PUBLISHER’SLETTER DECEMBER 2010 VOL. 2 ISSUE #12 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: Gio Blitz, Eric Fowler, Courtney Pakalolo, Jennifer Martinez 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, Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Mel the Bumbling Gardener, Jed Sanders, George Alberts, Robert Stinson, Arthur Montalvo, Rocky Neptun, Tiffani Kjeldergaard, R.J. Villa, Remington Ross, 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, Jordan D.
December is upon us and the HoliDAZE are in full swing! This is the end of our second year now and we are pleased to be able to continue to bring the NUG Magazine readers new and exciting information each month! Thank you to all the fans out there and to the contributing writers whose purposeful efforts grace our pages.
We have another issue stuffed with great things, including a review of Ed Rosenthal’s newest book, The Big Book of Buds Volume 4. Ed was gracious enough to let us use an image from his book for our December cover. If you have a cannabis connoisseur in your life, I suggest grabbing them a copy of Ed’s newest book for the holidays! As always, Cannabis Cooking with Kim is heating things up for the holidays. Kim was recently covered by AOL News regarding her Thanksgiving Fully Medicated piece that we ran in our November 2009 Issue. Congrats Kim! The Chronisseur is reviewing more strains from local collectives, and Pamela Jayne has a heart wrenching piece on a local patient and his struggles. We also have a travel piece for patients that are excited to head up to the snow. You can check out an overview of the Tahoe collectives to make sure you have your meds on the mountain. Make sure to check out our music and food coverage as well as our other monthly columns. I also took some space to review the 2nd Annual SD Medical Cup, so if you missed it you can check it out and make plans to attend next year’s event! We’ve got some more great video footage up on our YouTube page too, so log on to www.youtube.com/ nugmag and check it out. Again, we want to thank all of you for picking up NUG Magazine, San Diego’s Original Cannabis Publication! Cover Photo: Stoney Girl Gardens - Crippled Pit from The Big Book of Buds 4
-Ben G. Rowin
Art Director: Ian Rie 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
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CONTENTS
\\:NUG TIMES
17
\\:DEAR NUG
18
\\:L.E.A.P
22
\\:ACTIVISM
26
\\:PATIENT PROFILE
32
\\:GROW OR NOT PT4
35
62
45
68
\\:PROP. 19
\\:LAKE TAHOE
50
\\:COOKING W/ KIM
54
\\:GROW
57
\\:BIG BOOK OF BUDS 4
60
\\:CHRONISSEUR
\\:SD MED CUP
\\:CRYPTICON
72
\\:ARTIST PROFILE
78
\\:PERFORMING ARTS
80
\\:BUD REVIEWS
86
\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS
The San Diego Yes on Prop. 19 Campaign comes together and does better than most areas with help from Canvass for a Cause. By Arthur Montalvo and Dion Markgraaff
No one suspected San Diego to vote more than 46% – which was as big as L.A. and more than the state average, and as much as most of Northern California. One of the biggest reasons was due to the efforts of a local couple, Rachel Scoma and Ben Cisneros, who became Co-Regional Field Directors for “Yes on 19” – San Diego. They put in an all out effort by working 24/7 for months. Another reason for local success was the ability to partner up with some seasoned professionals at Canvass for a Cause (CFAC). This group, who was founded to work on Marriage Equality, allowed the “Yes on 19” to establish a headquarters at CFAC’s location in Hillcrest. Even though Prop. 19 had little money for this election, the “YES” vote garnered more votes in favor of cannabis legalization than the Republican candidate for California Governor who spent more than $150 million on her campaign. Six months before the election, during the early stages of the then-called Control and Tax Cannabis Campaign, CFAC partnered with the statewide organization to launch the first field effort called “Yes We Cannabis”. This effort was to educate the public about the upcoming ballot initiative. After their initial successes, they were actively interested in pursuing a relationship to drive the initiative locally. Then after Tres Watson, Executive Director of CFAC, met with the local leadership, Scoma and Cisneros, CFAC committed to giving “Yes on 19” all the support, materials, and tools they needed to move forward in the election. “Having a model to provide structure for volunteers changed the way they perceived the campaign, shifting our outcomes dramatically,” says Scoma. “Before we met Canvass for a Cause, the direction we were given was to email a list and go out as groups talking to voters. It wasn’t until we joined with Canvass for a Cause that we actually saw results since we now had a solid format to keep volunteers supported and engaged.” Partnering with the Canvass for a Cause Political Action Committee (PAC), Cisneros and Scoma were able to successfully recruit and hire full-time field staff who worked as the CFAC Field Team, representing the “Yes on 19” Campaign. At that time, the San Diego office became the most successful field effort in the state, consistently producing numbers at the top of the list, identifying 1,234 new supporters, recruiting 122 volunteers, and constructing the requisite momentum towards the election.
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Six days before the election, the statewide campaign was impressed with the results that the San Diego office and CFAC field team had been producing; they inquired as to what these two entities could accomplish if a contribution was given to the PAC. After a succession of negotiations, the campaign announced they intended to make a major contribution to the PAC, allowing the two to focus 100% of their efforts on the campaign with their staff and leadership structure. Paired with the statewide campaign, which had an unparalleled understanding of media, messaging, and systems coordination, CFAC had built a dynamic team that could result in out-performing the early polling data. Instantly, they began implementing the components of a much expanded Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Field Plan with 16 full-time field staff working to build the most efficient team to drive the vote in San Diego. The first step in gaining unlikely voters at the polls was to initiate a campus outreach plan, which included getting staff and volunteers to five major college and university campuses. With bodies stationed at San Diego City College, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), and University of San Diego (USD), the effort was gaining a great response. This tactic proved to be quite effective since some of the college campuses ran out of provisional ballots. Despite the loss in this election, the fight will go on. Moving forward, CFAC is adding a new monthly field project with the old mantle of “Yes We Cannabis”, where they focus on voter education at the door and on the street. Using all of the tools they developed with their efforts around the issue of Marriage Equality, CFAC organizers are in the process of translating the materials into a campaign that will focus on going door-to-door to persuade voters to support cannabis reform by putting a face on the issue. In addition to the monthly effort, on alternating weeks, CFAC is going to schedule public education efforts where they integrate into busy public spaces and have conversations with voters about the issue of prohibition. CFAC’s goals are to get people to commit their votes in favor of cannabis legalization in 2012, build the list of supporters who have a face-to-face contact for GOTV, and recruit volunteers for their door-to-door persuasion endeavor. With these multiple strategies, CFAC believes that they can have a dramatic difference in 2012. Data collected by CFAC suggests that it can take thousands of mailers and hundreds of hours of commercials just to produce one vote. However, a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation is the most effective and persuasive way to move a voter on an issue. The election season may be over, but for Canvass for a Cause, the battle to end cannabis prohibition is only beginning.
James Stacy, from Life in Prison to No Jail Time; Plea Agreement Reached in Federal Medical Marijuana Trial By: Eugene Davidovich
Over 90 jurors were screened and made available for a two week trial with all motions argued and filed by both sides. And on October 26, 2010, less than a week before the trial was to begin, in a surprising turn of events, a deal was reached between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the defense team in the James Stacy Federal Medical Marijuana Case. Stacy’s collective, Movement In Action, was raided on September 9, 2009. The same day, over a dozen other medical marijuana dispensaries were raided in San Diego County as part of District Attorney (D.A.) Bonnie Dumanis’ fierce fight against medical marijuana patients – dubbed by her office as “Operation Green Rx”. The reason for Stacy’s case going to federal court, where he had no defense versus state court where he would have been found in clear and unambiguous compliance with state law, still remains a mystery and is a question that the U.S. Attorney prosecuting Stacy has refused to answer. The U.S. Attorney’s Office realized Stacy was serious about taking his case to trial and presenting as much evidence as possible to the jury. They also noticed they had serious issues with the possibility of jury nullification, as one of the San Diego Americans for Safe Access board members was a potential juror in the trial. The local chapter even planned a Jury Nullification campaign and protests the size of which the city had not seen before.
After internal meetings and conferences, the U.S. Attorney decided to make an offer that Stacy simply could not refuse. They offered to drop all charges against Stacy except for one count of manufacturing marijuana, which Stacy pled guilty to in exchange for three years of probation with no jail time. After consulting with his family and defense attorneys, Stacy decided to sign the deal. On October 26th, at 11am, Stacy was due in court for his last motion hearing before trial, and rather than hearing arguments about pretrial motions and discussing jury selection, the details of the plea agreement were discussed instead. In front of a courtroom filled with ASA members and Stacy supporters, Judge Moskowitz indicated that he agreed with the deal reached and set the sentencing date for 10:15 a.m. on January 7, 2011. With the U.S. Attorney’s Office bowing down to state law in the Stacy case, it appears they are finally coming to the realization that a conviction would have been very difficult to achieve if this case went to trial. The public outrage at the waste of resources on such a prosecution would have created a PR nightmare for the office. Advocates are hopeful that Dumanis will now think twice before sending another dispensary that is in full compliance with state law to federal court in San Diego.
Dear
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Hi Nug! I am just wondering if you are doing any stories in the upcoming editions about dispensaries giving back to the community. We have been conducting a food drive this month and have managed to collect quite a load. I just think it would be nice to show cases of dispensaries having a positive effect on the community! I’m sure we are not the only ones doing something like this and we would love to be involved if you want pictures or editorial for content in the magazine, please let us know what we can provide. Thanks, Your fans at Green Crop Co-Op Emily, Thanks for reaching out! We would love to run this article! Since you guys already know George… I will have him get in touch to start putting something together for the January Issue. I would also like to use this email as our Dear NUG this month to tease the upcoming article for the next issue, if you guys are all ok with that. By putting it in Dear NUG, hopefully others will contact us as well and we can put together a very impactful piece on the good that you all are doing. M.J. Smith Associate Publisher Awesome, yes please put us in Dear Nug! I am so excited you guys are interested in this. Let me know what else we can do. Thanks to you guys for your quick response, Emily To all you collectives, patients, and businesses that are doing something good to help others this time of year, get in touch with us at submit@nugmag.com and let us know all about it. We would love to include you in this upcoming article as well, so we can show our readers just how great this community is! P.S. Send us pictures too… a picture can tell a thousand words. “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving,”-Mother Theresa Send your Dear NUG submissions to submit@nugmag.com
Behind-the-scenes, exclusive WIDESPREAD, SUPER-SECRET, SUPPORT FOR PROP. 19 ISSUES CONTINUES TO EXIST IN LAW ENFORCEMENT by Leo E. Laurence, J.D., © 2010 Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, San Diego Many active duty, law enforcement officers (local, state, federal) are quietly supporting Prop. 19 issues even as the brass of their departments push the official, federal-oriented, opposition. Maybe it’s because I once wore a badge, carried a weapon 24/7, and am a frequent speaker for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, but several law enforcement officers (local-state-fed) were willing to confidentially discuss the issues involving marijuana with me. Only their names are withheld. “While the people who are in charge (police chiefs, sheriffs, prison wardens) were making unsupported statements opposing Prop. 19, most of the officers I talked with were privately supporting it, even in other police agencies,” said one state agent. “There is a real fear of retaliation from superiors in law enforcement against telling the truth,” he reported. “Our bosses and the county D.A. were able to make grossly distorted, false statements about marijuana in opposition to 19, but we couldn’t say one word about the truth. We had no First Amendment rights. That kept a lot of officers from speaking out publicly about their experiences with people on marijuana.”
“As a practical matter, we have no freespeech rights. There would be some form of retaliation. It could be something like a transfer to a really bad assignment or a sudden, radical change in work hours, regardless, they are hard to fight,” he confided. “In speaking with officers from different agencies, it’s difficult to speak freely in support of Prop. 19 issues because the people who are in charge – the police chiefs, sheriffs, and prison wardens - don’t want their employees to say something that is not consistent to what the politicians are saying,” another officer stated. “The county D.A., Bonnie Dumanis, has a lot of influence on all law enforcement agencies operating in our area, even the feds, 18 | NUGMAG.COM
and it really hurt when she came out with so many false statements about marijuana and the facts on Prop. 19,” explained a senior, city, active duty officer. “We are incarcerating a lot of people for things that are not really hurting anyone,” said a state officer. “The mainstream media paints pictures of people who use marijuana as dangerous and causing problems; that has not been our experience,” the active duty officer confided. This is potentially explosive since the debate over taxing and regulating cannabis continues worldwide, even after the election. “In my 18 years of experience in law enforcement, I’ve never had anyone under the influence of marijuana become violent or assault one of our officers,” the state agent reported. “Most of what people do in the privacy of their home, unless a crime is being committed, should be allowed as long as it’s legal. Myself and a lot of my fellow officers were shocked that Prop. 19 did not pass. I think it has a lot to do with what the federal government did, and their intimidation tactics,” the agent believes. “The U.S. Attorney General made it a point to say that his department would still convict people if they catch them with marijuana. We were surprised in our department. People who use marijuana are, in reality, our doctors, lawyers, university students, business owners, and every day, average people. People consuming marijuana do NOT cause the type of problems for themselves or others that is portrayed in the media,” the state agent reported. No Training on 19 “When I was at the academy, and even now on-the-job, it wasn’t taught. What are the effects? What is the science? What does the latest research show? That was not in our classes because they didn’t know,” said a county deputy. “The reason why some deputies opposed Prop. 19 was because of what they were hearing on the streets or in the media, and most of that was wrong. There was no literature or anything at all. The only training we had was how to identify marijuana, what it smelled like, and what a suspect’s eyes are going to look like, but there was no hard science behind any of it,” he went on to add.
Law enforcement is a paramilitary operation. Officers obey orders, even when they disagree with them, and they know how to keep their mouths shut. However, they do talk privately. Code of Silence “I heard about Prop. 19 in the hall all the time, but there is a code of silence operating. It’s a code of silence in the administration, among
the other officers, in other law enforcement agencies, and especially in the D.A.’s office,” reported another senior officer. “It said that Prop. 19 just couldn’t pass. We’ve got to do whatever is necessary to stop it,” the veteran officer disclosed. “The only literature I saw was the department’s attempt to reiterate its official policy as it related to marijuana. In a separate memo, the department notified us that regardless of the results of the election, state agencies would still be using federal law as it applies to state employees,” he said.
made through these clandestine sales by the officers. And as long as there’s a demand in our jails and prisons, it’s going to get in there,” the experienced officer added.
