PUBLISHER’SLETTER OCTOBER 2010 VOL. 2 ISSUE #10 NUG Magazine Staff: Publisher: Ben G. Rowin Associate Publisher: M.J. Smith Editor: Dion Markgraaff Associate Editor: George Alberts Administrative Assistant: Gio Blitz Copy Editor: Hashley Events Editor: Cletus “KRON” Greathouse Music Editor: Ras Mike Photographers: Keshia Clark, Gio Blitz, Eric Fowler Calendar Editor: Courtney Pakalolo Videographer: Chris Gabriel Contributors: “The Guru”, Dion Markgraaff, Kim Twolan, Eugene Davidovich, James Dean Stacy, Marc Emmelmann, Dannabis Ruderalis, Pamela Jayne, Goldi Schiffner, Lance Rogers, Zodiac Mama, Tiffany Janay, Eric Fowler, Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Mel the Bumbling Gardener, Myles Liddle, Steven Levenson, Jed Sanders, Christine Elise, Angel Fiester, Gabe Kadmiri, Ryan Whitaker Green Reefer Comic by. Joshua Boulet Sales Director: Ben G. Rowin Advertising Sales Reps: Dion Markgraaff, Cletus Greathouse, Eugene Davidovich, Brom Richey, James Dean Stacy, Myles Liddle, Kirk Lazar.
Thanks for grabbing the October issue of NUG Magazine, San Diego’s Original Cannabis Publication!
We have lined up another great issue for you this month including an interview with the former Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson. A politician with forward thinking views when it comes to the Drug War’s complete failure and who also supports the fight for our personal freedoms! October is our issue dedicated to Prop. 19! We have been passionately trying to educate the masses about the potentially enormous tax revenues our state could gain, not to mention the BILLIONS of dollars we will save in the ridiculous law enforcement and judicial proceeding that come with the prohibition of a plant. We were honored to join the Yes on Prop. 19 campaign at their event on September 19th! We put a call out to our readers to join us for the event and take the photo for the cover of this issue. Thanks to all who came out! October 18th is the last day to get registered to vote, so if you are not yet… DO IT NOW! We also interviewed the Ganji BMX crew, a real down to earth bunch that combines cannabis and BMX, and explains why the two go hand in hand. As always, we have the staples of our magazine like the Chronisseur and Cooking with Kim, doing what they do best. But we are also excited to announce our new monthly columns; Profiles in Cannabis: The Patients Behind the Plant will be written by Pamela Jayne and our new Local Artist Profile by Jed Sanders. For those interested in submitting their patient stories or having us profile their artistic talents, please email us at info@nugmag.com. And make sure to log on to www.nugmag.com as we are going to be throwing some cool shows and making some local appearances with free giveaways and more! For those down for an out of town trip we will be at the Greenside Music Festival on the 16th in Winchester, so come by and say HIGH!
-Ben G. Rowin
Art Director: Ian Rie
Cover & above photo by Eric Fowler
Finance Manager: M.J. Smith
Distribution/Subscriptions: Beau’s Distribution Service info@beausdistribution.com NUG Magazine Staff Contact Information: 9880 N. Magnolia Ave #168 Santee, Ca 92071 (619) 616-4961 For general information or to reach our Publisher: info@nugmag.com For all art/design information: art@nugmag.com For all editorial related information: info@nugmag.com For submissions: submit@nugmag.com NUG Magazine is published and distributed by NUG Magazine LLC. All contents are for entertainment and educational purposes only and are intended for mature audiences. We are not responsible for any actions taken by our readers nor do we condone any illegal activity. Advertisers are responsible for their own ads and content. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the magazine. All submissions become our property and may be used for publication. At times we may use materials placed in the public domain. If you own it let us know and we will acknowledge you. Reproduction of any content is encouraged if you get permission from our Publisher. All contents copyright. 2010
12
CONTENTS
\\:NUG TIMES
17
\\:DEAR NUG
18
\\:MAKING CENTS
23
\\:ACTIVISM
27
\\:PATIENT PROFILE
31
\\:LEGAL
34
55
36
57
\\:GROW OR NOT PT2
\\:BIZ SPOTLIGHT
38
\\:GARY JOHNSON
42
\\:HEALTH
46
\\:COOKING W/ KIM
50
\\:GANJI BMX
\\:GROW
\\:CHRONISSEUR
60
\\:DEVIN THE DUDE
70
\\:ISLAND RECORDS
76
\\:PERFORMING ARTS
86
\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS
Coming this Fall Green Zone Productions will present a one hour TV special to raise awareness for the marijuana and hemp industries as well as the upcoming Prop. 19 vote in California, which would legalize, tax and regulate the use and sale of cannabis for adults over 21 years of age. Throughout the broadcast, the history of marijuana and hemp in the United States will be analyzed with emphasis on the impact and implementation of the latest state legislations that have allowed medicinal use of the plant, including legal cases in San Diego and Los Angeles. Patient stories and their daily trials will finally be heard and seen by millions. Industry experts will propose their views about the current state of marijuana and the upcoming historical vote. Observe the growth of the industry and community to where it is now and what needs to happen to ensure the development of a positive working structure. The special will bring the arguments supporting and opposing Proposition 19 to the viewers’ attention. It will be aired one week before the vote as well as the night before with the intention of raising awareness and knowledge on the issue. The special was made in memory of the late Jack Herer, who brought light of the political forces that dominated the development of the cannabis industry by writing “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.” The makers of the show (pictured here) and co-producers Melissa Balin and Chris Gabriel intend to honor him by challenging the misconceptions surrounding the drug in a philosophical and scientific manner, while looking at the positive, negative, and social impact that Prop. 19 could have.
Wisdom Organics fires up the Medical Marijuana CommUNITY at the San Diego City Council. It was a long time coming and it is far from over, but Adela Falk of Wisdom Organics, who marched through the bureaucracies of city government, had a noteworthy milestone when a large group of activists swarmed the City Council Chambers with signs on Tuesday, Sep 7th. Five weeks prior, Adela Falk had pleaded with the council to place the ordinance on the docket, which would stop the Cease and Desist actions that have been closing shops with little recourse. However, Adela’s pleas fell on deaf ears. Afterwards, staffers of Donna Fry met with Adela to point out that the council is unlikely to address the concerns of an individual. “Where are the groups?” While some local groups were represented, the point was taken and the ordinance was NOT put on the agenda. Meetings were held and a strategy was formed to put the ordinance on the docket, and until they place
12 || NUGMAG.COM NUGMAG.COM 12
Cecilia Barrau, James Peterson, Jennifer Zavala of Green Zone Productions a moratorium on the Cease and Desist actions we will use their words against them! That fateful Tuesday morning the council was notified of a peaceful protest outside. The protest was organized by San Diego Americans for Safe Access and led by “Quadruple Acquittal” Eugene Davidovich. Signs and chants enhanced the impact message that “it’s time for change.” The only opportunity to address the council was a non-agenda comment, which was our point exactly! Adela Falk and a dozen supporters stood at the podium, while Adela told the council, “You did not want to address the concerns of an individual? Here we are, a community, and we want change…” Next, Adela pointed out that what she predicted, came to pass. Cease and Desist orders continued to be issued, including one for Wisdom Organics. While the council has repeatedly claimed they have no control over the Cease and Desist letters, Adela Falk discovered that the orders were being funded by the RDA, whose actions are controlled by the City Council. But she is not done yet! The wily Ms. Falk states, via the mayor’s office, that it only takes two councilpersons to ask for a topic to be added to the docket. “President Hueso is not going to put the MMJ Ordinance on the docket.” One by one she asked the council, “Are you going to put the ordinance on the docket? Time and time again I have tried to make appointments with you, the city council. You refuse to see me or you redirect me to your staff. Well I have met with your staff and I am not satisfied.” Meetings with the mayor and several councilpersons were refused when marijuana was mentioned. Waving at the crowd and getting a cheer of support, the message was made that the community wants change! When Adela and her supporters left the concourse, they were immediately met by staffers of Donna Fry. After the staffers tried to 2-step their way around schedule conflicts that prevented meetings, they saw reason to reprioritize some of the appointments, making face to face meetings a real possibility. The next city employee to request Adela’s attention was the docket coordinator. She assured Adela that the ordinance would be on the agenda for the next LUH (Land Use and Housing) meeting and everyone would have an opportunity to speak. There were so many supporters in the hall that it became a fire hazard, but instead of insisting we disperse, we were asked to use a conference room to continue the meeting. That small sign of respect meant a lot. So imagine the surprise when the item on the agenda for LUH, the item that was “won” because of a successful rally at the city council, was a vote to restrict the proposed ordinance even further?!? After the heartfelt testimony of many San Diego activists and marijuana proponents the “No Commercial Use” amendment was voted down. But finally, an audience with a real live council person became a reality for Adela when Marti Emerald met with her and Dennis Boisvert to discuss MMJ (look for details and results of that interview next month). San Diego, we are not out of the woods yet, but this sign of recognition by the city council is a victory that will not be taken for granted, as it is likely that surrounding cities will follow the examples we set here. Dan Murphy San Diego Americans for Safe Access AKA Dannabis Ruderalis
Dear NUG, I just read your article Grow or Not to Grow. A garden of mine was raided October 5th of 2009. I informed Steve Reed of the NTF of the Supreme Court’s Kelly ruling and was not charged with cultivation. I had 86 plants in Chula Vista. The current version you published is totally incorrect. The decision basically says that any local ordinance that limits Prop. 215 is an illegal amendment to Prop. 215. Steve Reed personally told me not to ever go over 100 plants. Keep it under 99 and I would be fine within the state courts. Counties and cities cannot decide what limits patients can have without the AG guidelines “HS11362.77” being revised. Keep up the good work over at NUG... Al Al, Thanks very much for your email. We are aware of the Kelly ruling, and that any limits are considered an illegal amendment to Prop. 215. When editing the article, which was written by a patient, we decided to leave it as it is and not to push the envelope too much. Unfortunately, there are still patients in San Diego that are being charged with cultivation for modest gardens of 18 plants. It was great that you knew enough to fight your case… most patients do not and get railroaded by the system into taking a plea deal. I am proud that you fought and stood your ground. We may print your email in the next issue under the Dear NUG section so patients are made aware also of the Kelly case and have the knowledge to fight it out if they find themselves in this unfortunate position. Thanks! Ben G. Rowin Dear NUG, I have recently written a book about crime in the UK entitled “Lowlife: Life in British Prisons With Drug Dealers, Gun Runners and Murderers (John Blake Publishing).” It went to number three on the Amazon.com true crime pre-order charts and it has been tipped as a bestseller. The book tells the story of how I ended up in prison for selling ecstasy, after attempting to foolishly dabble in petty crime in order to pay off a student loan. It also contains an interview with an international cannabis smuggler, who describes how he transported marijuana across from the Rif Mountains in Morocco via Spain. He told me a number of different ingenious methods for smuggling drugs and spoke extensively about his death-defying adventures on the high seas. I was wondering if you would be interested in an article based on my conversations with him to go in NUG. Let me know if this is something that you would be likely to publish in your magazine and I will be eagerly anticipating your response. Regards, Simon Of course we said Yes! Look for this intriguing, gritty article in next month’s NUG Magazine. Send your Dear NUG submissions to submit@nugmag.com
TEA PARTY CONVERSATIVES THREATEN PASSAGE OF PROP. 19, BUT YOUNG VOTERS MAY GET IT PASSED By Leo E. Laurence, J.D.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, San Diego Nearly two billion dollars will flood the treasuries of San Diego and other local governments, including our cash-starved state government if Proposition 19 is passed, which will regulate, tax and control cannabis. However, the impact of the Conservative Tea Party Movement is unknown and could threaten passage. Some local politicians and candidates are steering clear, refusing to even discuss it. Yet, key community leaders aggressively support Prop. 19. “I absolutely support it,” said respected San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Ramirez Murray in a recorded interview. “I think we should legalize marijuana! It would be a great thing for this city’s budget and I hope it happens. The taxes on it would be outstanding,” Murray stressed. “There is a strong case to be made for Prop. 19,” said State Assembly Democratic Candidate Tony Atkins; a former city councilwoman. “As a voter, I’m going to support it,” Atkins added in a taped interview. Yet, some San Diego politicians still do not support it, and won’t even talk about it. Republican City Councilman Carl DeMaio declined to even discuss it in an interview, saying only that he “was just focusing on local races and not taking positions on statewide issues.” Another young and local politician, San Diego’s City Councilman Todd Gloria, a democrat, refused to support Prop. 19. He claimed to question the official estimate by the state’s tax collector (the Board of Equalization), which states that the taxes and fees from the initiative would bring in at least $1.4 billion dollars to local and state governments. A democratic candidate for a county-wide office declined five times to discuss Prop. 19, saying he would only discuss medical marijuana issues before the San Diego City Council. “CNN recently reported that studies show that marijuana will help more people, not just the seriously ill with painful cancer or AIDS,” City Commissioner Murray said, challenging these wayward politicians. “It will help people with headaches and backaches, also. This was a very serious, credible report on CNN. Let’s be honest, we have everyone from Obama to George W. Bush; everyone, admitting that they have smoked it,” Murray reported. “It’s not a dangerous drug. I would hope that (councilman) Todd (Gloria) changes his mind.” 18 | NUGMAG.COM
YOUNG PEOPLE MAY PASS IT
The number of young people registering to vote in San Diego County, and actually voting, has been rising significantly in the last decade, according to the county’s Registrar of Voters. Younger voters, who are often missed by the polls, are the key to passing Prop. 19 if they register and vote. An average of five independent statewide polls of likely voters shows that Prop. 19 still has only a slim 50/50 chance of passing on the November 2nd ballot. Opposition is growing slightly, according to a KABC poll in Sacramento; though the initiative to regulate, tax and control marijuana remains in the lead. The KABC poll showed 47% of likely voters say they will definitely vote “yes” on Prop. 19. That is down an insignificant 3% from August. 43% said they would vote “no,” while a full 10% remained uncertain and could become the “deciders.” That KABC poll showed solid support among men and younger voters. Opposition, however, may come from the emerging popularity of the so-called “Tea Party;” the loose coalition of loud and radicallyright conservatives and republican-voting independents. When voting for their Tea Party favorites, they might vote conservatively “against” Prop. 19. Their influence on the Nov. 2nd election could be overcome by Prop. 19 supporters using Facebook, Twitter and other online networks to turn out large numbers of younger voters. But, that depends on grass-roots organizing by young people in San Diego, which has so far been minimal on this issue. Because of the increased popularity of mail ballot voting in California, the real campaign may be over by late October.
