THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
#115 | JAN. 2024
The
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SHOP REVIEW
MATT COULTER
TRUTH DISPENSARY
Weed&Wellness e u s Is
32
jan. 2024
RECIPES
48
SHIFT INTO SOUP MODE
BRUCE WOLF
THE NEW AROMA OF CANNABIS 44
BLEW GLASS
GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT
11 12 16 20 24 28 30 32 36 40 44 48 52 54
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EDITOR’S NOTE SHOP REVIEW EDIBLE OF THE MONTH CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT STRAIN OF THE MONTH CANNABINOID CONCOCTIONS SESHING FOR SELF-CARE NOT YOUR PARENT’S POT TALK POSITIVE VIBRATIONS CANNABIS AND AROMA COOKING WITH CANNABIS CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY
COURTESY BLEW GLASS
The
H E A LT H & S C I E N C E
ADOBE STOCK
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CABIN 7 ORIGINALS
FEATURES
HIGH, OREGON!
8
#115
[
JAN. 2024
issue
HOW DO YOU ROCKET? CANNABIS PRE-ROLLS
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E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F / N O RT H E AS T L E A F / U TA H L E A F
A B O U T T H E C OV E R
Based on a concept from the Leaf's Mike Ricker, and with the help of Northwest Leaf's Lena White on props and styling, this month's cover was created in the Seattle studio of Creative Director Daniel Berman and features local Cannabis and psilocybin advocate Jerry Mead, undergoing a new take on the classic spa treatment. This month's special edition highlights the variety of ways that Cannabis can be utilized for health and wellness, from spa treatments, to creativity, to being a better parent, to understanding and achieving your very best self. PHOTO & STYLING BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | @LENA_B_SPARKED
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER O P E R AT I N G PA R T N E R ricker@leafmagazines.com
TOM BOWERS C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R tom@leafmagazines.com DANIEL BERMAN C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R daniel@leafmagazines.com AMANDA DAY STAT E C O N T E N T D I R E C T O R amanda@leafmagazines.com
MAKANI NELSON STAT E S A L E S D I R E C T O R makani@leafmagazines.com (808) 754-4182
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in an upcoming issue of Oregon Leaf. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, leafmagazines.com. Email makani@leafmagazines.com to learn more about our range of affordable print and digital advertising options to help support Oregon Leaf, the state’s longest-running Cannabis magazine!
CO N N EC T WIT H O R EG O N L E A F ! @OREGONLEAF |
@OREGONLEAF
ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Weed & Wellness Issue of the Leaf! The medicinal use of Cannabis is what started my journey into publishing the Leaf, at a time when cancer patients had to choose between the plant and prosecution with their literal lives on the line. When Cannabis was illegal, it was presented as a drug that caused problems – not healed them. I remember DARE classes telling us young men that weed causes testicular cancer. What a scary thought! It wasn’t until years later that I met a survivor of that very cancer who credited Cannabis with keeping him alive. To say that weed has gone through a social transformation is an understatement, as moving from the war on drugs to CBD roundups on network news is a complete metamorphosis. All of the freedoms we have today as recreational users have been realized because of the medicinal effects of Cannabis, and we cannot lose that respect and understanding of the plant in a heady rush to get users as baked as possible. Like the humble pot brownie (google Brownie Mary) created by a nurse for AIDS patients with wasting syndrome, much of our culture co-opted the medicine – and I think it’s high time that we return to acknowledging the medicinal aspects of Cannabis.
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"I HAVE LONG BELIEVED THAT ALL USE OF CANNABIS IS MEDICINAL, EVEN IF IT’S GETTING SUPER FRIED OFF DABS BECAUSE YOU HAD A BAD TUESDAY IN THE TRAFFIC AND RAIN."
I have long believed that all use of Cannabis is medicinal, even if it’s getting super fried off dabs because you had a bad Tuesday in the traffic and rain. Many people use pharmaceuticals or alcohol for those types of stresses, but Cannabis heals the body – even when we are trying to escape. This light medical use still has big benefits and they get amplified when regular users of Cannabis get hurt, deal with major stresses or diseases, or even face end-of-life battles. Let’s not forget that Big Pharma and our own government have known about all of these medical benefits for decades. Just as Big Food corrupted our food chain with sugar for profits (check out NPR’s story ‘50 Years Ago, Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists To Point Blame At Fat’), so has the government worked in lockstep with private prison lobbyists, pharmaceutical companies, and our vast law enforcement system to ensure that peaceful drug users were still victims of asset forfeiture and imprisonment in the prison labor scheme. And this isn’t new-woke thinking – I’ve been reporting on this for 15 years and working to dismantle the hold that these forces have on America's health. So as we head into this new year, and many of us focus on health and wellness, it’s high time we start thinking about our use of Cannabis as medicinal and share that knowledge with those in our lives that might see it only as a recreational drug. Because even when we get puddled by dabs on the couch watching “Game of Thrones” reruns, Cannabis is working to make our bodies and minds, healthier and happier.
@NWLEAF
ISSUU.COM/NWLEAF
FREE ONLINE ARCHIVE
-Wes Abney
jan. 2024
leafmagazines.com
MEGHAN RIDLEY C O PY E D I T O R meghan@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS APRIL BLACK, FEATURES BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES MATT COULTER, PHOTOS AMANDA DAY, FEATURES + PHOTOS MAX EARLY, FEATURES JERRY MEAD, MODELING MAKANI NELSON, FEATURES JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING LENA WHITE, PROPS & ASSISTING BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES
WES
shop review
12
STAYINGTRUE leafmagazines.com
ORIGINS
<< Truth Dispensary’s owner, Brandon Decamp, has long-standing familial ties to serving the town of Salem the best of the best. Originally entering the legal market alongside his late father and brother, Brandon is continuing the Decamp family legacy by providing an exceptional shopping experience with an assortment of high-grade products. The first Truth location dates all the way back to 2018, and this Center Street shop’s 2023 opening has paved the way for plans to open a third dispensary closer to downtown Salem in February.
JAN. 2024
THE DIS PO
Just a short distance away from Oregon State Hospital, Truth is easy to find with its logo adorned on the building in its flagship green and black colors. And it’s a welcoming shop, too – from the ample parking space to the open floor plan featuring four POS systems, there’s room to roam and rather short wait times. Products of all kinds line the walls and are arranged perfectly for browsing along the countertops, but if you’re looking for the drinks and rosin – they’re stored in a cool fridge to ensure their freshness. Perhaps the only thing cooler than the rosin is the staff, as the budtenders at Truth are absolutely on point with their welcoming vibe and authentic Cannabis knowledge.
In loving memory of Phil and Jered Decamp
THE PRODUC TS
The offerings here are the real deal. We’re talking the freshest harvests, from the finest producers – companies like Evan’s Creek, Eastwood, Deep Creek and Archive lining the shelves. Grape God and Eugreen dominate in the rosin fridge, and make sure to check out their wide variety of cartridges, edibles, glass pieces and in-house branded gear. Believe me when I say, Truth has a little something for everyone.
TRUTH
2345 Center St NE, Salem, OR truthdispensary.com @truthdispensary.salem 8AM-10PM daily (503) 339-7365
“THE OFFERINGS HERE ARE THE REAL DEAL. WE’RE TALKING THE FRESHEST HARVESTS, FROM THE FINEST PRODUCERS.”
Megan, Jade & Nicole would be happy to help find a Cannabis product that works for you.
REVIEW by OREGON LEAF STAFF @OREGONLEAF | SHOP PHOTOS by MATT COULTER @I4RAMEMARYJANE20 | PORTRAIT by FLETCHER WOLD @FWOLD_PHOTOGRAPHY
A GAME-CHANGING EDIBLE COLLABORATION, 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING.
©2023 Smokiez and Smokiez Edibles are trademarks of ACS LLC. All Rights Reserved
edible of the month
WILLAMETTE VALLEY ALCHEMY
LIQUID CURED RESIN CAPSULES THIS MONTH, we find
ourselves seeking something with less sugar. Call it a ‘diet resolution’ if you will, but we prefer to pretend it’s because we're too sweet (‘resolution’ and ‘delusion’ sound similar, if you really think about it). All jokes aside, the fact of the matter is that this market largely caters to ‘recreational’ items and could use a few simpler solutions for patients. And with the number of people pursuing Cannabis products for wellness always increasing, a capsule offers a trusted delivery method – accessible to many, without any fuss.
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leafmagazines.com
“...a great way to pop in for just one capsule and a pinch of THC or put a pounding on some pain with plenty.”
For our Weed and Wellness Issue, we’re welcoming something from Eugene producers Willamette Valley Alchemy. This product contains a full spectrum Liquid Cured Resin form of Mule Fule from Rogue Farmer. They’re a southern Oregon, full-term flower producer and trusted partner of the WVA team. The Mule Fule Liquid Cured Resin is combined with a “specifically homogenized” blend that is intended to “deliver optimum effects in an efficient manner.” Each capsule contains around 10mg of THC, sunflower lecithin, organic olive oil and organic coconut oil. The tin of 10 provides a great way to pop in for a pinch of THC with just one capsule … or to put a pounding on some pain with a handful. On par with everything the team at WVA tackles, the packaging does not disappoint. These darling little tins are resealable and reusable – offering a perfect way to pack your capsules around without crushing them. They’re ideal for throwing in a pocket or purse to have on hand when you need them most. @WILLAMETTE_VALLEY_ALCHEMY @ROGUEFARMER 100mg THC per tin | 10mg THC per capsule
JAN. 2024
REVIEW & PHOTO by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA/OREGON LEAF @OREGONLEAF
ŵĂŝů – ^ĂůĞƐΛ ĞƚƚĞƌͲ ĚŝďůĞƐ͘ĐŽŵ
>ĞĂĨ>ŝŶŬ – ĂŶŶĂ ƌŝƐƉLJ
CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH
BONSAI SOLVENTLESS
PEANUT BUTTER SKUNK ROSIN This month’s delectable dab is something from the crew at Bonsai Farms and Bonsai Solventless. Come take a puff of this Peanut Butter Skunk rosin with us … it’s a cross of Peanut Butter Breath x Snow Skunk with an oh-so special flavor experience.
leafmagazines.com
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IF YOU’RE NOT FAMILIAR, let us introduce you to the peculiar parents of Peanut Butter Skunk. The first is Peanut Butter Breath from ThugPug Genetics. Its alluring profile has remained an intensely unique option among a sea of flavors for some time. Snow Skunk is another fiercely unique strain. Bred by Massive Seeds, this particular cut was pheno-hunted by Bonsai a few years back. According to the team, it has “been a staple ever since.” Prepare yourself for a nutty, creamy, unmistakable peanut butter profile with a color not far off from the food – a light golden beige with a bodaciously sappy glisten. The texture will take you for another trip, as dipping the dabber into it bears an uncanny resemblance to the satisfyingly smooth and luscious grip of peanut butter – one of those juicy, organic, expensive ones though. This isn’t Jif. The skunky portion of this palate party is gentle enough not to overpower the nuances of nuttiness. We’d even say it leans heavily on its Peanut Butter Breath genetics. But the Snow Skunk slipped in to say something as we dropped a glob into our Black Market Glass GLOB-CANO. Its spicy, chemical kick is a welcomed surprise and made this an all-around exciting escape from the flavors we see so often.
“...an allaround exciting escape from the flavors we see so often.”
@BONSAI.FARMS | @BONSAISOLVENTLESS2.0
JAN. 2024
REVIEW & PHOTO by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA/OREGON LEAF
@truecarefarms
#Elevate Your Level
truecarefarms.com
Tried THCV yet? THCV is the Super Sativa you've been looking for!
Focus and energy minus the clouded mind and munchies. Ask your budtender for whole plant, natural THCV in Kites Super Sativa prerolls. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
glass art spotlight
BLEW B.LEWW__
GLASS
ART B
Y
BOB S I W LE
Hailing from Salt Lake City, Bob Lewis has been trailblazing and navigating the Cannabis industry and glass community for over 15 years – often reflecting on the early days when he would get together with his buddies, seeking to acquire the finest herb money could buy.