“A lady was visiting a prison with her young child. She was processed to come inside, but when she got to the actual visiting area, deep within the prison, she got clumsy and dropped a very small, sandwich-bag of marijuana right in front of an officer. She was taken into custody and turned over to the sheriff, who had to be called in. Another county department had to send There is a useful code among law en- a special unit to take custody of the forcement officers that exists to pro- young woman’s child, who was then tect the profession. It’s often criticized transported to the county’s Polinsky by the media, politicians, and career Children’s Center. After the incident, criminals, but it’s real, it’s unwritten, there was a lot of discussion inside the and it’s necessary. Many in law en- department about the amount of monforcement believe the code is abused ey that would be spent dealing with this when it’s used to deny an officer (ac- simple incident. There were incident tive or retired) the basic right to free- reports that had to be completed; you dom of speech, which is happening can put a dollar amount on that. Contoday. tacting the sheriff’s office and having her car towed was all expensive. There “A majority of the sworn officers I were transportation and custody costs know think that marijuana should be for her, plus court costs. We thought it legal,” said a federal officer in a con- was incredible. What a waste of monfidential interview. “They think that al- ey to go after that young woman and cohol is much more dangerous than her young child, and to put the little kid marijuana.” through hell. For each prisoner, the state pays over $43,000 per inmate,” Plentiful in Prison the officer added. “It’s getting into our prisons because there is money to be made,” report- “Had the Obama Administration (Deed one senior, state prison officer. partment of Justice) not stepped in, I A $20 amount of marijuana on the think there would have been a good street could cost you at least $200 chance of it passing,” the veteran ofwhile in jail,” the officer revealed. “It’s ficer stated. “When employees in my a BIG business! Inside our prison department began to find out about the system, we’ll find it. When doing cell Prop. 19 movement to tax and regulate searches, I would find marijuana hid- marijuana, they started asking quesden within the cells. I once found it tions. As a supervisor, I had employees inside a pill jar that was also inside asking me: how is the current policy of a larger spice container to throw going to be affected by Prop.19? Now off any kind of scent. At times, we do the department’s policy is that a law have dogs on the premises and per- enforcement employee cannot have form cell searches looking for narcot- any trace of THC in their system. We ics. I found more marijuana and dope have random drug testing. And when inside the prison than I ever did on a lot of employees started contacting the streets. Some of it comes through headquarters and asking questions, visiting and sometimes it’s the officers the department generated a memowho bring it in. Providing marijuana randum stating that even if Prop. 19 ‘secretly’ is definitely a real way of passed, they would still follow federal controlling the prisoners. It’s better to law. Regardless if the employee had a work with them (inmates) and provide medical marijuana card or if the propothe marijuana they want. It definitely sition passed, there would still be discihelps with prison control,” the officer plinary action. emphasized. “There’s money to be
(Man seated and holding NUG Magazine. Photo was made shooting over his right shoulder, to hide his face) An active-duty law enforcement officer looks over the cover of NUG Magazine. To protect his identity, we cannot show his face. Photo © Leo E. Laurence, J.D., 2010
“If someone is believed to be smoking on-the-job, they will be sent to U.S. Healthworks, the private company that does our departmental testing,” the sworn officer reported. “There are too many kinds of medical-marijuana cards out there right now,” another active-duty agent told me, after his confidentiality was assured. “Many look poorly done.” Only Costly County Cards May Be OK “The word inside our department right now is that the D.A. and many law enforcement agencies within San Diego County will only be acknowledging the county’s ID card, issued by the County Department of Public Health,” the senior officer revealed. The county medical marijuana cards can cost $166. Go to www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/programs/phs/ mmic or call (619)692-5723 Current and former law-enforcement officers are asked to contact Leo E. Laurence, J.D. of L.E.A.P. at leopowerhere@msn.com, or preferably call his cell: (619) 757-4909. Everything is strictly confidential!
Jesus, George Washington, and San Diego’s Medicine Struggle By: Rocky Neptun
Under the shadow of a toxic San Diego District Attorney and a cliff-hanger Attorney General election between a fanatical D.A. from Los Angeles and a sympathetic D.A. from the Bay Area, medical marijuana patients, providers, and activists met near Mission Bay under the banner of “Putting Patients First”. The November 13th all-day gathering at the Marina Village Conference Center reflected the radiance of altruism in the medical marijuana movement, its ancient heritage, the potential to humanize the medical-care-giving industry, and also, the dangers that members and patients face from reactionary forces still fighting the obsolete cultural wars of the 1960’s. About 50 people turned out to participate in San Diego’s first symposium on “Training for Medical Marijuana Professionals”, which was sponsored by Americans for Safe Access. The core curriculum, almost half the day, was centered on introductory preparation for those working with medical marijuana patients. The emphasis was on treating the whole patient with a greater understanding of how illness is not just an isolated condition, but how physical, psychological, and emotional factors interact to affect patients’ functioning. Dr. Amanda Reiman, Chairwoman of the Medical Cannabis Commission for the City of Berkeley and a lecturer at UC Berkeley, led the training session. Don Duncan, co-founder of Americans for Safe Access (along with San Diego’s own Steph Sherer), gave an hour-long history of the movement in California and reported on present efforts in Sacramento to guarantee and expand patients’ rights. Going way beyond the scheduled departure time, a panel of attorneys gave an overview of current law and recent court decisions, sharing knowledge about what is legal and what is not for both patients and caregivers, including cooperatives and collectives. Led by Lauren Payne, Americans for Safe Access’s Legal Services Coordinator, the lawyers conducted “Know Your Rights” training sessions on encounters with law enforcement officials. As I sat there, looking out the window at the bobbing sailboats moored near the conference center, I thought back to my days as a VISTA volunteer in the Appalachian Mountains. The Voting Rights Act had been passed; yet, the black folks we were 22 | NUGMAG.COM
assisting in Skunk Hollow, near Corbin, Kentucky, lacked safe access to the polls. Roaming gangs of armed “redneck” mountain men threatened anyone who exercised their “right” to vote, very much like San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, whose ideological zeal and personal ambition threatens another group of people struggling for access to their rights. In this case, their entitlement to medical marijuana as guaranteed by the citizens of California. Jeremy Joseph, an attorney from Los Angeles, urged the participants to continue the struggle for their rights. He noted that 11 states and the District of Columbia have medical marijuana provisions, and another nine states are in the process of working through those rights. Sexism and Medical Marijuana Prohibition in the Middle-Ages Medical Marijuana deterrence is not a new phenomenon. Whenever those in power, religious or secular, have sought to increase or maintain that dominance, one of their first acts is to prohibit knowledge (just ask the Chinese government or Google it). For thousands of years, elderly women, usually widows, made their way as village healers. There were no doctors for the common people. They passed the knowledge of natural healing (the herbs and grasses of the forests) down from mother to daughter, aunt to niece. When I lived in a small Toltec village in the state of Morelos, Mexico, as part of a crosscultural educational experience in the early 1970’s, there was no doctor around. When I developed an eye malady, the family I was staying with presented me to a wrinkled, ancient woman – the village’s healer. She fanned the smoke of marijuana into my eye and also used a tincture from the plant to cure the infection. It wasn’t until the 14th and 15th centuries in Europe, when a series of devastating plagues broke out, that the Church lashed out against naturalist healers in general and women in particular. From the Pope down to the lowliest friar, the official spin on the plagues was theological rather than medical; it was God’s ven-
geance for sin, and only more devotion and donations to the Church would save you. Fearful mothers and fathers brought their ill children to the old women of the community, not the wine sodden priest. Some were saved; word and hope spread. The absolutism of the Catholic Church was threatened. The inquisition was formed to root out these “witches” and prohibit reliance on “medicine” in favor of prayer and confession. One of the charges brought against St. Joan of Arc was that she used marijuana. Not only was the giving of medicinal preparations – including cannabis – by herbalists and chemists declared illegal, but merely possessing the expertise, which was considered “witch’s knowledge”, was punishable by burning at the stake. By 1484, marijuana had become so wellknown among the common people for treating the pain and suffering of the plague that a fearful Pope Innocent VIII specifically labeled it “an unholy sacrament of the second and third types of the Satanic mass.” Statements like this, flying in the face of reality, pushed ordinary folk further away from the church and laid the seeds of the Reformation. Did Jesus Use Marijuana? Would it Have Saved George Washington’s Life? I suspect that prostitution may not be the world’s oldest profession. “I must have given a hundred thousand dollars of it away before I knew it was worth anything,” my aunt used to say. I think the tribal healer became the first vocation. From the time we climbed out of the trees, anyone could mate, but those with the insight and knowledge to restore health and salvage lives were the indispensable ones. Over 5,000 years ago, physician farmers were growing and dispensing marijuana, called cannabis Tai-Ma, in China. Around 1,000 B.C., the migration of the Aryan tribes spread cannabis medicine from India to Europe. It had hundreds of medical applications: wound healer, muscle relaxant, tonic for pain, fever easer, helped with childbirths, and so on. It was considered
a “sacred herb” and used by the priests of many early religions as their badge to the “divine”. From the priests of Shintoism in Japan, who used marijuana to unite couples in marriage and drive away evil spirits, to the earliest Jews, who “as part of their Holy Friday night services in the Temple of Solomon, 60-80,000 men ritually passed around and inhaled 20,000 incense burners filled with kanabosom (cannabis) before returning home for the largest meal of the week,” as recorded by Jack Herer in his book, The Sociology Of Cannabis And World History. The Jewish Essene communities, south of Jerusalem, where Jesus is thought to have studied in his youth, are known to have used marijuana as a medicine. But from independent, self-governing, communal associations, the Christian faith, seized by popes and emperors, became a process of tyranny and oppression. Not only medical marijuana, but an entire cornucopia of healing herbs and substances were tragically, criminally, and systematically denied to whole generations of ill people. Well into the 18th Century, bleeding patients of pints of their blood was the primary treatment used by doctors. George Washington, who woke up one morning with the flu, was literally bled to death by his doctors. One wonders, if he had just smoked some hearty Dutch Passion Feminized Cannabis and gone back to bed, would he have lived well into the 19th Century?
Today’s bleeders would have us dependent on dangerous chemicals manufactured by corporations who donate to their political campaigns. It is indeed ironic that Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego’s District Attorney and a member of the Log Cabin Republican Club, in her vicious pursuit of medical marijuana users, is at odds with Abraham Lincoln who refused to approve a proposed prohibition on the use of cannabis. Every American president until the 1930’s used medical marijuana, and according to Morey Amsterdam and Eddie Gordon – close friends of John F. Kennedy, who used cannabis for his back pain – JFK was going to legalize it during his second term. Even though California voters approved the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, patients and providers have been under attack by reactionary forces and their contempt for voters and police state mentality right up to our present day. As San Diego Attorney Lance Rogers pointed out to participants, from the July local and federal narcotics task force raid on the Amsterdam Collective in 2008 (in opposition to President Obama’s promises to leave patients alone) through the clearly illegal entrapment and forgeries of the SDPD in its Operation Green Rx busts in 2009 to October of this year, when a North Park medical marijuana collective was harassed, patients continue to have their rights assaulted. As I sat in the conference room, I realized the participants – some professionals, some poor, young, and old – were always looking over their
shoulder, which demonstrated that they were aware of their vulnerability and still putting the patients first. This is living proof that heroism is alive and well. They are the ethical descendants of those poor women from the Dark Ages, who were tortured and burned alive for saving a child’s life with their herbal medicine bag. The attendees are in the tradition of that old woman in the thatched hut who saved my eye so many years ago. They keep the possibility open that I will have help if I need to self-medicate in the future - if that good Cuban rum I smuggled into this country can no longer ease the pain of my osteoarthritis. There are those among us I call sufferers from “Pleasure Disapproval Syndrome”. A vast populace, unhappy with their lives, trapped in dead-end jobs, bored with corporate entertainment, happyhour devotees, and pharmaceutical addicts, who are fearful not of criminals or terrorists, but shiver in fear that somewhere, someone is having a good time and enjoying life. They voted against Prop. 19, are afraid that lesbians and gays might find enjoyment in marriage, and God forbid, are terrified that a person might actually get pleasure from taking their medicine. The culture war continues; however, the participants at the San Diego Patient Rights Conference seemed to agree to keep their powder (ah, buds) dry and to continue struggling toward unhindered access to this ancient, safe, and effective medicine for all who need it.
Profiles in Cannabis: The Patients Behind the Plant Story by: Pamela Jayne
Jim: Husband, Father,
Full-Time Cancer Patient So you think you’ve had a stressful year? Let me tell you about Jim and what he has been through since November 19th, 2009, when he was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer at the age of 32. He’s been to over 100 doctor’s appointments, at least 20 Folfox-6 chemotherapy treatments, endured radiation daily for five weeks, and had surgery to remove the tumor, the rectum, other bits and small organs that were either damaged by the radiation or were surrounded by the remaining cancerous tissue. He also had his small intestine rerouted through his abdomen in order to give his colon time to heal, and at one point, he was taking 80 supplements a day. However, there are two other things that have also consumed much of Jim’s time in the last year: his family and medical cannabis. Even before he was diagnosed with cancer, Jim began using medical cannabis to treat his painful symptoms, which at the time he thought were caused by irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. “It was really more about relieving the symptoms. Marijuana was very effective, so I think that helped me to be more aggressive when I began going through the cancer.” In fact, he said the relief was almost instant. Once the diagnosis was official, Jim became a full-time cancer patient, giving up his career in marketing and brand management. He was going to devote all of his time to regaining his health, not only for his own good, but for the sake of his wife and young son. “I don’t know how people hold down jobs and have cancer,” he says. “The thing that has made this easy for me is that my wife told me not to worry about anything else other than taking care of myself and getting better.” He also reflected on how fortunate he is to have good health insurance, and not have to worry about how to pay the endless stacks of medical bills that accompany the disease. Jim explained how the Folfox-6 chemotherapy treatment turns something as simple as drinking a glass of water into an unpleasant task, because anything lower than your own body temperature causes terrible pain. I shudder at the thought of how much more unbearable this ordeal 26 | NUGMAG.COM
would be for him if it were not for medical cannabis. He told me about the many times when “I would be laying on the ground, about to throw up again, and my eyes would fill with tears causing them to hurt, which makes them tear up again and hurt even more. I wasn’t thinking, ‘Hey, I want to get high.’ I was thinking, ‘Hey, I am going to do this and it is going to take away this pain.’ It works. There have been times when I have been on the floor and only had one bud left that was set aside for emergencies, and I thought to myself, ‘Well, I haven’t been able to keep down water for 48 hours, so I guess this is an emergency! Literally, 30 minutes later, I would be eating chicken noodle soup or rice.” Having dropped down to 150 lbs from 220 lbs, he was on the borderline of falling victim to “wasting syndrome”. However, it was the cannabis that kept Jim out of the hospital on at least two occasions, which is why he is so adamant about spreading the message that medical cannabis “isn’t a band-aid or an emotional fix. It’s not about how those poor terminal patients should be able to have fun any way they want.” And although Jim says he can count on his fingers and toes how many times he
had smoked marijuana recreationally before he was stricken with cancer, he emphasizes how important it is for those who use marijuana recreationally to know that, “This is very real for a lot of us. It’s not a placebo effect; it’s the real deal.” Before surgery, Jim intensified his use of medical cannabis by doing a round of the Rick Simpson method, which is a fascinating subject. “At the peak, you are ingesting between 1-2 grams of very high potency hash. It does have an extremely powerful effect, but what you do is start with maybe only a 10th of a gram and then work your way up to the maximum dosage.” He went on to say, “I figure that it’s not hurting me, and I’m appearing on the top end of the scale in regards to how I’m responding to the treatment, so that’s good enough for me.” Knowing that he is a proud father of a three year old son and also lives with his two young nieces, I asked Jim how he felt about the societal perception that using cannabis, even if it’s medical, is somehow harmful to children. He said, “When you’re going through treatment, it’s not like you’re
spending quality time with your kids. However, if you have the right strain and the right approach, cannabis gives you more of a chance to have a normal life with your kids. It allows you to help them with homework, cook them dinner, and change diapers.” He added, “I do not use it in front of them, but they know that it’s there and that it is my medicine. I walk around with a pump and a tube in my chest, and I poop in a bag coming out of my gut. They see all sorts of odd stuff. They understand that it is all part of what I have to do to get better.” Jim is very passionate about sharing his preferred method of using medical cannabis, which is vaporizing. Not only is it better for the lungs and health in general, but he told me, “I don’t know if I would have been able to keep up with the amount (of cannabis) I needed on the really bad days if I would have had to smoke or eat it. Eating is very tough for me. People may not think of vaporizing as a conventional way to deliver needed medicine, but think about those who depend on asthma inhalers or the dentist who administers nitrous oxide through a mask. That is inhaling medicine; that is what I do. It’s really not as unconventional as it seems.” We also spoke about how important it is for medical cannabis to be protected by law. Jim bluntly told me, “I would not live in a state that does not allow medical cannabis. I feel it would be harmful to my prognosis and may cause me to die sooner.” He is right. People have lost their battles with cancer and suffered through terrible indignities because of the state in which they happen to reside. One of Jim’s close family members recently passed away after a long battle with brain cancer. He lived in Arizona and died before that state finally voted in favor of allowing medical cannabis. “It is so painful to love someone and know that they could have been helped by cannabis, but other people’s opinions kept them from being able to spend precious time with their own children.” Jim was overcome with emotion and understandably so, when he told me this story. It is incomprehensible that in modern day society we allow people to die slow and painful deaths because they are not legally allowed safe access to a plant that has existed for the purpose of aiding the ailments of man since the dawn of time. Like Jim says, “As time goes by, more and more people will personally come to know someone who has used medical cannabis and see the benefits with their own eyes. And they will also notice that nothing horrible happened – they didn’t instantly turn into dirty hippies or anything like that.”
Jim was very clear in telling me why he wanted to publicly tell his story. It is all about awareness for him. “I want everyone to know that cannabis is effective. It’s the real deal and not a joke; it’s not just people thumbing their nose at the establishment or some counter-culture concept. It’s about people who are at the VA hospital, people who have kids, and people who have all different sorts of issues, whether it is an injured wrist or a terminal disease. Cannabis makes a big difference in their quality of life and it only affects them in a positive way.”
By Tiffani Kjeldergaard If you are suddenly involved in the nightmare of getting arrested and dealing with the court system, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and make the process run more smoothly. If you have a recommendation from your physician to use medical marijuana (MMJ), you need to know that this WILL be challenged by the probation department with extreme prejudice. You will be told you are NOT allowed to use your medicines, including Vicodin, Darvocet, Soma, Valium or any other medications that require a prescription and are considered mood altering. The trick is they will use the word “recommendation,” only prescriptions are allowed, not recommendations. A prescription is written under federal guidelines, and as we all know, federal law does NOT recognize medical marijuana yet. Here are the steps to prepare for your battle. 1) Get your medical card from the County of San Diego! Pay the $166.00. This “new in 2010” probation guideline had to be put into play due to my arrest case. If you have your county card, this requirement will push a judge to allow you to use your medicine! (People v Kjeldergaard -2010 -Judge Deddeh granted MMJ use during probation and the return of MMJ grow equipment.) 2) Make a motion to have your probation “Modified.” You do this at the court you were sentenced in and simply ask for a modification. Attend your court date.
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3) Request a public defender, and the court will grant you one. 4) You will show the public defender your card and recommendation; tell them you want to be allowed to use medical marijuana while on probation and do not wish to be arrested as a violation when you test positive for THC. He/she will get you on the calendar to be heard. 5) Attend this hearing and allow your attorney to do what you asked, do NOT be afraid to step in at any time you hear your attorney saying the wrong thing. Interrupt them and do NOT be intimidated. Be sure the attorney is requesting the inclusion of your pipe, bong or vaporizer. I cannot stress enough how these tiny oversights can get you into deep trouble. Only have 1 or 2 smoking utensils, not a bunch of contraband. Request that the judge specify these items in the judgment so they can’t be used later in contraband charges. 6) Take a copy of your judgment and keep it with you at all times; put a copy with your smoking equipment and take one to your probation officer’s supervisor, even though they were present in court. 7) On your next urine test, you CAN be medicated and not panic that being on probation will violate your personal health care. Congratulations on fighting for the right the state gave us in Prop. 215. Pass this process on. “Not to get High, Just to get by!”
It has now been 68 days since I first plugged in. If you have read the other 3 parts to this story, then you know my quest was to find an easy to understand, easy to set up, and easy to operate “turnkey” indoor growing system. Based on the size of the machine, power consumption, and harvest time, the HYDROPLEX Spinner was my choice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened the doors to the Spinner just to look in and watch. On the 68th day of this grow, the hairs were now more brown than white, a sure sign that the end was near; I could tell all 10 of my little spinners were ready to get on with their destiny. Sticky, Smelly, and full of crystals, it was harvest time. If you’re anything like me, then you thought the growing part was the best. However, when I started watching the flowers grow, I thought that part was the best. Well, you know what, I was wrong both times; the cutting and trimming become the best part of your grow. The fun had just begun when I forgot to put on the new gloves I bought for this job. Note to self: put gloves on first! A ½ bottle of 90% alcohol later and I finally got my hands into the new gloves. After a few bowls of what I dried out in the toaster oven (come on, you would do the same thing), I got into the whole “cut and trim” zone. The first plant was a learning experience; I had to learn just how much to take off of each bud. I found myself not wanting to trim as much as I should because what I was trimming was covered with little, milky-white Trichomes. By the 3rd plant, I was over it and my trimming started to speed up until my scissors were stuck closed; I’m sure glad I bought that new bottle of 90% (now I know what scissor hash is). 10 plants don’t seem like a lot until you rip them out at the roots and lay them down next to each other. I tried to guess how much weight I had on the table, but it’s hard to figure out at this stage. Stop thinking, keep trimming. Plants 4 and 5 went a bit faster and the pile of trim was building nicely, but I was only ½ way through. After another couple of bowls, I was ready to tackle the other 5 plants. 32 | NUGMAG.COM
As I finished up the trimming, I was amazed at how good everything looked – this was too easy. The Spinner has given me much more than I expected to get on my first attempt at indoor gardening. 10 of my 12 plants turned out great, which is pretty good for a beginner. I wasn’t sure how to dry my flowers. Some people told me to “hang” my crop, and others told me to cut the buds off the branches and put them on screens to dry. I just happened to have a real herb dryer, so I tried it both ways. After looking at the finished product, I liked the hanging method best. There were no flat sides from sitting on the screen. With the trimming out of the way, all I had to do was wait for the buds to dry…I’m talking about the 2nd batch of buds in the toaster oven. I could tell that I was onto something good. If the toaster oven bud was good, can you imagine how much better it will be when it’s finally dried and cured by Mother Nature. Six days later, the buds were a bit smaller and much tighter. They looked great and I could tell it was time to get out the
curing jars. After removing all the buds from the branches and giving them a touch-up trim, I put what I had on the scales, and the 10 mixed plants from the Spinner gave me just under 12 ounces of pure mixed bud. Now I know why most people only grow 1 strain at a time, because it’s hard to keep 6 or 7 different strains in order with all that trimming and drying going on. Nevertheless, I know I will get: AK47, Blueberry, White Widow, Casey Jones, The White, and the old OG Kush. To answer the question “Grow or Not to Grow?” seems easier now. As a patient with chronic long term problems, I wanted to find a compliant way to further cut the cost of my medicine. Prop. 215 & SB 420 helps many people to enjoy life as pain free as possible without the high cost and side effects of some Western Medicines. Just a short time ago, to set up a grow room was a big and expensive thing that took more time than I had to give; those days are gone. To run the Spinner: it took $53.00 a month in electricity, $10.00 in RO water, and about $25.00 a month in nutrients (which may vary). Not a bad deal, $176.00 for the 68 day grow and the cost of clones (12 x $12ea. = $144.00) bring the total to $320.00, and add another $80.00 for whatever. You do the math, you can’t beat it. My answer is YES, why wouldn’t you grow? I found a great new hobby, lowered the cost of my meds, and feel really good about being part of the Green Thing that is sweeping our country. My advice to you: look around, ask questions, and get off the fence…Go plant your indoor garden!!
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By Dion Markgraaff
In November, the “Legalize it” vote for California’s Prop. 19 lost 54% to 46%...The biggest battle in cannabis history’s long ongoing war. Our society failed to pass a proposition that would change California’s law to allow everyone to grow and consume cannabis throughout the state. The historic vote came down to the referendum of common sense. A simple read of the government ballot question seemed like a no-brainer. The new law would pass because it would result in “potential increased tax and fee revenues in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually and potential correctional savings of several tens of millions of dollars annually.” The battle came down to the old guard versus the new guard. Old people and government institutions relied on old tricks by saying the measure was “confusing” and the Federal Government would not allow it. Right before the vote, the United States Attorney General Eric Holder said he would “vigorously enforce” federal anti-cannabis laws (which are zero tolerance) when it came to recreational use, no matter what Californians decided. In the desire to represent the old guard, every major politician and newspaper in the entire state came out against Prop. 19. The new guard pinned their hopes on economic benefits of a tax and regulated cannabis industry. The “Yes” on Prop. 19 knew their best chances were to get young people out to vote – the class of people who had the greatest percentage of support. The failure to “legalize it” was due to those who showed up to the election booths. Voters 65 and older opposed it by more than 2 to 1. Support was strongest among voters between the ages of 18 and 24, who went for it with 64% to 36%. Voters between 25 and 29 narrowly backed it with 52% to 48%. But voters under 30 made up just 13% of the electorate. “Yes on 19” had 219,000 Facebook fans compared to the 1,000 “No on 19” fans, but that was obviously not enough.
The good
The good news from this election is how much the paradigm has shifted. The entire discussion around legalizing cannabis has improved. A Newsweek study found more than 1,800 articles on the measure, a 50% increase over the coverage of Prop. 215 in 1996. The entire population across the United States has evolved from cannabis legalization as an impossible dream to most people believing it is only a matter of time until this plant is legal again. Many organizations are already preparing to campaign in the states of Washington, Colorado, and California to legalize it in the next campaign cycle in 2012.
A classic picture of Richard Lee, the Yes on Prop. 19 champion and the anti-campaigner, medical cannabis leader, Dennis Peron, together here before their split a few years ago
The Prop. 19 campaign to get progressive people out to vote saved the state’s medical cannabis laws. It boosted the numbers for newly elected Attorney General Kamala Harris. This is the first woman to be the “top cop” in the state, who is also pro-medical cannabis. Her opponent, Steve Cooley, is a crusader against the medical use of cannabis and would have killed NUGMAG.COM | 35
patient access to this plant. The difference between the two was less than .5% – one of the closest elections ever. The campaign to vote “No” showed signs of Reefer Madness reform when they shifted their talking points from saying this plant is the “devil weed” and “has no medical value” to “this isn’t the perfect bill” or the proposition was “badly worded” – a classic. After the election, even the governator said that “no one cares if you smoke a joint or not”. Appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “Proposition 19 went a little bit too far, I think.” However, all the people who will be harassed and arrested over the next few years will certainly disagree. Schwarzenegger said his decision to sign a bill last month that reduces the charge for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction hurt Prop. 19’s chances. If this was his motivation for helping him sign the bill (SB 1449) and take this progressive step forward, then this is another good thing the Prop. 19 campaign accomplished. San Diego voted “Yes” at just under 47%, which was as big as L.A. and higher than the state average, and as much as most of Northern California counties.
There were too many misinformed Prop 19 haters
In Los Angeles County, for example, cops arrested Blacks for pot possession at seven times the rate of whites from 2006 to 2008. And Latinos, who make up 10% of the county’s population, were arrested twice as often as whites. “For decades, law enforcement strategies have targeted low-income people of color who bear the disproportionate burden and stigma of arrest, prosecution, and permanent criminal records for marijuana possession and other minor drug offenses,” Alice Huffman, the President of the California NAACP, stated in one of the reports. The California NAACP itself favored Prop. 19.
The Ugly - Cannabis Traitors
By far the most disappointing aspect of the whole effort to legalize cannabis with Prop.19 were the people in the cannabis industry who campaigned against getting the law passed. People like the self-titled “Stoners Against Prop. 19” and Dennis Peron, who previously helped to get California’s medical cannabis laws passed in 1996, turned out to be traitors to the movement. These people spread misinformation about the measure and helped confuse the voters. Boycotts against anti-Prop. 19 people and their businesses are now being organized for these “cannabis traitors”. Go to the website www.cannabiswarrior.com to find out more. Their biggest lie was that Prop. 19 would have hurt medical cannabis rights, which it would not have done. They argued that the current system is better, where the medical cannabis community is constantly terrorized by the threat of arrest, to which we only have an affirmative defense. If Los Angeles County D.A. Cooley was elected, then the blame would have been put squarely on the shoulders of these anti-freedom for cannabis forces for scaring people away from even voting at all and confusing people about the ballot. As Aaron Houston of
This fire truck sponsored by Dr. Bronners Magic Soap Company went all around California college campuses sounding the alarm for Prop 19
The Bad - We are all the losers
Of course the bad news was that society lost and will continue to lose until cannabis prohibition ends. California is already the number one prison area in the whole world and it will continue to arrest thousands (over 70,000 last year) for cannabis every year. Despite the huge economic crisis in California (a current deficit of over $25 billion), society will continue the war on cannabis that is very costly. In October, California’s CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) reported 4,320,314 plant seizures in 2010, slightly less than the all-time record of 4,463,917 in 2009. The combination of economic power of the $14 billion dollar cannabis industry and the world’s eighth-largest economy, this historic opportunity would have had a huge impact locally and around the world.
Dragonfly De La Luz now Students were the biggest Prop 19 supporters at the top of Cannabis Warriors’ boycott list
the Marijuana Policy Project said, “For all the effort the Swiftboat Stoners for Prohibition expended, they never thought to pick up a newspaper and see Cooley’s attacks on medical marijuana. Amazing.” Also, growers who feared change and competition largely came out against legalizing it. This fear of economic impact killed support in California’s pot-growing Emerald Triangle of Mendocino (47%), Humboldt (47%), and Trinity Counties (40%), all of which rejected Prop. 19. Surprisingly, even some dispensaries were against Prop. 19. They would have not only been in a much better legal situation, but they would have made 10 to 100 times more money. Since most places in California (esp. San Diego) sales outlets would not have been established, it would have left medical cannabis dispensaries as the only local access.
A Long Walk to Freedom
Over 4.5 million people voted to legalize cannabis, but almost 5.3 million voted against it. Part of the problem is the apathy in our society since the population of California consists of 36 million people. Therefore, most did not even bother to vote on the issue. As Nelson The people who would have gained the most – Blacks, La- Mandela says, “It is a long walk to freedom,” the struggle continues. tinos, and the poor – voted against the proposition. Robert Gammon from East Bay Express reported that, “Blacks, La- In 1913, California became the first state in the United States to make cannabis illegal and tinos, and Asians split their ballots. Large majorities of them could have been the first to re-legalize it. The last time pot legalization appeared on the balwent for Boxer and Brown, but then crossed over and voted lot was in 1972, when it was defeated (33-66). Still, confidence remains high that change against Prop. 19. If Blacks, Latinos, and Asians had voted is coming according to Richard Lee, the cannabis superhero behind the proposition. “It’s for Prop. 19 the way they did for Brown and Boxer, then the just the beginning; we knew this was just one battle in a big war. We didn’t get the result we measure would have won by roughly 100,000 votes, the wanted, but it’s clearer than ever to me that it’s no longer a matter of IF we’ll end cannabis prohibition – it’s simply a matter of WHEN.” data shows.”
SB 510 Exposed
Article and Photo By: Ryan Whitaker The trend of local and organic foods has been catching on over the years. The quality of produce at markets such as Whole Foods, Henry’s, and Trader Joes has been increasing in quality and nutrient density with little or no use of killer pesticides. Not only do local organics keep you healthier, but they also support your local economy. This successful niche market has been noticed and is now being blamed for salmonella outbreaks (228,000,000) – eggs to be exact – throughout the country. Dick Durbin, Senator of Illinois, brought this to the senate’s attention with Senate Bill 510, the so-called Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, which suggests that food safety will be increased –but at what cost? Well, this bill will give federal inspection agents the right to close and/or quarantine farms based on suspicion rather than hard evidence. Senate Bill 510 is a destructive job killer with extreme consequences to the economy, farms, and small businesses. If this bill is allowed to pass, it could have a strong affect on your diet and food production. In truth, no one should be allowed to tell you what you’re allowed to eat; this is a basic human right. The risk of getting salmonella or another food borne illness from your neighbor’s homegrown vegetables is equal to if not less than that of a commercial farm. Don’t get me wrong, we should inspect commercial farms and companies that are feeding mass amounts of people, but for the bill to completely outlaw the sale, trade, or sharing of homegrown foods is completely outrageous and extremely unconstitutional. Dr. Shiv Chopra says, “If accepted, SB 510 would make it impossible for the public to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade, and consumption of food and agricultural products of one’s choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God.”
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Is it just me, or do those two words strike a strange resemblance to one another. Giant companies will have no problem affording the new regulations and upgrades needed to stay open; it is mainly the small companies that will suffer. The United States economy is based upon choice and the free market system. To continually regulate and press the odds into ones favor eliminates the complete idea of a free market; in all seriousness, this creates monopolies. How can you help out and prevent this atrocity and unfair bill to pass? Well, mail your senator and voice your opinion. Don’t let the government control and police your food supply.
Article By: George Alberts Photos By: Courtney Pakalolo Over the years, there has been a boom of people trying to live healthier lives by exercising and eating right. One obvious problem today is simply the lack of activity. However, the biggest struggle for most is staying away from that fast, extremely unhealthy food we buy when we’re starved or lack the time to prepare a wholesome meal. In essence, it’s very rare to find a restaurant that makes a great effort to eliminate this problem. Chronic Smoothies / Blazin’ Grill has modernized restaurant food with its enticing menu and quality ingredients - setting a new standard for critics everywhere. I had the opportunity to indulge in their incredible menu and meet the owner, which really put things into perspective. Established in 2000, the business started out as a local smoothie joint in Pacific Beach – Chronic Smoothies. It was an ideal locale for business owner Chris Swiec because of the beach scene and local community. However, like any business, there are always tribulations that come with the territory. In this case, it came in the form of a slumlord that made business tough with constant rent increases and his lack of interest in the building. But staying focused on what was important, Chris decided it was time to step it up and started increasing the menu by incorporating sandwiches and wraps. “After a while, I started getting hungry and realized smoothies just weren’t enough,” he said. “I definitely wanted more, but needed room to make it happen.” Fortunately, he had a friend a few buildings down that was willing to let him move in and utilize the extra space. And around the time of developing that second spot, he expanded the menu just a little more with burgers, pizzas, salads, etc. “At first, we conducted business out of both locations. Just in case it got too busy at one, we had the other to continue to serve our customers.” Not a bad way to keep business thriving, but he eventually got tired of dealing with the terrible landlord and thought it would be a good idea to consolidate the two businesses into their current location – Chronic Smoothies / Blazin’ Grill. 42 | NUGMAG.COM
This place is very inviting with its warm and relaxing atmosphere. The color scheme, eclectic look, and mellow tunes really set the mood and make you feel right at home. You even have a couple of flat screens to keep you entertained with sports games and surf videos while you wait for your food. But if it’s a beautiful day in San Diego, you’re more than welcome to plant yourself on their front patio and enjoy the sun. This is by far one of the most comfortable atmospheres I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying – a perfect place for all walks of life. They have everything you could possible need, want, and crave. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy or hearty and filling, they’ve got you covered. And unlike other places that might have extensive menus, but suck, Chronic Smoothies / Blazin’ Grill produces great tasting food by only using the freshest produce and meats, creating their own unique dressings and sauces, and staying true to that home-style way of cooking. “The quality of our food is what sets us apart from other places. It’s important to me and I incorporate it into every aspect of this business,” Chris said. After talking a bit more with him about the food, I was very anxious to start powering through some of items that caught my eye on the menu. I started off my afternoon venture with The Homayon’s Hawaiian smoothie. It’s a blend of fresh pineapple, fresh cut strawberries, banana, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange sherbet. The flavor was absolutely satisfying. I could taste everything that went into it without any one ingredient overpowering the other. This was a true fresh fruit smoothie, unlike the crap you might get at other places that use frozen fruits and berries. So if you’re looking for a smoothie with some serious flavor, stop in and you won’t be disappointed. Next, I thought I’d try their Chicken Ceasar Salad, which I’m generally not a fan of because of that creamy dressing restaurants usually douse it in. However, I thought I’d give it a try to see if they could challenge a notion that hasn’t changed for me since I was a kid. When the salad came, it was a very generous portion, which is a plus. It didn’t take long to realize that their Caesar salad was the real deal! Delicious and fresh all the way through, their dressing was appetizing, subtle, and complimented the entire dish – the way it should be. Unlike other restaurants, they use the TRADITIONAL Caesar dressing; they don’t use anchovies, but incorporate lemon juice to even it out – it was perfect! Frankly, I couldn’t get enough. Since the dressing didn’t have a creamy overwhelming flavor, I fully enjoyed the fresh romaine lettuce, house-made croutons, parmesan cheese, and tender grilled chicken. The chicken alone was very pleasing because it was REALLY grilled and had the taste I was expecting, but rarely get. Overall, the original and refreshing taste made this salad an exceptional choice! Finally, I got around to hittin’ that entrée that caught my eye on the menu – The Cali Burger with Blazin’ Fries. The size of this thing was heart-warming and its presenta-
tion was eye-pleasing. It consisted of apple wood-smoked bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, sriracha aioli, and cheddar cheese (they have a few kinds of cheeses to choose from). It was put together so well that I felt guilty eating it. The first bite was hard to believe. The tender beef patty had a very familiar and distinct flavor that took me back for a moment. Chris was nice enough to enlighten me about the quality gourmet burger. “Our burgers are nothing like you would find at a burger joint. We use steak shavings for our patties, which can be very hard to come by sometimes. We will never use anything less than top quality, especially with our meats because that’s where you can really taste the difference in our food.” This well-rounded burger is hard to put down once you start. The sriracha aioli dressing blended nicely with the thick slices of smoked bacon, fresh avocados, juicy tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. All the ingredients built up the tender patty and created a delicious full flavor. Half way through, I had to take a break and nibble on those blazin’ fries, which caught me by surprise with a kick in the mouth! The spice really hit the spot and was a great change of flavor to keep me motivated on finishing that burger. However, I had to eventually throw in the towel because all the food was more than I could handle. PB locals or San Diegans looking for great food of higher quality have been hittin’ this place up because they know exactly what they’re getting and never leave disappointed. It’s also a comfortable feeling to know that the owner is hands on with his business and does everything from helping customers to preparing the food; that’s how you know everything is done right – all the time! Their restaurant is unique in its concept, layout, and food. With its enticing menu and quality ingredients, Chronic Smoothies / Blazin’ Grill is a better, healthier choice. Whether you’re looking for good food or just trying to stay away from that fast, unhealthy drive-thru menu, this place will present refreshing, healthier options with smoothies, salads, wraps, and natural teas. But if you’re dealing with an uncontrollable hunger, then their burgers, sandwiches, BBQ ribs, and authentic Italian pizzas will do the trick. Chronic Smoothies / Blazin’ Grill has some pretty remarkable food, so don’t leave home without your appetite! Check out their menu at www.theblazingrill.com or stop in and get your grub on. Chronic Smoothies/Blazin’ Grill 865 Turquoise Street, San Diego, CA 92109 (858)488-2529
Holistic Care Holidays in
Article and Photos By R.J. Villa The winter months have many Californians mapping out vacation plans for their winter holidays. Lake Tahoe is a four season destination with a noticeably swelling amount of visitors during the winter holidays as family and friends share their time away from work and school. Nestled along the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe’s mountain pitches are home to world class ski resorts, exquisite restaurants, and just across the Stateline – Nevada’s casinos. Should you decide to head to the Sierra to snowboard or ski, the proper medication is readily available to medical marijuana patients through the South Lake Tahoe collectives and a delivery service based out of the Truckee area. South Lake Tahoe has three collectives located on the California side of the Stateline along the Highway 50. These dispensaries have been operating for the past two years, offering alternative and holistic medication to those in the Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. Each location offers a wide variety of sativas, indicas, hybrid strains, and clones along with an assortment of concentrates, oils, edibles, tinctures, drops, lotions and creams.
City of Angels 2 Wellness Center 989 Third St. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530.600.0202
Lake Tahoe
prices and a good price break for quantity. “We have the lowest price and largest selection,” says City of Angels 2 Spokesperson Gino Smith. The prices for donation are clearly listed on the display board with appropriate price breaks based on larger quantities acquired. If you are into shooting some pool, they’ve got a pretty nice setup in the middle of the room. They also fire up the grill every Friday for a free lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs. With the current political climate and attitudes towards medicinal marijuana shifting, they are looking to get more involved in their community. When I asked what Smith considered to be City of Angels 2 top shelf sativa, he handed over a bag of their J1 top shelf sativa. It is a beautiful strain. It is an unmistakably solid phenotype of the Jack Herer and Skunk #1 cross. The nugs are caked with trichomes and a lemon lime, almost citrusy aroma. The taste is also very citrusy as well. J1 is definitely a flavor you will not forget. The high was a strong, high energy, heady sativa, a solid medication for socializing and daytime activity use. Their Sweet God Hybrid (Sweet Tooth and God’s Bud) and Grand Daddy Purple strains are not to be overlooked either. Across the board they were offering their concentrates at $15 per gram, and most certainly worth mentioning was the Chemdog Hash. From what I sampled, it was soft with a malleable and gooey consistency. The flavor and long lasting high makes this concentrate worth checking out.
Patient to Patient Collective 2314 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530.541.3240
“We are all about the patient,” says Patient to Patient Collective Spokesperson Ken Crawford. “I believe that growing medicine is an art form. There is a big difference between growing quality medicine and growing pot.”
With their original location located in Hollywood, City of Angels 2 opened their doors to South Lake Tahoe in July of 2009. City of Angels has Patient to Patient Collective was South Lake Tahoe’s first collective, established in October of 2008. extremely friendly service with a laidback loca- They offer a wide range of medication at varying prices depending on the shelf quality. “We make sure tion on 3rd St., right off Highway 50. Upon en- that our vendors are up to medicine quality. We want patients to get medicine from a clean environtering the dispensary, after a secure check in process, you will notice the wide selection this location has to offer. It has an extensive variety of indicas, sativas, and hybrids with varying NUGMAG.COM | 45
ment – no pests, no dirt, no bugs. Flushed well, it must be. We do not offer something that can harm our patients.” For those on a budget because of the struggling economy, they offer eighths as low as $25 and half eighths for $15. They offer an array of concentrates worth mentioning like their hashes derived from Casey Jones, Orange Kush, Juicy Fruit, and Gooey Cheese to name a few. They also offer a Grand Daddy Purple Oil at $40 a gram and have a decent selection of edibles with various items from Mother’s Medicals and MJL Edibles.
Established in January 2009, Tahoe Wellness Collective is located on Highway 50, in the Bijou Shopping Center, adjacent to Heidi’s Pancake House. Tahoe Wellness Collective is more than just a dispensary; they also offer a variety of classes, services, and meetings for their members and the community. And there is also an activity center right next door, which is run by the collective. What really makes this dispensary stand out is its activeness and involvement in the community. They run a weekly community meal, host Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and put together toy drives for the community. With free meals, food drives, and education seminars, they post a monthly calendar to let their patients know of any events or classes they have coming up. “We are aware of the struggling economy and offer strains within price range of the top shelf prices,” states Tahoe Wellness Collective Spokesperson Jennifer Goering. “We have the Compassion Program for patients with disabilities or social security; we offer them between 2-6 grams weekly. And through our Love Program we offer $100-$150 of product to the terminally ill. We also offer a free gram to those volunteering to teach classes.”
The Blue Cheese was my favorite of their strains. This indica hybrid packed the expected indica high its appearance promised. It was frosted with trichomes. The flavor was a strong Blueberry smoke with a distinct Big Buddha Cheese aftertaste. It induces a very strong body high accompanied with a euphoric head high.
Tahoe Wellness Collective 3445 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530.544.8000
46 | NUGMAG.COM
When you check in at reception, you are given a tour of the back area, which has a classroom, massage space, a lounge area where you can medicate on site, a book exchange library, and the dispensary of course. The glass display counters house a respectable selection of different indicas, sativas, hybrids, concentrates, and body products. Their edibles are a selection of H.O.P.S. and Bubbles Confections products. If you’re a fan of edibles, I highly recommend their Fudge Monster and Gnar Bars. Their White Widow and Snowcap are definitely worth checking out. Their concentrates Purple Fire Kief, Lambs Bread, and Blue Haze Bubble
Hash are no joke and worth a go if you need something heavier or stronger for a sleep aide.
However, their Huckleberry is a strain worth highlighting. This indica dominant strain has a flavor that holds up to the expectations its berry name suggests. A very unique and distinct berry scent and flavor accompanies this strain. This indica is my favorite palette ender, always leaving a great taste on my tongue. It gives off a solid and long lasting indica high, but not in an overwhelming couch lock way.
Tahoe Herbal Care Delivery Service Truckee, CA 530.563.8423 www.tahoeherbalcare.org
Tahoe Herbal Care is a delivery collective based out of Truckee, California. Tahoe Herbal Care delivers to qualified medical marijuana patients in Truckee and along the North and West shores of Lake Tahoe. Even if you are staying in the South Lake Tahoe area, the drive up to Tahoe City to meet someone from Tahoe Herbal Care halfway is highly suggested. While the process of acquiring medication through a delivery service may feel like a throw-
back to scoring a bag from an old classmate during school, their quality of sativas, indicas, and hybrids is by far some of the best medication the Tahoe area has to offer. They accept donations directly on their website prior to delivery or accept exact change only for the medication they provide. “We are much different from South Lake Tahoe as we run and operate primarily on word of mouth,” continues Anthony. “Everything is ‘A’ shelf medication. We select and dispense only quality nugs. We provide quality medication for those in medical need. We do not offer outdoor; we offer mostly organic strains – no low grade quality – everything is high grade medication. Our prices are reasonable and stay the same. We try to carry 10-15 staples to keep in stock. We try to get feedback from everyone in the collective.” Tahoe Herbal Care has great quality OG strains like the Tahoe Herbal Care OG Sour Grape. This is a great phenotype of the Indica-Sativa Hybrid. She has a very distinct and sweet aroma with a smooth flavor. The flavor is OG reminiscent with a noticeable grape aftertaste. The OG Grape is a great daytime medication – a pretty clear, long-lasting, heady hybrid strain. Mr. Nice is a great double Afghani Indica. It is a solid phenotype of this double indica cross between G-13 and Hash Plant. The flavor re-
North Lake Tahoe casino resorts include the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village, the Cal-Neva, and Biltmore in Crystal Bay. If you still crave a bigger casino experience, you could always head east past Mount Rose and into Reno, the biggest little city in the world. minded me of the first time I came across G-13 in college, maintaining a nice hash-like aftertaste. The bud is a solid, hairy nug and held a good, strong indica high. Mr. Nice can be used as a sleep aide to battle insomnia.
Lake Tahoe and Surrounding Area
Lake Tahoe in December is a winter enthusiasts dream with 15 alpine and 13 cross-country ski areas. South Lake Tahoe’s three closest alpine resorts include Heavenly Ski Resort, Sierra-atTahoe, and Kirkwood (which is a little out of the way, but definitely worth the drive for all mountain riding). Trips to the North Shore give you access to resorts like the world-famous Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Homewood, Sugar Bowl, Northstar, and Diamond Peak. Most of these resorts even offer complimentary shuttle bus service from many of Lake Tahoe’s lodging properties. For those looking to venture into Nevada for the glitz and glamour of the casinos, South Lake Tahoe casino resorts include MontBleu, Harrah’s, Harvey’s, Horizon, and the Lakeside Inn.
The drive around the lake offers breathtaking views that include the Emerald Bay along the West Shore. Up north by Truckee, check out the Truckee River Outlet Gate Keepers Museum, where the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe meet. The view from Kings Beach along with the adjacent town and shops are worth the stop. If you are in South Lake Tahoe, don’t forget to check out the Heavenly Village, which offers high end shopping, incredible dining options, and a panoramic gondola ride. Lake Tahoe sits on the California and Nevada Stateline, so keep in mind, when crossing over, what qualifies you to possess your medication legally in California does not extend into Nevada. Also, medical collectives operate on the California side of the border, and some ski resorts you may plan to visit (most certainly all the casinos) are located in Nevada, so keep your medicine properly stored while travelling and use some common sense. If you have the chance to visit the Lake Tahoe Area, the likeminded souls at these four Tahoe and Truckee area collectives will have your medication ready for you.
A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine found some cake mixes on sale, but noticed they were two months passed the expiration date. She called the maker of the cake mixes to ask if the mixes were still safe to bake with. The representative told her to throw them out, and strongly suggested that the safest way to dispose of the expired cake mixes was to open the boxes and throw the mix in the garbage – to keep anyone from picking it out and using it. Evidently, cake, cookie, and pancake mixes that contain yeast can develop spores over time. If used after the expiration date, the mold that forms in the old mixes can be toxic, especially for anyone with mold allergies. Always check the expiration dates on packages of pancakes and cake mixes. THROW AWAY ALL OUTDATED pancake mixes, brownie mixes, Bisquick, cake & cookie mixes, etc., that you may have in your cupboards.
CANNABIS COOKING WITH KIM
Speaking of warnings, there are some activists and dispensary staff who seem to be misinformed about tinctures and edibles, so this month we will try to dispel and clear up some of the rumors and information. There is nothing in Prop. 215 or SB 420 that states edibles or tinctures are illegal. Quite the contrary, on Jan 23, 2006, Section 11018 of the California Health and Safety Code was amended to clarify: “Marijuana” means all parts of the plant Cannabis Sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. It does not include the mature stalks of the Canna Hempa Sweet Potatoes plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the 1/2 tsp. Smoked Salt plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or prepara- 3 tbsp. Cannaoil* tion of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted there from), fiber, oil, or 3 tbsp. Shelled Hempseeds 4 tsp. Dried Dill cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant, which is incapable of germination. 3 large Sweet Potatoes or Yams 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper Prop. 215 was to ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain 1/4 tsp. Kief* 1/4 tsp. Paprika and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash sweet potatoes well and poke them a few times
the person’s health would benefit from its use. It does not say the physician with a fork so they don’t explode while baking. Bake at 350°F for 30 min. or must recommend MMJ to be smoked and NOT ingested! until soft to touch. Remove from the oven and cut sweet potatoes lengthwise. With that said, I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving. And to all who Top with cannaoil, kief, smoked salt, and dill, then sprinkle with hempseed. participated in the 60 mile, 3Day Breast Cancer Walk for the Cure – I hope your Add pepper and paprika, and toss well. feet are rested. We have a few new healing recipes for you this month; suitable for the festive Holiday Season with of course, our medicinal twist! Green Buddy Lou Salad Some of the following recipes are taken from Mother Earth Co-op’s “Special 3 tbsp. Hempseeds Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis Cookbook.” © 2008 Cookbook avail- 2 tbsp. Cannaoil* able at finer co-ops, collectives and physician offices or online at www.moth- 1 cup Chopped Spinach erearthcoop.com/products 1/2 cup Buckwheat Sprouts CANNABIS TINCTURES WITH ALCOHOL The old fashion and effective way to make tincture from medical marijuana is to grind the plant material and soak it in alcohol. A fine grind is not needed and will just make the tincture cloudy – a rough chop works best. The tincture is intended to address the problems of quick medicine delivery and consistent dosing. Most tinctures are prepared to be used sublingually – meaning under the tongue. Absorption by the arterial blood supply under the tongue is completed in seconds. The secret is to NOT swallow the dose; if swallowed, absorption will be in the GI tract. Therefore, it is best to swish the tincture in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing. Many patients prefer to add their tincture to a cup of hot herbal tea, hot chocolate, or juice for easy delivery. Remember, when a tincture is used in a beverage, absorption will be slower than if it were absorbed under the tongue. While the tincture absorbed on an empty stomach works in minutes, conversion in the liver remains, as does the difficulty in the titration (amount of) dose. Usually, a tincture dose is delivered by means of a medicine dropper or a teaspoon. A rule of thumb on dose is that patients receive benefit from 3 to 4 drops to a couple of full droppers depending upon the potency of the tincture and the patient’s own unique requirements, among other factors. Save the cheesecloth “ball” for topical uses on open sores or wounds. Apply a few drops of fresh tincture to a cloth and place it on the infected area for a few minutes with gentle rubbing. 1 oz. Cannabis Buds
10 oz. 151 Proof Dark Rum
Slightly break up the bud with a coffee grinder and place in clean, sterile amber mason jar. Then, fill the jar with the 151 proof dark rum a ½ inch (12.5 mm) from the top. Next, secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 5 to 10 minutes. Place the jar in a paper bag and store it in a dark, cool place. Continue to shake the jar for 5 minutes daily, and then returning it to its dark storage; do this for about a month. It usually takes about 4 weeks for the tincture to cure up and mellow out in taste. After a month of waiting patiently, separate the plant matter from the alcohol with a pastry or cheesecloth. Make sure to store it in a dark glass jar and in a cool place or in the fridge.
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1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1/2 cup Sprouted Green Peas
1/4 cup Raw Pistachio
1/2 cup Chopped Kale
1/4 cup Raw Cashew Nuts
Melt cannaoil over low heat. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until they are mixed well. Squeeze a fresh lemon or lime, and pour juice over salad. This salad builds strong healthy blood in no time! Electric Stuffed Turkey Breast 3/4 cup Dried Apricots (diced)
3 cups Herbed Bread Stuffing
3/4 cup Dried Figs (diced)
1 1/2 cups Chicken Stock
3/4 cup Dried Cranberries
2 tbsp. Cannabis (chopped)
1/2 cup Brandy
2 tbsp. Rosemary (chopped)
4 tbsp. Cannabutter *
1/2 cup Pine Nuts (toasted)
4 cloves Garlic (chopped)
1/2 cup Cashew Nuts (toasted)
1 small Red Onions (diced)
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
1 cup Celery (diced)
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
3/4 pound Ground Pork Sausage
5 lbs Turkey Breast (butterflied)
3 tbsp. Cannabutter* (melted)
1 Large Egg (beaten)
Preheat oven to 325°F. Put a baking rack on a sheet pan. Place apricots, figs, and cranberries in a small saucepan, then pour in brandy and 1/2 cup water over fruit. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Melt 4 tbsp. of cannabutter in a large skillet over a low heat. Add garlic, onions, and celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes or until veggies are soft. Add ground pork, stirring regularly for 10 to 12 minutes, until mixture is cooked and golden brown. Add fruit with liquid; add rosemary, cannabis, pine nuts, and cashews. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Place stuffing mix in a large bowl. Add meat mixture, chicken
stock, beaten egg and mix well. Lay turkey breast – skin side down – on a cutting
Melt canna coconut oil on stovetop. Add almond butter and stir until both
board. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. Spread stuffing in a 1/2-inch-thick layer
are blended together well. Whisk in liquid stevia, milk chocolate, agave,
over meat, leaving a half-inch border on all sides. Don’t overstuff the turkey or it
and vanilla. Add cinnamon and stir until it blends evenly. Slowly stir in
will be difficult to roll. (Place the remaining stuffing in a greased baking pan and
carob and cacao a tablespoon at a time. The mixture should still be slight-
bake for the last 45 minutes alongside the turkey.) Roll turkey and tie well with
ly runny. Add hempseeds and sprinkles. The mixture should still run off
kitchen hemp twine. Place stuffed turkey breast – seam side down – on the rack
the spoon very slowly. Spoon into mini cupcake trays lined with cupcake
that rests on the sheet pan. Brush with melted cannabutter, sprinkle with salt and
liners. Pour in mixture halfway. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes. When
pepper, and roast for 2 hours or until thermometer reads 150°F in the center. Cov-
candies are set, pop out and store in a freezer safe container. Keep frozen
er turkey with aluminum foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 15
to enjoy as needed!
minutes. Carve 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve warm with the extra stuffing. “KIEF” is an age old way of extracting trichomes from plant material. Totally Baked Southern Corn Pudding
Kief is the product derived from the kiefing process. Kiefing is a method
4 Poblano Peppers
1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar
in which you rub dry trim, buds, and small leaves with crystals over a
4 tbsp. Cannabutter
4 cups Corn
silk screen. The THC glands will form a powder that comes through the
1 Yellow Onion (diced)
4 tbsp. Cilantro (chopped fresh)
screen, which is used in cooking or for smoking. It is usually a pale green
4 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
2 tbsp. Cannabis (finely chopped)
to light brown depending on the strain of the cannabis. Kief powder that
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
2 cups Dried Bread Crumbs
is pressed together is called hash.
1 tsp. Black Pepper
4 tbsp. Parsley (chopped fresh)
2 cups Whole Milk
1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
* Cannaoil is any high quality food grade oil such as coconut oil, hemp-
3 Eggs
3 tbsp. Sour Cream
seed oil, olive oil, canola oil that has been infused with high grade medi-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Put peppers over the flame of 1 of the burners on the
cal cannabis.
stove to roast. Cook by turning often with tongs until all of the skin is blistered
* Cannabutter is dairy butter that has been infused with high grade medi-
–about 15 minutes. Place peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam
cal cannabis.
for about 15 more minutes. When peppers are cool to touch, peel skin off, remove
The recipes for cannaoil and cannabutter can be found in the first copy of
seeds and stems, dice, and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp. of the cannabutter in a medium
NUG Magazine or online at www.motherearthcoop.com
sauté pan over low heat; add onions, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent – about 5 minutes, then set aside to cool. Heat milk in a small saucepan for about 3 minutes until it starts to slightly bubble. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and slowly add scalded milk. Whisk in sour cream and add in cheese, corn, peppers, onions, herbs, and cayenne pepper. Add mixture to a 9” x 13” greased baking dish and set aside. Place remaining 2 tbsp. of cannabutter in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat and add bread crumbs. Toss to coat bread crumbs, and then season with salt and pepper. Pour bread crumbs over the pudding and bake in preheated oven until bread crumbs are golden and the pudding is set and bubbling around the edges. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center and when it comes out clean, it’s done! Takes about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and serve. Cranberry Couchlock Chutney 4 tbsp. Cannabutter*
1 small Shallot (finely chopped)
2 Granny Smith Apples (diced)
1/2 Lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tsp. Thyme Leaves (chopped)
1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
1/2 cup Golden Raisins
2 tbsp. Organic Brown Sugar
3 cups Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup Walnuts (chopped)
Heat the cannabutter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add shallot, apples, and thyme; sauté until tender – about 3 minutes. Add raisins, cranberries, lemon zest and juice, orange juice, and brown sugar. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until mixture has thickened – about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve. Hempy Holiday Season Candy 1/4 cup Almond Butter
4 tbsp. Agave Nectar
1/4 cup Shelled Hempseeds
1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
1 cup Melted Canna Coconut Oil*
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 dropper Liquid Stevia
1/4 cup Cacao Powder
4 cups Organic Milk Chocolate
3/4 cup Roasted Carob Powder
Wishing you a hempy journey to a healthier you! Be kind to each other. Peace, Love & Gratitude -Kim
Stephen Hearn
GROW
Recently, I got to test out a bottle of the Heavy 16 foliar nutrient and was very impressed. As a one part bottle foliar spray, it’s easy to use and worked great! This product contains preformed photosynlets (organic complex carbohydrates produced by a plant), vitamins, amino acids, and four different forms of calcium. It also has a light dusting of micronutrients in it. The preformed photo-synlets By: The Guru Foliar feeding your plants is one of the most neglected pro- help balance the photosynthesis by providing cedures of plant care. A plant’s nutrient uptake is more ef- the missing photo-synlets, especially necessary ficient through their leaves, so why don’t more people do during times when the plant is stressed. If you’re this? The reason might be because they don’t fully under- going to transplant, take clones off a stock plant, stand how it works or know about the benefits of feeding in or even take indoor plants outside, try spraying Heavy 16 foliar nutrient and see for yourself this way. how well it works. Clones will be root quicker and Foliar feeding was proven to be efficient and beneficial by healthier, and the plant will maintain a higher methe advanced plant researcher Dr. H.B. from Turkey. By using tabolism rate when under high stress. They use radio labeled phosphorus and potassium, they were able to both synthetic and organic products to balance view the uptake and transport of these ions around the plant photosynthesis and the metabolism of the plant. through its leaves. The conclusion was that foliar feeding Heavy 16 foliar should be sprayed about once a increases the plant’s nutrient uptake and metabolism, and week through the vegetative stage and through the therefore can increase the productivity of the plant. If you 3rd week of flowering or stop once flower clusters could increase your productivity by a fair amount and have have formed. Heavy 16 foliar is not available on a healthier plant, wouldn’t you want to start foliar spraying the market yet, but should be very shortly. Check or ask your local shop about Heavy 16 foliar. your plants?
FOLIAR FEEDING AND WHY?
A plant is like a factory, every part of it has different jobs or functions. Everything starts with a photon of light from the sun or some source of artificial lighting. This is collected like a solar panel through the leaves, which store that energy as well as nutrients that the plant uptakes. These leaves produce, convert, and distribute almost all the energy throughout the plant. So by foliar spraying your leaves, it is a direct and immediate uptake, making it a more productive and efficient way of delivering nutrients to your plant. Foliar feeding is the process of spraying the plant with a liquid nutrient solution. This should only be done through the entire vegetative stage and through the 3rd week of flowering. Products like Dutch Master Liquid Light with Saturator or the Professional Foliar Feeding Nutrient from Heavy 16 (one of my favorites about ready to be released on the market) allow you to spray the plants with the lights on, but if you don’t have a wetting agent or surfactant in the mix, then don’t spray under intense or heavy lighting because it will burn the plants. Also, you should never spray every day – only about 1-2 times per week for any foliar spraying. Many times, when one foliar sprays, they can see the reaction like a supercharge of energy being injected into the plant. The leaves will usually stand upright for 45 minutes or so; the plant is exerting them and reaching for light. This is a good boost for the plant and results in healthier, faster growing plants. 54 | NUGMAG.COM
Since it is the holiday season and many of you don’t know what to get your friends for Christmas, try getting them a foliar feed product like Heavy 16. Those who have not been using a foliar spray are not getting the most out of their plants. Give one to a grower for Christmas and they will love you for it.
The Big Book of Buds Volume 4, is out now By Dion Markgraaff
NUG Magazine takes a look at the expanding cannabis varieties chronicled in Ed Rosenthal’s The Big Book of Buds Vol. 4. When marijuana laws pushed production underground, intensive breeding programs flourished, making cannabis one of the most extensively bred plants on the globe. The Big Book of Buds series is a one-of-kind guide to the highs, smells, tastes and cultivation preferences of hundreds of marijuana strains. Buds 4 showcases some of the best new strains and the revival of some lost favorites. From the Guru of Ganja himself, Ed Rosenthal, this book is a high quality documentation of what is happening with different types of cannabis plants today. Ed’s new work makes an informative and eye-catching coffee table book. This collection of years of labor and travel, details information for the connoisseur, yet has simple, beautiful pictures that everyone can appreciate. It covers 86 new strains and has quick reference icons that provide immediate visual comparisons so you can find exactly what you want to grow or smoke. The varieties are broken down into different sensory qualities. If you like
Photo: AMS by Greenhouse Seed Co. NUGMAG.COM | 57
a soaring and cerebral high, check out Green House Thai or Titan’s Haze. Prefer a body stone or full-on couchlock? Read about Herijuana or Easy Rider. An index in the back lists the strains by cultivation style so a grower can easily find the varieties they want. This book also gives a glimpse inside Oaksterdam University, the United State’s first cannabis career college, where Ed is one of the most esteemed professors. It shows the renaissance of cannabis culture in mainstream media, cultivation techniques from leaders in the industry, and homage to the late Hemperor, Jack Herer. The fourth edition of the The Big Book of Buds series adds to what are certainly the best resource books for cannabis varieties available today. The Big Book of Buds Vol. 4 features 86 new varieties from over 20 different seed companies. It is now available at select bookstores and at www.quicktrading.com. Photos provided courtesy of Ed Rosenthal’s The Big Book of Buds Vol. 4
The best cannabis book store in San Diego is in the back of The Black headshop in Ocean Beach
Jack F6-A sativa-dominant Jack Herer variety by Sannie’s Seeds
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Photo: Vortex by TGA Seeds - Winner of the 2010 High Times Medical Cup
For this issue, we decided to spread some holiday cheer and give our Chronisseur an early Christmas treat by adding an extra sample to his bag of goodies. Among this month’s submissions were: Godzukie, New York Sour Diesel, Fire Purps, and Pineapple. Of course, we weren’t at all surprised when he didn’t complain about the extra workload! He also took a break to be a judge at the 2nd Annual San Diego Medical Cup alongside B-Real of Cypress Hill, Pakelika the Visual Assassin, Yukmouth, and others. Hopper said, between the seven strains he judged at the SD Cup and the four strains he reviewed for Nug Magazine, “I am so excited to see that the San Diego medical cannabis community continues to grow and maintain quality and consistency for the patients who rely on us.”
Godzukie: (Sunset Coast Cooperative) “Excellent in appearance. Nice dense nug, clearly grown with love and care. Also appears to have been excellently cured. Rich green coloring. It’s hefty like Bullrider and glistening with trichromes and beautiful red hairs. As soon as I smelled this one, I understood why I’ve heard it’s Bullrider crossed with G-13. Very similar in aroma to the original Bullrider. Lemony, pine-sol goodness! I can’t wait to sample the Godzukie. I can already tell I’m going to dig it! Packs a very expansive hit, again with a lemon/pine flavor. The aroma of the exhales lingers in the room and smells way better than any air freshener in a can! Hits head and body at the same time with a nice, consistent high. I would recommend this strain to a patient in need of pain relief, whether it be for chronic pain or temporary relief due to injury, etc. I give a definite green thumb up to the grower of this one. The rest of this sample probably won’t last too long around here, that’s how much I like it!”
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New York Sour Diesel: (Sunset Coast Cooperative) “Oh, how I love the Sour D! I’ll go as far as to say that this one was grown with near perfection. Absolutely beautiful! Some of the densest I’ve seen. Dark green coloring with a few lighter tones, and perfect little red hairs. Aroma is simply stellar. Has that nice distinctive sour smell. Smooth, but very flavorful hit. I can tell it was well flushed. Not harsh at all, just a clean Sour Diesel flavor. Not to be redundant, but I have to give this grower a green thumb up as well. This is one of the best samples I’ve been given so far. I got a more cerebral, thought-provoking high out of the New York Sour Diesel, which is a characteristic that I really enjoy. It’s not a “couchlock” strain that will keep you in bed, rather a daytime medicine that would be great for pain or stress management. Overall A+.”
Fire Purps: (30th Street Collective) “This one is new to me, I’ve never heard of the Fire Purps. Tight little nugs, but not much purpling. Maybe due to lack of temperature fluctuation, which is what brings out the purple coloring. Appears to have been commercially grown and has a floral aroma. I guess I’d say it is similar to Purple Urkle. Now onto the ultimate test: the hit. I did get a nice cough out of it. Not much of a distinct flavor, although it was pleasant, it was also slightly harsh. Has a mild to moderate high that hits the body more so than the mind. The Fire Purps may be good for a new patient to start with before moving on to a stronger purple strain, such as GDP.”
Pineapple: (30th Street Collective) “As soon as I cracked open this jar, I swear it smelled like I had just cracked open a fresh pineapple! Very sweet-smelling. Nice tight buds, lighter shade of green. Once I cracked a nug open, there were tons of shiny trichromes. Can’t wait to see if this one tastes as good as it smells! It does taste very sweet and coats the tongue. Definitely lives up to its name, so I guess it’s a good thing that I like pineapples! For what it lacks in appearance, it makes up for in flavor. I guess you could say that the Pineapple has inner beauty, which is absolutely a good quality to have! It gave me a head change for sure. A positive, happy high. Would be great to medicate with after a long stressful day at the office.”
As another session with The Chronisseur ended, I asked Hopper what the highlight of the past year has been for him. “Seeing patients progress and recover from the diseases, injuries, and other conditions that bring them to The Green Door is an amazing thing. But what really sticks out in my mind is how much the patients care for others. Last year, we were overwhelmed by the amount of donations we collected for the San Diego Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Judging by the amount we have already collected this season, I think we are going to top last year. Those are the things that really make me smile.” Story by: Pamela Jayne | Nug Shots by: M.K. Jack | Photos by: Phil Calvin for SCR Photos
Photo By: Jennifer Martinez
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By: Ben G. Rowin On Sunday, November 14th, we were among the many in attendance at the 2nd Annual SD Medical Cup. During the set by The Green Brothers, Claude Nine asked the crowd how they were feeling tonight and someone yelled out “FREE!” That statement struck my core; that’s exactly how I was feeling that night. It was an amazing evening with live performances, raffles, celebrity strain judging, and finally some FREEDOM! Guests in attendance were all qualified patients 21years of age and older, so the venue was gracious enough to allow consumption on site. Smoke corrupted the air to a capacity I had not seen in quite a while. The collectives competing in the cup were Cloud 9, The Green Lantern, California’s Best Meds, California’s Finest, The Kind Co-Op, The Beach and Fresh Selection. California’s Best Meds, The Beach, and California’s Finest were the collectives that also had booths, and they were having a great time talking to patients! Our friends at 420 Football had a booth, but also parked a Party Bus outside the venue where patients could take a stab at playing 420 Football. There was a hash bar in the back with some of the greatest concentrate pipes I have ever seen…check out my product review for more info. The kitchen and bar were open during the event to remedy the cravings and cottonmouths of medicating patients. I got happy when I noticed less people were drinking than at a non-cannabis event. Nothing irritates me more than a belligerent drunk ruining my good time! The crowd was mellow to say the least! But people were excited to see the bands and get together with other patients to have a good time without the fear of being arrested or judged by non-patients.
Ponyboy The Chronisseur
Pakelika
Yukmouth Photos By: Jennifer Martinez
DJ Unite from Tribe of Kings kept the beats going all night and the celebrities came out in full force to support the event and chill with the patients. All were accessible to patients who wanted to take a photo or just to shake hands with them. B-Real from Cypress Hill came out and made sure to stop by the NUG Magazine booth to say what up. The infamous Meen Green and the Swisher Streets Crew were on site to hang and perform. They never miss a chance to come out and support the cannabis community. The first performance of the night was Ditch, who tore up the stage and got the crowd warmed up, and he was followed up by The Green Brothers who were super tight!
B-Real
Eventually, the event took a small break from the music to allow the Celebrity Judging to take place. A long table and some chairs were set up on the stage and the guys rolled in to roll up the strains that were submitted for the event. In the first chair was Pakelika from the KottonMouth Kings. Next to him was our very own Chronisseur, Hopper from The Green Door, then “Kandy Man”, who is the creator of the strain Kings Kandy and the past winner of the Doesha Cup. Meen Green was in the next seat, sitting next to Brett Bouge, 7 time High Times Cannabis Cup winner! And last but not least was Pony Boy from Los Marijuanos, who not only judged, but did double duty as MC. I can’t just slide by this though…I have to take some space to tell the NUG readers about Pony Boy! He KILLED it as MC! If I throw an event, Pony is on the ticket FOR SURE! This guy is charismatic, funny, and held the audiences attention while all the strains were tested. Great Job Pony! Aaron Evans The Green Brothers
After some deliberation, the winners of the evening were announced: 3rd place went to Fresh Selection for their “Super Lemon Haze” 2nd place went to The Green Lantern for their “OG Skywalker”
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And the winner of the 2010 SD Medical Cup was The Beach Collective with their “Michael Phelps”
After the winners were announced, some members from The Beach joined the judges on stage to roast what had to be the fattest joint I have ever seen! Performances started back up with RD and Venus performing together for the first time. I have to say it was one of my favorites for the night, and to my dear friend Venus, “You are the Shizzle! Keep singing girl!” They were followed up by Swisher Streets, and then SL500 of Wax Click took the stage. Los Marijuanos did a set and then the night was closed out with a performance by Yukmouth! All in all, this was one of the best events I have been to in 2010, and we were proud to be a part of it. Other people agreed and the emails started pouring in the next day, here are a few: The Kind Cookery says, “GREAT SHOW!” thanks for having us! B-Real of Cypress Hill said, “Thanks to strain #4, I enjoyed myself” Yukmouth said, “I definitely want to keep working with you on any smoke events!” “Count on us, Please!” DJ Unite from Tribe of Kings only had two words, “Phenomenal” & “Legendary” Rollie from Pure Hemp rolling papers said, “Call us for all your events!” My advice is DON’T sleep on this event next year!
Bert Susanka
and the Astronaut Love Triangle By: Remington Ross If you don’t know who Bert Susanka is, you should! And chances are you’ve heard the name. Maybe you heard it mentioned in the Sublime song “Greatest Hits” or heard his song “Big Salty Tears” covered by Bradley on Sublime’s Acoustic Album. Maybe you know him from the band The Ziggens, who Bert has been singing and playing guitar for since the early 90’s and touring up and down Southern California with. And maybe you’ve heard of his new project Bert Susanka & the Astronaut Love Triangle. Somehow, inbetween shows with The Ziggens, doing acoustic shows opening for The Dirty Heads, and working in the studio on his follow-up solo album to 2007’s “Onward Christian Slater”, Bert had time to answer some questions from NUG.
NUG: After years of playing with The Ziggens, what made you want to do some solo albums? Bert: The Ziggen mates are all busy with different projects, so I had some time to think about a solo project (or 2). NUG: Can we expect the follow up to “Onward Christian Slater” to sound a little different since you have a backing band now? Bert: This album will be different because it’s a band now. That makes it exciting. A couple of the tracks will even be written by other members. NUG: Rob Perez, Jason O’Donnell & Adam Hankinson are the Astronaut Love Triangle, where did that come from? Bert: Google it!!! NUG: You recently did some shows opening for Matisyahu, The Dirty Heads, and Sublime with Rome, what was it like to do shows with Bud and Eric again? Bert: Amazing! Jammed on the bus with Eric, who joined me on stage for two of the shows. Sax player, Todd of Sublime with Rome, joined me on all the shows except one. I was on Bud’s bus; he is a great person who I enjoy spending time with. Rome is super talented. It was a great experience opening up for them. I got even fatter!!! NUG: And you did those shows acoustic, can we expect a Bert Susanka Acoustic Album some time in the future? Bert: No plans for an acoustic record, but there will always be plenty of acoustic songs mixed in with the rock format. NUG: Any new Ziggens albums in the future? Bert: A member’s wife talked to me about it recently. I believe it’ll happen down the road. NUG: I heard you helped start Skunk Records? Bert: I didn’t really start Skunk. Michael “Miguel” Happoldt played in The Ziggens at the time, and he started Skunk. We got in on the ground floor, but it was Michael’s brainchild. NUG: Anyone in San Diego you want to give a shout out to? Bert: I want to give a shout out to the late Country Dick Montana.
By. George Alberts
The Crypticon Classified Concept Album Company utilizes studio musician and producer talent to create original albums. Instead of fostering bands and singers, Crypticon’s goal is to generate creative beat making sessions and create unique concept albums that focus on complex and dynamic musical structures. It’s a streamlined production process that happens in a home studio, where they can burn the midnight oil and really engage in all those creative hours of beat-making magic. This label will continually make provocative and interesting music programs for people that operate like movies in their conceptual and linear nature. Snaps Provolone founded Crypticon Records in 2000, and developed the label while working for Suburban Noize Records until 2003. Doing album art for the Kottonmouth Kings and other bands for years as well as working with Capitol Records gave Snaps the insight into what makes a record label work. Working closely with Kevin Zinger from Sub Noize/SRH was a great opportunity and learning experience. It allowed the Crypticon label to be crafted from experiencing another label’s battles. Snaps learned to make conceptual studio albums that relied on their special and specific creativity to push them into the zone of creating fans that wanted more of these productions. Removing the band and the touring element freed up the palate for concept albums to be made. This also kept costs low enough to run on a shoestring budget out of the home while continually putting out great music. While working on the label’s first album –The Labmaster Trilogy – Snaps had creative break68 | NUGMAG.COM
throughs in the sound construction landscape and came to the realization that albums could be made from almost any concept, idea, or event. Sound collections were built up from TV, radio, records, tapes, VHS/DVD’s, and any other source that was recordable. Audio manipulation and sound design are the initial elements of album making. Working directly with producers and musicians, Snaps Provolone is able to make these records with a level of quality that has reliability across genres and concepts. These producers or the Producer Syndicate are the most valuable assets to the Crypticon arsenal. These artists and their creativity make up the Crypticon roster, and they are the musicians in this “Band of Producers”. “They are called upon for specific beats and are encouraged to make their own projects, come up with ideas, and develop album artwork. The only rule to creativity around here is: Don’t stifle yourself with rules! Expand your techniques and manipulate the technologies because they are there to be messed with,” says Snaps. As long as the sounds come out interesting and new, they’re accomplishing their goal. “The grey area here, for subjectivity, is gigantic, so we have the open forum to fill in the blanks with literally millions of options. We carefully pick and craft those options to make a great, memorable recording.” Another important asset to the label is Slade Brunner, who was noticed early on at the Seedless Clothing Morena Warehouse, beat-boxing, smacking boxes and tables while working by Snaps Provolone as the Seedless compilation was being produced. Taken under the Crypticon wing and nurtured to make his wicked skills come alive, Slade Brunner began his tenure as Master Beatsmith in the old Crypticon Dungeonworks in Pacific Beach around 2003. He continually makes epic music and works smoothly with the business plan at Crypticon HQ, where beats only make the cut if they’re good and follow the guidelines of the project. Slade brought his producer friends, Boy Elroy and Rocco the Razor, to the table in the producer pyramid and filtered their music to make Snaps’ job easier in sequencing, mixing, and mastering projects. Slade Brunner holds the # 2 spot in the Crypticon Records Producer Syndicate, making him a very valuable asset to the future of creative music production! Stop by and support him while getting new shoes at the Seedless Warehouse Outlet in Ocean Beach, where Slade works by day to fit in and balance out his late-night music marauding persona. He’ll make sure you get some stickers! NUG was able to get a little feedback on a couple of questions we thought could simplify the notion behind this incredible label.
What are Concept Albums and how do you go about coming up with ideas? I didn’t start the label with the intention of doing what it became – concept albums, but just to make records I wanted to listen to. I always thought I was good at picking out what didn’t work in a song, production, or whole album, or the wrong person in a band even. When it came to putting out my own music experiments, what I wanted ended up filtering into specific album themes. Music entertainment should work like movies do. They are both engines that operate a linear story and/or series of emotions based in the art of connecting with the spirit-side of the human brain, which react to art and the beautiful things in life that inspire and engage. I design albums with funny names or concepts that I think can operate like a movie. To me, I don’t want to put things out with space between the tracks or jarring changes in style or sounds. With music, you can make millions of layered decisions, but they must work well in time, on a subjective level translated over many types of personal subjectivity. This isn’t a game you get into to please people. I do this because I want to listen to my own albums that are made with their own rules and guidelines that invoke specific feelings, moods, and locations – all within the confines of a stereo audio recording.
What messages are you trying to convey to your audience? I try not to push any specific messages other than the conveyances of the music’s design, but positivity in our recording projects is key. The Battle Plan of New Angeles is all about the destruction of L.A. in 2013 and its reformation into New Angeles, but that’s a bit of a salty crust on top compared to the War-Hop I shove down your throat pretty hard. I love the apocalypse because we all eventually need to embrace it. Hinting at these things is potentially negative, but can also be considered preparation and schooling for the CHAOS OF INEVITABILITY. Everyone with working ears is a potential audience for us. The subjectivity officially reigns in the numbers, but not everyone is going to like what we do. By segregating our sounds into themes, we can have fans that love the classic organic nature of the Italian Smoke Squad, but hate the spaced out sounds on Smoke Signals from Beyond! I happen to love them, and my primary principle is: if I like it, it should generally have an equivalent audience spectrum that likes it as well.
New projects can be inspired by movies, random TV samples, or a character/genre of an era. Zeitgeist is a good pool to choose from, and often times the beat will dictate an album. I heard an Aladdin-type beat Slade Brunner built that inspired me to develop an ancient Old World Overlords album of distinct beats and samples from Egyptian lore, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern instruments. One of his beats sounded like a leprechaun was lurking in a forest banging on a pot of gold, so I am (hardly) trying to work a full album around Irish drinking songs. A single song can open the gates for a call out to my producers to make songs of that specific theme for a whole album. I have many albums on deck just waiting to be crafted the way our fans and future-fans will want and deserve.
Crypticon’s album catalog includes: The BATTLE PLAN of NEW ANGELES (2010), J STARR (2009), SPACE LOUNGE SYNDICATE (2007), The ITALIAN SMOKE SQUAD (2005), SMOKE SIGNALS FROM BEYOND! (2005), CROWD NOISE (2004), and LABMASTER TRILOGY (2002)
For more information on the label check out: http://www.myspace. com/thecrypticon, http://www.youtube.com/cryptnet, http://www. soundcloud.com/Crypticon, or http://crypticon.blogspot.com/
OUR PRODUCER SYNDICATE CONSISTS OF THESE FINE & TALENTED STUDIO WIZARDS: Snaps Provolone; General Green/Green Merlin/Slade Brunner/ Mikey Meathooks; Boy Elroy; Coppercat; Moses Operandi; Rocco the Razor/Wolfman Zack; J Starr (RIP & always in our production souls!); Mr. Vendetta; Xenon Fox; AL9000 CORE DJ & Musician Friends: Grammaton Cleric – Saxophone, Reeds & Wit; DJ Jib – Turntable and Vocal Sampleslayer; Kingsley – Live DJ who will play the new Slade Brunner album; DJ Atari – 80’s DJ who will play the new Slade Brunner album; DJ Fingaz – We use his break beats & he will play the new Slade Brunner album also; Coastal Eddie & Bobby No Dinero – Black-Ops Support & DJ promos; Tricky Marinara – Scratch Samples and Mayhem; Dr. Fluty, N8, Tommy T, Chazz McChuck – Guitars and other Rare Audio Gems All albums are available on iTunes and on many other sites from Rhapsody to Napster and beyond! Also the CD’s are at Ernie B’s Reggae Distribution, the largest of their kind. They have the only physical copies of my 12” vinyl release – Soundscape Series: Ambient Battle Samples – available online at http://www.ebreggae.com/Record-Label/741/1/1/A/Crypticon.html
From Left to Right: Slade Brunner, Snaps Provalone, Bane
NEWS ALERT!!! All albums including our vinyl release are now available locally at ACCESS MUSIC in Pacific Beach. Go visit the store and get a free Seedless Compilation CD with any Crypticon purchase (quantities are limited and will not last!) – Music makes a great gift! 1537 Garnet on the South side between Ingraham and Jewel – also check out their website for more album information: http://www.accesshiphop.com
By: Robert Stinson Michael Cry’s side project My Escape took 4th & B by storm on October 28th, which cemented their position as wild flowers in San Diego’s bourgeoning rock scene. This came as the result of a brief hiatus Mike took as bassist for VAST (Visual Audio Sensory Theater), best known for their blend of ambient infused electro rock mixed with soulful acoustic ballads. Under the direction of Elektra records, VAST exploded onto the rock scene when their single “Touched” was featured in the movie “The Island” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. After the success of their self-titled first album, lead singer John Crosby took the band in a whole new direction with “Music for the People”, a collection of lush and solemn soundscapes that garnered them airplay when MTV premiered their video for the single “Free”. Michael’s odyssey into the heart of darkness began in Oceanside with his first band Brothers from Another Planet. Their regional tours saw them play alongside acts such as The Abuse (r.i.p. Paulette), Kings X, Living Colour, Deftones, and System of a Down. During this time, the band lived exclusively for the music, touring all over the country to sold out arenas. This live fast, die hard mentality resulted in the band taking a vacation from the road while the members regroup and explore other artistic outlets. NUG caught up with Mike backstage at 4th & B. What were the events that led up to VAST’s decision to take a hiatus from touring? Mike: We all wanted to take a breather from the band and experience real life. For the last few years, we 70 | NUGMAG.COM
have been living exclusively for the music and not really living our own lives. John and I have been working on our own material that is not connected to VAST. That being said, we will probably get back together within a season. What would you consider the “smoking gun” that cemented your decision to embark on your journey as My Escape? Mike: It stemmed from the fact that I had a ton of material that I have been writing over the years. I wanted to do my own project with another group; I have received a lot of encouragement from John. We have been working together in VAST for the past seven years. On that note, what classifies your sound as being quintessentially North County? Mike: I wanted to bring an edge to the music scene and do something diametrically different from the same proscribed San Diego sound. You hear a lot of punk, metal, Ska and reggae, but I have a different vision of the future. What made you guys choose the name My Escape? Mike: My bandmates and I were throwing around names and it kind of stuck because we are all trying to get away from the drudgery of everyday life in some way. It also refers to the idea of disconnection and irony in social networking. People are becoming more self-indulgent and detached from the outside world. That is the interesting thing about our logo, which is ME with the e turned inwards symbolizing our belief that the world is turning in on itself instead of realizing that we are all connected on a spiritual level. I was particularly moved by your first single “Prideful”. Could you expand a little on the creative process behind this song? Mike: That is a really interesting story actually. At the time, I had a lot of issues pertaining to my faith and family. I had an experience where I met a relative in an attempt to find out about my father, who wasn’t around when I
was growing up. What I found shook me to the core, because I realized that I had nothing in common with these people; my mother raised me with different values. Essentially, this is what the song is about, finding home and appreciating where you come from. Some of your tracks have a jagged rhythm to them that is juxtaposed with synthesizers and blended with down tempo beats, could you tell us the reasoning behind this? Mike: I try to produce songs that I would want to hear. With these songs, I wanted to explore the duality of human nature while adding dissonance to the music. I feel this is honest because no emotion is pure, there is always bourgeoning passions hidden underneath. So in essence, I am trying to convey what I am feeling with the audience. I wanted to blend elements of R&B and heavy metal with aspects of industrial music to create an experience as opposed to the same contrived pop music.
Who would you cite as being the biggest influence on your music? Mike: I’m really into Angelo Badalamenti, who scores most of David Lynch’s films such as “Fire Walk with Me” and “Lost Highway”, and of course, Trent Reznor!
What was the wackiest moment you had on tour with VAST? Mike: We were playing a gig in Madison, Wisconsin, and I was taken into the bowels of this club to meet the Hanson brothers. After that, we ran into them in New York and did some song writing together. The whole experience was incredibly strange and random, plus they were really nice guys, which is hard to come by in this industry. What was it like playing Austin City Limits with VAST. Mike: We actually shared the stage with Thomas Dolby of “She Blinded Me with Science” fame. The whole experience was mind bending.
Michael Cry - Vocals | Cameron Pangborn - Guitar Justin Halle - Bass | Paul Shelford - Drums
What is your perspective on the issue of decriminalization of marijuana in California? Mike: I believe that the possession of marijuana is a fundamental right. I am all for civil liberties for all people!
What is next for My Escape? Mike: The usual, make a video, write more songs to complete the album while playing as many gigs as we can locally before branching out to bigger and better things.
Brian Dombrowksy paints landscapes with oils that would make Bob Ross proud. His fervent color palette has an incredible warming effect that draws you in, making you feel all cozy and happy inside. In addition to painting traditional landscapes, Brian is an artist of many talents who dabbles in a wide range of different mediums. He is a master sculptor with a BFA in Fine Arts and a BA in Graphic Design from Oregon State University. He has also served our country in Germany, spending a past enlistment in the Army. While Brian creates many paintings that your grandmother might enjoy and approve of, he also has a darker side where he explores a world far from the land of his colorful landscapes and “happy trees”. He was more than happy to answer a few questions for us when we recently met up with him at his studio in the Gaslamp to talk more about his art. Where were you raised? I was born and raised in Oregon. I grew up in a small mill town on the Columbia River named Westport; the population is about 250 or so. What brought you out to San Diego? I came to San Diego 12 years ago with my now ex-wife. She was pursuing a Master’s at San Diego State.
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It was either here or Michigan; my vote was could be broken down pretty easily on these for here. After we split, I had grown roots and same lines. made friends, so I stuck around. How long have you been doing your How would you categorize or describe art? I was a creative child, but there weren’t a lot the type of art that you do? I think I fall into a few categories. I call most of of outlets for me growing up in a small town. my work Pop Noir or Dark Pop. I have heard I was always a doodler, but had to settle for it referred to as Pop Surrealism, which I liked. band and drama to fill those creative voids. I think it could most accurately be described When I started college, after a stint in the as Allegory Painting. I like to tell stories by Army, I decided to become a graphic designer. setting up a scene, similar to the illustrations It seemed like a good choice since I was arone might see in a children’s book. Most of the tistic and all. Up to that point, I had never had themes are either social or religious in their an art class. I was exposed to a lot of fine art commentary. They almost always contain classes while pursuing that degree and they humor, but on the dark side of funny. I like to infected me – slowly at first, and eventually alllaugh and people are funny critters. I like to consuming. Although I’ve been doing art for 20 leave the story slightly open to interpretation. years, this incarnation of my work kicked off My opinion is definitely there, but when it is about 10 years or so ago, when I really started open, it really pulls more interaction from the exploring my interest in painting. viewer and makes it a more dynamic transaction. I paint a lot of landscapes as well, which What motivates you and gets your wheels turning on your next creative idea? Mostly observation. I see or hear things on the streets or in the media that deftly articulate the human condition, and that’s what gets the wheels turning. For example, my painting “Cry Havoc in the Name of the Lord” was inspired by a quote from Jerry Falwell. He was talking to Larry King and said in reference to terrorists that “the President should hunt them down and kill them all in the name of the Lord”. Shortly after that, Pat Robertson was calling for the assassination of Hugo Chavez. – I mean, did these guys even read the New Testament? I get all kinds of juicy when I hear that level of hypocrisy in anything; politics, religion or otherwise.
What is “Monkey Art Star” all about? My Chinese zodiac is the monkey, and thanks to Mike Myers, that cheeky monkey, I started making everything monkey for awhile – from my silly monkey of a cat down to, well, just about anything. So my friends started calling me monkey. When I was looking for my domain name, after literally hours of cool or professional sounding names being tossed out due to a lack of originality, I shouted “I am the Monkey Art Star!”. You have to say it like Jim Morrison, when he exclaims, “I am the lizard king!”. I figured something that obscure and goofy had to be original, fortunately or unfortunately as it was. Any embarrassing or not so embarrassing experiences or stories you would like to talk about since you’ve been doing your art? One time, when I was part of the Voice 1156 Gallery, Shepard Fairie’s dog took a dump in my room. I don’t know what he thinks of my work, but I know what his dog does. What is your favorite thing that you like to do in San Diego?
I really enjoy Balboa Park. It is the jewel of San Diego. Whether it’s a museum or just wandering around, I’ve had many interesting experiences there. Where can one buy your artwork? My work can be purchased directly from me. My website is www.monkeyartstar.com and I can be reached via email at brian@monkeyartstar.com. Send me an e-mail and we can talk terms. It can also be purchased from Lestat’s Coffee House in Normal Heights or next door at The Art of Framing. What do you see in the future for your artwork and where would you like to go with it? So far...every painting is slightly better than the last. It would be nice if that trend continued. I am becoming more interested in portraits; that’s new for me. I think I will be exploring those for a bit, then who knows. There are so many things to do with art that it is impossible to get bored with it, so I am enjoying the exploration. Any upcoming shows you would like to shoot out there? I have a group show at Visual Artist Supply, 3524 Adams Ave. It is called “Delusional Hierarchy” and it opens on December 11th from 6pm until midnight. I also have work on rotation at Lestat’s in Normal Heights. If you could give any advice to any up and coming artists, what would it be? Participate! Don’t hide away making art your whole life. Put yourself out into the scene and start meeting people. Go to shows and look for shows to participate in, or make your own. We can cry about favoritism and nepotism all we want, but it is human nature that extends opportunities to those around us that we know and/or respect. Thank you so much for your time. We very much look forward to seeing your art around.
The Plight of Our Brothers and Sisters
By: Robert Stinson As we recently observed Veterans Day, let us not forget that we live in a nation where lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and transgendered people continue to serve in silence for fear of being exposed and subsequently discharged under the military’s current “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.
On October 19th, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction on DADT was temporarily acknowledged by the Pentagon. In response, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco indefinitely extended its freeze on Judge Philips’ order. This same panel of judges was responsible for a temporary hold on DADT while they challenge the ruling that the policy is unconstitutional. Conservatives argue that open homosexuality weakens the morale of U.S. troops. It is their contention that this policy will hinder the military’s ability to recruit and retain enlisted men. To add insult to injury, The Union Tribune quoted Gen-
eral James F. Amos as saying, “There is nothing more intimate than combat, and when you’re talking infantry, we are talking about young men laying out sleeping alongside one another and sharing death and fear and the loss of their brothers.” This statement alludes to the current protocol of placing two marines to a bunk, a policy that, according to Amos, could be compromised with the passing of DADT. In direct opposition to this argument, NBC News released a secret Pentagon poll that showed only a small minority of U.S. troops actually object to serving alongside gays and lesbians. In response, Rep. Susan Davis stated, “If the survey shows by and large, with exceptions of course, that it’s not a big deal for people, then I would hope...that perhaps people would have a greater readiness.” In a gallant effort to stifle opposition to DADT, Dan Choi, a West Point graduate, Arab linguist and son of a Baptist minister, came out of the closet on the “Rachel Maddow Show”. What followed was a smear campaign surprisingly conducted by the Village Voice that painted Dan in a less than flattering light. Despite this, he continues to tour the country spreading his message of hope. In addition, Dan made an appeal directly to the Obama Administration on his website stating that he “Implores President Obama and his Justice Department to refuse lifting a finger, refrain from wasting any energy, statements, or money defending ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ in the court system.” For this issue of NUG, I interviewed Abby, an employee for the Constitutional Wellness Center while moonlighting as a talented published poet. She opened the book on a subject that many of us only understand in the abstract – the plight of our transsexual brothers and sisters. What first attracted you to the medical marijuana field? Abby: I had friends who experienced joint pain, and for them, smoking substantially relieved it. With being transgendered, there comes an exponential amount of stress and feelings of rejection. Marijuana in conjunction with therapy can soothe these anxieties much better than psychotropic drugs. Could you tell us what it means to be a pre-op transsexual? Abby: A pre-op is someone who is considering or is in the process of transitioning into one’s appropriate gender. Until I moved to San Diego, I had never heard of another class of transgendered people called non-ops, who literally won’t have the operation at all. As a matter of fact, our own Mrs. Trans San Diego is a non-op. She has never taken hormones or elected for any surgeries and she looks fabulous! Isn’t there a protocol that one usually sticks to when going through this kind of metamorphosis? Abby: It’s called the Harry Benjamin Protocol, which is a series of steps we Trans Folk have to take in order to receive the care and get the surgeries that we so desperately need. It also makes sure that we are psychologically ready for the change while helping our doctors weed out patients who may have compound issues they are choosing to deal with by opting for surgery. There is a reason why the suicide rate in my community is so high. The hoops we have to jump through to get essential services can be ridiculous. Though, over the years, the protocol has changed a bit to our benefit. I would be more than pleased if the powers that be got rid of them all together. I know what I am, I know what I want, and I don’t need to be endlessly psychoanalyzed to prove it. It borders on stupidity.
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I love your tattoos by the way, could you tell us a little more about them? Abby: I used to say they were a bad excuse to get women to like me. The truth is, I love getting tattoos and after a while it becomes an addiction. If I got the money back that I spent on all my tattoos, I might be further along in my transition. My knuckles say “Lone Star”, that is my son’s middle name.
last one), I thought it was the only thing I could do – be honest with myself and others. I figured people would rally around me, but to my surprise, they did not. I like to say it was “awesome and devastating” at the same time. I lost a lot of friends and family, but at least I know where I stand, and I figure that’s a good thing.
Wow, you are an incredibly brave woman! When you came to San Diego did people welcome you with open arms or did You have a son? you experience a lot of discrimination? Abby: I actually have two sons. It’s amazing you don’t realize your capac- Abby: San Diego has welcomed me with open arms, but closed doors. ity for love until you have children. They now live in Texas with my ex-wife. I applied for over 1000 jobs before I landed one. I hid in my apartment, When I came out to her, she said that she couldn’t be with me because she which I share with my sister, for the first six months I lived here. Then, I wasn’t a lesbian, and I replied, “Neither am I.” discovered Tracie O’Brian and started attending her weekly groups. At that time, I found the CENTER in Hillcrest – what a godsend. I attended Could you explain more in depth what it was like growing up weekly meetings there until work prevented me from doing so. I miss the transgendered? How did your family react? meetings, but I know there is a seat saved for me when I return....I hope! Abby: When I was young, very young, I felt different. What I felt, I don’t think you could call “transgendered”; I felt more like an alien. There was Yet, you seem to have found your niche in the medical marinot much diversity in my community (Mammoth Lakes), so I had noth- juana community. ing and no one to compare myself to. When looking in the mirror, I saw Abby: Yes, my bosses at 6111 Constitutional Wellness Center are amaza face and knew it was my face, but it didn’t FEEL like MY face. It was... ing! They understand that there are certain times when I have to leave alien. I started cross-dressing when I was about five or so, and that was work to go to clinics, pick up prescriptions, or to get my hormone injecsquashed immediately. Also, the way I sat – legs crossed like a girl – was tions. They are 100% behind me and plan to be there for me when I have “corrected”. I didn’t discover I was transgendered until I watched an epi- my final surgery. sode of “The Geraldo Rivera Show”, where he had Trans Folk on – it must have been “sweeps” week! I watched and listened with such concentration What is your favorite strain at your collective? that my mother said, “You should see the look of disgust on your face.” Abby: The Lemon OG Kush is by far my favorite. It quickly takes away Well, it wasn’t disgust, it was a cathartic moment. I’m Trans! At least now I the anxiety. had a name for it. I hid my cross-dressing from my family the best I could, but had been caught in compromising situations. I built an image for my- What is your reaction to the failure of Prop. 19? self, took boxing classes, played soccer, and skied anything with snow on Abby: I would have liked to see it pass. It did not escape me that so it. I was a hard drinking, bar room brawling, drug snorting, woman chasing many people voted FOR the proposition. It’s only a matter of time before man! – At least that’s what most people thought. At night, when no one the language in future legislation changes to “allow” a proposition like this was around, I could be found in a leather skirt or high heel shoes. When I to pass. finally “came out” after 3 failed suicide attempts (I flat-lined 3 times on the
performing arts portal
As an east coast native, I still find the holiday times interesting over here in this warm climate. I’m going on my third winter here, and the Ocean Beach Christmas tree and Horton Plaza’s giant Poinsettia tree are two of my favorite decorations. The obligatory San Diego Christmas palm trees are endearing as well. Here in the performing arts world, many companies are pumping out some seasonal treats and adding to the holiday spirit. Consider some of these performances while planning your family time or entertaining out of town visitors! Performances mentioned are available at www.sdArtsTix. com, and many have discounts exclusively through Arts Tix! Diversionary Theatre is doing a play that got a chuckle out of me after hearing the title: Santa Claus is Coming Out. But an important entity has this to say: “This isn’t a clumsy parody, but a sensitive, imaginative tale that really is about a boy’s realization that he is different. Mr. Solomon portrays an amazing range of characters, all of them beautifully.”- New York Times At Cygnet Theatre - It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will be on stage for its 5th consecutive season. When was the last time you took a trip to the 1940’s? Looks like Cygnet is making a tradition of their own by keeping this classic radio play alive and well! Get your joy on!
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If you are looking for a fun, upbeat and smoking seven piece band musical, look for Storyville at the Lyceum Stage, presented by San Diego Repertory Theatre. Storyville-- It’s 1917 in the middle of Mardi Gras, two blocks from the French Quarter in the red light district of New Orleans. Saloons, gambling joints, brothels and the unique sounds of American jazz. The show boasts 21 singers and dancers! Traditions of Christmas is being performed via CCT Musical Theater this December at the Balboa Theatre. You are invited to be enchanted by customs from around the world with all your favorite Christmas stories and holiday songs. As they say, “There is something for everyone as we visit Santa and Mrs. Claus up in the North Pole!” Many non-seasonal performances are happening this winter too, and by the time this issue hits the stands, our website should be full of things to do this month. A few of them will include Steel Magnolias presented by Point Loma Actors Workshop, The Crucible in its extended run at Moxie Theatre, and Shotgun Wedding Anniversary via Mystery Café Dinner Theatre. As always, don’t forget to get connected to the arts at www.sdArtsTix.com!
Money Does Grow On Trees! By: Matthew Earnhart
When the market crashed a couple of years ago, my career in real estate went from a prosperous garden to a barren wasteland of tumbleweeds. After scraping by on my savings for a year and trying out other unsatisfying career options, I became tired of waiting for real estate to come back around. I knew I had to rotate my crops to watch my options grow. As a longtime supporter of medical marijuana, I decided to make a business out of a product I love with benefits I believe in. After all, Thomas Jefferson thought it was a great plant, and he was a patriot of all patriots. Time and time again, studies and research have shown marijuana to be beneficial for many medical ailments as well as being ideal for other areas of commerce, so I must be on the right track! I have always had a green thumb, one that could serve the community and put me in the black financially. You know what they say, “Green turns to black!” One evening, I celebrated with a nice dinner and a few friends when someone made the joking comment that money doesn’t grow on trees. I quickly responded with, “Yes, money DOES grow on trees!” The thought wouldn’t leave my head. I carried around a sketchbook for two weeks developing the first designs for what is now M.D.G.O.T! Our first design was “Happy Trees Grow in California,” and after I watched a test run of 150 shirts fly off the shelf in two weeks, I knew other people believed “Money Does Grow On Trees” too! “Don’t panic, it’s organic!” is one of our current, most popular designs. We provide a high quality of clothing for all generations. The cannabis movement is increasing in strength with every toke, and M.D.G.O.T! takes pride in promoting and supporting the cause with stylish, affordable clothing for the cannabis conscious.
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Please visit our website for M.D.G.O.T! gear and to stay current with our upcoming events! http://www.mdgot.org
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PRODUCT REVIEWS
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BY BEN G. ROWIN
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1) CannTainer from Dragon Chewer Our boys over at Dragon Chewer came up with a “toothless” GrindTainer to offer an economical and cost effective container for collectives and caregivers to use for their patients. They come with the ability to store multiple strains in an air tight container with a lock-in-place cap. One of the things I like best is that they are made from 100% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. An added feature for collectives is the fact that they have printing and customization options! Check out all their products on their website: www.grindtainer.com
2) Vortex Glow
3) ProModz
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Ahhh Yeah! The Vortex Glow is a new piece put out by our friends over at Vortex; these guys are well-known for making some sick stuff. Some of our staffers can’t put theirs down. The Glow is a standard straight glass tube with a heady glass-on-glass stem and bowl. It has a frosted black glass base and is the first smoking device to use battery powered LED lights. Under the base there are electronic buttons that let the user choose from six colors as well as solid, blink, and fade patterns. All of them also have a glass pinch that leaves room for ice cubes, which not only cool smoke, but also intensify the colors. Each one comes with a 9-volt battery, cleaning brush, Vortex Lighter leash, and a screwdriver to open the battery case. This would make an AMAZING gift! Get one today at: www.vortexwaterpipes.com
Another San Diego company, ProModz makes custom modified controllers for video game systems. As an avid gamer, when I saw these custom controllers, I went nuts! These things are sick! It is not just stickers either, they are hand painted. They had some amazing ones on display at the Dub Show, but they actually sent in an XBox 360 controller they called “Kush,” a “Chronic Green” pearlescent paint with a green and purple shifting top coat that changes colors depending on the light. Not stopping there, they also painted cannabis leaves on the front, and matched all the buttons to the same paint color as the leaves! Just to show us how detailed they can get with these things, they also dialed out the battery pack with the NUG Magazine logo! ProModz is the only company that uses the same paint that is featured on the cars at car shows like the Dub Show. They have a grip of options on their website and offer custom pieces, leaving only your imagination to limit you. Check them out for the gamer in your life at: www.promodz.com
I ran into the guys from Health Stone Glass at the SD Medical Cup. A San Diego company that is making some incredible utensils for the medical community. All Heath Stone Glass utensils come with the patent pending Oil Vapor Stone. These pipes are for use with your cannabis oils and full melts. There are some amazing health benefits to using oils and full melts (look for our January article)! Their products are available for retail as well as for wholesale. If you are a collective or store looking to carry Heath Stone Glass, they can be contacted via email at vapor@ healthstoneglass.com. Some retail locations carrying the product are Funky Monkey and Glass Works in P.B., and Farm Associated Collective. Or you can check them out online at: www.healthstoneglass.com
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DECEMBER 2010 EVENTS Sundays Uptown Ranking at U31 @ 9 Reggae at RT’s Longboard Grill @ 9 Mondays Dub Dynamite at The Office @ 9 Industry Night at U31 @ 9 Reggae at Stage Bar and Grill @ 8 Tuesdays Reggae Saloon at The Saloon @ 9 Stress Free Tuesdays Comedy Show at U31 @ 7 Local Mediums Art Show at El Dorado (every 1st & 3rd Tuesday) @ 8 Wednesdays Reggae at Winston’s @ 9 Royal Wednesdays at Diamond Jims (every 1st & 3rd Wednesday) @ 9 Dub Dorado at El Dorado (the 2nd & 4th Wednesday) @ 9 Thursdays Riddim Roll Reggae at Harney Sushi in Oceanside and Old Town @ 9 Generations Hip Hop at U31 @ 9 Friday TRC Dub in Da Skybox at Skybox Bar and Grill (every 2nd & 4th Friday) @ 9
Saturdays Rasta Nation Vibrations at Sapphire Lounge @ 9 1. Greeley Estates w/ Tides of Man and Raven Like a Writing Desk At Epicentre @ 6 Lady Dottie and The Diamonds At Henry’s Pub @ 9 2. Dead Kennedys At House of Blues @ 7 Eligh from Living Legends, Los Rakas and Brother Ali At Sound Wave @ 9 Art in the Park At Soda Bar @ 9 3. Warren Miller’s Wintervention At La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art @ 6:30 Tribal Seeds, Fortune Youth, Seedless, Through the Roots At Sound wave @ 9 DJ B-Real and Guest At The Ramada Inn @ 8 December Nights At Balboa Park @ 5 4. Warren Miller’s Wintervention At La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art @ 6
Third World, Mighty Diamonds and Tribe of Kings At Sound Wave @ 9 Wu Tang Clan At 4th and B @ 8 Far East Movement and Ready Set At K1 Speed (Carlsbad) FREE!! @ Noon Mike Pinto w/ High Tide, Stranger, B Foundation and High Roots At House of Blues @ 8 Earthless At Casbah @ 8 Rooney At Soda Bar @ 8 5. Passion Pit At Soma @ 7 Warren Miller’s Wintervention At Carlsbad Village Theatre @ 4 6. The Styletones At Bar Pink @ 9 8. Bedouin Sound Clash At Belly Up @ 8 10. Delta Spirit At House of Blues @ 7
Natasha Bedingfield and Plain White T’s At Viejas Casino @ 8
SDASA Holiday Party At Portugalia (Ocean Beach) @ 6:30
11. Hempy Holidays Festival At World Beat Center @ 11am
16. Kottonmouth Kings At House of Blues @ 8
Holiday Hootenanny At RIMAC Arena at UCSA @ 4
Leon Russell At 4th and B @ 8
12. Sam Adams and LA Riots At House of Blues @ 8
Los Lobos At Belly Up @ 8
91X Wrex the Halls Featuring My Chemical Romance, Bad Religion, Jimmy Eat World, Anberlin and more. At Viejas Arena at SDSU @ 5 Holiday Pet Parade In the Gaslamp Quarter @ Noon 13. The Styletones At Bar Pink @ 9 14. Needtobreathe At House of Blues @ 7 ASA Meeting At La Jolla Brewing House @ 7 15. Lady Dottie and The Diamonds At Henry’s Pub @ 9
South Bay ASA At 1233 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach @ 6 17. Latex Granade and Bankers Hill At Sound wave @ 9 18. Stone Senses At J.J. Landers @ 8 Gary Hoey Ho Ho Ho Holiday Show At House of Blues @ 7 Rob Halford At 4th and B @ 9 19. X-Mas with X At Belly Up @ 8 23. Poinsettia Bowl At Qualcomm Stadium
29. Rock 105.3 and 101 KGB Presents Steel Panther At House of Blues @ 9 30. Holiday Bowl At Qualcomm Stadium Dresden Dolls At House of Blues @ 8 San Diego International Auto Show At The Convention Center 12/30-1/2 31. NEW YEARS PARTYS: Big Night San Diego At the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Bottoms Up Party At S.D. Gaslamp Marriot @ 9 EPIC featuring Ferry Corsten & Afrojack At The Del Mar Fair Grounds @ 9 DJ B-Real and Guest At The Ramada Inn @ 8 New Years Events Also At: Onxy Room Belo Se Hotel And many more… On Broadway 4TH and B Have a safe and well medicated AC lounge holiday. If your event is NUG U31 worthy send the info to Basic CourtneyNUGMAG@gmail.com Belly Up
ASTROLIGICAL PERSONALITY OF SAGITTARIUS – THE ARCHER RULING PLANET – JUPITER With the North Star high in the sky signaling year’s end, a special time is upon us. Celebrating the most famous birthday and the trading of gifts brings families together and allows all of God’s people to reflect on the passing of another year. Share this special season with friends and family, especially the Sagittarians, for it’s their time of year. Happy Holidays…
By. Zodiac Mama November 23 - December 21 Lucky Numbers 4, 12, 16, 32, 39, 47
NUG Astrology The Sagittarius Female
The Sagittarius Male
The free-spirited, fun-loving, independent thinking Sagittarius female does as she pleases. Even though she knows how to make the best of everything, she passes through life without feeling responsible to please any group of people. Always ready to roll one for the group, she will party with the best of them. Our Sagittarius female loves life. She’s known to have a youthful quality, a great sense of humor and a big bag of medicine to share. With an optimistic outlook on the future, she wakes up every morning like it’s the beginning of the rest of her life. Wake and bake Sundays are her favorite day of the week. She dislikes pessimistic people. She likes to live for the moment and is interested in trying new things. She’s more romantic than most people think; when needed, she knows how to make a person feel extra special. Because she’s usually late, you will have plenty of time to enjoy that extra bowl. Kick back and relax, for when she arrives, things go into high gear.
Lucky describes our Sagittarius male. Happiness to him means more than any amount of money. With a robust attitude towards life, Sagittarius males are spontaneous and enthusiastic. The Sagittarius male is rarely bored and life around him is never at a standstill. Known to always have a joint to pass, our generous, active, and intensely alive Sagittarius male is the life of the party. Trains, planes and automobiles, he loves to travel, enjoys outdoor sports and the world at large. He dislikes being confined or closed in, which is why he settles down much later in life. He’s known for his short attention span and high rate of divorce. With his youthful appearance and his boyish charm, he loves being in the moment and the freedom of just living. When his cockeyed opinions get him into trouble, lady luck comes through, even when he really doesn’t deserve it. Luck be his lady tonight!
Compatible signs: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius