their Cannabis cookies and tea. Physicians

in Canada decide who is eligible to use marijuana medically. It is approved for such ailments as Crohn’s disease, seizures, HIV and nausea.

Medicinal Cannabis patients there will now be able to legally consume marijuana, not just smoke it, reports the BBC. Cannabis oil is now permitted instead of only dried marijuana flowers, making it easier to infuse food products. The right to personal autonomy in medical decision-making — no matter what medical science may say about the wisdom of the decision, was the key issue in the suit by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, reports Sean Fine in Toronto’s Globe and Mail.

The case began back in 2009 when former head baker Owen Smith of the Cannabis Buyers Club of Canada, a British Columbia collective, was charged with trafficking and unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was caught baking 200 Cannabis cookies, reports Trinh Theresa Do at CBC. A judge acquitted Smith and gave the Canadian government a year to change laws about marijuana extracts. The case then went to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled that banning possession of nondried forms of marijuana is “contrary to the principles of fundamental justice because they are arbitrary; the effects of the prohibition contradict the objective of protecting health and safety.”

“I’m proud and really happy today for all those people who are going to benefit from this ruling,” Smith said in a news conference in Victoria, B.C. He called it “a very emotional day.”

Canadian Health Minister Rona Ambrose said they will appeal.

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dispatch

By KRISTIN FLOR, MIGGY 420, MINDI GRIFFITHS AND DANIELLE VITALE-O’BRIEN

JULY PRISONER UPDATE [ ]

>> NEWS FROM THE FRONT LINES of THE HUMAN SOLUTION

PRISON OUTREACH Our prison system is beyond broken. It’s full

oners are on no one’s priority list, especially small-time criminals who really want to do better. Thomas is just a poor American who was treated badly as a youth and was never taught to make grown-up decisions. Thomas has become just another number behind bars, which means he could be denied treatment for his brain tumor and even post-traumatic stress disorder caused by sexual assault in prison.

If Thomas didn’t have a loving daughter who believes in her father, he would just be another cog in the judicial wheel.

of mandatory minimums and three-strike laws.

Where’s the rehabilitation? Where’s the fix?

This Father’s Day, many men and women were behind bars for our plant. Each person is a father, a mother, a brother, a sister, and perhaps has a son or daughter who they couldn’t spend time with on the holiday.

Thomas Landreth, a lifelong petty criminal, was offered a plea deal of 20 years in prison or the Go to thsintl.org to learn how to write to chance to go to trial and face the possibility of a prisoner, adopt a prisoner or donate money life behind bars for possession of a couple grams to a prisoner’s commissary account and help of marijuana in a joint. A mandatory minimum is change their life. not a fix, especially when it can put a man behind bars for 20 years for weed — a man whose biggest crime was being a shitty criminal with multiple petty crimes. Twenty years for weed or life. Either way, you’re going to get jason endicott: The Endburied in a system only to eventuicott family was moving from ally die and never be thought of the Northwest to Florida in again. Our judicial prison system is October 2013. The couple rea Band-Aid, not a cure. port that Jason’s wife, Tiffany, Thomas is a prime example of was pulled for having Oregon Thomas Landreth was offered a why a drug war exists — to keep the license plates and speeding. plea deal of 20 years in prison poor and the least educated under The officer requested to search for possession of a few grams. control, and to provide cheap labor the vehicle, but Tiffany refused for the prison system. He’s dying He could also take his chance to consent. Police brought in a slowly in a system not meant to in a courtroom but that has risks. canine to do an open-air search make the person better but to put and claimed the dog made a the unruly kids in a corner so the positive hit, which compelled rest don’t have to hear them. Thomas Landreth is Jason to consent to the search. Police seized 4 not a killer but a “piller,” which means he’s more of pounds of medicine and Jason was processed a danger to himself than the rest of the world. The and released within a few hours.

Thomas Landreths of the system, whether they’re Now Jason faces the fight of his life. Pretriblack, white, brown or yellow, are the grease in the al is scheduled for July 20 in Henrietta, Texas. machine of rich people who own the companies Any amount of prison time could be a death that keep them “safe” while “rehabilitating” them. sentence for Jason because of his poor health.

Since his incarceration, Thomas has seen the deCourt support is humbly requested. Jason is terioration of cellmates who have died, leaving him an Oregonian and needs all the help from the the impression that he could die before his release, kind-hearted people of Texas he can get. The too. Thomas has many health problems and prisphysical presence of supporters in the court-

OREGON NEWS

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room is an effective way to show government officials the power of the will of the people.

Oregon activities: Portland chapter coordina-

tor Mindi Griffiths will be speaking on behalf of POW420, THSI and plant prisoners at the Emerald Empire HempFest in Eugene.

This is a three-day event starting July 17.

Go to emeraldempirehempfest.com for activities and details. You can also email media@thsintl.org and get more information at thsintl.org/calendar.

WASHINGTON NEWS Josh Mauk and Debbie Brechler: We reported

that Josh and Debbie’s trial would begin in July. In an effort to present the best defense, their attorney is requesting the case be continued until Nov. 16.

Although that’s good news, Debbie says, “It sucks not being able to medicate (due to a “no intoxication” order) during this time, though. We have to call in every night to find out if we have to do a UA the next day, but it is better than the alternative!”

On a positive note, the prosecutor has dropped the recommended sentences from 30 to 41 months to 18 months. However, any amount of time in prison for a plant is unacceptable.

Martin Nickerson and his two co-defendants

are still facing 12 felony charges. They have been fighting for their rights since being raided four years ago. Martin says, “All we have done is help sick and dying medical patients.” The group known as the Bellingham 3 appeared for a pretrial hearing in April, only to have their court date postponed.

The new pretrial date is scheduled for July 22.

Please join them in solidarity as they plan to take the case to trial by jury so their peers will ultimately decide their fate.

Help educate everyone you know about jury nullification, which requires a juror to judge the law, not just whether the law was broken. A juror has the ultimate power to vote not guilty and nullify unjust laws.

A new lawsuit says RIchard Flor failed to receive adequate medical care for multiple health concerns and aggravated repeat injuries before he died in prison in 2012.

Kettle Falls family: After being found not

guilty in a Spokane federal court on four out of five charges, the Kettle Falls 3 are now facing their federal sentence. They are facing up to 20 years. THSI’s executive board has launched an emergency call to action for the Kettle Falls family. They need as many letters as possible to help persuade the judge not to send them to prison.

To help, go to thsintl.org and click on “Kettle Falls Solidarity Alert,” where you will find how to write your letter, including the mailing address and important points you can include. Or, if you don’t have time to write a letter, sign a prewritten letter by going to kettlefallsfive.com/letters. Their sentencing hearing has been continued to October at the Spokane Federal Courthouse.

NATIONAL NEWS nevada: Fredrica Ballard of Las Vegas has been

fighting for her rights to consume Cannabis medicinally for many years and is no stranger to the judicial system. In 2013, Fredrica was faced with her most recent tangle with officers who encountered Fredrica while resting in the passenger seat of her parked car. They retrieved her and her family’s state-allowed Cannabis in the vehicle. Fredrica’s family includes five licensed patients, yet Fredrica was the only one charged. She was accused of possession with intent to sell and possession of a controlled substance. Fredrica was arrested and held for two weeks, during which time her health was severely affected.

After a hard battle and with a good attorney by her side, Fredrica has settled her case. Ultimately, she has accepted a misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous drug not for interstate commerce. All Fredrica must do is perform 100 hours of community service and stay out of trouble with the law for six months, then all charges will be dismissed and her record sealed. We congratulate Fredrica on her latest victory against the very personal war she fights.

Montana: Ex-Cannabis prisoner Sherry Flor filed

a federal lawsuit against Corrections Corporations of America because of its failure to provide her husband, Richard Flor, the medical care he needed while at their facility outside Shelby.

Brad Arndorfer, Flor’s attorney, tried to have Richard released pending his appeal because of his health and the Flor family repeatedly requested proper medical care for Richard, but it didn’t help.

In August 2012 at the age of 68, he died while waiting for assignment in a federal facility. Richard was the first Cannabis caregiver in Montana and co-founder of Montana Cannabis, which was closed after a federal raid in 2011. Sherry is finishing her sentence on federal probation for her involvement in Montana Cannabis. Chris Williams, Richard’s business partner, is still serving federal prison time in Sheridan, Oregon.

Richard’s family reports he relied on the compassion of other inmates for even his simplest needs, including hand-washing his clothes and eating.

Rodney Pitts, a former inmate housed with Richard, said when speaking of the treatment Richard received, “when you meet a sincerely, truly honest, good person, you don’t leave them or their legacy wronged like that. I have a lot to say about how the CCA and their staff treated him. As humans we are obligated to know the difference between right and wrong. And each one of them staff members failed to determine the difference.”

As we pass state laws that say our plant is legal, federal law can still imprison people for following state laws. To help end the war, please visit The Human Solution International at thsintl.org and remember: no victim = no crime = not guilty because no one should go to jail for a plant!

Learn more about The Human Solution www.ThsIntl.org You can help end the drug war!

Please call 951-934-0055 to speak with a team coordinator.