leafmagazines.com
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"When I was 17, I started caring about quality Cannabis,” shared Lewis. “I would connect with a buddy from California who came to town with a mobile dispensary, and high-end glass I had never seen before." His local glass gallery, Boro Syndicate, also opened his eyes to top-tier artists – inspiring him to start a glass collection ranging from Contrabasso to Preston Hanna. From that point forward, Lewis continued to be moved by these unfamiliar creations he encountered, further drawing him to the flame. While Lewis was finding himself increasingly fascinated by the world of glass blowing, his relationship with the art form officially began when he started going to Oktoberfest at Snowbird. It was here he discovered Kenyon Coon, aka Borokato, who had a glass-blowing booth at the festival. Lewis was mesmerized by his works of art and began going there daily after his morning shifts as a landscaper … until one day, he had built a strong enough relationship and was offered an apprenticeship. "I got to work under his company, creating pipe production work including spoons, hammers, and other various works of art," explained Lewis. Lewis now finds himself living in the mecca of flameworking: Denver. He originally connected with the Mean Screens team about decade ago, and found both his lane and his people – where artists including Brick Glass, Trust Glass, Tutaw and MZ helped Lewis level up, hone in on his craft, and find new ways to offer. Nowadays he resides at Explore Glass Gallery, where he still works with some of the original artists that help him achieve new heights years ago. From mini-tubes and water-spinners to cups and trinkets, Lewis has come a long way from his early days cranking out production glass. His most recent design, IBR or Internal Ball Recycler, combines the shapes of a few different designs he has created into one powerhouse of a piece. "Glass blowing has proven to me that you can do anything you want to do, and be anything you want to be." Lewis is also a passionate Cannabis cultivator and processor with over a decade of experience. Look out for his hash brand, Hashishi Co., and their upcoming menu this year – including Fiendz Club's latest genetics. Feel free to reach out directly to Lewis on IG to see what available work he currently has, as his art sells out fast – both directly from him and the glass galleries he works with!
JAN. 2024
"From mini-tubes and water-spinners to cups and trinkets, Lewis has come a long way from his early days cranking out production glass."
STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTEDSTARDUST for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy
All Things Cannabis For All People beardedlorax rickerdj aj.og maaryjwhite
PODCAST
leaflifepodcast
God & Cannabis # 251
THIS MONTH: #252 WEED & WELLNESS #253 VIDEO GAMES & CANNABIS v4 #254 ART & CANNABIS THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
LISTEN EVERYWHERE leafmagazines.com
/@leaflifepodcast4185
Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
We're proud to nurture and craft every aspect of our products, from soil to oil, and that's the secret behind our unbeatable quality at a price that's simply irresistible. With a diverse range of 13 cart flavors and a full line-up of dabbables there's always something new to try on the horizon. Explore our exquisite range of products at your nearest dispensary and discover the extraordinary, every day.
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STRaIN OF THE MONTH
“Like it’s hosting a classily curated and multi-course meal, Chimera sits us down to smoke our next course.” @FROSTFACTORY503
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LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
The heart of the chilly season is setting in and we’re warming up with this fire from the folks at Frost Factory. It’s a cross of White Truffle and The Creature bred by BeLeaf (@bealeaf_the_hunter_ gatherer), and it’s the hearty meal this season calls for on a cozy night in. THESE BUDS are so densely decked out in tenderly handled trichomes, that distinguishing the color beneath is difficult. But there’s a dazzling, deep blackish-purple that dances through the diamond-like glisten twinkling on the tips. Warning: Be careful when breaking these nugs down. We haven’t handled anything this sticky in some time. But the truth is that we didn’t mind finding those tricky little trichomes under our fingernails, or on the tips of our noses for the rest of the night. We took a really (really) big whiff and found a piquant, hearty wine aroma with a refined, sugary finish. There’s a savory, salted butter essence on the inside that offers a brilliant balance alongside the more dominant and fruity findings. To bring a full flavor experience to the table, there are even a few sprinkles of freshcracked pepper – a fine, full plate for the palate. Like it’s hosting a classily curated and multi-course meal, Chimera sits us down to smoke our next course. It’s a robust offering where the pepper is still present. We’ve moved on from our fruity cocktail hour and into a rich, creamy main course that leaves our mouths wanting more.
jan. 2024
Chim
mera#2
REVIEW & PHOTO by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA/OREGON LEAF
THE weed & wellness ISSUE
CANNABINOID CONCOCTIONS "IT’S EASIER THAN EVER FOR PATIENTS AND RECREATIONAL USERS OF THE PLANT TO EXPLORE DIFFERENT CANNABINOIDS AND HOW THEY COULD POTENTIALLY FIT INTO ONE’S LIFESTYLE."
COURTESY WYLD
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leafmagazines.com
AS WE CONTINUE to embark on this journey of health and wellness, many of us turn to cannabinoids other than just THC. This is where a whole slew of other cannabinoids come in like CBD, CBN and CBG. Two companies that are shining a bright light on this space are the nationally-known brands Wyld and Smokiez. While both companies are rooted in the Pacific Northwest, they’ve since grown into several states across the country – making it easier than ever for patients and recreational users of the plant to explore different cannabinoids and how they could potentially fit into one’s lifestyle.
Good sleep is essential to living a healthy life, and CBN has come out as the top cannabinoid for helping people reach the state they desire. Personally, I’ve taken CBN before bed and noticed that I fell asleep sooner, stayed asleep longer, and had minimal grogginess the following morning. When taken with CBG, a cannabinoid that increases the production of a chemical called GABA, my anxiety was calm enough to improve the effects of the CBN. There are tons of other proposed effects of CBG – including the improvement of digestive health and acting as a neuroprotectant. And when it comes to CBD, what can I say? It’s essential to the stoner’s stash, and a cornerstone of a robust Cannabis diet. When checking out Wyld’s offerings, their wide selection of seven different gummies alongside six flavors of sparkling water makes for endless cannabinoid combinations. Gummies come in lemon, blackberry, raspberry, huckleberry, peach, pear and elderberry, with varying ratios of CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN.
jan. 2024
Wyld's grapefruit sparkling water is one of my personal favorites, but the lemon, blood orange, blackberry and raspberry are all refreshing in their own unique way. And don’t sleep on the blueberry pomegranate CBN formulation … it’s a great pre-bedtime bubbly that Wyld says is “like watching a sheep count you.” Next we find Smokiez bringing the heat with CBD, CBG and CBN variations of their gummies. They have 16 flavors currently available including blue raspberry, sour green apple, and way too many more to keep this list going. With 12 flavors of their 2.5:1 ratio CBD:CBN gummies, they are sure to have a flavor for everyone. These come in packs of 10 and 30, totaling 250-750mg of CBD and 100-300mg of CBN per package. The CBG gummies come in 12 flavors as well, with the same variation of potency as the CBN. It goes without saying that everyone’s consumption methods are a little bit different, but I urge you to go out and try some other cannabinoids besides THC in the new year. The risk level is extremely low with these non-psychoactive cannabinoids – and they come with the potential benefit of increased health and wellness. Let’s be honest: Humans eat and drink things we know are toxic all the time. With brands like Wyld and Smokiez available, why not treat your tastebuds to a delicious product that might actually make you feel better? WYLDCBD.COM | SMOKIEZCBD.COM
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS courtesy
®
EXCLUSIVE CULTIVARS FROM CALIFORNIA’S CANNABIS CAPITAL SEEDS:
FEMINIZED, REGULAR, AUTOFLOWER, PHOTOPERIOD THC AND CBD
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THE weed & wellness ISSUE
SESHING FOR
SELF-CARE Take a stoney soak.
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Hot bubble baths are already a selfcare staple – but adding cannabinoids can take your soak to the next level of relaxation. We love these bath bombs from Kush Queen infused with full-spectrum CBD, hemp extract and essential oils but no artificial colors or scents. With targeted effects such as Revive, Sleep and Immunity, toss one in the tub and listen to the fizzing sounds for ASMR, smell the essential oils for aromatherapy, and watch the shades swirl together in the water for color therapy in a true multi-sensory experience. As you soak, your body will continue to absorb the essential oils and CBD through the skin like a sponge for added therapeutic benefits. Pro tip: light a few candles, put on some music, and sesh on a joint before (or during) your bath to further set the mood. kushqueen.shop
leafmagazines.com
Pair your sesh with meditation.
Meditation to promote mindfulness and reduce stress dates back to ancient times. Similarly, Cannabis has been used for centuries to quiet the brain and relax the body. Trying them together can boost self-awareness and help you stay grounded in the moment with a deeper state of focus. Eat an edible or take a few drops from a tincture 30-45 minutes before you meditate or spark up during your practice. It’ll depend on your habits and preferences, but strains high in the terpenes myrcene (think OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple and Blue Dream) and linalool (like Lavender Kush, Do-Si-Dos and Amnesia Haze) tend to be suggested for their calming effects. If you’re new to meditation or want to be part of a community, check out Collette from Balancing Cannabis! She hosts a donation-based virtual guided Cannabis meditation that you can join every Monday at 6:00 p.m. PST. balancingcannabis.com
jan. 2024
Get those creative juices flowing.
Studies have shown that creative activities stimulate the release of dopamine – the chemical that gives the brain feelings of happiness, satisfaction and motivation. If you don’t naturally have a knack for the arts or have a hard time loosening up and coloring outside of the lines (literally), there are still ways you can get into a creative headspace. Roll up, grab some markers, and make your own masterpiece with Cabin 7 Originals Coloring Books for Stoners. Two editions are available with 40 coloring pages in each that you can fill in with pens, crayons, markers or paint. If you want to spread some self-care cheer this season, go for the bundle that includes both editions and gift one to a friend! cabin7originals.com
GIVE YOUR MIND AND BODY A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE THIS YEAR BY INFUSING YOUR SELF-CARE ROUTINE WITH CANNABIS.
Give yourself a fire facial. Physical relaxation sends your brain the message that it’s time to chill out too, so pampering yourself can actually create a more mellow mental state. What better way to spoil yourself than with an at-home spa day? We suggest starting with the Sacred Facial Set from Sacred Ace Skincare. All of their products are made with vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and infused with USDA-certified organic full-spectrum CBD. Adding CBD to your skincare routine is known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and calming properties, and this kit contains everything you need to give yourself a full facial in one beautiful box. With the Hydrating Face Mist & Toner, Anoint Face Oil and Antioxidant Face Moisturizer, dry winter skin won’t stand a chance this year. sacredaceskincare.com Reflect on your Cannabis consumption.
Slowing down and connecting with your inner needs and thoughts is a huge part of selfcare – and being mindful about your Cannabis consumption is a simple place to start. You can keep a journal or use a digital tool to set an intention before each sesh and reflect on the results. We like the Releaf App, where you can enter the product type and strain, why you’re using it and how much you used. After you consume, simply record how you feel to see if it aligns with your original intention. Maybe you wanted to chill out before bed, but the edibles you ate had the opposite effect because you were digging around the fridge with the munchies all night. Or perhaps you finally stumbled across the flower that brought you to your inner zen. As you enter more experiences, you can compare which products were the most beneficial in various situations and even get customized strain recommendations. Releafapp.com
STORY by KATHERINE WOLF @KATADELLIC for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy
THE WEED & WELLNESS ISSUE
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36 THE weed & wellness ISSUE
NOT YOUR PARENT'S POT TALK
jan. 2024
KIDS &THE NEW AGE CANNABIS CONVERSATION PARENTS HAVE A LOT on their plates these days. In the already challenging role of parenting through the pandemic, navigating social media and changing norms, they also have to grapple with how to address Cannabis use and legality for themselves and their loved ones. As we grow from Cannabis users to become parents and grandparents, the changing times and perceptions around the plant and kids are a constantly evolving area of focus. Is Cannabis dangerous for kids? What about parents? In this primer, we share our advice as parents and once-teens ourselves, as we continue to learn about and shape the way Cannabis is viewed in our society.
MOMMY’S MEDICINE
When my children were little, we made a decision to talk to them about Cannabis and how it helped Mom and Dad as a medicine that was special … and something we kept secret. We let them know that just like any other medicine, it was for adults only – but that this one was special. It helped us, but some people didn’t like it – so we didn’t talk about it outside of the house. This might sound a little twisted, but so is a drug counselor coming to school with a DARE presentation asking kids if they’ve seen their parents using drugs. By making the talk about Cannabis a simple explanation about medicine, most little kids will ignore pot like they ignore most of the adult world. The biggest issue for little kids and pot? Keep your edibles (and everything else) locked up or otherwise secure. While a toddler isn’t going to grab the bong, they definitely will gravitate towards bright colored candy. Should the worst happen and they eat something, just remember that Cannabis has never killed anyone … and with hydration and rest, kids, dogs and moms can all recover from too much weed.
BUILDING TRUST WITH TEENS
“Do as I say but not as I do” doesn’t work when parenting little kids, and it certainly doesn’t help when trying to keep teens out of the medicine or liquor cabinets, or for getting them to leave Cannabis alone. Generally teens don’t want anything to do with what their parents are in to – with the exception of drugs and alcohol. They are looking to us for cues on what’s OK and it’s important to be an example of responsible use during these crucial years. While alcohol might be present at sporting events and advertised nearly everywhere, it’s important not to glorify getting a buzz. The same goes for Cannabis. With the rise in Fentanyl, which can kill with a dose the size of a grain of rice, it can be lifesaving to have trust with your teen. If they or a friend takes a pill or accidentally consumes a drug, and someone is overdosing or hurt – they need to feel safe to call you and for paramedics. So just like a good household has a fire escape plan, talk to your children about the dangers of pills – and what their plan is if someone overdoses. By building trust with your teen, they’ll feel comfortable talking to you about their experimentation, giving you the chance to lead with love and guide them towards good decisions – like waiting to use Cannabis until they are of a legal age to do so.
CHILDRENS’ MEDICINE
There’s nothing a parent won’t do for a sick child, and when the choice is between a potential jail sentence and providing relief through Cannabis for a kid, the Leaf has documented many parents' choices to heal their child with plant-based medicine. Starting with Charlotte's Web in 2011, a high-CBD strain named for a girl with epilepsy in Colorado, the right to provide children with Cannabis has been hotly debated. While it seems clear to those in the Cannabis activism space that CBD and THC can help with a wide range of ailments, parents still face risk and ridicule for giving their children a potentially life-saving medicine. The Leaf has written about children who are alive thanks to their parents being brave enough to administer Cannabis, and we believe that this medicine has huge benefits for humans of all ages. But even with the benefits, Cannabis should only be used for children with extreme or life-threatening conditions like epilepsy. This includes CBD, which might be sold at your local drug store – but isn’t the right way to calm down a hyperactive kiddo or help with sleep as it does for adults. Healthy children don’t need Cannabis and it’s important as parents to make careful decisions about all medications.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
While Cannabis and the vaping of e-cigs might be common on high school and college campuses, and of course in pop culture – it’s important to set boundaries with drugs and alcohol as students head into these formative years. America has always celebrated college partying, and to a lesser extent, high school house parties in movies and pop culture. But with the cost of college rising, and the true impact of alcohol and hard partying becoming mainstream knowledge, it’s important to talk to older students about their choices and future. While Cannabis is certainly safer than alcohol, we don’t want our teens using these drugs before their brains have fully developed. By setting boundaries and having open communication, we can share this messaging with our kids – helping them to stay kids for as long as possible. Luckily for our younger generations, their 21st birthday can be spent at a legal pot shop without fear of arrest or alcohol poisoning. And that’s a world we should all be grateful to live in.
STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION | PHOTO by ADOBE STOCK
GREEN STOP
New Mule, Same Kick
DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THIS DRUG. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
THE weed & wellness ISSUE
POSITIVE VIBRATIO POSITIVE POSITIVE VIBRATIO THESE DAYS, there’s no shortage of Cannabis-infused wellness activities available – from yoga and meditation to massage and tai chi. One modality that’s taken center stage recently though is the sound bath: A full-body meditative experience employing various instruments to generate vibrations meant to heal and balance one’s mind, body and spirit. To see (and feel) what all the buzz was about, I signed up for a 60-minute group session at Let’s Get Tuned – a gorgeous sound healing/yoga studio overlooking the Pacific in Morro Bay, California. This new studio is owned and operated by a married couple of holistic healing practitioners named Jon Nowaczyk and Natalie Teichmann, whose hundreds of hours of soundhealer training translates into profound insights into the practice.
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LETSGETTUNED.COM | @LETSGETTUNED
jan. 2024
ONS ONS ONS “DURING THE SOUND BATH, IT’S LIKE YOUR CELLS ARE HAVING A SYNCHRONIZED FLASH MOB DANCE PARTY … THEY’RE GETTING SHAKEN UP,” EXPLAINS NATALIE. “We don’t just hear with our ears – we also hear through bone conduction and through our skin. So in a way, we are all one big ear … or rather, millions of small ears,” Natalie explains. “The harmonious tones in a sound bath provide a steady vibration to the body, allowing you to enter a state of balance called neural coherence. It’s like taking a deep breath for your nervous system. That creates a feeling of being at peace, and once your body feels safe and relaxed, it can begin to heal itself.” Psychologically speaking, the meditative mindset induced by sound bathing can help ease anxiety and facilitate better sleep, as well as fuel motivation, inspiration and creativity. Physiologically, the vibrations activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn can increase blood flow and help reduce pain and inflammation. It also stimulates nitric oxide production, which aids in digestion, and bolsters memory and the immune system. Basically, sound healing acts like a massage for our internal organs.
“All matter is vibrating, so everything has a sound – including the cells in our bodies,” explains Natalie. “During the sound bath, it’s like your cells are having a synchronized flash mob dance party … they’re getting shaken up. If we’re in a pool and I push the water towards you, you can see that wave. Well, it’s the same with sound – only it’s not as tangible.” One way to visualize that effect is with cymatics (the science of seeing sound) – where sand on a blank plate vibrates into intricate geometric patterns when different sounds are played. “With cymatics, that’s the visual representation of a frequency,” Jon notes. “The higher the frequency, the more intricate the pattern gets … the lower the frequency, the wider and bigger the pattern is. We can almost imagine that happening to the water molecules in our body as they’re shaping to that frequency.” Considering the human body is composed of 70% water, you can imagine the kind of effect that’s having on a cellular level.
“These frequencies are like sonic multivitamins,” he continues. “If you have just one frequency, the sound is very targeted … but for overall health, you want a full spectrum of sound.” (You know – kind of like with cannabinoids.) After our discussion (and a quick puff for me outside) it was time for the session. Once we all picked our spots, got comfy with our yoga mats and blankets and closed our eyes, Jon dimmed the lights and began the sound bath. First came the Crystal Tones singing bowls – sculpted from quartz crystal and infused with precious metals and gemstones like topaz, gold and selenite. The sound was so relaxing that I immediately felt my jaw fully relax and my face soften. Next up were the steel gongs from Grotta Sonora in Italy, which he played by sliding a silicone friction mallet across them. At first, the low hum came in soft waves and ripples … but as he began to play harder it felt like a herd of wild horses running by us. I took deeper and deeper breaths as I felt the vibration of the sound permeate throughout my entire body. Finally, Jon eased us out with the soft, soothing sound of Koshi chimes, which washed over each person as he circulated around the space. The gentle tinkling sound made me feel like I was entering a magical woodland, being greeted by fairies and gnomes. I was indeed in the safety zone and felt amazing. Before I knew it, the hour was up and I was slowly opening my eyes, readjusting to the light, and feeling relaxed and refreshed. Sound healing offers us a safe space where we can truly let go and get our inner frequencies in tune with the universe. If you are looking to go deeper within your own wellness practice, I highly recommend it.
STORY by APRIL BLACK @HIGHERWAYTRAVEL for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy of LET’S GET TUNED & ERIKA COLE
THE weed & wellness ISSUE
THE STINKY, THE Abstrax Tech Uncovers New Compounds in Cannabis
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44 Some time ago, the Cannabis community came to the understanding that there’s more to the magic of this plant than lonely cannabinoids. Terpenes served as a tipping point and ignited a desire for more knowledge, and for years they offered a better way to categorize and consume products – based on the limited information our community had access to, that is. While these aromatic compounds greatly expanded our understanding (or at the very least, a thirst for it), we all knew the day would come when access and experimentation bloomed into a deeper comprehension of mysterious canna compounds missing from the equation. That day arrived on October 12, 2023 via a press release from Abstrax Tech, Inc. announcing an exciting discovery of “many key aroma classes with diverse functionality, each responsible for some of the most desirable aromatic qualities found in high quality modern Cannabis.”
jan. 2024
THE SCIENTISTS
THE SAVORY
Abstrax Tech is a research and development company based in Tustin, California. While they formulate and sell terpene blends, their reach extends beyond the simplicity of a supplier – with a heavy emphasis on education. The company has “successfully lobbied to legalize hydrocarbon (BHO/PHO) extraction in Canada, discovered an entirely new class of compounds in Cannabis that are the true source of its skunky aroma, and partnered with six different universities in ongoing research studies.”
One of those discoveries was indole – the chemical base for quite a few familiar compounds in nature, including melatonin and tryptophan. It was previously noted in Cannabis smoke, but its newly identified omnipresence among the study’s hash rosin samples suggests some interesting new possibilities: Not only is indole responsible for the “prototypical” Cannabis aroma (think earthy and floral), but it may even play a part in its perceived effects.
One of their studies – ongoing since 2019 and in partnership with 710 Labs, SepSolve Analytical and Markes International – has gained attention after its recent publication and Editor’s Choice in ACS Omega, a peer-reviewed, weekly journal by The American Chemical Society. The paper, titled “Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis,” is available to the public for free on pubs.acs.org and highlights these exciting new “key aroma classes.” If a 10-plus page scientific whitepaper isn’t your idea of light reading, you can hop over to the Abstrax Instagram (@abstraxtech) for some great breakdowns of the research findings. But since you’re already here, why not have a taste of our takeaways?
Skatole is a member of the indole family, but this stinky string of molecules has a slightly more fascinating claim to fame. As a result of tryptophan breaking down during digestion, it’s responsible for the stench of mammalian and bird feces! But there’s no need to skip your favorite “stinky” smoke like the skatole-containing strain GMO, as this compound’s scent changes with its concentration and even encompasses a wide range of aromas from savory to chemical. The fragrance and food industries have utilized its diverse aromatic outputs for many years – it’s just our community’s first time getting familiar.
SWEET, AND THE SCIENCE THE SWEET Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are probably another first for many of us. Some of their prenylated forms were previously known to cause the “skunky, gas-like” characteristics in Cannabis. However, the team at Abstrax Tech has uncovered a new class of these VSCs. “Tropical Volatile Sulfur Compounds” were found to have a fruity twist akin to sulfuric citrus – an unsurprising revelation considering their presence in “tropical fruits such as passionfruit and grapefruit.” Esters encapsulate another important role in Cannabis aroma. These common compounds are found in “nearly every fruit” and Abstrax has identified over 30 in Cannabis with a “wide range of sweet or fruity related aromas.” A single strain can contain many of these esters and in its own unique combination. According to the study, a popular cultivar known as Banana Scream contains over 15 esters alone – and “each with a different aroma descriptor ranging from fruity, pineapple or banana.”
"IF NOT TERPENES, WHAT ARE THE TRUE SOURCES OF CANNABIS’ UNIQUE AROMATIC CHARACTERISTICS?"
The study also identified a handful of “structurally unique compounds.” A bouquet of grapelike aromas is produced by methyl, dimethyl and ethyl anthranilate. Mild, sweet, honey scents spawn from Phenethyl n-butyrate, isobutyrate, and n-propanoate – three discoveries that only appear present in “more recently bred” varieties of this particular panel (namely, Papaya Peach and Juiceman). And finally, an answer for the creamy coconut taste that creeps onto the palate through so many strains: a lactone identified as 6-amyl-αpyrone. It’s found in peaches and produced by a common soil fungus. Now that you’ve been doused in a potpourri of new knowledge, it’s time to chat about why it matters – because budtenders around the nation probably won’t be bombarded with requests for the “highest-hitting 6-amyl-ALPHA-pyrone strain” anytime soon. But let’s face it … the importance of advancing research in Cannabis is massive – especially if we want to dive deeper into its medical benefits and cater to cultivation.
ABSTRAXTECH.COM | @ABSTRAXTECH
STORY by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by ADOBE STOCK
cooking with cannabis
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JANUARY HASHTAGS // #HappyNewYear #LaurieAndMaryJane #DontFearTheEdible #EatYourCannabis #BeKind | #Share
SOUP SEASON SERVES 4-6
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TOMATO SOUP 2 tablespoons canna oil 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon garlic, minced ½ cup red wine 2 (12-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with liquid salt and pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice
SERVES 4-6
BLACK BEAN SOUP 1-2 tablespoons canna oil or butter 4 strips bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces ½ onion, diced 1 tablespoon garlic, minced 3 cups chicken stock 2 (12oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1 arbor chili pepper, seeds & stems removed 1 chipotle pepper, seeds & stems removed salt and pepper 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped. dash of Tabasco 1 teaspoon lime juice
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1. In a large saucepan, sauté the onion, carrot and celery in the olive oil and canna oil for 10-12 minutes. 2. Add garlic and sauté for two more minutes. Add red wine and chopped thyme. Simmer gently and reduce by half. 3. Add tomatoes, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. 4. Puree until smooth. Add lemon juice to finish.
1. In a medium saucepan, render bacon on medium heat in the canna-butter. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, and sauté for two more minutes. 2. Add chicken stock, beans, arbor chili, and chipotle pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Puree in blender in batches with fresh cilantro. Add Tabasco and lime juice to finish. Reheat and divide among the bowls.
Clockwise from lower-left: Tomato Soup, Black Bean Soup, and Brocolli Soup.
I WENT OUT TO DINNER AND ORDERED THIS TRIO, loving each one so much that I decided to create infused versions. The Meyers Lemon strain, sourced from Noble Farms, adds a delightful citrusy and aromatic touch to these three delectable and uncomplicated soups. The tomato and smoky black bean recipes both carry a subtle hint of lemon, making them even more flavorful. Personally, I find this strain perfect for social gatherings and creative writing. Its uplifting effects are truly remarkable. To experience the soups, I hosted a small gathering where guests enjoyed the trio alongside crusty bread and a refreshing salad – creating a satisfying and enjoyable meal. And they Ubered home! Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com SERVES 4-6
BROCOLLI SOUP 2 tablespoons canna-butter 1 tablespoon butter 2 leeks, rinsed and chopped 2 pounds broccoli, ends trimmed, chopped 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 cup plain Greek yogurt handful of chives, chopped salt and pepper to taste
1. Melt butters in a large saucepan and add leeks. Sauté leeks until they become soft. Add broccoli and stock, bringing to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover and let simmer until broccoli is tender. 2. Carefully ladle stock, leeks and broccoli, and puree in batches with a blender. Heat slowly. Divide among the bowls and top with Greek yogurt and chives.
RECIPES b y LAU RIE WOLF @LAU RIEANDMARYJANE for LEAF NATION PHOTO b y BRUCE WOLF @BRUCE_WOLF
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PRESENTS
Peron’s Pot Propositions During the 19th century, Cannabis was widely used in pharmaceutical remedies … but after prohibition took effect in 1937, it would take over half a century before marijuana would regain credibility as a medicine — thanks in large part to a gay Vietnam vet turned Cannabis crusader by the name of Dennis Peron.
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BIRTH OF AN ACTIVIST Born on April 8, 1945 in the Bronx, New York, Dennis Robert Peron grew up in a middle-class Italian-American family in a conservative area of Long Island. In 1966, after several unsuccessful attempts to avoid the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Air Force. But before being shipped off to combat, he spent the Summer of Love in San Francisco, immersing himself in the new counterculture. In 1969, as soon as his tour was up, Peron headed back to the Bay (with two pounds of weed in his duffle bag), where he settled in the Castro District and began his 40-year career as an activist – becoming a Yippie, organizing smoke-ins, and selling weed.
Dennis Peron in his garden at Castro Castle. Inset: Prop 215 promo poster signed by Peron, Jack Herer, Dale Gieringer, Ed Rosenthal and other architects of the bill.
It was there at The Island that Peron developed a deep bond with up-and-coming gay rights advocate Harvey Milk — so much so that he allowed Milk to use The Island as his headquarters for several political campaigns, including his historic election to San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1977.
BIG TOP BUST On July 20 of that same year, the Big Top was raided by the SFPD Narcotics Squad. Peron, mistaking the plain-clothes police storming up the steps for robbers, MILK & THE SUPERMARKETS threw a five-gallon water Peron’s pot-friendly restaurant and Throughout the 1970s, Peron operjug down the stairs at them activism hub The Island. ated a series of clandestine Cannabis – prompting one of the ‘supermarkets’ around the Castro. First, officers to shoot him in the in 1972, came The Big Top – a ganja leg, shattering his femur. grocery store he ran out of the living They arrested Peron (and room of his third-floor walkup at 715 a dozen or so others) and Castro Street. Two years later, he bought seized around 200 pounds a cafe at 16th and Sanchez, turning it of weed and some live into a 420-friendly health food restauplants, as well as a stash of rant called The Island (named after the utopian last novel by other drugs (hash, shrooms, acid and peyote) Aldous Huxley), and converted the apartment upstairs into a and nearly a quarter million dollars in cash. pot market. The Island quickly became a hub for the counterDuring the trial that followed, the testimony of culture community – offering both gay rights and marijuana the lead officer ended up being thrown out after reform activists a safe place to gather, converse and organize. he admitted in front of witnesses that he wished
JAN. 2024
the bullet had hit Peron’s heart so there would be “one less faggot in San Francisco” – an outburst that resulted in a lighter sentence for Peron, who ended up cutting a deal and serving six months in San Bruno County Jail. Sadly, he was still behind bars when he learned of the tragic assassinations of Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Milk had helped Peron pass Proposition W – a citywide decriminalization measure (which Mayor Moscone backed) that directed the district attorney and law enforcement to stop arresting and prosecuting people for growing, possessing or transferring Cannabis. Though the measure had passed with 56% of the vote, the new incoming mayor, Dianne Feinstein, chose to disregard it. DEATH & DETERMINATION When the AIDS epidemic broke out in the 1980s, Castro – being one of the most prominent gay neighborhoods in the nation – was among the most brutally hit. For those dealing with the horrible disease, Cannabis was one of the few things that brought them some relief from their pain and stimulated their appetites to combat the accompanying wasting syndrome. Seeing the suffering all around him only strengthened Peron’s resolve to provide me-
The San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club at its peak.
THE CANNABIS BUYERS CLUB The San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club was founded in 1992 by Peron, with some help from his future husband John Entwistle, longtime activist Mary Jane Rathbun aka “Brownie Mary” (see our Dec 2022 column “Baking a Difference”), and Dr. Tod Mikuriya – a prominent psychiatrist/ medical doctor and Cannabis advocate who served as the club’s medical coordinator. Considered the first true medical marijuana dispensary in the country, the five-story dispensary at 194 Church Street was described as a cross between a community center and an Amsterdam coffeeshop. The club offered a variety of edibles and strains to its patients, as well as starter plants and various paraphernalia. At its height in 1996, the CBC reportedly boasted nearly 12,000 members and over 100 employees – most of whom were patients themselves. Emboldened by the success of Prop P and the CBC, Peron and his allies began working on what would become their most significant achievement: Proposition 215. PROPOSITION 215 Since the passage of Prop P, the state legislature had approved several medical marijuana bills – but they were all vetoed by Governor Pete Wilson. Frustrated
“The passing of 215 lit a fuse around the world,” Peron once said. “It changed everything. They can’t turn back the clock now.” across the Bay in Alameda County – a with the lack of progress, Peron jurisdiction he calculated would be once again appealed directly to less sympathetic. Ironically, however, the voters. In 1995, he partnered instead of discrediting Dennis and with California NORML Director Prop 215, it actually garnered symDale Gieringer and Los Angeles pathy for the cause and drew criticism Cannabis Resource Center’s Scott from many in the public eye – includTracy Imler to create Californians ing cartoonist Garry Trudeau, who, for Compassionate Use – a politin his syndicated “Doonesbury” ical action committee devoted comic strip, lampooned Lungren to getting medical marijuana for arresting sick people. In the on a statewide ballot. weeks before Election Day, support In a series of meetings at the for the initiative actually increased CBC, Peron and his allies sat and a few prominent health care down and hashed out the deorganizations even endorsed it. tails of a new statewide medProp 215 ended up passing with ical marijuana initiative they Top: Peron For Supervisor campaign 56% of the vote, making Califorcalled The Compassionate brochure (1970s). Above: Local nia the first state in America to Use Act, aka Proposition 215. coverage of the CBC raid. legalize medical marijuana – an Essentially, Prop 215 was an example that other states would soon follow. amendment to the California Health and Safety “The passing of 215 lit a fuse around the Code that exempted physicians who recommend world,” Peron once said. “It changed everything. Cannabis – as well as patients and designated They can’t turn back the clock now.” caregivers who cultivate and possess Cannabis for medical use – from criminal prosecution. AFTERMATH & LEGACY With the help of Drug Policy Alliance founder Of course, the fight didn’t end there. Ethan Nadelmann and political consultant Bill On December 30, 1996, AttorZimmerman, the group raised close to $2 million ney General Janet Reno and Drug from sympathetic entrepreneurs and philanthroCzar Barry McCaffrey held a press pists such as liberal billionaire George Soros, conference at Columbia University in Progressive Insurance owner Peter Lewis, and which they threatened any doctors who Men’s Wearhouse founder George Zimmer. After recommended Cannabis with revocation of their completing the bill in the fall of 1995, they had DEA registration, without which they wouldn’t be just six months to collect the 500,000 signatures able to prescribe medications. And in fact, many necessary to get it on the ballot for November doctors had to fight to keep their licenses after 1996 – which they did, with the help of their dorecommending Cannabis to their patients in the nors and a small army of activist volunteers. years that followed. After a drawn-out legal battle with Lungren, TRIBULATION & TRIUMPH the SF Buyers Club was ultimately forced to close Predictably, the measure faced heavy opposiits doors on May 26, 1998. That same year, tion from law enforcement and elected officials Peron ran (unsuccessfully) against his nemesis – including California’s governor and senators, in the Republican primary for governor. After as well as former presidents Ford, Carter, and that, Peron gave up on operating dispensaries Bush, who all issued statements condemning the – instead moving to a farm in Lake County to bill. California’s Attorney General Dan Lungren, grow Cannabis. He and his husband eventually however, went a lot further: On August 4, 1996, returned to San Francisco and opened a small he directed the California Bureau of Narcotics Cannabis-friendly bed and breakfast they called Enforcement to raid and shut down the CBC – the Castro Castle. alleging that the club was selling marijuana to miA vocal advocate for Cannabis until his death nors and people without legitimate medical need. from lung cancer on January 27, 2018, Dennis They reportedly seized 150 pounds of Cannabis, Peron will forever be remembered as “the father of 400 plants, $750,000 in cash, and thousands of medical marijuana.” patients’ doctor recommendation letters. Then, on October 5, Lungren had Peron arrested and charged with possession and For our podcast & more Cannabis history content criminal conspiracy to distribute marijuana visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y fo r LEA F NAT IO N | P HOTOS b y E D ROSE N T HAL
MEMORABILIA COURTESY WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM
dicinal marijuana to those affected – including his partner, Jonathan West, whose health was rapidly deteriorating. Despite his weakened condition, though, police showed no compassion when, in January 1990, they again raided the couple’s apartment and allegedly forced West to the ground and beat him with a gun. They then confiscated his weed and arrested Peron on charges of possession and distribution. At the trial that August, an extremely feeble West testified that the marijuana belonged to him and that Peron was merely his caretaker. The judge threw out the charges and told the officers that he “never wanted to see another case like this in court.” West died two weeks later. He was just 29 years old. He’d stayed alive just long enough to exonerate his love. Following Johnathan’s death, Peron rededicated himself to reforming California’s Cannabis laws – launching Proposition P (the nation’s first-ever medical marijuana initiative) and “almost single-handedly” collecting the signatures necessary to get it on the ballot. Prop P would decriminalize Cannabis’ medicinal use in San Francisco and allow doctors to recommend it to patients. In November 1991, it passed with an impressive 79% of the vote – illustrating the city’s overwhelming support for medical marijuana and inspiring Peron to open his most ambitious pot shop yet.
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A LOT OF PEOPLE NEED TO DRY OUT AND THEY KNOW IT. So, getting sober is an annual challenge some of my friends will undertake for around 30 days, usually the same month every year. It’s not like they enjoy this exile, but in their mind, abstinence is a necessary evil that is going to miraculously stave off an early grave. And rehab. We all know that the body can’t reverse liver and heart damage in the matter of one month, but that’s OK – the effort is nonetheless recognized. And it sure makes for a delicious bender for said participant when the 30 days ends and Ol’ Faithful releases some steam. This temporary lifestyle change is never easy, and they will struggle to find ways to occupy their attention. Over coffee and fast food, these anxious souls will squirm uncomfortably while plotting their return … romanticizing their immersion into the waterfall of temptation when that clock finally hits 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the new month. So, to see the discipline through, they must maximize these efforts while minimizing the FOMO. And that means choosing the surest span with the least amount of opportunity to relapse during this annoying stint. Therefore, Superbowl Sunday will never be part of the equation. Neither will St. Patrick’s Day, their birthday, or Cinco de Drinko. Spring is no time to get sober – there’s too much excitement and optimism. And summer is completely out of the question. November is a strong candidate, but there’s that four-day holiday of fowl, family and football that begs for self-medication. So, January makes the most sense. They say Cannabis still does not constitute ‘being sober’ because it’s a mind-altering substance. I should know … I’ve been sober for 38 days! Not consecutively, of course.
JAN. 2024
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