L.E.A.P. SUPPORT
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (L.E.A.P.), a nationwide organization of current and former law enforcement officers, is vigorously speaking out in favor of Prop. 19. Even a former Republican governor is taking an aggressive stand with L.E.A.P. “Half of what the U.S. spends on law enforcement is drug related,” says the former Republican and two-term governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson. “Based on solid evidence from Holland, Portugal and elsewhere, legalization will greatly reduce marijuana use among adults and youths.”
HITTING DRUG CARTELS
Because Prop. 19 will wipe out a huge source of revenue for the violent Mexican drug cartels; Prop. 19 will hit them hard. An estimated 64% of their revenue comes from marijuana. Cannabis cultivation in México soared by 36% last year, which is the highest in nearly two decades, according to the U.S. State Department. “It tends to be the cash-cow for the cartels,” says David T. Johnson, an Assistant Secretary of State in Washington, D.C. Legalizing marijuana will strip cartels of a lot of that money, “which is the
workhorse of their violent operations,” according to a faculty expert at the University of San Diego. In addition to flooding nearly two billion dollars of new revenue into local and state governments, passage of Prop. 19 will also save about $200 million in costs of law enforcement, prosecutions and prison operations in the failed “War on Drugs.” The U.S. has about 5% of the world’s population, but 26% of its prisoners; some incarcerated for possession of a single joint, and typically people of color.
Official Analysis of Prop-19
The Legislative Analyst’s Office (L.A.O) in Sacramento exists to provide in-depth, independent research to state legislators on pending legislation and statewide initiatives on the ballot. L.A.O stated in their official opinion released on July 12th, “Under Prop. 19, persons age 21 or older generally may (1) possess, process, share and transport up to one ounce of marijuana, (2) cultivate marijuana on private property in an area up to 25 sq. ft. per private residence or parcel, (3) possess harvested and living marijuana plants cultivated in that area, and (4) possess any items or equipment associated with those activities. We estimate that state and local governments could eventually collect hundreds of millions of dollars annually in additional revenue,” which is conservatively consistent with the estimates of the state’s Board of Equalization. The initiative could also result in huge savings to state and local governments by reducing the number of marijuana offenders in state prisons and local jails. The official L.A.O report states, “These savings could reach several tens of millions of dollars annually.” The measure could also significantly reduce the cost of
the state’s current Medical Marijuana Program. The L.A.O’s analysis continues to say, “State and local law enforcement agencies could not seize or destroy marijuana from persons in compliance with the measure. In addition, no person could be punished, fined or discriminated against for engaging in any conduct permitted by the initiative, if it passes.” Existing prohibitions similar to alcohol will remain. For example, the smoking of marijuana in the presence of minors will not be permitted. Impaired driving under the influence of marijuana will remain unlawful as with alcohol, as will possessing it on school grounds or providing it to minors. The initiative allows local governments to authorize, regulate and tax various commercial, marijuana-related activities. The state could, on a statewide basis, regulate the commercial production of cannabis. It could also authorize the commercial production of hemp, a type of marijuana plant that can be used to make products like fabric and paper. We are sooooo close to winning passage of Prop. 19, but the impact of the fiery, neo-conservative, Tea Party Movement is unknown. If young people register to vote, and actually vote, the probability of its passage will rise significantly, especially if online campaigning occurs on Facebook, Twitter and other online sites favored by young people. Contact the writer, Leo E. Laurence of L.E.A.P. at (619) 757-4909 or at leopowerhere@msn.com. He’s available to speak to San Diego organizations on short notice.
NUGMAG.COM | 19
Proposition 19, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 Article By Dion Markgraaff Photo By Eric Fowler
It’s approaching; the historic November 2nd vote is almost here. There has never been an opportunity like the one Californians have in a few weeks. In one collective action, the November vote will impact the entire world. In victory, an enormous positive force will not only hit the golden state, but every corner of the planet. In the global war between cannabis lovers and the pollution producing haters, cannabis and California will have won the biggest battle in the history of the world. The central “old guard” 20th century system’s thesis for justifying their global jihad against nature’s most useful plant, cannabis sativa, is that the glands of the flowers were too dangerous for society. Even if farmers agreed to only grow non-THC hemp, as the rest of the world does now, our society would still be made fearful of using this plant for paper, fiber, fuel, food, construction material, and more. It’s ironic that the desire and billions of dollars spent for those same glands and trichomes are the fuel for finally achieving freedom for this plant. The global crusade against this useful plant will have turned a major corner for everyone. The economic and social results from California, the most powerful economic and agricultural place on earth, will be a shining example to others. “If they vote ‘yes’ to approve the full legalization of marijuana, I think it will have a radical impact in Mexico,” said
Jorge Hernandez Tinajero, a political scientist at the National Autonomous University. More than 60% of Mexican cartel money comes from the cannabis trade. Vicente Fox, the former President of Mexico and a conservative, said that cannabis should be legal in his country, “The sales could be taxed with high taxes, as we do with tobacco, which could be used to fight addiction and reduce consumption.” Even the drug warrior extremist and current President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, said after seeing 28,000 people killed in Mexico in the past four years of his term, he is finally open to the debate about legalizing drugs. He has a supporter in Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. Santos said that if California passed a ballot initiative this November to legalize cannabis he would team up with the presidents of Mexico and Peru “to work out how we are going to react and what is going to happen after this referendum.” These countries will be joining Argentina, Czech, Mexico (legalized 5 grams for everyone last year), Chile, Portugal, and others who have recently passed laws for a more pragmatic policy towards this plant based on health and economic efficiency and not the “old guard” fascist forces who manipulate us for money. The world war on cannabis has helped cause an environmental holocaust, while imprisoning millions of people around the world. In Britain alone, there are 158,000 convictions for cannabis possession a year. This cannabis war has led the United States to having the highest prison population rate in the world with 756 per 100,000 of the national population followed by Russia (629), Rwanda (604), St. Kitts & Nevis NUGMAG.COM | 23
(588), Cuba (531), U.S. Virgin Islands (512), British Virgin Islands (488), Palau (478), Belarus (468), Belize (455), Bahamas (422), Georgia (415), American Samoa (410), Grenada (408) and Anguilla (401). In 1980, the U.S. incarceration rate was under 150 per 100,000. There have been over 20 million people arrested on cannabis charges in the U.S. and the numbers continue to increase around the world. The youngest child of Bob Marley just pled guilty to growing cannabis in her Philadelphia home. Even George Obama, the half-brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, was arrested last year by Kenyan police after they raided his house and found 1 joint. In 2009, the number of cannabis-related arrests in California was 17,008 felonies and 61,164 misdemeanors, for a total of 78,172; I was one of those among these numbers. An arrest is like a bomb going off in one’s life; it hurts the target and causes widespread damage. I have been arrested for cannabis many times in many places in the world; Germany, Canada, Switzerland, France, Mexico, even Holland twice, and many times in California. Basically – being arrested anywhere sucks hard core. The pain is not from the initial explosion with the government (the arrest), but with the difficult peripheral aftereffects to one’s life and family. However, I am grateful for not being shot, which is often the case, like in 1992 when a sheriff killed my friend and colleague of San Diego NORML, Cardiff Town Council Member Paul Reynolds. Personally, I can no longer take the lies, repression, hypocrisy, and government resistance to the law anymore, which is especially true with regard to my child and his future. Being arrested with my girlfriend at my home in Vista last summer was the final straw. It was the 4th time in 14 years since Prop. 215 was passed. Even though we were patients with recommendations for cannabis from our doctors, paying the extra $160 for a state card license, being the leader of San Diego ASA for many years, and knowing the law extensively, we were still arrested, jailed and given a bail of $135,000 – each. Why? Because we had legal cannabis AND a child. Unknown to most people, you cannot have both under our current system. For example, you may have a legal gun, but if you also have legal cannabis, then they both become illegal, just ask James Stacy. The more outrageous part of this event was your government taking my child, who was less than 2 years old, despite his grandmother arriving on the scene to take care of him. The government said we were lucky to even get him back. Despite the governments offer to drop the cannabis charges against us, because they did not have a case, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office spent the next 6 months threatening to permanently take away my child. For you it gets even worse. As a cannabis activist in San
Diego for the last 14 years, I was rightfully scared to tell anyone about what had happened and terrified to stand up for our rights because I knew the government would come down on us even harder. The criminal, cruel, and vindictive nature of our local government, despite our medical cannabis law, can be seen in the long list of San Diego civil and cannabis rights activists. From Steve McWilliams (my co-defendant in my 1st California arrest in 1998), the innumerable amount of collective operators (most of whom would be afraid of me publishing their names), Cletus Greathouse, Jovan Jackson (on trial again right now, 2nd time this year), Eugene Davidovich, James Stacy (on Federal trial right now)…the list goes on and will continue to grow unless we change it. I cannot gamble my child’s future on this evil system. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, US Department of Justice, August 2008, “An estimated 809,800 prisoners of the 1,518,535 held in the nation’s prisons at midyear 2007 were parents of minor children or children under age 18. Parents held in the nation’s prisons – 52% of state inmates and 63% of federal inmates reported having an estimated 1,706,600 minor children, accounting for 2.3% of the U.S. resident population under age 18.” However, we can all take a huge step towards changing this structure with your upcoming vote. We must make sure Prop. 19 becomes the law. You should be spending every day working in some way to increase the chances of getting this initiative passed. You can be raising money, awareness, or both. Talking with family and friends is a must, but don’t forget about the people you work with, go to school with, or buy your stuff from. They all need to know how important this vote is for everyone. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” And, “We are faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words ‘Too Late’.” I plead with you, as I write you these words from exile in Spain; please do everything to see that Prop. 19 passes. Do it for the children, yourself, and global freedom everywhere; tax and regulate cannabis now and change the world for a better future.
PROP. 19
Profiles in Cannabis: The Patients Behind the Plant By: Pamela Jayne
In the coming months, I will be profiling people from all walks of life who are using medical marijuana to treat and cope with various diseases and ailments. Cancer of all types seems to be the most prevalent reason for people to seek cannabis therapy, but it is by no means the only disease that leads these patients to seek out a local collective in search of relief from their symptoms. And yes they are patients, not ‘potheads’ or ‘burnouts’, as some may try to deceive you into believing. Lupus, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, arthritis, migraines, depression, anxiety, traumatic injury, even menopause, PMS and menstrual cramps are all conditions that reap major benefits from the use of marijuana.
Although the powers that be have launched an all out media blitz trying to convince the good people of California, specifically San Diego County, that marijuana is a blight upon our society, the majority of voters disagree. And they made that loud and clear…in 1996. Here we are in 2010, and our local government is still refusing to honor the rights that were granted, by popular vote, to the citizens that they have vowed to serve. So I ask you this: Who is the real criminal? The Girl Scout leader who responsibly treats her back pain with cannabis rather than toxic pharmaceutical drugs, or our local government who wastes time, resources, and tax dollars to fuel their own personal witch hunt against a plant that has been on this earth since the beginning of time? Or how about this: There are veterans of war, who have fought for our rights as United States
citizens, being denied safe access to the medical cannabis they need to treat conditions and injuries sustained while they were fighting for those rights! Of course, they are readily given huge quantities of Oxycontin and other opiates, no questions asked. But a naturally occurring plant? Nope, not allowed. Kind of makes your head want to explode, right? But I digress… This is not about protesting, campaigning, or pointing fingers. This monthly column is about telling the stories of real people who are living with conditions that are made more tolerable by using cannabis as medicine. Plain and simple, it is my objective to give them a voice. If I sometimes sound harsh, it is only because I have seen with my own eyes the amazing results that this simple little plant has to offer, and I am very passionate about spreading the truth. Like my Mom has always told me, “The truth will stand when the world is on fire.” NUGMAG.COM | 27
Seeing as how this issue of Nug is dedicated to the upcoming election on November 2nd, I must insist that everyone gets out and votes Yes on Prop. 19! Although this column is dedicated to medical patients, full legalization will not only be a win for the personal freedoms guaranteed to us by our founding fathers, but it will also help to ease the stigma of cannabis as an ‘unsafe’ drug and those who use it as ‘losers’. As Dr. Larry Bedard, MD (former President of the American College of Emergency Physicians) said, “I agree with the California Medical Association: The prohibition of cannabis is a failed public health policy.” Or as the former San Jose Police Chief, Joseph McNamara said, “Like an increasing number of law enforcers, I have learned that most bad things about marijuana – especially the violence made inevitable by an obscenely profitable black market – are caused by the prohibition, not by the plant.” Both are wise statements made by brave men who are willing to speak out, knowing that their opinions may be unpopular to their peers who hide behind the status quo, afraid to
challenge the lies or question the “Reefer Madness” mentality that has been fed to us for far too long. Let’s remember though, even when Prop. 19 passes, we cannot abandon the medical marijuana community. There are too many people who rely on cannabis as medicine to simply declare victory and call it a day. These patients are already vulnerable due to illness or injury, and they will continue to need our care, information, and support. That is why I feel honored to meet, interview, and share the very personal, raw, and sometimes heartbreaking stories of local medical marijuana patients. My wish is that when you grab a copy of NUG, and read these stories, you will pass it along to someone you know who may not understand or believe how important the role of medical marijuana is to those who are suffering. Knowledge is power, and there is power in numbers. Let’s do this!
Opening Statements Begin, Security attention on the public and stated that it was a crime to tamMeasures Upgraded at Jackson Medical per with the jury and that anyone attempting to do so would be severely punished. While this order was being read, Paul Marijuana Trial
Levikow, Dumanis’ Head of Public Relations, who was sitting in the front row behind the prosecution, turned around in his chair and also focused his attention on the supporters. If you thought intimidation couldn’t get any He began to nod his head as the judge was speaking and worse in San Diego State Courts, think again. continued to give supporters a long and intimidating stare, This morning, Department 15, as per the new de- clearly trying to instill fear and discourage the public. mands of the San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, was outfitted with additional security Following this clear show of force and intimidation, Chris measures. While walking up to the courtroom, Lindbergh began his opening statements, accusing Mr. Jacka congregation of bailiffs could be seen outside son of operating a store that would sell marijuana to anyone with a giant walk through metal detector and a that came in, which was a false claim that went against the 3’x4’ sign that read “ALL PERSONS SUBJECT evidence showing that all 1,600 members of the Answerdam Collective were legitimate patients. TO SEARCH.” By: Eugene Davidovich Photo: Gio Blitz
After the DA’s opening statements, the jury was asked to step into the courtroom next door, which was commissioned specifically for this trial, so a 402 hearing could be held to determine if Detective Carlson, the investigating officer in the case, was qualified to testify in court. When the jurors The proceedings began this morning with Judge left the courtroom, Detective Mark Andrew Carlson got on Howard H. Shore instructing the jurors on rules the stand and claimed to be an expert in the medical use of of the court. He told them to immediately report cannabis. He stated that an eight hour narcotics class adany and all attempts made by anyone to influence or talk to them. The judge even focused his “This monstrosity is clearly over the top. It is nothing more than the prosecutor’s Jury Intimidation Machine,” stated Terrie Best, a member of San Diego Americans for Safe Access.
NUGMAG.COM | 31
ministered by the California Narcotic Officers Association about how marijuana was not a medicine made him a medical expert in the field. Regardless of the objections made by the defense, the judge agreed that Carlson was a qualified expert and was allowed to testify in front of the jury. Among many misleading and false statements made by Carlson on the stand, he claimed that the marijuana found at Answerdam was not in compliance with state law and was clearly not for medical use. At noon, the court took its lunch recess with the proceed-
ings resuming at 1:30, which was when Carlson is expected to be back on the stand for a cross-examination by the defense. “They will not scare the public away. We will continue to support Mr. Jackson and his fight for our rights,� stated Terrie Best, while leaving the courthouse for the lunch recess. San Diego Americans for Safe Access www.safeaccesssd.org Get Involved, Get Active, Make a difference!
GROW
OR
That’'s
a
NOT
good
By: Mel the Bumbling Gardener For readers who missed out on last month’s issue…Our quest is to find an easy to understand, easy to set up, and most importantly easy to operate Indoor Growing System. Based on the size of the machine, power consumption, and harvest time, the HYDROPLEX Spinner was our choice. When I left off last month, The Spinner had been assembled; lights, fans, and pumps were all set to timers and tested. Compared to my old growing chamber, with its twenty year old technology, this was really something to see. I could hardly see after looking in, when I tried watching the baskets spin and feeling the fans blow on my face. My color perception was gone and everything seemed to be dark outside. I think I need a pair of sunglasses. The next step was to figure out the whole mixing of chemicals and pH level adjustment thing. I didn’t realize how important this all was at that time, until I made my first trip to the local hydrostore. I quickly learned the importance of exact measurements and precise pH adjustment, and how crucial it is throughout the lifespan of your plant. Bringing this new knowledge home along with a measuring cup and some pH up and down chemical, I was
TO
question
GROW
Part
2
ready to mix my first batch of nutrients for the growing cycle. I figured that I would buy clones that were well-rooted and ready to go. Mixing the first five gallons of chemicals was pretty simple; all I needed to do was follow the instructions that were provided in the chemical kit that I received from Tom at HYDROPLEX. The pH level on the other hand was a little harder to master. The hydro-store told me to find a happy place between 5.8 and 6.2, like I knew what that meant. After doing some research on the internet, I now understand that if I keep a pH balance of just below 6.0, my plants will absorb the nutrients in a more efficient manner. Let me tell you, a little bit of pH up or down goes a long way and I didn’t think I would ever find that happy place. I upped it and downed it until I finally found it. I wrote down what I did with the hopes of passing it down to the generations yet to come. How many times have you gone to your favorite collective or dispensary and looked at those trays of clones and thought to yourself, “What’s up with all that?” Well, I’ll tell you what’s up with all of that – now that I’m a hydroponic gardener. Every clone looks strangely different, but every name, leaf color, root structure, and size of the plant means so much more. I think I
get it, but what I didn’t get was enough clones to fill my Spinner. I just couldn’t find the right ones, the strong ones, the ones that I wanted to call my own. Only finding four spinnerettes at the first collective, I was forced to dig even deeper. Knowing that this grow test was coming, I had decided to try my own hand at cloning, really basic cloning. I added four of my own clones to the four I bought at the collective, giving me a total of eight to plant. The clones planted easily into the Spinner with grow-blocks. I turned the light to 75%, adjusted the timers to 18 hours on and six hours off, and closed the doors. Knowing that I needed to fill the gaping holes in my Spinner, I made plans to go to another collective to pick up four more clones. I just couldn’t believe it, all the collectives I knew were out of clones and they promised they would have more any day now. A week later, I finally got the four I needed. Having spent the first week playing with the Spinner and getting to know it, these next four transplants should be no problem. It’s funny when you look at something every day, you don’t really notice the change until you add something new to the mix. These new clones didn’t look nearly as strong as the ones that were growing for only a few days at 75% light capacity. Half of my clones looked a bit stronger and greener, but the other two looked pathetic. However, they have only been in the Spinner a short
while and I am going to give them some time to catch up. The only thing left to do now is turn the light up to 100%, so stand back and see what happens. Man, that light is bright! 600 watts in a 40 in. circle should really do the trick. It’s hard not to open the doors and watch the plants spinning back and forth. And it’s amazing to see how quickly the plants all gain strength from being under that intense light 18 hours a day. The daily routine is pretty damn easy. I check the pH in the morning, I help it find it’s “Happy Spot” with a little bit of up or a little bit of down. I check the water level in the reservoir and add what is needed. Believe it or not, after a very short time I already started thinking about what leaves I’m going to trim first. Did I mention that it was hard to keep the doors closed? If I was a cat, I’d be dead. The doors of the Spinner open like curtains at a movie theatre, revealing a great view of the constantly spinning plants. I know that I should leave them closed, I know that I should just walk away and leave it alone, but it’s just so darn interesting! This may turn into one of the best hobbies I’ve ever had. I am now a Hydroponic Hobby Gardener. Next month…Continued daily care, top and side trimming, chemical maintenance, and a growing appreciation of the HYDROPLEX Spinner.
Local Business Spotlight: PROTEUS420
Although legalized in 14 states, medical marijuana dispensaries and doctor’s offices are now controlled by many industry specific rules and regulations. This includes strict rules regarding documentation, inventory control, and tax accounting. Not complying with any of the rules set by the applicable local, state or federal guidelines may result in the loss of your operating license along with legal action against the business. This is where the need for a business like PROTEUS420 comes in. PROTEUS420 specializes in providing customized business solutions for Medical Marijuana Doctor Offices, Collectives & Cooperatives. Their web-based management solution includes a full featured inventory, invoicing, accounting, and customer management system to help you streamline the way you do business. It not only provides you with the required governmental reporting and documentation, but you will also find other helpful features such as electronic document storage, live verification of patients, and the integration of e-commerce tools and best of all - because its web based, you always have realtime access to your crucial business data - when and where you need it. Yet, there is another important reason for using a software system like PROTEUS420, it will save your organization time and money. PROTEUS420 significantly reduces the cost and time associated with bookkeeping – as ease of use is a high priority and can even increase your sales due to the increased efficiency. There are no expensive 36 | NUGMAG.COM
software upgrades or maintenance costs, they can seamlessly integrate your current data, and it will reduce your need for paper in the future, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and taking you one step closer to going “green.” PROTEUS420 through Proteus Business Solutions, Inc. is located in Southern California and employs a highly motivated team of experienced programming and development professionals that have a combined range of skill sets including: business and financial consulting, software design and development, project management, training, hardware configuration and tuning, technical support, sales, and marketing. Regardless if you are an existing or new organization, their staff will work with you throughout the entire process, before, during and after. PROTEUS420 provides a specific contact person who assists you throughout the relationship for any service related issues, and they have staff monitoring and safeguarding all of your confidential business information 24 hours a day. PROTEUS420 manages your business so you don’t have to! For a free consultation or to get more information please contact: info@proteus420. com or check them out online at www.proteus420.com.
Article & Photo By: Ryan Whitaker Gary Johnson is a free thinking politician, someone with ideals and views based on common sense rather than party lines, and a true believer and defender of the constitution and our rights. He served two successful terms as governor of New Mexico, changing the state’s government forever and showing that even without previous political experience you can run a “good” government without excessive spending, backroom politics, and the corporate kickbacks we all know. In this day and age, we need more politicians like him, who are not afraid of speaking out against the wrongs of our government, while creating reform and true change. He is currently spreading the word throughout the country with the ‘Our America Initiative’. Its mission is to broaden public policy, debate current topics of concern, and to enlighten and educate the public about the true state of our civil liberties, the benefits of free enterprise, and government reform, while increasing the public’s involvement on the issues that need to be addressed during these times. He claims to be a republican, but I see him as a true constitutionalist and a libertarian. As governor of New Mexico, he vetoed more than 750 spending bills and made 1000’s of line item vetoes. Rather than increasing taxes, he put what he had to good use. Cutting costs and returning to the religion of the pocketbook is what Gary can do for our failing economy because more spending just doesn’t make sense. How can we fix these problems of over indulgence and consumerism in our society? A good start would be to legalize marijuana and cut the 42 billion dollars we spend every year on hemp eradication and apply it to more important things like job creation. With the economic situation we are in today, this seems like one of the smartest things we can do and Gary Johnson is the man for the job. He believes that 90% of the drug problem is due to prohibition and is not use related. Half of what we spend on law enforcement, courts, and prisons is marijuana related, and every year 1.8 million people are arrested, which is the population of New Mexico. What are we getting for this war on drugs you ask? Well, nothing but more drug trafficking and violence at our borders and within the country. Although Gary Johnson would legalize marijuana, he says, “It will never be legal for children to smoke pot or legal for you to smoke pot and enter a vehicle to harm someone.” Now let’s take a look at the statistics and why marijuana is not a threat to society. 435,000 Americans per year die from tobacco, 365,000 a year die from obesity, 85,000 die from alcohol, and 17,000 die from illicit drug overdoses. Can you guess how many people die a year from marijuana? None! A big fat 0! The DEA spends 42 billion dollars a year to eradicate hemp. Most people don’t know that hemp
was widely used in early American history. The founding fathers grew it because it was the most profitable crop next to tobacco. It could be used to make fabric, paper, rope, and many other necessary things we use every day, and it was even used as a currency and to make our first American flags. The early drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written on hemp. The founding fathers and early Americans saw the greatness of what hemp could do for our society, but the prohibition of hemp and marijuana was pushed by racial scare tactics and the paper industry’s money. Hemp can produce paper, in less time, with less resources, less money, with 1/5 the environmental impact. It is also a good source of amino acids and fatty acids, which are essential to maintain a healthy human life. It provides these things in an easily digestible form. Why aren’t we using this plant to our advantage rather than burning it at site as if it were the plague. In our current economic situation, legalizing hemp would not only create jobs, but improve health and reduce the nation’s debt. Gary Johnson plans to bring jobs back to America. He would lower the taxes on corporations to allow them to flourish because now the taxes are at least twice as high as in other countries and this is encouraging entrepreneurs to build their businesses outside of America. Lowering the taxes on corporations would motivate them to build in America, creating more jobs. It is not our government’s role to create jobs, but what the government can do is create a climate of certainty. Gary says, “We’re currently borrowing 43 cents out of every dollar, let’s cut government spending by 43% to reduce the enormous deficit we have created.” Spending is going up and so are taxes. If we were to slash government spending in half, along with providing the best product and service, we would be in a better boat than we are now. We need to rebuild the dollar instead of continually destroying it with inflation from stimulus packages and military spending.
As of 2008, the national debt was nine trillion dollars, and it has been steadily rising since then. I recently interviewed Gary Johnson and touched upon all of the major issues surrounding our economy. How will you lower the deficit that is well over nine trillion dollars? Gary: The more important number at this time is the unfunded entitlement liability, the liability that we all have on a short term basis, which now exceeds 100 trillion dollars. So park the notion of paying back the debt, balancing revenues and expenditures, and actually going toward this 100 trillion dollar liability. Specifically regarding the big four, I believe social security needs a reform, where it is a viable option for us in the future. And if we don’t raise the age of retirement and eligibility, then the bankruptcy of our country will be more prevalent than ever. Medicare was adopted in the mid-sixties and was estimated to cost 10 billion, then 100 billion in 1980, and today it is at 500 billion. It hasn’t even begun to see the ultimate cost, when the baby boomers are going to retire. How will we pay for the baby boomer’s social security and benefits? Gary: Right now, there is no chance we can pay for it other than to devalue the dollar even further than it is going to be. This issue must be addressed now. We need to put together some sort of plan or way to reduce the entitlement benefits of Medicaid. 25 cents out of every Medicaid dollar that has been spent is breaking the states banks and has broken banks in general. It has also broken the federal bank because it is printing money to cover these obligations. I believe that the states should independently create solutions. They should be able to innovate and create more efficient solutions and better practices for medical delivery and care for the poor, students, and families who can’t afford healthcare. This is purely a suggestion to stunt the growth in Medicaid. I was opposed to any
military involvement in Iraq because I felt we had the surveillance and technology to determine that they didn’t have weapons of mass destruction. We could have dealt with this situation the same way instead of being pulled into a civil war with no end. We are borrowing 43 cents out of every dollar to build roads, schools, and bridges in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think the notion of nation building and the role of our military should be ceased. We will be no good to anyone if we continue to dig ourselves into a hole. How will you turn this 800 billion dollar military spending around? Gary: We are living under treaties signed years ago; we need to renegotiate our security treaties to fit our current social and economic situation. How will we increase exports and make jobs in America? Gary: I believe America has always been at the forefront of innovation, which is being lost. It has always been the place to innovate, a place to do business because business has kept more profits here, but this is changing. What can the government do? The government can create certainty by lowering taxes and having a very “low tax” policy. Taxing corporations is truly a double tax. They pay a tax upfront for profits and then when you or anyone gets their paycheck you pay a tax as well. The taxes on business are encouraging the industries to leave the country.
a good understanding about this, like another border state governor who really had it right, George Bush. I feel like legal immigration is a great thing and illegal immigration is a bad thing. We can do a couple of things that would eliminate 75% of the problems we have at the border today. We can make it easy for an immigrant to get a work visa with a good background check, and then issue them a social security card, make them pay income taxes, social security, Medicare and everything that everyone else would pay. I feel like legalizing marijuana would lessen border violence and illegal immigration significantly. My understanding of Mexican drug cartels moving over the border is 75% marijuana related. Legalize marijuana and make work visas easily attainable, and with regards to illegals currently in the U.S., we need to set up a grace period for them to attain work visas. I feel as if putting the National Guard arm and arm across the border would be a lot of money spent that would have no benefit. What’s your strategy on reducing drug use in America, more rehabilitation instead of incarceration?
Gary: Rehabilitation doesn’t work at all. In 100 out of 100 cases I would like to offer an individual rehabilitation rather than prison, but I don’t really think it works at all. Those that face that decision, of course, always choose rehabilitation. It is a forced model of rehabilitation, it doesn’t work. How do we truly lower drug use? Maybe completely decriminalize all drugs use like Portugal and the Netherlands. This approach shows Green technology is becoming increas- that drug use has dropped in all categories, very ingly popular, but not exactly practical, counter intuitive, but it is the truth. how do you feel about the green movement? Do you think we could truly decriminalize the use of all drugs? Gary: I feel like we have made too large of an investment in green technology. Too much money Gary: Yes, it is possible and I feel it would drop has been spent, whether you take solar, wind, or overall drug use dramatically because we see hydrogen, they get 100% better every 5 years or it working in other countries such as Holland and so, that’s the fact. If this happens, then we can Portugal. make it a more viable option, but at this point in time it only accounts for 15% of our energy needs. What do you think about the three strike Coal powered plants are currently used for 50% rule, what about people with marijuana of our energy and they aren’t being built because felonies? they are “dirty.” We need to improve our coal technology, but we have to have it. If we allow Gary: I think it’s truly insane on the part of the offshore oil drilling to happen in the safest environ- government. We are affecting millions of people mental way possible and pursued a policy of “let’s with this kind of legislation. In Iowa, a father was find as much oil as we can” in 15 years, we could sentenced to 25 years in prison for possession possibly supply 50% of the U.S. with its electrical of 1 gram of marijuana with intent to distribute to needs, but we are moving away from that. In re- his children. He only served one year, but this is gards to nuclear, all licenses are expiring and we outrageous. We need to stop this kind of poor are not building new plants. We have to or else enforcement. we are looking at significant brown outs. Instead of talking about the millions of jobs being created If you were to run for an electoral office in the green area, let’s talk about the tens of mil- in 2012 would you give pardons to Marc lions of jobs being created in the so called “brown Emery and people serving time for marispace.” These jobs need to be filled to fulfill our juana crime? energy needs moving forward. All of these energy sources need to be improved and used in a for- Gary: Yes, and we would like to think that if ratioward motion because the green technology alone nal drug policy was implemented then we could will not suffice us anytime soon. It just isn’t going see some change. I feel like California’s Prop. to happen. 19 will cause a domino effect if it passes. Once people see that it can work, it will create a wave of Let’s talk about immigration, should we changes in our drug enforcement system. Ratiocompletely close our borders, or contin- nal drug policy is what we need. Even if Prop. 19 ue to regulate with poor results? fails, we are at the point where it will come again and pass next year if it doesn’t this year. Gary: As a border state governor, I feel as if I have
Do you believe in the overall socializing of healthcare, and how will we get the care into the hands of the people? Gary: I don’t believe in socializing medicine. If the government could make an environment right for the free market to take off, then more government involvement is not what we need. We also need a pay as you go model rather than an insurance model. It’s all about the free market system; I would like to shop for my surgeries and doctors. I’m asking for more innovation and lower prices. Should students, families, and elderly people be expecting the government to supply and provide them with adequate healthcare? Gary: One of the reasons I’m a republican and not a libertarian is because I’d like to think that we would have compassion and a system to take care of people that are down on their luck. We shouldn’t be immune to reducing costs because we need to have a heart for people in situations of that sort. There is a way to provide for everyone. How do you fell about Prop. 8 and same sex marriage? Gary: I’m a firm believer in gay unions, governments should stick to the union business, and churches should stay in the marriage business. How do you feel about the Patriot and Privacy Acts? Gary: I was not in congress when the Patriot Act came down, but I would like to think I would have voted against it. I was a bit uniformed on the Patriot Act; I wish I would have been though because I would have done what I could to lessen its impacts. What do you think about large class sizes and education? Should parents be turning to private/charter schools for the children’s education? Gary: I was more outspoken than any other governor on school choice; I believe the only way to reform education is to bring competition to public schools. I proposed that all children should be given a school voucher. Here’s how this would improve education, currently the federal department of education gives 11 cents out of every dollar, which comes with about 16 cents of strings attached. It’s truly a negative for states to accept money in regards to education. Return education to the states and let the government keep their money because it would allow the states to innovate. I believe this would create so much innovation in a competitive environment for the better of education. Gary Johnson is a possible candidate for the 2012 elections, but can’t comment until January because he is spreading the word through a nonprofit known as the 501(c) (4). I have a pretty good feeling he might be running, but I guess you can’t really believe rumors or your own wishful thinking. He has good ideals and a handful of strategies to improve our lives and the country’s budget. At least if he does, you will have the inside scoop on most of his ideas and some insight on the realm of modern politics and the issues that need to be addressed. Keep a lookout as Gary Johnson continues to burn rubber about the country spreading the truths he so strongly believes in.
The Sick Cycle By: Tiffany Janay
If you take a look around you will notice a vast majority of people are sick with something, either mentally, physically, or both. Obesity is an epidemic, but high cholesterol and blood pressure have come to be considered normal, while our youth struggle with diabetes, asthma, and ADD. Most people expect that once they hit a certain age they will have to face the reality of taking medication to control their problems. But when did this become normal? When did we start accepting the notion that our medical problems are “hereditary?” The only thing that seems to be inherited is a lack of knowledge and the desire to be self-destructive. One of the great things about America is our ability to profit off just about anything. After all, this is the land of opportunity and from the size and power of the major corporations; some people have taken their piece of opportunity and ran with it. In the past, life was much different. Men spent their days out in the wild, hunting and gathering, while the women cooked and cared for the family. There were no grocery stores or restaurants; if they didn’t get it themselves, then they didn’t eat! These days the thought of starvation is a joke because there is food everywhere, so much so it’s in excess. You can feed yourself at any drive-thru for $.99. They are practically giving food away. When I discovered that the food I was raised on, and very much in love with, was responsible for my health and mental issues, I got angry. I was angry at my elders, the companies who were profiting off my bewilderment, and the government for approving this food for human consumption. As time passed, I learned to take responsibility for my lack of knowledge and exchanged daily gossiping sessions for learning how to read labels and get in tune with my body. I realized that someone somewhere has a great responsibility on his or her hands, and being that this is the land of opportunity, someone happily swooped up the responsibility of feeding a nation of people who no longer know how to feed themselves. At some point in life, we all just stopped thinking for ourselves. We instead became overwhelmed by stress, too busy in a day, and just overall angry and unhappy. It’s time we snap out of it! Lots of people profit off the way we live and we are 42 | NUGMAG.COM
contributing to a circle of doom. When we eat unhealthy food, our body begins to break down and it gives us signals that something isn’t right. We have learned to ignore this problem by avoiding the root of the cause and only treating our symptoms. If all we do is put band aides over our wounds, then infection will surely set in, driving us to seek medication. Unfortunately, we do not benefit from this circle of profit we are funding. The food and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, mortuaries, insurance companies and nonprofits all make money off our ailments and disabilities. So I’m going to try and shed some light on this issue. It starts out with eating from one of those pricey name brands you see on TV; something that is nutritionally dense. There is no real nutrition in boxed or convenient foods. In fact, there’s probably not much nutrition in anything that is not being grown and picked fresh daily. When our bodies get sick from all the unhealthy food, we attempt to treat this with an over the counter medication. When that doesn’t work, we schedule an appointment with the doctor, who gives his best educated guess and prescribes you more medicine. Unfortunately, you take the drugs, but keep eating the same way, so you don’t get better. In fact, you may be feeling worse. As a result, you call the doctor for another appointment so he can take another educated guess at the problem and prescribe you another medication or a stronger dose of what he gave you the first time. Well, after some time has passed and you don’t feel better, you notice a few new problems have set in and your original problem has gotten worse!! Then, you make another doctor’s appointment. In you go, to check into the hospital aided by staff that are all being paid by YOU to be there and assist you through this operation. You go in and tell the doctor that things aren’t looking good for you, listing off all the problems you are having and together you guys review which medications you are on. Perplexed, the doctor orders some high priced testing to be done. They are going to need your blood, urine, saliva and pictures of your insides to really find out what’s wrong with you. And if the test results uncover something worse than expected, he’ll believe that an operation will make you as good as new. Feeling backed into a corner and hopeless, you sit down with your family and discuss your options. Everyone agrees you should go ahead with the operation. Meanwhile, you are still eating your favorite foods and since cooking is hard to do, especially when you are recovering, you’ve started eating more drive-thru and restaurant food. Perhaps you’re even puffing on a cigarette here and there or discovered that taking a few sips of your favorite brew and popping pain killers gives you mind numbing you wouldn’t believe! It feels good that you have now found yourself addicted; to the illness, the doctor, the pharmaceuticals, and depression. Your family and friends say you have changed. You lack the luster you used to have before you got sick. You need an intervention. How much does that cost? I’m sure insurance will cover it or you can get it on credit or something.
This cycle will continue for many years, if you’re lucky, or until the next step, which is death. Again, someone is profiting off of this. When you start really digging, you’ll see that all of these companies are a part of a co-op of sorts. They all seem to be connected, or sister companies, or affiliates of one another. A hospital will get certain funding from another company for selling their products. Or maybe another company gets residuals from another company for referring business their way. I’m sure the profiting benefits are endless. And through it all, the common denominator they all have is….you or us. It’s us, who no longer take responsibility for ourselves, totally lost by how to grow our own food, and too busy to go out and hunt for our daily rations. Imagine having kids that are 30 years old and still living with you all because they lack the basic skills of knowing how to provide for themselves. Now multiply that by 10 million. Imagine the problem that has been left on someone’s hands. When you break it all down, hopefully you will see that there’s really not much of a conspiracy going on at all. Someone just saw a margin for profit and took advantage of it to provide for his or her own family. However, know that we have
the full ability to change the dynamics of this circle. We can simply decide to stop playing. Many of you know exactly how to grow a marijuana garden, which is great! You already know the basic fundamentals it takes to create life. Now take that skill and expand on it. Start yourself a garden of fruits and vegetables. Make the choice to provide as much as possible for yourself and try your best not to rely on grocery stores and pre-made food.
joy this new change in lifestyle; in fact, it may be the answer to those desires you were convinced were unattainable. Also, know that western medicine is not the only choice. You probably already know this because you consume medical marijuana; you are already accustomed to seeking out alternative treatment. Often times I hear people say that eating healthy is too expensive, not true! It’s all about how you want to delegate your funds. What I find to be expensive is paying into the monthly insurance premium, the cost of doctor visits, the pharmaceuticals, the missed time from work because of your illness, surgery, the gas to get to and from those doctor visits and picking up meds, and the cost of a funeral from an untimely death. You may not be mentally prepared or in a position to tackle all the solutions, but do what you can. The circle begins with what is being consumed. Start there.