We need caring volunteers to help interview prisoners, write press releases, and prepare articles for release to the media.

We are also looking for talented graphic artists, social media ambassadors & videographers.

To learn more about joining a chapter near you, please visit the national team website now.

HELP EDUCATE EVERYONE YOU KNOW:

All jurors have the power to vote not guilty.

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8 PROFILE

Questions for the artist dAVID WINDHOLZ

on using Cannabis for more than just inspiration

By TYLER J. MARKWART | PHOTO by SHAUN WINTERS

24/JULY 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

#1 Where are you from, what’s your background?

I’ve been in Atlanta since the end of 2000, I was born and raised here, went to college at the University of Alabama and then lived out in Oregon for about a year.

I would love to move out west again one day, if I had a good enough reason and way to make an income and do it. Its a great place. I don’t know if you’ve spent too much time down here in the South, but Atlanta is pretty progressive. It’s still the Southeast, so it’s a lot different than the rest of the country as far as marijuana goes.

#2 When did you start getting into art and drawing?

I’ve always kind of just doodled and just messed around, nothing good or anything I would really consider art since I was a kid. Then in high school, I wasn’t really a good student so I would just screw around with paper and pen in class and not study too much. Then when I was in college at the University of Alabama, I took a couple of intro to painting classes just for fun for an easy grade and I absolutely loved it! That was probably 1998 and I’ve been doing it ever since!

#3 When did you start getting into this new style?

It’s been almost 20 years now, experimenting with different styles and all the stuff you’ve seen on Instagram. All the ink work is what I’ve been doing since 2005 with this style. I kind of just really found a niche with this; it’s something I really enjoy doing and I have been able to create my own look.

#7 I heard that some celebrities have bought your artwork in the past?

I smoked for the first time when I was 16 in high school and have kind of done it off and on my whole life ever since then. When I paint, most of the time... haha well all of the time, I like to smoke a little bit before I get into it; it just puts my mind into a creative place. Not that I wouldn’t be there without it but it just takes me somewhere different.

#5 How did you start painting the Cannabis pictures?

Messing with the inks one time I just couldn’t think of anything else to paint and I think I made a spot with green paint on paper and it kind of looked like a bud so I just kind of kept experimenting with it and playing with it a little bit and finally knocked out one of a bud on a stem. It looked pretty cool and a friend of mine loved it and bought a couple from me, I started doing those ever since and that was probably about five to six years ago. It’s not the only subject that I paint but it’s been a lot of what I have been doing lately, especially with how legalization has been moving forward. There is just really a bigger market for art of this kind, so why not do something you love and something you believe in when painting.

Atlanta, Ga. who is bringing Cannabis art to a whole new level. His artwork has a predominant psychedelic presence that screams Cannabis culture, while the pure energy emanating out of these paintings make them jump right off the canvas and into your mind. Look for David’s work on Instagram under the handle @david_ink_artist

I have been fortunate enough to have gotten a piece to B-Real from Cypress Hill and he was kind enough to repost that on Instagram for me and I got thousands of likes from that and I picked up a lot more followers.

I’ve also been in touch with Dr. Dina who’s out in California; she is also known as the “Real Nancy Botwin,” which the show“Weeds” was more or less based on. She picked up one of my pieces and was kind enough to get one of my pieces to Whoopi Goldberg as well, so it’s people like that who have been noticing my work and picking it up.

There is just really a bigger market for art of this kind, so why not do something you love and something you believe in when painting.

#4 How has Cannabis played a role in your art work?

David Windholz is an artist from

#8 How long does each piece take to produce?

Well with the bud ones, it really just depends on how big I go. I would say it [takes] anywhere between 10, 15, 20 hours, so anywhere between one to two weeks depending on how much free time I have after work and after I put my son to bed for the night and then I get my free time.

Usually over the course of a few days or a couple weeks I can get one finished. It’s a multi-step process where I have to do layers and have to wait for things to dry before I go back and start working with ink and pen and then doing some outlining.

There is a little bit more that goes into it; the little ones I can bust out in a couple hours and those are fun and a great way to express yourself, and then I get a positive feeling from creating art.

David Windholz often sells his art through Instagram

#6 How do you sell most of your work? Do you have an agent?

A couple of months ago I signed up for Instagram. I was selling a few pieces through Facebook and through friends of friends but once I got onto Instagram, it was really an amazing marketing tool for getting in touch with people all over the country and the world! Since I got on there, I have had a lot of positive feedback on my art.

So I’m trying to get more and more people familiar with me and what I am doing.

JULY 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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access

THE JOINT

Reviewed

STORY & PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN

Strains 5/5 THE JOINT currently sells more than 40 strains from

about ten different producers — several of whom are local to the Central Washington-Wenatchee area, like 509 Da Kine and Blewitt Pass Farms. Everything here comes sealed in preweighed packages, but sniff jars are available to get a sense of the scent. Prices were reasonable, starting at $10 per gram, including tax.

Shop manager Monique said they can provide better pricing because local vendors can save on production.

28/JULY 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Edibles 4/5 A NICE VARIETY of edibles are on the shelves,

from High Teas by Evergreen Herbal to the ever-popular Zoots Drops. Customers will find that most of the products contain only 10mg of THC per package, a fair dosage for those inexperienced with edibles, but a mere poke for those hoping to alleviate serious pain. Still, this allows you sample many of the options in tandem without worrying about overmedicating.

Concentrates 4/5 THE CONCENTRATE display case is stocked with plenty of butane hash oil, CO2 oil and a few solventless options such as kief and bubble.

Oil prices start at around $35 per 1/2 gram, but there are more expensive options too.

Discreet and handy vapor cartridges by Dama and other brands lined the shelves.

The Joint carries a few high-CBD oils, and will soon be stocking products by Refine.

GRAPE GOD

THE SCORE

a rom a : d e n s ity: cure : GRAPE GOD is a solid choice for customers appearance: looking for a fairly mellow Indica. You’ll feel fl avor: it as your muscles relax, your mind wanders, e ffe ct: and pain ebbs away. The package notes that all of the flowers are 100% hand trimmed. THC ove ra l l : 21/30 By 509 Da Kine (indica hybrid) $12/g

comes in at 17.94%. The smell combines a light sweetness with a bit of a citrus-fruit quality. As with most recreational buds we have tried, these were dry and crumbly. The buds were nicely covered in trichomes, and fairly small/popcorn-style. Smoked through a water pipe, the flavor was subtle; effects were immediate, heady and lingered tenderly.

CHOCOLOVE WHITE CHOCOLATE BAR THIS PEPPERMINT and white chocolate bar from

$8

THE SCORE

Silica Phoenix was a tasty way to consume va lu e: 10mg of THC — which, on an empty stomach, ta st e: left us with a barely palpable body buzz. The ef f ec t: flavor of the bar is sweet but not too sweet, packaging: with a great burst of the mint with each bite, ov er a ll: 17/20 plus a little bit of a nut crunch along the way.

The bar is infused with BHO made using a closed-loop process, and is sealed inside of beautiful blue foil within tamper-proof packaging. We were left wanting another one of the delectable little bars (about the size of a single AAA battery) after just a short amount of time. With that in mind, the manufacturers also offer a six-pack of their four or five different bars.

Environment 5/5 ON OUR VISIT, the weather in Wenatchee was perched at

a spicy 100 degrees, so stepping into The Joint’s nicely air-conditioned space was a welcome relief. The store has beautiful wood floors and nicely organized display cases that surround the perimeter of the open layout.

There is a sizeable selection of glass pipes, bongs, rolling papers and dabbing accessories. The staff were all friendly and knowledgeable and eager to offer input.

The shop is easily accessible off the main drag in town.

Overall 18/20 WE WERE happy to see that a

recreational store has a large selection of the major products and categories — that’s pretty rare as many stores have not figured out how to carry what consumers want.

Anyone on their way to the Gorge or Lake Chelan for some summer fun would do well to stop by The Joint.

THE JOINT (RECREATIONAL)

1510 N. Wenatchee Ave. Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 667-9999 www.TheJointCoop.com

Before heading out of town, customers ought to take in the beautiful views at Ohme Gardens and relax for a bit with a vape.

JULY 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Feature

STORY & PHOTOS by BOB MONTOYA for NORTHWEST LEAF

Every issue we’ll explore how growers are crafting strains with the goal of helping specific needs, not necessarily obtaining the highest yields.

Micro strains

Old Island Indica is a strain I’ve covered before.

It’s 100 percent indica straight from the Mountains of Afghanistan.

It’s july and things are heating up on the Emerald Isle of Vashon. Mating season has two standout strains mixing their genes to produce a new plant, name to be determined.

Vashon Seed strives to perpetuate landrace strains from far reaches of the world, right here at our latitude. In doing so, they produce seeds that will readily grow here in the Pacific Northwest with little effort.

In the garden under the moon and stars, Southend Freeze and Old Island Indica are paired closely to allow male pollen to reach female flower. The seeds produced are fresh and potent.

Available From

Old Island Indica is a strain I have covered be-

fore. It is 100 percent indica straight from the Mountains of Afghanistan. Old Island Indica has been one of the longest continually grown strains on Vashon. It has adapted to our environment and is ripe for breeding. Its full-body sedative effect is consistently maintained year to year for a very strong and stable genetic makeup.

Southend Freeze is a 50-50 sativa/indica. It is

a variation of OG Dutch Freeze. It is the allaround anytime strain that gives patients the best of both worlds when nothing else seems to

work. Starting in the head and shoulders, the effect is like a warm hug when it finally affects the entire body.

The result will be a 75/25 indica-dominant plant that will be best for pain and stress relief. The seeds are going into the dirt, and in a month we will have a name and full description. Southend Indica? Old Island Freeze?

Look for the results in the next few months.

Take a long look at this process. Remember it. If the will of the people continues to be trampled by our Legislators, this will go away forever.

Vashon Seed (206) 370-0709 — 17205 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070 www.facebook.com/VashonSeedandMercantile

30/ July 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Bob Montoya is a Cannabis photographer, veteran & well-seasoned grower hailing from Olympia.

Southend Freeze July 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/31

PORT LAND SEPT. 2015 facebook.com/nwleaf

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Feature

By WES ABNEY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN

It cost Travis Petrie $245 to celebrate his daughter Hazel Moon’s third birthday.

Such was the price of having a court-approved supervisor present. It was a picture-perfect party though as she opened presents, ate cupcakes and hot dogs and bounced between Dad and friends.

A spectator at the park might have the impression of an idyllic suburban family, never imagining at the end of the party that Hazel would be forced to go without seeing her father for several weeks.

Hazel and Travis are experiencing heartache and undeserved pain because of the medicinal use of a plant that Washington voters legalized for recreational use. It is representative of a broken family justice system and a corruptible process that leaves parents guilty until proven innocent.

A Family Divided From the beginning of Hazel’s life, Travis knew he was meant to be a father. His love was evident to his family and friends as she grew. But family and friends also noticed something else: a relationship that was struggling, and eventually Travis saw it too.

He and Hazel’s mom, who will remain unnamed because of the sensitivity of the ongoing custody dispute, agreed to separate. In early 2014, Travis moved out of the apartment they shared.

In the beginning, Travis paid support directly to the mother and saw Hazel sporadically. By July, it was clear the case would end up in court—Travis had only been able to see his daughter for six hours in four months. In August, Commissioner Hon. Lester H. Stewart heard the case in Snohomish County Family Court; Travis was offered two hours of visitation per week and questioned about his medical use of Cannabis. The commissioner ruled the use was not a reason to limit visitation and gave Travis 30 hours of unsupervised visitation each week, recommending that a guardian ad litem approve both parental residences and parenting skills.

“This was a temporary parenting plan set into place for seven weeks... I was told that it was likely that I would have even more visitation granted after producing a hair follicle sample that had reasonable levels of THC,” Travis wrote in a court statement.

“Commissioner Stewart told me to enjoy visiting with my daughter and sent us on our way.”

The weeks of two day/one night visits were a brief period of happiness that gave Travis hope for the future. But when the guardian ad litem became involved, the legal case became much harder on him.

Through a series of hearings, he was required to provide documentation of his medical records and authorization, and those of his girlfriend and his father. He was also required to submit a urine analysis, but when it was requested of the mother, the guardian ad litem ruled it unnecessary. She stated that she felt Travis’ use of Cannabis could affect his ability to parent, and recommended limited supervised visitation. Travis made his legal argument weeks later, this time in front of a new commissioner, Hon. Lee B. Tinney.

“Commissioner Tinney let me explain my side,” Travis said. “I started by stating that RCW 69.51 A120, a Washington state law protecting the rights of medical Cannabis patients reads, ‘Parental rights or residential time is not to be restricted. A qualifying patient or designated provider may not have his or her parental rights or residential time with a child restricted solely due to his or her use of medical Cannabis.’”

The commissioner denied his arguments and adopted the supervised visitation plan, and adjusted visitation from 30 hours a week unsupervised to two days a week of nine-hour visits with an approved supervisor or a supervisor approved by the mother. The ruling was made in violation of RCW 26.10 160, which sets conditions for recommending supervised custody. There is nothing in the

A Father’s Love 34/JULY 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Travis Petrie is fighting a bitter custody dispute that happens to involve using medical Cannabis

code about drugs, only references to physical abuse or neglect, of which there is no evidence in the case.

The mother rejected every offer for two months, and Travis didn’t see Hazel once. Eventually he agreed to hire Jackie Stroh, a professional supervisor.

“Jackie’s fee is $35 an hour, or $280 for an eighthour visit. It cost $280 to spend Christmas with Hazel,” Travis said. “Even though there was no basis for me to have to hire a professional supervisor, that was the only way to get [Hazel’s mother] to cooperate. I was so overjoyed to have a scheduled visit with Hazel for Christmas that I cried.”

Travis took out a loan to pay for an attorney, who Travis said filed motions late, which resulted in Travis being held in contempt of court. Because of the misfiling, the arguments that Travis directed his

Part one of three on parenting and Cannabis in Washington state. visitations | Travis

Petrie holds his daughter Hazel, 3, while swimming at his stepmother Lori’s house near Mukilteo, the only place that Hazel’s mother and Snohomish Family Court will allow the four-hour Monday visits.

gofundme.com/freehazel

attorney to make with the direct, indisputable language of RCW 69.51a were not heard by the judge.

Travis lost his last hearing. He was ordered to pay the mother’s legal fees, plus $10 per day in interest until the balance is paid. At the time of printing, that’s nearly $7,000.

Because Travis is in so much debt, he is not able to afford an attorney. His supervised visits with Jackie and Hazel have continued Mondays from 12 to 4 p.m., costing him over $300 each month. Since the visits cannot take place at Travis’ home under the court’s ruling, the only suitable option is Travis’ stepmother Lori’s home near Mukilteo.

Travis’ mother, Kristie, is on friendly terms with Lori and drives down from Bellingham about twice a month to see Hazel. Travis sat beside his mom as

Hazel splashed around in a small plastic pool on a recent visit. She held out her hand to Travis and offered $25 to help with the fees.

But money is not the sole stressor. Travis and his girlfriend, Jessica Mills, are raising her son Xavier, and are expecting another child this fall. Jessica suffers from a rare medical condition that causes seizures during sleep, and she successfully won a custody battle on the basis that her use of Cannabis as medicine does not limit her ability to parent.

The irony of his court case is not lost on Travis.

Washington’s recreational pot system, I-502, is selling $1.2 million in pot daily, some no doubt to parents with children, and yet the state is not taking action against their children. Travis was ordered to attend an intensive outpatient drug rehab program.

“To be told that I need to be in IOP for Cannabis is ridiculous,” Travis said. “My medicine is something I was authorized to use and knew worked, but I’m being told I can’t use what I know is right and doesn’t impair my ability to be a parent. To me, Cannabis isn’t a drug; it’s a treatment. Since having to stop using my medicine, my MRSA has come back, causing me pain and suffering.”

Turning a blind eye to state law and his deteriorating medical condition, the family justice system of Snohomish County has placed a tremendous burden on Travis. Still, he has faith he will be vindicated and that the law is on his side.

“This case is not about medical Cannabis,” Travis said. “I care about nothing more than the well-being of my daughter.”

JULY 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Feature

By WES ABNEY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN

Josh Mauk and Debbie Brechler face 18 months in federal prison for crimes

that Washington state recommended they serve no jail time for allegedly committing. Both are medical Cannabis patients authorized under RCW 69.51a, which purportedly serves to protect patients from this type of prosecution. As they head to trial, they are finding more questions than answers. Why did the federal government single them out for prosecution?

FEDERAL CASE A HISTORY OF CONCENTRATES

L

ike many patients last year, Josh and Debbie enjoyed having access to a type of medical Cannabis known as concentrates, specifically those processed with butane. They felt that Cannabis processing was legal for patients in the state, as did an industry that sprung up seemingly overnight to fuel the demand for quality medicine. Entire cups and events were held dedicated to concentrates, where dozens of competitors would bring their best product for judging and prizes. The couple earned more than a few wins as Home Blown Concentrates.

While Cannabis in all forms has always been illegal federally, the industry behind concentrates was considered safe. Then the explosions began. In efforts to produce oil, many unknowledgeable people began processing with butane in unsafe conditions.

Butane is odorless and lighter than air, causing it to pool in easily combustible pockets within a building or room. Something as simple as a pilot light for a fridge can cause a severe explosion.

The explosions caused millions of dollars in property damage in this state alone, prompting Operation Shattered by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Manufacturing hash oil is illegal and poses a significant risk to families, neighbors, and the general public,” U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan announced in a July 22, 2014 statement released from the Department of Justice.

The DEA rounded up several perpetrators who had caused significant injury and even death in their processing practices, and the majority of MMJ processors breathed a collective sigh of relief as the operation focused on those who had done harm.

When Josh and Debbie’s Maple Valley home was raided at 11:07 p.m. Sunday July 27, 2014, some in the community assumed that their case was in-

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volved with Operation Shattered. But they’d never had an explosion; the cops that showed up at their house were local, not federal. None of the actions taken against the couple seemed justified. Then, the warrants and affidavits were released.