Learn to trust yourself more. Though, you may not have an accredited degree, it doesn’t mean you can’t www.TiffanyJanay.com be an expert at your own health. Also, listening is key & www.OrganicBlood.com because our bodies send signs and symptoms. It may take a complete change in your lifestyle to fix your aliments, but look at the alternatives. You may really en-
Written by Kim Twolan, Mother Earth Co-op ♥ Serving San Diego MMJ Patients Since 2005 ♥ Cannabis Cooking with Kim September was National Ovarian Cancer (teal ribbon) Awareness Month, as ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly of women’s cancers. Each year, approximately 21,880 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2010, it is estimated that approximately 13,850 women will die in the United States alone from ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, many women don’t seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. Recent research suggests that together the four symptoms of: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency may be associated with ovarian cancer. October is National Breast Cancer (pink ribbon) Awareness Month. In the United States, a woman has a one in eight chance of developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is still the second most common cancer afflicting women following skin cancer. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in Caucasian, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and First Nation/American Indian/Alaska Native women. Each year, approximately 191,410 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 40,820 women will die in the United States alone from breast cancer. The symptoms of breast cancer differ widely between patients and it is important to note that men are also susceptible to this disease. Overall, breast cancer is not painful and most patients do not usually feel ill in the early stages, however, most importantly, early detection is a key factor in increasing the chance of survival. A lump in the breast is the most well-known symptom of breast cancer or an area of lumpiness. A change in the skin around the nipple or a rash in the breast area is another common symptom. Many people find a lump in the underarm area rather than directly in the central breast tissue. It is vital that everyone lives a healthier lifestyle and talks to their doctor or health provider about ovarian and breast cancer screenings and mammograms. Early detection and screening increases chances of survival tremendously. This is the key to making these diseases more likely to be curable. With that said, many of us today are trying to incorporate a healthier, greener, and more sustainable lifestyle. Hopefully, all of us are recycling, have our natural gardens, and are composting what we can. Cannabis is referenced as a healing herb in the bible. Laughter and spiritual equilibrium are an enormous help in healing and should be practiced often. We have a few new healing recipes for you this month with of course, our medicinal twist! †Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2010.
Some of the following recipes are taken from Mother Earth Co-op’s “Special Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis Cookbook.” Kim Twolan © 2008 Cookbook available at finer co-ops, collective’s and physician’s offices or online at www.motherearthcoop.com/products
SAM’S SPIKED COLADA SMOOTHIE 1 cup pineapple (fresh w/juice) 1 tbsp. canna coconut oil 2 cups vanilla frozen yogurt 1/2 cup ice cubes 3 tbsp. cannabis (very finely ground) 1 cup coconut (fresh/chopped) Combine all ingredients in a blender and process mixture until completely smooth. Serve immediately; makes 2 healing servings. Note: This healing beverage is reminiscent of a great Pina Colada with a curative twist. It’s great for anxiety, nausea and pain relief. HEMPY PESTO BRIE KUSHETTA 8 slices French bread 1/4 cup hempseed 1/2 cup basil pesto 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped) 3 tbsp. cannabis (very finely ground) 1 (8-oz.) pkg. Brie cheese (soft) Blend pesto, hempseed and cannabis together. Spread each slice of bread with pesto cannabis blend, top with cheese slices, cut to fit. Place in toaster oven or under the broiler and toast until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Top each slice with some cherry tomatoes and serve. Note: This fabulous curative snack can be a meal, when served with a salad and fresh fruit. This appetizer assists patients with relief from nausea, cramps and pain.
BRENDA’S BLACK SPICE SOUP (Soups)
RELIEF FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM (Remedies)
4 tbsp. cannabutter * 2 cups chicken broth 1 large red onion (chopped) 1 (15-oz.) can black beans 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped) 1/4 cup hempseeds 1 (4-oz.) can green chilies (chopped) 1/2 cup cilantro (fresh chopped) 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 pkg. sour cream 1 tbsp. jalapeño chili 1 pkg. tortilla chips 1 tbsp. cumin 1/2 tsp kief
1 tbsp. burdock root 2 drops cannabis tincture* 1 cup boiling water
Heat cannabutter* in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onion, green chilies, pepper, garlic, jalapeño, and cumin. Sauté until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans with juices, broth, hempseed, and bring soup to boil; then reduce heat immediately to low. Mix well, cover and simmer until flavors blend, about 15 to 20 minutes. Purée soup in batches with a blender. Return purée to same pot. Mix in 6 tablespoons of fresh cilantro. Then season soup to desired taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls; makes 4 servings. Note: Top with dollop of sour cream or yogurt and tortilla chips. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of cilantro and make that pain go away. POCAHONTAS POTATO CASSEROLE (Vegetarian) 1 (32-oz.) pkg. hash brown potatoes 1 large onion (chopped) 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded) 4 cloves garlic (chopped) 1 (16-oz.) pkg. sour cream 1/2 cup cannabutter* 1 (11-oz.) can cream of mushroom soup 3 cups Corn Flakes (crushed) Preheat oven to 420°F (215°C) degrees. Pour hash browns into a lightly greased large baking dish. In a large bowl, combine cheese, sour cream and soup. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine onion with cannabutter*, sauté for 5 minutes. Add this to the soup mixture and spread it over potatoes in a prepared dish. Spread crushed corn flakes on top to cover. Melt remaining cannabutter* and pour evenly over corn flakes. Turn oven down to 350°, bake for 1 hour. Note: This is an excellent casserole that assists in the relief of nausea, cramps, pain and tastes great.
Pour boiling water over the burdock root and let steep for several minutes and drink. This herbal tea is beneficial for treating gastrointestinal complaints as well as joint and bone conditions. The tea is considered to be a traditional blood purifier and diuretic. Up to 75% of the root is made up of complex carbohydrates known as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), including 27% to 45% insulin. FOS significantly increases beneficial bifidobacteria within the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates bacterial pathogens. This ultimately stimulates the immune system and effectively suppresses abnormal cell growth. The high levels of FOS in burdock root and its water extract help to keep blood sugar levels constant and reduce hyperglycemia. After drinking the tea, place a few drops of cannabis tincture*(see recipe) under your tongue, hold for a few minutes for a quick boost to feeling better. Note: Based on several studies with animals exposed to toxic chemicals, the tea very effectively protects the body against cellular damage and abnormal growths. This tea also has powerful anti-inflammatory activity based on studies and reduces liver damage from toxic chemicals. EMOTIONAL EQUILIBRIUM (Remedies) Joy Anger Anxiety Concentration
Grief Fear Fright Cannabis
Chinese medicine believes that good health depends on keeping our 7 basic emotions balanced. Scientific research proves that medical marijuana or cannabis assist in balancing our pain and emotions. The emotions identified above trigger physiological reactions in the body. Many western doctors, natural and Native healers, recognize or believe in the importance of aligning the patient’s charka, the flow of chi or energy and keeping yourself balanced. The importance of good health is dependant upon balance. Balance in the patient’s exercise, emotional and nutritional programs is imperative. It is also important to avoid extremes of any emotions. Purging the body and mind of toxins and toxic people also plays a great role in the healing
process. The pH balance in your body also has a great impact in your physical balance, as the importance of good pH balance is demonstrated in plants. In other words, look for the underlying imbalance that is causing your illness instead of treating the superficial symptoms of the disease. “KIEF” is an age old way of extracting trichomes from plant material. Kief is the product derived from the kiefing process. Kiefing is a method in which you rub dry trim, buds and small leaves with crystals on them over a silk screen. The THC glands will form a powder that comes through the screen, then used in cooking or for smoking. It is usually a pale green to light brown dependant on the strain of the cannabis. Kief powder that is pressed together is called hash. Note: Kief boxes are sold at some smoke shops and are easier to work with than the silk screens. In a kief box, the screen is above the collection drawer allowing the THC glands to pass through the screen and into the collection drawer. This makes it easy and compact for the average user to collect the kief and use for smoking or cooking. * Cannaoil is any high quality food grade oil such as coconut oil, hempseed oil, olive oil, canola oil that has been infused with high grade medical cannabis. * Cannabutter is dairy butter that has been infused with high grade medical cannabis. The recipes for cannaoil and cannabutter can be found in the first copy of Nug Magazine or online at www.MotherEarthCoOp. com Wishing you a hempy journey to a healthier you! Be kind to each other Peace, Love & Gratitude Kim
Foreword By Gabe Kadmiri Photos By Brian Walnum Riding BMX and consuming cannabis is one in the same. Both acts have the extraordinary ability to raise the body’s vibratory frequency, and the end result is a conscious-elevating experience. Through the integration of marijuana and BMX riding, Ganji is sowed. In the same way prayer, yoga, and dance can be meditative, so can certain forms of technical BMX riding. Repetitive movements, intense concentration, and the partnership between mind and body are required to successfully perform tricks on a bike. A bike is made up of triangles, diamonds, and circles, all of which act as energy emitters. Through riding, body and bike work together cooperatively to raise the vibratory level, which increases consciousness and elevates the spirit. 50 | NUGMAG.COM
So naturally, the physiological and spiritual benefits of cannabis, as it is related to BMX, became clearer, the two merged, and the Ganji Tribe was born. The result was a completely new and exciting experience, BMX with the aid of ganja. Increased concentration, awareness, creativity, and relaxation were now an integral part of our BMX experience thanks to this magnificent plant. BMX and marijuana go hand in hand and provide a heightened level of energy, spirituality, and happiness. NUG caught up with the guys from Ganji BMX at a recent photo shoot set up at San Diego’s beautiful Marina Park. These guys are super chill and their superior riding skills drew a lot of attention. A great time was had by all! When did you guys start riding BMX? Gabe Kadmiri: I began riding in 1998. I saw Flatland BMX on the X-Games and was mesmerized by the crazy tricks the riders were performing. I have formed an extremely strong bond with my bike over the past years. Shayne Khajehnoori: I first started riding in 2000. Darin Wright: I got my first bike in ‘95 Stephen Hearn: In early 2000 I saw a BMX show and thought it was the most amazing thing ever. How has Marijuana influenced your riding? Gabe Kadmiri: BMX riders deal with a lot of pain and are rarely riding at 100% because of injuries. Cannabis has enabled me to counteract some of the daily pains that are caused by competing in this sport. This has allowed me to progress at a faster rate. It is much better to use a natural substance for pain relief! Shayne Khajehnoori: As a result of consuming marijuana, the union of my body
Darin Wright
and bike is more harmonious and in sync. Â I find my ability to concentrate and relax is enhanced when riding medicated. Darin Wright: Marijuana has greatly influenced my riding. From my travels to the people I meet, I love how ganja gives you that tunnel vision and the focus to keep the trick going. Stephen Hearn: It has helped introduce me to an array of awesome and talented people. What is your favorite strain? Gabe Kadmiri: I have a few favorites. It really depends on my mood. Before a long riding session I usually prefer a haze, like Super Silver Haze, which is fruity and sparkles like a diamond in the sun. After a session I prefer something heavy that will relax my body, like Paradise OG KUSH. Shayne Khajehnoori: For riding, any sativa strain, preferably a haze or Sour Diesel. Â For relaxing, of course a strong indica, OG Kush is my current favorite.
Gabe Kadmiri
Darin Wright: Since moving out here and discovering the different strains, I must say sativa is my favorite. I like to be hype when I ride. My all-time favorite is Sour Diesel. Stephen Hearn: Strawberry Cough, it gives me that nice motivated feeling without making me feel nervous. Preferred way of consuming Medical Marijuana? Gabe Kadmiri: Sherlock pipe. Shayne Khajehnoori: In a cigar, in abundance. Darin Wright: Cigars....I’ve been a fan of cigars since ‘92. Thanks Redman for teaching me how to roll a blunt. Stephen Hearn: Edibles lately, they give me a slightly different buzz than smoking cannabis.
Shayne Khajehnoori
What has been your favorite dispensary? Gabe Kadmiri: SoCal A.M.C. Shayne Khajehnoori: SoCal A.M.C. Darin Wright: AMG in North Hollywood. Stephen Hearn: SoCal A.M.C. To see more pics from the NUG photo shoot go to www.nugmag.com. To learn more about GanjiBMX go to www.ganjibmx.com. And check out their Ganji Dime Bags - $10 gets you a sticker and the Bootleg DVD!
Stephen Hearn
Adding Calcium & Magnesium to your Grow By The Guru
Every time I recommend to someone that they add this or that nutrient supplement or additive to their routine I always hear the same thing. Why do I need another bottle? Don’t the one or two bottles of nutrients I already use have everything in it a plant needs? Many people expect one $20 bottle to do everything and give them the best results for the least amount of work or cost. But most heavy flowering plants require greater amounts of calcium and magnesium than what is currently found in many nutrients. Calcium is one of the most important ingredients to a plant’s overall health, and magnesium is the primary element responsible for chlorophyll production. Many growers overlook these two key ingredients because they fail to realize that a heavy fruiting plant may need a little more calcium and magnesium than normal. Calcium is not mobile in the plant so it is important to make sure there is an adequate supply available to the plant’s roots at all times. It can only be supplied and distributed throughout the plant through the xylem sap. Basically, this means the plant can not pull calcium from the older leaves of the plant if it runs out of calcium. Calcium plays an important role in building strong stem walls and allows a plant to grow to its full potential. It also helps promote hormonal signals between cells. These signals are responsible for communicating within the plant itself when it needs to produce roots, leaves, and fruit. The better the communication between these cells, the healthier and more vigorous your plant will grow while also building stronger cell walls.
Proper amounts of calcium also help fight diseases and mildews. Signs of calcium deficiency will usually show first in the older leaves just above the lower most leaves. Older leaves can show a distortion in growth, which will twist and curl in most plants. Later developments of calcium deficiencies are most often described as rust colored spots on the leaves, or yellow and brown spots surrounded by a brown rust colored outline around it. Within a week or two from the first signs on the older leaves, the spots will start to occur. And in another week or two the older leaves will be showing more and more rust colored spots. With a lack of calcium, the plant is not at its maximum potential. This will also greatly affect yields and quality. Many factors can cause a calcium deficiency including incorrect fertilizer and excessive amounts of ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and or sodium in the NUGMAG.COM | 55
root zone. Sometimes you may put a calcium additive into your feeding cycle, but the plants still have deficiencies. The wrong balance of these elements can cause nutrient lockout, which means the plant cannot uptake all of the nutrients it has been given. And some plants just need more than what’s already available in your nutrient. Magnesium is another factor of vital importance to a plant’s overall health. It is responsible for chlorophyll production, which equates to the source of a plant’s energy. Having the right amount of magnesium in the nutrient mix being fed to the plants is critical. Chlorophyll is the whole basis of the plant being able to produce, so it should not be overlooked. Chlorophyll is also partially responsible for the flavors and aromas in the produce after harvesting. Remember, nutrients come in all different grades and qualities. Using the highest quality products available is critical. Cutting Edge Solutions makes an OMRI Certified calcium supplement called Plant AMP, and organic magnesium called Mag-Amped, which are two of the highest quality supplements available. They are available at one or two hydro stores in San Diego, including IGShydro. If you haven’t been using supplements, and are not getting your harvests up to full potential, then you might want to check these products out. They are two very overlooked key ingredients among many growers. If done properly, you should notice some healthier plants, thicker stalks and stems, and an overall larger yield!
Afgoo: (Southern Lites) We’ve had a lot of fun doing “The Chronisseur” these past six months, but this one is the most important yet. Just think, the three strains Hopper reviewed could be legalized and available to all adults in California in less than two months. The end of prohibition is within reach, and knowing that made this month’s trio of Afgoo, G.J. OG, and Sugar Daddy all the more sweet to sample.
“The tried and true Afgoo, a legendary medical strain; it’s quickly become a classic. This batch was grown really well. Hard as a rock, tight little nuggets. I can tell this was the top of a huge bud. I bet whoever grew it was stoked! Nice and sticky, too. Not to be Captain Obvious here, but it smells exactly like Afgoo! Earthy, sweet, and nutty. True Afgoo flavor; if you’ve never had the pleasure of medicating with this strain, I highly recommend that you do. Indica dominant. Being familiar with this strain, I recommend it as a sleep aid or for relaxation.”
G.J. OG: (Green Joy)
“The nugs are a little on the small side, but hey… size doesn’t always matter. Its appearance is one of the nicer looking OG’s I’ve seen in awhile, and that is a huge compliment considering the quality of meds I’ve seen lately. As far as aroma goes, it definitely has that tale-tell true OG smell. Before I even do this hit, I know I’m gonna be impressed. This is a good and sticky, perfectly cured bud. Taste is excellent, just as I expected. I love that OG exhale! Delivers a nice head and body high; I can really feel my shoulders relax. Again, I am very impressed by this one, and recommend it for a patient who needs to remain still during a healing process, or who has limited mobility.”
NUGMAG.COM | 57
Sugar Daddy: (Organic Aid)
“Just like the name suggests, the Sugar Daddy literally looks like it has been rolled in sugar. I actually see more white and glistening trichromes than green leaf! Manicured well, a little on the leafy side, but I understand why it was done that way. Those trichromes are so beautiful, no need to over-trim. I would have done the same thing. Its aroma is sweet and refreshing, but not overpowering. Flavor is sweet, but not fruity, taste more like honey. Smooth hit, got a little cough, not a choker though. I can tell it was flushed well, which is an important part of the grow process that is often overlooked. I really enjoyed sampling this one.”
We’re almost there folks. November 2nd is getting close, but you know what is even closer? October 18th. That is the deadline to register to vote in the November election. Prop. 19 isn’t going to pass itself, so every single one of us must vote to make this a reality. No excuses. Once you are registered, be sure that you go to your assigned polling location. This is because if you vote at the wrong location, you may be given what is called a provisional ballot, which is a fancy way of saying that your vote may not be counted. If this does happen, be sure to keep all of the paperwork given, so that you can follow up and demand that your vote went through. You can also go directly to the San Diego County Registrar’s office, located at 5201 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123. I find it surreal that we are on the cusp of such a historical vote that will no doubt influence the rest of the country to follow suit and legalize cannabis. Hopper and I had a long talk about the implications of the outcome of Prop. 19. This is what he had to say, “Put down the bong, get out and vote yes on Prop. 19 on November 2nd, they’ll even give you a free sticker!” That free sticker is one thing, but finally having the freedom to responsibly use cannabis, that’s priceless.
Story by: Pamela Jayne Nug Shots: M.K. Jack Photo by: Derek Plank
Devin The Dude visits San Diego and
“ It’s all love” By: Goldi Schiffner Devin The Dude is a name synonymous with cannabis and a culture of rap that has emerged over the last decade and a half. It is hip hop that goes past the club, the street talk and the struggle, to the joy of smoking the green leaf and the culture of those who do. Not only does Devin The Dude record music for a generation of stoners, but also for those who like to party, but still live responsibly. In anticipation of the October 16th show with Devin The Dude and Black Resume at 4th & B in San Diego, NUG Magazine wanted to see what people can expect and get the latest news from Devin himself. We had the opportunity to speak with the artist who hasn’t visited San Diego in over a year, and needless to say, he is excited to return to our beloved city. Devin The Dude may seem like a character from Los Angeles with the vibrant underground scene, but he actually resides and began his career in Texas. Currently, Devin The Dude tours 60 | NUGMAG.COM
around the United States and globally, bringing the music he has created, spanning more than a decade to the fans that know, love and support him. So far Devin has released over seven studio albums and three mix tapes spanning a 12 year career that is still going strong. Earlier this year on April 20th, 2010, more affectionately referred to in the community as 4/20, Devin released Suite #420, a solo album that includes his label mates and partners, the Coughee Brothaz. We asked Devin about his single from the recently released album Suite #420, “What I be on,” and he said that it is not only about marijuana and beer as his cocktail of what “he is on”, but the song is also about being a good, responsible individual at the same time. With an entertaining party style music video to go with the single, it is definitely something worth checking out on YouTube. But how does an artist who has worked a career for over a decade seem to maintain a full schedule doing shows and new projects... especially without the support of mainstream media
like MTV. Devin says that it is the fans support and loyalty that has allowed him to remain in the underground spotlight for so long. With fans and colleagues constantly asking him about new projects, it isn’t easy for Devin to stay out of the studio or quit working.
Your chance to see him live is on October 16th when Devin The Dude performs in a show presented by San Diego hip hop sweethearts, Black Resume. Devout fans of Devin The Dude, the San Diego Music Award nominated Black Resume is presenting the show and are the ones responsible for bringing Devin back to San Diego. The show comes after Black Resume opened for Devin in Santa Barbara, and Devin has kind words for the local up and comers saying that they are great guys and this is “round 2.”
and that he feels it is the most beautiful city in the world because of the sightseeing and the downtown atmosphere. Particularly he likes the city lights and putting “one in the air” as he enjoys our cities atmosphere.
The notable collaborations that Devin has built over the years include a feature on Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001 album, with the song “Fuck You.” Devin says that each collaboration is a newly opened door and something he is honored to be a part of. Another interesting collaboration we hear from Devin is that another lifestyle magazine, the national High Times, will be partnering up with the Coughee Brothaz to form a label; Devin believes it is an exciting merger that should bring a lot of new material.
Guilla from Black Resume explains, “I have been bumping Devin ever since I can remember, starting with his first album The Dude. “Doobie Ashtray” is one of my favorite songs till this day. Since Devin is such a good artist, as well as being real cool peoples, we wanted to show love and bring him to San Diego for his loyal fan base here.”
While 420 is something Devin stays connected to, even in his hometown of Houston, TX, we wanted to get his opinion on the upcoming vote California is facing in November to legalize marijuana for more than just patients. With enthusiasm, Devin explains that it “needs to happen,” and also made informed suggestions that with the backdoor deals going on at the border and perspective killings, legalization would help to alleviate the crimes.
Meanwhile, besides records from Devin The Dude, constant touring and video’s, there is a new project in the works that seems a bit unexpected. In early 2011, look for previews of a new movie starring Devin The Dude called Hillbilly Highway, Executive Produced by Eddie Griffin. The movie co-stars include Tiny Lister. Jr, Erik Estrada, Gary Owen, Tommy Ford, Keith David and is about two Atlanta, GA., city-slickers on an adventure for their green “pot of gold.”
And what can fans expect at a show, where Devin is known for bringing Swishers and being a bit fashionably late, according to Wikipedia? Devin says that he likes to bring the party with him, but usually when he shows up, the party is already well underway. When I asked Devin what kind of energy people can expect, he explained that the energy is usually already there, especially in a place like San Diego, people are already “crunk” when he arrives, which is just the way he likes it. Devin The Dude affirmed a love for America’s Finest City,
The music that Devin The Dude has created over the years is a masterpiece, and an ode to the lifestyle that hopefully California voters will embrace in November 2010. With the long standing underground career Devin The Dude has had, he remains a testament to the power of a party culture who embraces comedy in a well-tuned musician and the embodiment of someone so many of us can relate to. Devin wants to say to San Diego, “it is all love!”
Since 2006, The Green Brothers have been spreading their distinct flavor of mid-west funk and hip hop from coast to coast, rocking crowds from Chicago to Atlanta to Southern California with rebellious spirit and unapologetic antics. Believing that music is the engine to give their voice strength and dreams wings, The Brothers are looking to break untouched ground and rise above the standard with their newest offering, “I Get Lifted.” Redefining what a green minded artist can and should be by touching on hard hitting subjects while keeping in mind that music is meant to lift the listener from their everyday worries. The Brothers are poised to walk the walk not just talk the talk, preaching unity, focus and fun while working diligently as both artists and activists.
In May, Claude attended his first NORML meeting and was introduced to issues Prop. 19 by Lance Rodgers and HR3939 by Rudy Reyes. Giving his fight a clear direction, he quickly started volunteering for events, including Slightly Stoopid/Cypress Hill and X-fest, handing out thousands of pieces of literature and educating countless masses with his infectious madness and smile. He’s also handled designing a majority of the posters for the local and state Prop. 19 campaign and has left no stone unturned befriending new allies within A.S.A., NORML, M.M.P., S.S.D.P. and others as he looked for creative ways to bring the community together. If that wasn’t enough, The “I Get Lifted” Album reaches its apex with the song “A Hero Named Rudy,” a raw look at one of the most amazing stories in support of MMJ ever.
After laying a solid base with their debut album “Everbody’s Green,” which received praise from world wide publications such as High Times, Skunk & Okayplayer.com, and performing with the likes of Devin The Dude, Brother Ali and Common, Claude 9 (the groups founder) decided it was time to take a leap of faith by fulfilling a life long dream to move to San Diego. Having played to a packed house at Winston’s in O.B. while on tour and seeing that The Green Brothers sound meshed perfectly with the So Cal vibe, Claude knew that S.D. would be the ideal place to push the group’s career to the next level and hopefully affect positive change along the way. Settling in historic Golden Hills, Claude instantly began scripting out “I Get Lifted,” pulling from a cache of soul infused tracks provided by his partner in crime D.J. Bern One, his long time friend back in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Taking his new world of beaches, sunshine and med cards, and blending it with the ongoing struggle found in the streets and courtrooms, Claude let his pen drip his new city’s truths while aiming to capture the heartbeat of both the music and activist community.
NUG caught up with Claude 9 to ask him a few questions:
64 | NUGMAG.COM
NUG: Being an activist and an artist has got to be very time consuming, how do you juggle it all? C9: I haven’t slept since June... [chuckles] Nah, it’s just killing two birds with one stone. Art is a form of activism in my opinion and I’m just trying to take the next logical step by diving deeper. I mean, how could I make music about legalization, benefit from that position and not do everything in my power to lend all of my talents? I work 14 hours a day, but it will be worth it Nov. 2nd. Not to mention people have been giving us tons of love leading into the album release, which fills my glass back up when I’m feeling frustrated or low.
NUG: Having been on the front lines for the Yes on 19 campaign in San Diego can you tell us a little about the feedback from the people?
C9: It’s been an eye opening experience to say the least. At concerts it’s more or less all positive, in the streets it’s 50/50 and online it’s the wild wild west. There’s lots of propaganda and misinformation about the issue, too much infighting and greed from too many angles. It is mind blowing and certainty sad. BUT I still think we can win. It seems the common every day smoker is on board once educated and a lot of middle grounders, and conservatives see the benefits of taxation and not wasting police resources. All I know for sure is it’s going to be a fight till the end and we need every voice to stand and be heard in this historic moment. Is Prop. 19 perfect? Not at all, but it is a perfect first step.
NUG: How is the San Diego activism scene compared to your home town? C9: Obviously, it’s more engrained out here. I see a lot of parallels both good and bad. First off, let me stress that each have great people involved, but I think its time to break out of the box. We need to remember activism is not about any individual, group or organization, but the community as a whole. My motto is “everybody’s green” and damn it, I’m sticking to it. I ride for EVERYONE in the community and am always open to hearing people’s thoughts, concerns and ideas. I think some of our leaders do a great job of this and others need to take a second look in the mirror. I wrote a line recently, “I’m beseeching the community to reconsider unity, we can fly but flocks go for distance.”
NUG: Can you tell us about how you have been welcomed by the Hip Hop community here? C9: Access Hip Hop has been carrying the label I founded, Dove Ink, since 2003 back when I worked with Illogic and Bantcess. I met a few real cool people like DJ Deprave and Mr. Riddly. I’ve run into a lot of overblown egos in Hip Hop that think they’re hot shit cuz they’re “king of the city” on every tour I’ve done and S.D. is no different. Still I’d say it has been real cool how much respect I’ve been given to this point and I’m just giving love back to any artist that puts their heart into every breath or brushstroke.
NUG: The NUG trick from our last issue and our website that you shot over to us has become pretty popular with the NUG staff! Where did you learn it? C9: [laughs]... Word. We’ll have a private listening party and session some time soon. But I’m going to keep the origin in the bag for a while. All I’ll say is that the second I saw it, I knew I wanted to master it and share it with the world. Lifted is the perfect way to describe the high it creates.