The story told by the warrants revealed a trove of manipulation, lies and a personal grudge gone way too far. What most would consider a minor disagreement led to a SWAT raid, CPS involvement, state charges, and finally a case where the federal government was prepared to tear apart a family over actions legal under state law.

A Friendship Gone Bad As spring was ending, Josh and Debbie were approached by a friend who will remain anonymous due to ongoing litigation about taking photos in their medical garden.

Debbie wanted to surprise Josh with some risqué birthday photographs, and she invited their friend into the home. According to Debbie, the photos were a gift from friend to friend, and there are multiple text messages and emails to back her assertion.

The photos were taken and for over two months everything was fine. Then on July 26, the friend suddenly wasn’t so friendly.

“I woke up and found that she was starting a pissing contest on Facebook, demanding I take down one of the pictures because it didn’t have her watermark on it,” Debbie explained. “It was just one photo. The argument lasted for two days, when I finally told her I refused to take it down. I said, ‘it’s my body; my photo.’”

Considering the previously stable friendship with the photographer, Josh and Debbie weren’t worried about the situation. But that night, they got the scariest wake up call a patient can get.

“We were watching TV, about 11 p.m., getting

ready for bed. All of a sudden we heard a loud noise and thought maybe the neighbors were fighting. We turned down the TV and realized someone was calling our name over a loudspeaker,” Josh said. “We saw the red and blue lights and went out the door. I was in my boxers and socks and Debbie was not allowed to grab pants. As I was escorted to a patrol car, I went past the bomb squad robot and couldn’t understand why it was there.”

In a fit of jealous rage or a calculated attack on the family, Debbie said the friend had called in the cavalry on Josh and Debbie’s quiet suburban life. Claims made to police found in the police report include references to an over-the-limit grow, production of hash oil in an explosive environment beneath the kids’ room, large quantities of cash, pot, oil, and guns, Josh “wouldn’t go down without a fight,” they wrote.

The time between the initial phone call and the raid was less than nine hours. The sheriff ’s department was present along with SWAT and the bomb squad, thinking they were facing an angry and wellarmed individual in an explosive environment.

Police finished searching the home. They found a single clone in an empty bud room, no weapons, less than $100 in cash and equipment to process concentrates that were not in use.

“The pictures she used to get the cops worked up were over three months old,” Josh said. “When they searched the house, they found no oil in the ovens, nothing growing, everything was dark and cold. They took a pound and a half of our high-grade medicine and left us with three pounds of trim and a note stating that.”

Post-Raid Troubles As in almost all law enforcement situations that involve children, Child Protective Services immediately became involved in every aspect of the fami-

Police finished searching the home.

They found a single clone in an empty bud room, no weapons, less than $100 in cash and equipment to process concentrates that were not in use at the time.

Josh Mauk and Debbie Brechler and their children, Jayden, 8, and Liberty, 6, photographed at home in Maple Valley.

The couple face federal charges of endangering human life, maintaining a drug premises, and manufacturing a controlled substance. ly’s life. Josh and Debbie together raise his paternal daughter, Liberty, and her half-brother, Jayden, who is not of blood relation to either parent. CPS expressed concern over the medical use of Cannabis, but after several months of meetings and planning, the case was dropped. They even had a series of urine analysis done on Josh to show that he was only using Cannabis, including one test where he was positive with 13,539 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Despite the obvious presence of medical THC in his blood, CPS respected their rights under state law.

“By the end of our investigation, they told us we were great parents and respected our right to use our medicine,” said Debbie. “There was even a glimmer of good that came out of the CPS case. Josh was given full custody of Jayden after his mother failed to show any interest in being a parent to her child.

They came in trying to take our kids and left us in a more secure position legally.”

During the four months of CPS involvement, their criminal case moved forward slowly, with the prosecutor offering a deal to both of them. Debbie was offered a misdemeanor and Josh a felony, both without any jail time. But Josh didn’t feel it was

right that he was being given a felony and refused the deal. It was a decision he would later regret.

On February 18, the federal prosecutor announced they would take up their case, and that they would seek time for both Josh and Debbie in federal prison for their alleged offenses.

“Hearing that news was devastating,” Debbie said, noting that she has had to take anti-depressant medication since the case went federal.

“Oh God, I cried for a week or more. But now I feel like the pills are a Band-Aid. Sometimes I know I should be crying and I can’t.”

An Uncertain Future Today the family is living in limbo at the beck and call of the regional justice system. They must call a number every night to see if they need to report for a random urine analysis, something that happens at least once a week. A condition of their release is that they cannot use medical Cannabis or alcohol or illegal drugs, but pharmaceuticals prescribed by a doctor are allowed. They haven’t medicated since their first day in court.

“I always wear pro-pot shirts to my UA’s,” Debbie

said with a troubled smile. “It burns me inside, the contradiction between the state and federal government. We were trying to help patients, and there are thousands of others like us including in the legal market who aren’t facing the same charges.”

Each hope other patients will wake up, and that the state will demand that the feds respect state law.

“It bothers me that the people of Washington voted to legalize it, but the federal government can come in at any time,” Josh said. “Washington’s state attorney general and government should be a voice for the people, keeping us safe. We were in compliance. The only time Cannabis ruins lives is when the government is involved.”

Their next hearing is set for November 16, where they may be pushed into pretrial. No offers have been made by the federal prosecutor yet.

For now, the family is simply trying to survive, without access to their medicine and a tremendous burden hanging over their heads.

“I want to make a statement,” Debbie said.

“Just because [Washington] legalized it does not mean we are safe. All it takes is one snitch, one complaint, or one motivated prosecutor to bring you into their system and make you a criminal.”

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Feature

By WES ABNEY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN

INSIDE

STAR

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LEAF

> >

A NORTHWEST JOURNEY TAKES A DETOUR WHEN OUTDOOR MEETS OUTERSPACE.

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Feature

By WES ABNEY | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN

Continued from pg. 42

Three friends set off to find a secret forest of extraterrestrial marijuana hidden deep in the olympic mountains. but when one steals the sacred Star Leaf, they must fight for their lives against enemies from another world.”

> >

The film blends elements of science fiction with humor, Cannabis and

strikingly compelling information about using the plant to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. For writer, director and actor Richard Cranor, making the film was always about breaking down barriers society placed on pot. After battling lung and testicular cancer, Richard had a journey that led him to support medical Cannabis.

“I realized I had a narrow view of the plant. If someone is sick or dying the last thing we should do is deny them a medicine that works,” Richard said.

“I’ve been there. When you are in that situation, you will do whatever it takes to survive. I can’t imagine someone telling me I couldn’t do something to heal myself or a loved one.” Richard had the idea to shoot a film in Washington two

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years ago after a trip to Mount Rainier. He saw the forest and knew he had to work it into a script. All he needed was a theme, and Cannabis called him.

“I knew something was happening to Cannabis beneath the surface, and I could see the winds of change probably sooner than some, especially Hollywood,” he explained.

“Nature is important to respect and honor, and Cannabis became symbolic about what’s right and wrong about how we treat our planet.”

Richard set out to make the film without knowing if it would be shot, linking up with Ohana Farms out of Bainbridge Island to start a collective garden and make the mythical garden a reality. Growing those plants would ultimately change his perspective on the plant, and on medicine.

> > The film’s producer, Robert Leeshock, left, and Richard Cranor, who wore many hats during the making of the movie. Cranor directed, wrote, filmed, and starred in it as Ranger Dave.

“Star Leaf” could become to this generation of Cannabis users what Cheech and Chong’s “Up In Smoke” was to the ‘70s.

“There was a day when I was in the garden growing the Star Leaf plants for to smoke as much as you need while you’re still in the woods. They head deeper the movie, and my girlfriend and I were nervous about having our 30-plant into the woods and quickly realize that everything is not what it seems. collective garden. I went out among the plants — about four to five feet tall The friends find and consume the Star Leaf with intense and hilarious reby then — and sat back and looked at them. At no point did the plants try to sults, especially when Cranor comes into the scene as Ranger Dave. He advises mug me; none have done anything to me to be so judgmental to them. These them that “it is legal now,” takes a puff, and heads off into the woods. But are just plants. Nothing about what they are doing that is harming anyone, things quickly go wrong for the trio, who break the rules of the grove by taking and if they can offer any benefit to patients they should not be denied their the plants and bud to make clones. This doesn’t go over well with the aliens, place in nature.” who manage the Star Leaf, and the film takes an interesting turn.

“Star Leaf ” revolves around the concept of a mythical strain of Cannabis The bulk of the film involves the trio fighting to escape the aliens in the that has been planted by forces beyond our world with the ability to heal a woods, and for the protagonist, fighting the inner demons that PTSD has variety of ailments, including PTSD. A recently returned Afghanistan War left him to confront. An especially moving scene shows him believing he is vet decides to take a road trip with his girlfriend and best friend fighting in Afghanistan again before realizing he is only holding a who is struggling with reintegrating into society, all in the hope We’re giving away five stick. He battles his demons and the aliens, and the end of the movthat the magical plant will help his symptoms. But access to the plays with both time and emotion to heal him of his PTSD, all copies of the movie at iewhile garden comes with a caveat, and that is where the actors find just resolving many untold questions about the code of conduct Facebook.com/nwleaf with the Star Leaf. how supernatural the forces are.

“Three friends set off to find a secret forest of extraterrestrial For Richard, the ability to mix entertainment with truth has been marijuana hidden deep in the Olympic Mountains,” goes the tagline, “but a fulfilling experience. when one of them steals the sacred Star Leaf, they must fight for their lives “I think truth is far superior to fiction, and in this film, it’s sci-fi capped on against enemies from another world.” real truth. With what is at stake in our society, this film should have been made The film is fast-paced right from the start, mixing scenes from the two by someone else a long time ago. With plants, our plant allies, we are given friends’ experiences in Afghanistan with an energetic buildup as they start another means to see ourselves and the world in a way we couldn’t otherwise,” their trip. They arrive at a commune in the middle of the woods where they he said.” Cannabis is freedom in a leaf. We all deserve it, and it’s our right.” receive a map to the grove, and the rules: don’t take any cuttings or bud from Visit Starleafmovie.com for more information and to download the movie. the plants and no photos or electronics to give away the location. But, feel free Look for it at your local dispensary soon, and on Netflix by the end of summer.

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FLOWER ENHANCED with STARLEAF CONCENTRATE GROWN by @OHANAFARMS @OHANAEDU.ORG

STARLEAF

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NORTHWEST LEAF

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

By WILL FERGUSON | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN

THE BHO MELTS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY THE COMBUSTION OF THE FLOWERS — MAKING FOR A NICE EVEN HIT OF THE TWO.

29.12% THC 0.32% CBD Test Results by Analytical360.com

THE STAR LEAF is a caviar-like medicine

Terpene Profile: 0.11% alpha-pinene 0.31% Humulene 0.29% Caryophyllene 0.89% Terpene-totals

that comes packaged in a high-quality glass jar.

It’s modeled after the “Star Leaf ” movie, which is a combination of sci-fi, humor, and real information regarding Cannabis use, specifically for helping veterans with PTSD. Inside the jar are ultra dense buds covered in a fine Meteor Blend BHO extract, which is a nice mellow hybrid. The buds are incredibly sticky, and were difficult to load into the bowl. We enjoyed the strain out of a clean glass pipe.

When inhaled, we noticed the strong flavor of the Meteor Blend BHO at first, with hints of terpenes from the Dutch Treat flowers used.

The BHO melts first, followed by the combustion of the flowers, making for a nice even hit of the two. The smoke was a bit harsh, as each hit immediately expanded in our lungs, making us cough rather harshly. But we were rewarded by the strain’s strong effects — as the BHO-smothered buds tested at 30% THC by Analytical 360.

We found this powerful strain particularly helpful for depression, nausea and fatigue, as the effects from both the flower and BHO used are rather uplifting.

Available From Dockside Cooperative

223 N. 36th Street Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 420-4837 www.DocksideCoop.com

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&

TANNINS

T E R P E N ES

Northwest Leaf’s 4th-annual guide to pairing alcohol and Cannabis highlights eight tantalizing combinations backed by sudsy, smoky science.

Enjoy these picks but please be smart and don’t break the law or drive while impaired.

REVIEWS by WES ABNEY PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ PRODUCTION by KORI MARIE

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BODY HIGH

MINDMELT

OBAMA KUSH

Pacific Rim Glaciere Riesling, $12.99+ Bold and savory describes both the wine and the beautiful flower in this pairing. This Washington wine brings aromas of peach and caramel, with a sweet taste of honey and an apricot finish.

Known as the best category of wine for food in the world, this Riesling matches well with any meal, especially spicy foods. It complements the earthy sweet flavors of the Obama Kush, which has a heady purple bud structure that locks in delicious flavors of over-ripe fruit and a tart diesel finish. The indica-dominant strain melds a deep and powerful body high with an energetic mind that doesn’t leave you couch-locked or sleepy.

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TANNINS are naturally

occurring molecules found in grape skins and oak barrels that add color, complexity, bitterness and a drymouth feel to each sip of many types of alcohol. Tannins are influenced by weather, natural setting and cross-selection. Red wine has more tannins because the grapes used are fermented with the seeds, skins and stems, while white wine is frequently fermented from just the crushed juice of white grapes or skinless red grapes. Foods such as meat or cheese that are high in protein or fat go well with tannin-rich wines.

TERPENES

are produced by the trichomes of the plant, the same place where THC is produced.

They provide powerfully beneficial circulatory and muscular effects.

Much of Cannabis’ smell results from terpene content. More than 120 types of terpenes can be produced in Cannabis. The terpene Limonene is also found in citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines.

Limonene is a potent anti-fungal and anti-cancer agent, helping naturally reduce the presence of carcinogens in the body.

TINGLING

TARTNESS

Z EUS OG

Spire Mountain Dark & Dry Apple Draft Cider, $5-7 per 24-ounce bottle The Dark & Dry Cider is a tasty and balanced blend that even cider haters will enjoy. Brewed in Washington, the blend has an assertive tartness that is pleasantly rounded out by hints of molasses and brown sugar. This is where it meets the Zeus OG, which dances between flavors of sweet earthy syrup and a rich diesel tartness. The complex nature of the Zeus delivers an easy and heady smoke that leaves a gentle sweet taste on the palate and a super heady and tingly high. This pairing is good for day or night, so don’t be afraid to enjoy both on a hot summer afternoon.

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ENERGETIC CITRUS

TANGY LAND

Sky River Sweet Mead, $15.99+ The Tangy Land bursts with flavors of citrus and orange blossoms that fill a room with a heavenly aroma. It’s a great daytime strain with euphoric and happy effects that leave the mind free to enjoy a beautiful day, and a delicious glass of sweet mead. The exquisite flavors of honey, nectarine and florals dance on the palate with a bright and easy finish.

Enjoying a toke and a glass of these two will transport you to a beautiful garden in spring, with delicate sensations delivering a bright and happy feeling.

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tannins & terpenes REVIEWS by WES ABNEY PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ PRODUCTION by KORI MARIE

EUPHORIC

STICKINESS

MARIONBERRY

Townshend Huckleberry Brut, $16.99+ Snapping open a nug of the Marionberry releases bright and beautiful notes of sweet berries and a sugary syrup flavor that fills the nose and lingers long after the bag is put away. Out of all the strains featured, this is definitely the sweetest, with trichome-covered nugs that ooze with terpy deliciousness.

It pairs perfectly with the sparkling Huckleberry Brut from Washington, which is blended with huckleberry juice for added berry flavor and a gorgeous glass presence. Both the wine and the weed tickle the tongue and bring happy and euphoric effects.

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tannins & terpenes REVIEWS by WES ABNEY PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ PRODUCTION by KORI MARIE

SWIRLING

SWEETNESS

WILLY WONKA 10 Barrel Apocalypse IPA $5-7 per 24-ounce bottle

As hardcore as the Apocalypse IPA from 10 Barrel Brewing in Oregon sounds, it’s one of the easiest to drink India Pale Ales we’ve ever paired with. A fresh pour brings aromas of fruity citrus and sweet malts, all while swirling in a rich amber bubblefest. The first taste is similar to the aroma, but brings hints of tangy grapefruit and a taste of pine, all with a refreshingly light finish that leaves the palate ready for some THC. And if you want a hard-hitting sativa, look no further than the Willy Wonka.

The piney citrus aroma pairs well with the IPA, and this energetic sativa finishes with a smooth flavor that leaves the tongue tingling for another sip and toke.

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SLAMMING

AROMATICS

SWEET PEBBLES

Kudos Pinot Noir Willamette, $15.99+ This Washington strain bred by Fire Brothers is a delicious variation on the time-honored Fruity Pebbles cut. An aromatic hybrid, the Sweet Pebbles has flavors of spring berries and warm floral notes, but is balanced by earthy and peppery tones on the finish. It is less overwhelmingly sweet than the original Fruity Pebbles, delivering a more complex flavor that is accentuated when smoked. Deep hits of the Sweet Pebbles are easy and light on the lungs while slamming into the cerebral cortex with sensations of floating euphoria.

This strain is followed well with a glass of Kudos Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, which has a bright cherry taste with flavors of red plums and an herbal, grassy aroma. It finishes with a complex taste that blends earthy tones with the cherry without being too sweet.

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tannins & terpenes

REVIEWS by WES ABNEY PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ PRODUCTION by KORI MARIE

CEREBRAL FLORAL

BUBBA KUSH

Elysian Men’s Room Original Red $5-7 per 24-ounce bottle This almost pure indica flower brings sweet and earthy flavors that pair well with this orange- and amber-colored beer. Aromas of sweet caramel malts and floral hops dominate with hints of bread, grass and citrus in the beer.

Sipping a delicious pint brings a thick malty flavor with strong notes of caramel and a bitter citrusy finish. Blending a pint with a bowl of the Bubba brings on an intense and relaxing high that grips the cerebral cortex and slides gently into the body, ensuring a pleasurable and relaxing experience. Perhaps the best part is that a portion of each beer sold will go to benefit veterans directly at VA Puget Sound Fisher House and Ft. Lewis Fisher House.

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tannins & terpenes

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REVIEWS by WES ABNEY PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN STYLING by MALINA LOPEZ PRODUCTION by KORI MARIE

FLOWERY

HAPPINESS

KANDY KUSH

Omission Lager $5-7 per 24-oz. bottle This low-gluten beer from Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. in Oregon is one of the lightest and tastiest options on the market today. The traditional-style lager features an easy-to-drink profile with flavors of hay, grass and lemon.

We paired it with the Kandy Kush, a cross between OG Kush and Trainwreck that showcases sweet and flowery tones finishing with an earthy twist. The Kandy Kush brings a quick and happy high that has a lot of lasting power, which will make enjoying a couple pints of that crisp lager a real pleasure this summer.

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recipes

By LAURIE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by BRUCE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF

These recipes are a tribute to the glorious foods that scream summer.

When you can, eat seasonally.

Summertime food is crazy with flavor and packed with nutrition — food never tastes as good as it does in summer.

Prepared with a nice dose of Cannabis, these dishes are super simple to make and celebrate what might be growing in your garden, perhaps amid a marijuana plant or two. This summer, I am growing three plants: J1, Durban Poison and Obama Kush. Maybe I’ll throw in some zucchini. Wish me luck!

Makes 4 servings

FRESH GRILLED CORN with CANNA COMPOUND BUTTER 1. In a small bowl, combine the butters. Mix in the roasted pepper, scallion, paprika, black pepper and salt. Chill while you start the grill.

2. Fill a large bowl with cold water and soak the corn for 15 minutes. Ensure the corn is submerged.

3. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning frequently, over direct heat, for 5 minutes. Move the corn away from direct heat and cook an additional 6-8 minutes. The husks will be shriveled, browning and you should be able to see the outline of the kernels.

4. Carefully pull back the husks. Top with the canna-butter and serve while still steamy.

INGREDIENTS

*

2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon canna-butter, softened 1 tablespoon roasted red pepper, diced 1 scallion, chopped ½ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper Generous pinch of salt 4 ears of corn, husks intact

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more summertime recipes pg. 66

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lowest donation rates in Seattle

recipes

By LAURIE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by BRUCE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF

Continued from pg. 64

*

Serves four

1. Thread the fruit and cheese on skewers. Start and end with watermelon.

Chill the skewers.

2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the basil, garlic and walnuts.

Process. Drizzle in the oil while the machine is running.

3. Drizzle the pesto over the skewers before serving.

FETA & WATERMELON Cold CUCUMBER SOUP INGREDIENTS

2 lg. cucumbers, peeled, seeded, chopped 1½ cups low-fat, plain yogurt 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped onion 2 tablespoons mild canna-oil Salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender, processing the mixture until very smooth.

2. Divide among four soup bowls.

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skewers

INGREDIENTS

1 small seedless watermelon cut in 1½-inch chunks About 24 half-inch to 1- inch cubes of feta cheese. ¾ cup fresh basil leaves 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon walnuts 2 tablespoons canna-olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

TASTY

Reviews

The best deal is to get the 30mg package, but at $15 for 10mg, there are definitely stronger choices on the recreational market.

By wes abney photos by Daniel Berman

We love the CBD version, which has a calming and highly medicinal dose of 10mg of CBD per dropper.

CHILI LIME ALMONDS

by Winterlife cannabis, $15 with tax

4.08mg CBD-A 6.45mg CBD 10.03mg CBD-TOTAL 0.24mg CBG-TOTAL 0.68mg THC-TOTAL

CBD DROPS by tree of life, $40

10mg CBD/0.5ml dropper serving (30ml bottle)

10mg THC per 1-ounce package (serving size) Styling by Malina Lopez

Blending chili and lime with delicious pan-roasted almonds was a

stroke of genius for this Winterlife brand product. We couldn’t stop snacking on these tasty treats except for a sip of water. Spicy, tart, but not overwhelming. Unfortunately, we weren’t overwhelmed by the price per milligram on these products. The best deal is to get THE SCORE the 30mg package, but at $15 for Va l u e: 10mg, there are definitely stronger choices on the 502 market. Still, ta s te: taste and flavor go a long way, and Ef f ec t: if you are looking for a low dose Packaging: and extremely yummy snack, look Ove r a l l : 15/20 no further than these nuts. www.WinterlifeCannabis.com

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These tinctures are one of the best truly medical products on the mar-

ket for patients right now. The company chooses to focus on health and wellness, not fake flavors and unneeded ingredients. We love the CBD version, which has a calming and highly medicinal dose of THE SCORE 10mg of CBD per dropper.

The tincture body is made of Value: MCT oil, which is a fully natutaste: ral “medium chain triglycerides” Effect: oil. Long story short, MCT oil Packaging: is found naturally in oils like coconut oil, and is known to have Overall: 19/20 tremendous health benefits. It is also tasteless and odorless at room temperature, making it perfect to use sublingually straight from the dropper or added into a cup of tea. Check out other products from Tree of Life including a CBN and THC version!

concentrates

By WILL FERGUSON for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN

The trichome heads began to meld together and grease as the hash was slowly exposed to higher temps.

This water hash is produced

The Future 6*

Bubble Hash breeding by @exoticgenetix | Grown & PROCESSED by @HEADHUNTEREXTRACTS Available From

from a cross of Gorilla Glue 4 and Starfighter OG and donates for $75 per gram. The use of in-house organically grown material and reverse osmosis water makes this hash free of harmful contaminants. When we first received the hash, it was a granular texture that could easily be poured onto parchment to press out.

The hash is translucent and highly viscous when introduced to heat.

The trichome heads began to meld together and grease as the hash was slowly exposed to higher temps. When we opened the jar of solventless, we noticed the scent of almost burnt rubber and fuel when dipping our dabber into the hash. The texture is akin to budder and is easily portioned.

When melted on our Quartz bucket, this hash left almost no residue as it melted like BHO. The flavor is rather subtle, with hints of fuel on the exhale. The effects go straight to the head as we experienced a warm cerebral feeling right after dabbing.

This medicine is extremely effective for patients suffering from depression, fatigue and nausea as the effects are uplifting and euphoric.

This hash is also available in 5-star melt at various locations around Western Washington, including the access points listed below that carry the 6-star. Attention to clean cultivation and processing techniques make this hash some of the best around town.

THE SCORE

Value: taste: Effect: Packaging: Overall: 19/20

69.90%

THC TOTAL CBD: 0.32% TERPS: 8.32%

Northwest Alchemy, Green Health Cooperative, & Mudbay Meds

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TESTING by ANALYTICAL 360

product

Reviews

By STEVE ELLIOTT Editor, Tokesignals.com

BIG WEED:

stoned

An Entrepreneur’s HighStakes Adventures in the Budding Legal Marijuana Business

A Doctor’s Case For Medical Marijuana

By DR. DAVID CASARETT, M.D. CURRENT PUBLISHING, 2015 | 304 PAGES | $20

The

debate over medical marijuana’s efficacy might be raging in mass media and society at large, but those who’ve bothered to arm themselves with knowledge already know it works.

Among that number are many doctors who — imagine this! — fulfill their Hippocratic oaths by doing what’s best for their patients.

Dr. David Casarett, a Philadelphia physician, researcher and tenured associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, has published more than 100 articles and book chapters, including in leading medical journals such as JAMA and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Casarett sets out to find some firsthand answers about medicinal Cannabis, visiting dispensaries in California and Colorado; smearing marijuana paste on his legs while hiking through Nepal; sampling pot wine; learning how vaporizers work; and trying the purest types of hash oil (hey, somebody’s gotta do it).

With the past decade seeing a tremendous increase in both the number of states allowing medical marijuana and the number of patients using it, a new industry has emerged, including farmers, distributors, manufacturers and clinics.

Chapter 7, titled Bodily Harm, is perhaps the most contentious chapter in the book because it’s the one where Casarett examines the reputed dangers of marijuana. He quickly dispatches myths such as impaired pulmonary function and lung damage. He talks with Donald Tashkin, lead researcher of the biggest study ever on marijuana and the lungs, which to Tashkin’s surprise, didn’t find evidence of damage.

That’s not all.

“The bottom line,” Tashkin tells Casarett, “is that there really isn’t any good evidence of an increased risk of cancer.”

But when it comes to a reputed increased risk of heart problems or strokes with marijuana use, Casarett’s answer is “maybe.” But cannabinoids have also been found to limit brain damage that occurs after strokes.

As the doctor himself candidly admits, almost all reports of risks from marijuana are “little more than isolated reports and theoretical risks.”

“It might even occur to you, as it does to me, that if these risks were real, my entire college class would be dead by now,” Casarett writes, demonstrating the easy-reading style that makes this book a pleasure to absorb.

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By CHRISTIAN HAGASETH

PALGRAVE MACMILLAN PUBLISHING, 2015 | 234 PAGES | $26.00

It’s

impossible not to notice: The Green Rush is in full effect. It’s no secret there’s a mint to be made in this exploding new economy. But with both the rules and the players being dizzyingly established on the fly, you need a tour guide just to keep track of the rapidly shifting landscape. In Big Weed, Hageseth — who has been called the face of the revolution — details his quest to build the quintessential cannabis brand in the new Wild West of legal weed. He paints a colorful picture of how he got into the business, and how huge corporate interests are eager to follow suit. Hagaseth is the founder and chairman of Green Man Cannabis, a fast-growing Colorado-based marijuana company. The former finance and real estate executive got into the pot business six years ago, and is now, by all appearances, building a business empire. The book is as much about the author’s experience on the front lines of the marijuana movement as The book is as much about the author’s it is the story of a new industry still feeling its growing pains. From the experience on the front lines of the politicians, bureaucrats and judges marijuana movement as it is the story slowly acclimating to the new legal of an industry feeling growing pains. realities, to the recreational users exercising their sudden freedom, to the corporate interests just itching to get in the game, Hageseth explores the impact of legal Cannabis on American life, as well as the cultural and economic shifts that will come in its wake.

Hageseth details how he got into the Cannabis industry — as an entrepreneur and father of three who spent two decades in the white-collar professional world — and what it’s really like once you’re on the inside.

The book also explores the ever-changing nature of public opinion on Cannabis, from the old “Reefer Madness” world, through Richard Nixon, hippies and Woodstock, to the modern landscape in which marijuana startups are sought out by private equity firms, terminally ill patients are seeking marijuana as treatment, and law-abiding citizens use weed recreationally.

Hagaseth notes that Big Tobacco, Big Agriculture, and Big Pharma, all want in, as do celebrity investors — even if they won’t use their real names.

Profits are soaring, even as many banks refuse to take in dispensaries’ cash.

For an insider’s tour of the legal Cannabis industry, presented by one of that the industry’s most visible spokesmen, it’s hard to beat “Big Weed.”

health & science

By SIMONE FISCHER for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by TONI AGOSTA for NORTHWEST LEAF

SIMONE FISCHER USES CANNABIS TO TREAT SYMPTOMS OF A PAINFUL HEALTH CONDITION

Living With Endo As the Cannabis industry propels itself further

into the spotlight, I find it inspiring how women are creating and backing Cannabis businesses, but discussions on how Cannabis can benefit women’s health have yet to be hashed out.

I was diagnosed with stage 5 endometriosis in 2014, but have been dealing with chronic menstrual pain for more than a decade. I am writing this article to encourage women to take control of their chronic pain and vindicate the way women’s health is addressed entirely, if looking to use Cannabis as an alternative.

In 1998, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act was put into place so Oregonians could obtain medical Cannabis if their condition or conditions were listed as qualifying. The Oregon Health Authority lists qualifying conditions as cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and medical conditions or treatments that produce cachexia (weight loss) severe pain or nausea, seizures or persistent muscle spasms.

Oregon issued its first patient cards in May 1999.

OMMP statistics from April 1, 2015 show that out

Diagnosed in 2014

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ENDOMETRIOSIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA tinyurl.com/leafendo1 PLANNED PARENTHOOD: ENDOMETRIOSIS tinyurl.com/leafendo2 WOMEN’S HEALTH. GOV: ENDOMETRIOSIS tinyurl.com/leafendo3 LADYBUD MAGAZINE STORY tinyurl.com/leafendo4

of 71,317 patients, 66,365 have been authorized to use medical Cannabis due to severe pain. The state does not reveal how many of these cases are linked to endometriosis or other female-specific health issues.

According to John Hopkins Hospital, endometriosis affects 2 percent to 10 percent of women in the U.S., and roughly 176 million women worldwide.

Endometriosis is an autoimmune disease that leaves painful legions in the pelvis. The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, especially during menstrual cycles. The pain interferes with a woman’s ability to complete her daily commitments. The biggest problem with endometriosis is often the diagnosis itself. On average, it takes a woman seven years before she is correctly diagnosed with endometriosis.

Confirmation of an endometriosis diagnosis often requires expensive, invasive laparoscopic surgeries that many women cannot afford.

The cause of endometriosis is still unclear and no treatment fully cures it. Scientists understand that endometriosis is exacerbated by estrogen, a steroid hormone responsible for the development of female characteristics of the body. Doctors use birth control to manage endometrial pain by keeping estrogen levels stable. Retrograde menstruation is another characteristic of endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial cells flow back into the fallopian tubes and attach themselves to neighboring pelvic organs.

Genetics are another contributing factor. When a hereditary link is present, endometriosis is likely to rear its head in the next generation of young women in a family. Immune system dysfunction is another contributor.

Before I was diagnosed with endometriosis, I began writing about strains and other forms of medical-grade Cannabis that can help relieve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. When I began looking into getting carded to manage painful, monthly periods I did not think my condition was good enough to qualify me to become an Oregon medical marijuana patient. I let the stigma of complaining about my painful menstrual cycle prevent me from opening up a dialogue with my doctor around using Cannabis to mitigate my chronic pain. Instead, I learned things the hard way.

In December, I was rushed to the emergency room because I was experiencing ungodly amounts of pain and spotting. Two weeks before those painful episodes, my partner and I found out I was pregnant.

Noah’s mother rushed me to the doctor because we feared I was suffering from an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.)

Within hours, my whole life turned upside down.

After an ultrasound, the doctor confirmed they had found the ectopic pregnancy in my left fallopian tube. But there was more. My right ovary had grown to a whopping 9 centimeters in diameter. It was larg-

I did not think endometriosis was enough to qualify me to become an Oregon medical marijuana patient. I let the stigma of complaining about my painful menstrual cycle prevent me from opening up a dialogue with my doctor around using Cannabis to mitigate my chronic pain. Instead, I learned things the hard way. er than my uterus. None of us knew whether it was cancerous or benign. I was immediately admitted into the hospital and scheduled for emergency surgery the next day.

My diseased right ovary was removed. The ectopic pregnancy in my left fallopian tube and parts of my right fallopian tube were also removed. Additional cysts were found inside my uterus and were removed as well — all laparoscopically. Luckily, after the biopsy of my right ovary was completed, the results came back as benign. My right ovary turned into a mucinous tumor that grew like a weed. I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis and I knew, while I was still in the hospital, that I wanted to treat my condition with Cannabis.

The biggest challenges occurred after I was discharged from the hospital. Hormonally I was a mess, sex was a foreign concept and I still was getting over the fact they took my fucking right ovary. I could no longer dab as usual, or smoke joints without risking tearing incisions if I coughed too hard. I was strictly limited to edibles and organic full extract Cannabis.

I owe my speedy recovery to Cannabis because it alleviated horrid bouts of constipation, which encourages endometriosis flare-ups. I had a great

appetite throughout recovery; I was heavily medicated and always munching on something. Personally, pills ruin my appetite and wreak havoc on my gastrointestinal tract. Pills get you high, not healthy.

Women truly can manage endometriosis in alternative ways. I was given my last bit of morphine in the hospital before I was discharged, and I never felt the need to fill my Percocet prescription. Understand that just because I do not use pharmaceuticals does not mean I live a pain- or blemish-free life.

Along with Cannabis, regular exercise, baths, topicals and rose teas are in my endometriosis prevention and management arsenal. Chronic pain has left an indelible mark on my body and soul that I’m still trying to free myself from. At least Cannabis allows me to pursue a better version of my self and maintain a high quality of life.

Until a cure for endometriosis is found, I will continue to use medical Cannabis to manage my chronic pain. I encourage women interested in using Cannabis as a treatment to call their doctor’s office and discuss their options with a physician.

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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It’s the time of year in the Northwest when we get at least a handful of days heading into the mid-80s.

Those pasty white torsos that have been flocking to Green Lake since the first glimmer of sunlight in March might have you thinking we’ve been in a heat wave for a while, but many scientists predict this summer will have some of the hottest temperatures in decades.

For an indoor farmer, that means you might have to upgrade your climate control.

growtech

>> CONDITIONS, CONDITIONS, CONDITIONS

AIR IT OUT A

ir conditioning provides the primary solution for removing heat in most indoor gardens. In my October 2014 Northwest Leaf column, headlined “Portable Nightmares,” the specifics of how air conditioners work and why portable units are inefficient are covered in detail. In this month’s GrowTech, I’ll elaborate on various air conditioning systems, focusing on how to select a unit that is the correct amount of BTUs and is the right system to handle the needs and stresses that an indoor garden creates. Here’s a recap of the general workings of any compression-based air conditioning unit: An air conditioner uses a compressor, some sort of refrigerant and a fan to move warm air over cold coils, cooling the air and adding it into the environment. Portables units are not subjected to the same manufacturing regulations for energy efficiency that other units are, so the design is fundamentally inefficient. Window units are more efficient than portables, but again, because of their design they are often difficult to use in indoor gardens. Because one side of the box must be inside the garden and the other in a cooler exterior environment, they are usually unsuitable for indoor gardens. Mini splits provide a solution for indoor gardens, and when properly sized and installed they often do the job. However, mini splits were designed with compartmentalized home and office environment climate control in mind. Supplementing areas where a central HVAC system has difficulty controlling is where those

BY NORTHWEST LEAF units excel.

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR As growers, we are trying to use existing technoloDR. SCANDERSON gies to accommodate our gardens’ needs. To control an indoor garden with these home/office units, a changing and dynamic amount of humidity must be controlled

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daily. And then, over the growth cycle of the plant, uniform and intense heat sources placed throughout the rooms end up multiplying the number of stresses placed on the plants.

For example, two mini splits allow for more consistent output of cold air into a garden. What would otherwise be a short and inconsequential two to five minutes that it takes a standard mini split unit to pull compressed liquid coolant from the compressor to the coils for cooling has effects that are magnified in a garden. During that time, the heat might rise 5 to 10 degrees, which can take the environment from ideal to stressful. Furthermore, the load in a sealed room is now increased for that new compressed coolant because the room has stored up some BTUs, which require the AC to bring the temperature down and maintain the cooling load to “catch up.” By running two independent compressors, you start to compensate for the unit not being designed to handle such a large load of heat.

Another way to address this is to “size up.” For instance, even if you calculate your heat delta to be met or exceeded by 2 tons, the third ton will help address the additional heat loads built up from the warmed gaseous refrigerant traveling back to the compressor to be turned back into a liquid.

Does it work? Yup. Is it efficient, though? I believe the answer has been demonstrated. So what’s left? Like many areas of the Cannabis growing market, some business or another decides enough financial gain exists to manufacture a “grow-specific” product or just pull a marketing trick and call itself the new “specialist” in whatever market it wants to penetrate.

These companies are motivated by profits alone, so they include severe markups on generic products by putting them into a “grow-specific” packaging and marketing their image.

I’ve had the displeasure of working with several of these “Cannabis specialized” HVAC outfits. The best one I have found will get the job done, while the rest will have no problem spending upward of $100,000 of a client’s money without having the foggiest idea of how to outfit an indoor garden space.

The only problem with the single company that gets the job done is it charges an egregious amount of money and requires that you purchase all your equipment through them at their costs. Ever seen an installation only quote for 20 DIY units for more than $20,000? I hadn’t either before I was introduced to a Cannabis-specialized HVAC compaLike many areas of the Cannabis ny in northern Washington. growing market, some business or I know and support many talanother decides enough financial ented gardeners who have used gain exists to manufacture a these guys, paid them a fortune “grow-specific” product or just pull and had successful gardens. It still a marketing trick and call itself completely chaps my ass, though, the new “specialist” in whatever to see these companies charge market it wants to penetrate. These 300 percent to 500 percent more companies are motivated by profits. than they would a comparable office space simply because their opinion is that Cannabis growers deserve to pay more. The good news is this type of exploitation leaves room for other outfits to compete and still make a profit.

You need to understand the variance that a commercial-grade system provides that allows it to so easily and efficiently outperform the multi-mini split model. Commercial units have compressors that exceed 3 tons. Even if your mini split claims to have a 5-ton total cooling capacity, if you have a single compressor, you have a 3-ton and a company with a marketing department. Larger compressors mean larger total

The larger blower makes a dramatic difference. Rather than a stream of cool air being picked up and whipped around by adequate air circulation provided by multiple wall fans, the air handler itself has the capacity to generate huge amounts of ice cold air. The larger air capacity needs to be compensated for, too.

Commercial-capacity air handlers have a much larger bank of coils providing for more surface areas and increased cooling capacity.

Commercial systems also require a professional to install because of the units’ complexity.

cooling capacity. Another feature to commercial units is they move the coolant between the compressor and indoor unit quickly and efficiently. But a commercial unit isn’t just a larger compressor. The interior air handler for a commercial-capacity unit is where huge benefits are found.

A mini split has a long thin circular blower fan that is fine for pushing reasonable amounts of cool air into a slowly warming room. In an indoor garden where the heat always is getting intensely focused, the room benefits when a large amount of cold air is pushed out. As a result, shorter, but much larger, blower fans are used.

The larger blower makes a dramatic difference. Rather than a stream of cool air being picked up and whipped around by adequate air circulation provided by multiple wall fans, the air handler itself has the capacity to generate huge amounts of ice cold air. The larger air capacity needs to be compensated for, too. Commercial-capacity air handlers have a much larger bank of coils providing for more surface areas and increased cooling capacity. Commercial systems also require a professional to install because of the units’ complexity.

W

hen it comes to air conditioners, it all comes down to moving large amounts of air over an adequate bank of ice cold coils.

While air conditioners are rated in British thermal units, which specify the energy it takes to cool or heat one pound of water by 1 degree F., it would be easier to properly outfit your indoor garden if there was a rating for the number of CFMs of air cooled at the advertised BTU per one hour period under constant load. It’s this measure that allows a 3-ton commercial capacity unit to cool up to 10 1,000-watt gavitas, a heat load that I would generally recommend at least 6.5 tons of mini splits cooling for.

Last year, I found what I believe is the only company manufacturing commercial-grade systems specific for “mission critical” applications. Excel Air has combined the benefits of building everything in-house with the needs for easy installation, which allows it to manufacture compressors of commercial capacity and avoid the 3-ton limitation distinctive to mini splits. The interior air handler it created is novel, allowing for huge air capacity combined with an ample bank of ice cold coils and easy do-it-yourself installation. Distributing the cold air quickly and evenly throughout the room is also made easy by another first: a soft-ducted “air sock” that is easy to install, efficient, accommodates most any installation plan and is easy to clean.

Excel Air didn’t stop there, however. It uses an integrated ultraviolet air purifier, an easy-to-maintain integrated charcoal filtration system, integrated dehumidification and even a feature that separates the compressor portion from the outside unit. It’s placed in a sound-insulated container so no one will hear a compressor turning on and off.

The most amazing part is they do this at a cost about 50 percent to 70 percent less than comparable commercial packages. You can find more info at www.excelair.ca. The support I have personally received from the company has been overwhelming. Employees are completely available and committed to answering questions, addressing concerns, troubleshooting any issues and ensuring that you are a most satisfied customer. It does this without a retail outlet; the business relies on local retail distribution.

While this summer might be exceptionally hot, take some comfort in knowing enough to decide what type of climate control is right for your garden.

If you have further questions on this article, send me an email to thegreengardengroup@Gmail.com. Follow me on instagram at @DrScanderson_gT and as always, Happy gardening!

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BEHIND THE STRAIN

Drop me a line

Watch a video

thegreengardengroup@gmail.com Youtube.com/DrScandersonGt

KUSHBERRY

Flowers in 57-65 days When the jar is cracked, this strain really begins to sing.

BAG APPEAL & SMOKE REPORT these blooms come out looking like chunky OG Kush nugs.

Elongated thick spears of tightly packed calyxes complete with dark red hairs and ample frosting, it looks like a nice OG. When the jar is cracked, this strain really begins to sing. Familiar earthy dank scents of OG Kush are dramatically magnified by the sharp citrus blueberry platform handsomely laid out by the parent stock.Its complex scent reaches an apex precisely where Kush becomes an ammonia lemon cleaner. Rather than finishing off lemony, the scent evens out in a creamy dark berry and currant. And if that sounds far too pompous, just think Crunchberry cereal and you’re in the neighborhood. Ground up, these blooms are overwhelmed with the gassy, cleaner smell of OG and that’s right where the flavor takes you. With somewhat mild lung expansion for such an OG-dominant plant, the smooth smoke is potent with quick onset. Big Kush flavors almost completely dominate the berry flavors until well after the exhale, where the kushy flavor dissolves into a lip-smacking berry delight.

BY NORTHWEST LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON

I know I’ve just smoked some kush because my eyelids assume an at-ease position.

GENETICS: OG KUSH X BLUEBERRY

HOW IT GROWS A lot of the structure of this plant has an OG feel. She is taller

and will put out a fair stretch at transition and enjoys higher levels of calcium through flower onset. The blueberry, however, adds a noticeable improvement in stem stability and tolerance to a range of feeding schedules. Topping and other standard height-mitigating techniques will be rewarded with strong stems that don’t need the same level of support as most elite OG Kushes. While she is a little slower to set flowers than her Blueberry heritage, once she gets going, it’s off to the races. You can expect this strain to pack on frost and weight quickly and finish off in a solid eight weeks.

BREEDER: DNA GENETICS SUMMARY: DNA is at it again, carving the way with some of the best

genetics in the game with an instant legendary Kushberry. A fantastic solution for anyone looking for a slightly easier-to-grow kush that still comes with all the desirable characteristics one comes to expect from OG, and then some.

LINEAGE

Two old-school favorites come together in this legendary cross. It’s rumored to be the Christopher Wallace cut of OG Kush combined with DJ Shorts legendary Blueberry. The strain balances an extraordinary combination of terpenes and effects.

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EFFECTS the quick onset provides an immediate head change and a

light sweat. I know I’ve just smoked some kush because my eyelids assume an at-ease position. In spite of the fast onset, there is also very much a creeper characteristic where the effect continues to set in throughout the first 15 minutes after dosage. Even more impressive is how long the effects keep symptoms at bay. Experienced users can expect a heavy medicinal effect for three hours or more without any couch-locking effects.

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1 4343 1 5 T H A V E . N . E . S E AT T L E | G R A S S W A . COM | 2 0 6 - 367-1 483 This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.