NUG: What are the plans for the future of The Green Brothers? C9: First off is the “I Get Lifted” CD Release Show Oct. 30th at Queen Bee’s (3925 Ohio St. 92104) with Anti Citizens, Kaus and Craze, and host Jimmy Powers. Then Bern is moving out here in November and we plan to start rocking a lot more shows around the west coast. We’re gonna push this project throughout the spring; we have all sorts of craziness lining up. I’m an artistic mad man. More or less we’re looking forward to getting out and meeting our fans. I’ve been working hard to plant seeds everywhere and hopefully the harvest will benefit us all. As far as projects, my solo album “F.A.M.” is due out in May plus a few other concoctions are brewing and Bern has a DJ album called “The Cutting Room” that is doing great overseas.
NUG: Go ahead and give a few shout outs... C9: My Family (I miss you so much!), Shelby, Jordan, The Dove Ink Massive, 2012 Dynasty, Chad Parker, Spiderman, The Green Door & San Diego Hip Hop culture. Our Sponsors: Trichrome Healing Collective, Bee Line, www.roachclip.com. NUG MAGAZINE & YOU!
The Low Down on Northern California ‘Gold’, The Holdup By Goldi Schiffner Photos By: Christine Elise / Angel Fiester
The Holdup is a band that has emerged from San Jose, CA, and in less than two years has put out a lustrous album (Stay Gold), gotten play on radio stations, and made headway in a genre that is the least common denominator in their hometown. The Holdup is one of those bands that you begin listening to and feel like you already know all the words to the songs, while your body naturally moves to the music. With a blend of melodic reggae music fused with soul, The Holdup is an unsurprising crowd-pleaser. The Holdup blends with the cannabis culture and even – dare I say it – mainstream appeal. With obvious influences like Sublime, you can hear the unique California mix of reggae and hip-hop, pop and everything in-between on their records, and it is amazing... The band garnered a following for their uplifting live shows that pushed them into the studio with fans longing for recorded material. And when the band released Stay Gold on their new deal with Dub Rock Records, it immediately jumped to the 34th spot on I-Tunes Top Reggae Albums for six weeks, which is quite a feat for the band’s first album. After someone at NUG Magazine had their mind blown when they saw The Holdup live, we had to get some answers from the band. The list of acts they have done shows with is expansive; Yellow Man, Rebelution, Afroman, The Expendables, Iration and the list goes on. In a pit stop after their East Coast tour with Bermuda reggae sensation Collie Buddz, and booked shows in Las Vegas, we got the low down on The Holdup. You guys are from California right, what part of the state did you grow up in? Northern California. All of us are from San Jose, but Kyle. He grew up in Gilroy, which is only 25 minutes away. How has the California lifestyle influenced your music? I think California, in general, is a big party state. At least where we’re from, the party scene is huge. A lot of people go clubbing in other cities, but I think being so close to the beach inspires a lot of partying. Reggae, or at least reggae rock, goes hand in hand with all of that. Honestly, I think the place that we grew up, kids started smoking weed a lot younger than others. Then, there’s the obvious factor that Sublime is beyond huge allover Cali and they’re responsible for the whole scene. 68 | NUGMAG.COM
How did the band initially start? In October 2007, Danny was in the band with two other people before The Holdup had a singer or ever played shows. We all had a mutual friend and at the time I was recording my own songs. She gave them my number, I tried out, and it worked. We started playing small local gigs and that’s how our manager Clev heard about us. He signed us to Dub Rock within a year. The line up changed over the years and now we’re here. Why are you guys called The Holdup? Danny made it up because it sounded cool. It was before I [Mike] actually joined the band. What genre or music influences help to carve your sound and the creative process? We all obviously began with reggae because that’s the core of our sound, I would say. It has a heavy influence, but I definitely wouldn’t call us a “Reggae Band”. It was just the common factor with all of us. We all listen to very diverse
music. I do all the production on the albums and I kind of learned producing through hip-hop, which is where our obvious hip-hop influence comes from. Clev and I love a lot of mainstream music, so we kind of got our catchy pop hooky sound from that. Is there a particular city that really helped you guys to achieve such starting success? We love our hometown, so we’ll always say San Jose, but Santa Cruz has a very strong reggae scene. The Catalyst in Santa Cruz has kind of become our “home” venue. That helped us a lot. NUG Magazine is based in San Diego, do you have love for our city? We love San Diego. We love all of SoCal in general. We’re actually playing at the Belly Up in Solano Beach with Collie Buddz next week [September] and are very excited. Reggae is closely identified with the cannabis culture. In November, California is looking at the legalization of marijuana on the ballot. How do you guys feel about that? We’re all pro legalization. I don’t even think we should have to say why. It’s kind of a no brainer. Politically, Socially, and Medically. What is next for The Holdup? New music, we are back in the studio recording our junior album. We want to make sure we stay busy. The momentum we have is only growing and that is
due to our strict work ethic. We want to keep the fans entertained with music and more shows Finally, how can people get to know or keep up with The Holdup? Facebook is the #1 way to stay up to date with all your Holdup News. We update our Facebook multiple times a day with pictures, news, tour dates and more. We also make sure to answer all the questions or inquiries from the fans that drop by our wall. So if you haven’t become a fan on Facebook, add us now! www.facebook.com/theholdupmusic The Holdup is a new band for our culture to identify with, as their sound blends perfectly with the live-it-up lifestyle; and their most popular song is in fact called “Good Times.” As a prediction, The Holdup may very well be the next sensation for the generation of calm, cool and collected stoners, peace-lovers and new age hippies to embrace. Definitely worth the time spent to check them out. Take a moment to investigate this hard working band that is likely going to be around for awhile...you won’t be disappointed.
In 1959, Chris Blackwell founded Island Records in a small office in Kingston, Jamaica in an effort to bring Jamaican music to the broader stage. After moving the offices to the UK, Island Records sought out talent from various musical genres. The company has been one of the most important labels in the music industry and the force behind some of the top eradefining acts like Bob Marley and the Wailers, U2, Roxy Music, Tom Waits, Eric B and Rakim, Tricky, Grace Jones, Amy Winehouse, Keane, and numerous others. In celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, Rizzoli in collaboration with Island Trading Co. present a comprehensive retrospective of the people and artists behind the label in The Story of Island Records: Keep on Running. Opening with an introduction by founder Chris Blackwell, the company’s history and catalog of artists is presented through essays from noted luminaries and critics in the 70 | NUGMAG.COM
music industry. The musicians on its roster are renowned for pushing the creative limits in both music and cover art. Heavily illustrated with rare and well-known album covers, artist portraits, and photographs from the Island archives make The Story of Island Records the definitive book on this legendary label. About the Contributors: Chris Blackwell is the founder of Island Records and one of the most highly regarded figures in the entertainment industry. Suzette Newman is Chris Blackwell’s business partner. Chris Salewicz is the author of The Ballad of Joe Strummer, and contributes regularly to dozens of newspapers, magazines, and books. © The Story of Island Records: Keep on Running by Suzette Newman and Chris Salewicz, Universe, 2010. The Story of Island Records is now available through www.rizzoliusa.com.
Local Artist Spotlight:
AndreaRushing By Jed Sanders
History has proven that during economical woes, investing and buying art can be highly lucrative for the smart art purchaser tomorrow. Not only beneficial for financial return, but it could also be a serious cultural investment here in San Diego. Making a wise decision on buying art is truly not much different than walking into a dispensary and choosing the right strain that works best for you. Knowledge can go a long way when considering the amount of choices out there. Not to mention, when buying art locally, it plants a seed in the creative development and identity of a community. Art can increase the property value in our neighborhoods, add to its cultural identity, and symbolize the style and history of its people. Beautifying a dilapidated wall, covering eye sores (such as electrical boxes), and the existence of galleries, venues, and creative spaces can all add value to our lives, neighborhoods, and the scenery around us. It also builds interaction between residents and brings outsiders in, which means revenue for the surrounding businesses as well. Anyone following the growth in San Diego’s North Park, South Park, East Village, Normal Heights, and other neighborhoods has experienced this concept first hand. One of the beautiful things about San Diego’s emerging art scene is that it hasn’t reached the branded level 72 | NUGMAG.COM
of Los Angeles or New York. There are endless opportunities to find pieces of higher quality at a fraction of the price. Where does one begin in San Diego if looking to invest? The Andrea Rushing Academy of Art is a good place to start. The academy opened nine months ago and is quickly becoming one of the hottest spots to invest and buy art in San Diego. Entering the academy, located at 3535 Adams Avenue, is mesmerizing. The inside is buzzing with creativity; it is furnished with majestic, vibrant, and thought provoking pieces. Easels are spread about with paintings in different phases of progress, each distinctive in style and subject matter chosen by its creator. Andrea Rushing is a self-proclaimed “regular guy” who does not care to refer to himself as an artist. He says, “Everyone is an artist. I’m a painter and I try and paint in a language that people understand.” While Andrea’s “down-to-earth” attitude is endearing, his approach seems incredibly modest when it comes to his work. His paintings are of an extremely high quality with a regal-like elegance and flair. He also has an obvious knack for teaching, which can be seen through the work of his students at the academy. It seems the students are free to work and develop their own style at their own level rather than follow a cookie-cutter method of painting, which is very refreshing. “I don’t believe that every artist should paint like they are writing their autobiography. I paint for the people”, he admits.
Andrea, who was born in Virginia, has been a resident of San Diego for 22 years. Prior to opening the Andrea Rushing Academy of Art, he owned and operated a fine art gallery on Ray Street in North Park, which held numerous exhibitions during the early years of Ray at Night. No novice to the arts, Andrea started his career at an early age with a great amount of influence from his father. He started his career by enlisting in the Navy and becoming
an Aviation Constructional Mechanic. He was responsible for painting numbers and insignia on the sides of planes and military helicopters. After leaving the Navy, Andrea began painting murals across the country and worked as an illustrator for Horrorscope Books. He later served as editor and became the first Art Director of the San Diego Monitor Newspaper. Andrea then started instructing painting classes at the San Diego Art Department for 6 years. When asked what advice he could give to other up and coming artists, Andrea replied “Learn skills. Work on making good art. Read and do a lot of research. -- If not, the art world is a bit of a crap shoot. If you hone in on your craft, you will stay in the game longer.” When looking at Andrea’s work, there is no question that he is a master at what he does and lives by his own advice. Much of Andrea’s work is in large-scale with a very powerful and symbolic aura. The subject matter varies greatly: a female soldier sits by the lamplight in an enormous chair underneath a bunch of balloons; an endless number of couples, spread out further than the eye can see, dance into the night with a beautiful sunset sky; a gorgeous zombie-woman in a Victorian gown eating a questionable hot dog; a figurative image of a woman in the fetal position floating in the sky. Andrea’s paintings seem subtle, but intensify upon further study. Some of his portraits have eyes with a piercing stare, while others follow you around the room. Everything he creates has a very powerful presence. When Andrea is not painting, he teaches oil and figure painting with live models at his academy at very reasonable rates. The classes are a great introduction to professional oil painting, while offering each student the chance to work at a self directed pace. He also offers children’s painting classes for ages 5 to 12 with instructor Chudika Mahadevan. More information can be found at www.RushingAcademy.com. If you have an empty white wall (you might be tired of looking at) or are interested in collecting some very serious art, stop by the Andrea Rushing Academy of Art and talk to Andrea. He is available for commissioned work, very easy to work with, and works with all budgets. Not to mention, a purchase from him now could prove to be highly lucrative later.
AVAILABLE NOW Marijuana enthusiasts and movies go together like bong hits and the munchies. For more than forty years, films have been an integral part of pot culture, helping shape individual interests and fashions, and igniting imagination, chatter, and passion. We share with marijuana enthusiasts countless esoteric references stemming from the movies—films like Up in Smoke or Dazed and Confused, both of which any self-respecting stoner should be able to recite by heart; Friday, a must-see for hiphop–loving potheads; or Easy Rider, an essential primer to the outsider cinema of the late sixties and early seventies. These films are as much a part of the stoner psyche as Bob Marley and Bambus. They’re also the inspiration for Reefer Movie Madness.
product of the eighties, but the pivotal film that kick-started it all was 1967’s The Graduate. Its trippy, seamless transitions and mellow Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack transformed a preppy high school kid into a full-fledged hippie. For the other, growing up in the sixties and seventies, it was Easy Rider that stoked the stoner imagination. Since those formative teenage years, we’ve both remained acutely aware of pot’s progression into popular culture, especially in the world of film.
Until the late seventies, marijuana had usually shown up in dramas, romcoms, and action flicks. Then along came Cheech & Chong with Up in Smoke in 1978. This was the first stoner comedy—they created the genre. Two guys getting high all the time. One guy stonier than the other. Long on high jinks THE AUTHORS OF THE BESTSELLING “POT CULTURE” PRESENT: and hilarity, short on plotproduction quality.
As longtime tokers, we’ve been immersed in the movies that shape pot culture since well before we began our careers as entertainment journalists. One of us was very much a
But credit for the genre also goes to Animal House, released in 1978 as well. Where Up in Smoke is entirely about marijuana, Animal House is a party movie with one great pot scene. The tentacles of both movies can be seen throughout this book.
The Ultimate Stoner Film Guide
A HIGHLY Entertaining Movie Guide Packed with More Than 420 Reviews and Celebrity Interviews AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
ReeferMadness_NUGAd.indd 1
These days, between the Harold & Kumar franchise and the Judd Apatow library, big-budget studio films are being written for and directly marketed to stoners and setting box-
9/20/10 2:59 PM
office records. And in the indie world, movies like The Wackness, Smiley Face, and Super High Me have made their mark at the festivals and beyond. Outside of obvious bait like Pineapple Express, Half Baked, or How High, there are literally hundreds of movies with psychedelic overtones, trippy animated content, or party-fueled antics. And you couldn’t even start counting the number of silly, cheesy, over-thetop comedies that suddenly seem funnier once you’re high. Everyone has that one random movie that they consider a stoner treasure while others simply view it as a kind-of-funny, Bgrade guilty pleasure. You’ll find a few of these examples in Reefer Movie Madness, from popular go-tos like Anchorman, Airplane, and Fletch, to the lesser-knowns like Waiting… and Wet Hot American Summer. Text copyright © 2010 Shirley Halperin and Steve Bloom. Published by Abrams Image, an imprint of ABRAMS. Get your copy of Reefer Movie Madness at www.abramsbooks.com.
Performing Arts Portal
By: Marc Emmelmann
October is a great month to get out and about, and sample many of the arts and entertainment flavors we have in San Diego. Not only does Arts Tix have a slew of treats to choose from, but starting October 1st you can score two FREE tickets from our yearly massive ticket giveaway! This doesn’t mean the tickets will last long, so as soon as you can, login to www.sdArts Ti x . c o m / f r e e night and follow the prompts! I mentioned this in September’s column, so hopefully you have been anxiously awaiting the details! You’ll be able to choose from offerings via San Diego Shakespeare Society, San Diego Civic Dance,
76 | NUGMAG.COM
San Diego Ballet, Playwrights Project, Orchestra Nova, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Balboa Theatre, Coronado Playhouse and San Diego Symphony. I’m very excited about what Coronado Playhouse has to offer! Let me give you a clue – here’s the description: “Experience the battle royale between good and evil. Prepare to immerse your mind into a realm of imaginative madness and plundered possession. Hold on tight, take a deep breath and listen to your heart beat. Romance is in the air – as you’re whisked away into a world of passion – of vampires – of lunatics, lovers, and obsessive compulsives.” Did you make any guesses? No, it’s not “Belly Dance Superstars” or “Drumline Live” because these will be at the Balboa Theatre. It’s not “The Road to Mecca” either, which will be at the San Diego Repertory Theatre. Please only 2 tickets per person (Not 2 to each production – Offenders will be caught and blacklisted, *sinister laugh*). But don’t worry; more freebies are coming your way. There will be no excuse to miss “Dracula” at the Coronado Playhouse if you abide by their “Give Blood, Don’t Make Us Take It” maxim. It’s a special blood drive on Friday, Nov. 12th from 12pm to 6pm. The blood bus will be outside the Coronado Playhouse and anyone giving blood will get a free ticket too. Moving on, in the month of October and November, you can look forward to some great shows available at www.sdartstix.com, including the comedic Norman Conquests at the Cygnet Theatre, a trilogy with three shows with the same plot, but each taking place in a different room and therefore telling a different part of the story.
The three plays are: “Round and Round the Garden,” “Table Manners,” and “Living Together.” Each play stands on its own, but seeing all three creates a fuller picture and a unique theatrical experience! Arts Tix is also selling tickets to “As You Like It,” presented by The Moonlight Cultural Foundation and New Village Arts at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. This Shakespeare play is famous for the quote: “We that are true lovers run into strange capers.” Ion Theatre Company presents “Jack Goes Boating” at the BLK BOX (6th & Penn) and is showing now! It’s the play that spawned the newly-released film of the same name directed by and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman. It’s a quirky romantic comedy about four working-class New Yorkers. Arts Tix also has film festival tickets
on sale this fall! You can find tickets for the San Diego Christian Film Festival with early bird discounts and “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” deals for Filmout Screenings! Filmout presents “Carrie” on October 20th and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” on November 17th, both at the Birch North Park Theatre! Tori Roze and the Hot Mess will be performing at Portugalia in Ocean Beach on October 20th. Iza Moon Dance Collective is opening, that’s right – a dance company opening for a band. Tickets are available at the door, at 9:00pm. Brewhaha Entertainment is keeping up with quality assurance of weekly standup comedy events in University Heights. You can have a gay ol’ time every Saturday - details at http://www.brewhahaentertainment.com. Arts Tix may have ½ price tickets for “Beauty and the Beast,” which will be at the Civic Theatre from October 26th-31st. Check our website or sign up for the e-club at http://www.sdartstix.com/e-club and you’ll be notified when we have them in stock! Oh, and if you haven’t figured it out yet, Coronado Playhouse is producing “Dracula,” YES!
80 | NUGMAG.COM
Photos By Eric Fowler
Slightly Stoopid
Kevin Hellman w/ Donation Check
The Devastators
Vokab Kompany
Jimmy Powers Deep Rooted
Gabe Vega
82 | NUGMAG.COM
84 | NUGMAG.COM
t i h e m Water Pipe Filter a s e h ? t s r g e z n i r i t o • t p e a g mV • t o N rf o •
Strong and smooth Reduces coughing and lung irritation* Reduces harmful particulates and tars*
hygiene and • Improves protects from germs
1 use 1 use
2 uses INTERNATIONAL PATENTS PENDING
3 uses
Toll free# 1.877.226.6055
and water splash*
4 uses
www.CanaMedix.com *Health Disclaimer on Website
ORDER ONLINE * FREE SHIPPING!
Product Reviews By Ben G. Rowin Y-9 Now this is why I LOVE the product reviews! When I get a chance to try out a new product I have never seen before and it kicks ass! The crew from Y-9, a local San Diego company, sent us over some of their unique glass that is specifically made for concentrates, oils and extracts. Gone are the days of relying on metal or rock to act as a screen for your concentrates! This truly is a glass on glass product that allows you to enjoy your herb in the cleanest way possible! You place an appropriate amount of extract in the end of your pipe and you are ready to go. It’s that easy! A little bit will take you a long way when using a Y-9 piece. I HIGHLY recommend getting one of these unique pieces for your collection. They can be found all over town or on their website: www.y9glass.com
Local stores to find them: Aztec Smoke Shop 5969 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92115 (619) 229-1285 PB Smoke Shop 705 Turquoise St. San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 488-7473 The High Road 1465 Garnet Ave. San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 273-7501
Prop. 19 T-Shirts (Revolver Inc.) I got an email from Revolver Inc, based here in San Diego, and they sent us out some Yes on 19 shirts. Sturdy construction with a great message; since this is the Prop. 19 issue I had to tell our readers about it. You can buy them online directly from their Facebook page! They offer 100% cotton and even organic cotton for the ladies, and they have a few designs to choose from. Showing everyone you will be supporting Prop. 19 is a great way to begin conversations with people who need a little education on the subject! Go get one! www.facebook.com/YesOnCAProp19
Irie Nation Another local San Diego company that reached out to us recently is Irie Nation. An apparel company that takes a stand against the collective conformity and brainwashing of Americans who were told that a plant is bad! How could the creator make anything bad?! Their bio describes their mission best: “Listen to the way others may view Irie Nation: Maybe to “them” It’s a clothing company for stoners. To us, it’s a unifying label to the reawakening of a gift that was brought by the creator.” Check them out online and grab yourself some shirts and support their mission! The shirts are available at many local collectives as well as on their website. www.irienation.com
86 | NUGMAG.COM
Hemp-Eaze Tattoo Balm Our friends over at Hemp-Eaze just started making a tattoo balm and I had to try it out! As well as being the Publisher of NUG, I am also a tattoo artist and was excited to hear that there was a hemp product for tattoo healing! I couldn’t write a real review without giving it a full run through, though, so lucky for me my wife agreed to finishing her ¼ sleeve and used the Hemp-Eaze tattoo balm for the healing process. I was amazed by the results! Her tattoo healed in a week and the best part was that the balm lasted all day! It took a ½ week off the normal healing time and really helped with the dryness and itching! Darcy Stoddard, the maker of Hemp-Eaze, also told me to try it on older tattoos as it made them come back to life and look new again and she was not kidding! Now the entire NUG staff is busting my balls to get more! You can purchase Hemp-Eaze tattoo balm or any of their other great products on their websites: www.tierrasolfarm.com www.hemp-eaze.com
Sundays Uptown Ranking At U31 @ 9 Reggae At RT’s Longboard Grill @ 9
Thursdays Riddim Roll Reggae At Harney Sushi in Oceanside and Old Town @ 9 Generations Hip Hop At U31 @ 9
Mondays Dub Dynamite At The Office @ 9 Lady Dottie and the Diamonds At U31 @ 9 Reggae At Stage Bar and Grill @ 8
Fridays TRC Dub in Da Skybox At Skybox Bar and Grill (every 2nd & 4th Friday) @ 9
Tuesdays Reggae Saloon At The Saloon @ 9 Stress Free Tuesdays Comedy Show At U31 @ 7 Local Mediums Art Show At El Dorado (5th & 19th) @ 8
1. O.A.R. & The Expendables At The Open Air Theatre @ 7:30 San Diego Film Festival At Gaslamp @ 12pm Tea Leaf Green At Sound Wave @ 8 The Beautiful Girls At Belly Up Tavern @ 9 2. Subliminal Trip At The Ideal Hotel and Tea Room @ 9
Wednesdays Reggae At Winston’s @ 9 Royal Wednesdays At Diamond Jim’s (every 1st & 3rd Wednesday) @ 9 Dub Dorado At El Dorado (the 6th & 20th) @ 9
Saturdays Rasta Nation Vibrations At Sapphire Lounge @ 9
8. Dub Fire At Voyeur @ 9 9. Peter Tosh Day Feat: Rootz Underground At The World Beat Center @ 8 Tech N9ne At House of Blues @ 7 Subliminal Trip At Rosie O’Grady’s @ 9 12. ASA Meeting At 7536 Fay Ave, La Jolla @ 7 13. Jamaica At Sound Wave @ 9 14. South Bay ASA Meeting At 1233 Palm Ave, 92037 @ 6 Motion City Soundtrack At SOMA @ 7 15. North County ASA Meeting At 950 E. Vista Way, 92084 @ 7 K-OS Shad & Astronautalis At Belly Up Tavern @ 9 16. Maroon 5, One Republic, Bruno Mars At Viejas Arena SDSU @ 8 Von Kiss Bathing Suit & Body Suit Party At U31 @ 9
The Aggrolites At Belly Up Tavern @ 9 Greenside Harvest Fest At Winchester Wild West Arena @ 11-11 Cypress Hill Smoke Out At San Bernardino NOS Events Center @ 7 Devin The Dude At 4Th and B @ 7 17. It’s a GREEN Day At La Jolla Cove @ ALL DAY FREE! 19. Yes on Prop. 19 Rally At Guard Tower 19 in Mission Beach @ 6 21. Subliminal Trip, Stone Senses, & Sand Dollar At Sound Wave @ 9 Tickets- tix@webceleb.com Ra Ra Riot At Belly Up Tavern @ 7 22. Flyleaf & Story of the Year At House of Blues @ 11 Colorvision At El Camino @ 9 23. Cash’d Out At Gallagher’s @ 8
24. Kâ-Naan At Belly Up Tavern@ 9 Never Shout Never At House of Blues @ 6 RX Cannabis Raid Relief II Maritime Museum Port @ 4:20 27. Kate Nash At House of Blues @ 7 28. The Gorillaz At Viejas Arena SDSU @ 7:30 30. Supernatural Halloween Bash At U31 @ 9 The Green Brothers, Anti Citizen & more At Queen Bee’s @ 7 Underworld At 4th & B @ 9 31. Halloween Party At FLUXX @ 9 Bloody Beetroots At House of Blues @ 8 Colorvision At Analog @ 9
ASTROLIGICAL PERSONALITY OF LIBRA – THE SCALES RULING PLANET – VENUS The ancients loved this time of year! Even our forefathers, better known as the pilgrims, celebrated harvest time. As the holidays neared and the buds matured, most looked forward to the family gatherings fast approaching. With the sharing of food and herbs some think this is the best time of year. Just ask any Libra…..
By. Zodiac Mama
September 23 - October 22 Lucky Numbers 3, 8, 12, 22, 24, 32
NUG Astrology The Libra Female
The Libra Male
Libra women love their gardens as much as they love romance. With everything in bloom they’re known to fill their home with the garden’s bounty. As an expert in social planning, her many friends look forward to being entertained by this social butterfly. She makes everyone feel special, and her peaceful surroundings will assure you a great time while enjoying her plentiful harvest. The Libra Woman likes to live an easy and uncomplicated life. She needs to be appreciated and loved. She strives for balance and harmony. Being too pushy or giving the Libra woman orders will disrupt her easy going nature. She will become angry and upset. She needs to be around mellow friends and family. She sees life through rose colored glasses. She enjoys the beauty this world has to offer and wants to taste it all! Fine food, exercise and a good medical blunt will keep the Libra scales balanced.
Did you ever go to a party and from all that was going on, one person’s voice stood out from the crowd? Chances are that was our very likable Libra male. Good natured and loving; the extremely intelligent Libra has a hard time making up his mind. Choices don’t come easy. He keeps his bud tender busy sampling them all. Extremely intelligent, yet sometimes gullible the Libra male enjoys talking to people. Women find him charming. He is an attentive listener who never holds a grudge. He has a sincere way about him. Libra males love beautiful things. The woman on his arm and the buds in his pocket are typically top shelf. Always careful choosing a mate, Libra males have been known to take a long time before making the final commitment. He needs to be very sure because he sees things in more than one way and that makes his choices challenging. In his heart he likes to please those he loves. He will be there for you when you need his support. His attention can make a person feel special. The Libra male knows what he wants from life. His polished voice can open many doors. Companies would love to have him as their spokesperson. They make great lawyers and mediators. He’s very convincing and believable. After all the choices have been sampled, looked at, smelled and tasted; the Libra male knows how to have a good time! Enjoy his company.
Compatible signs: Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius