PUBLISHER’SLETTER MARCH 2011 VOL. 3 ISSUE #3 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: “SD OG Grower”, Dion Markgraaff, Canna Chef Kim, Eugene Davidovich, Marc Emmelmann, Pamela Jayne, Lance Rogers, Zodiac Mama, Tiffany Janay, Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Jed Sanders, George Alberts, Robert Stinson, Tiffani Kjeldergaard, R.J. Villa, Ryan Whitaker, Sandieganliz, Eric Fowler, Bahareh, Mel The Bumbling Gardener 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.
This issue is HUGE! We got all kinds of goods for you, including a large piece on the San Diego IndieFest. NUG Magazine is a premier sponsor of IndieFest this year, which takes place on March 12th-13th at the new location: Liberty Station. NUG Records, our new record label in partnership with NUG Magazine, is also sponsoring the Acoustic Stage at this year’s event, so make sure to come out and support us! We will have a booth by the stage and will be giving away some cool NUG schwag, like we always do at these types of events, so don’t sleep on this one! NUG is an independently owned business and we support all things indie! Of course, we had to throw in some indie music coverage for this issue, as we do every month, so make sure to check out our article on The Ambassador and the Chosen Few. Tiffany Janay is on point, telling NUG readers about Farmers Markets and Acupuncture, which will have you on pins and needles. The business profile this month is on The Pier, an online Reggae/Rock/Acoustic Magazine that has great coverage. Pamela’s Patient Profile this month is amazing, and we had to make extra room because the story is intense! We got activism and info on the “Stop the Ban” campaign, a hemp composites piece, and our new Health and Wellness column makes its second appearance; and of course, we still have the favorites like the Chronissuer and Cooking with Kim. On March 5th, we’re throwing a launch party for NUG Records’ first signed artist –Subliminal Trip – at Soundwave in Mission Beach for their album “Be Set Free”. This is going to be one of the dopest shows we’ve thrown to date, so dust off your dancing shoes and get yourself to the party! Mean Dinosuar and Reason to Rebel will also be playing, and the NUG crew will be out in full force. NUG radio will be broadcasting live, so come out and enjoy the show!
-Ben G. Rowin
Art Director: Ian Rie
Cover photos courtesy of IndieFest
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. 2011
C.H.A.M.P.S TRADE SHOW L.V. 2011 WITH MEEN GREEN & AARON EVANS
March is already here and I feel like February was WAY too short! Even so, the NUG staff worked extremely hard on a tight deadline to bring you another issue packed with the type of editorial that has come to be expected of us. We want to thank all the readers for continuing to pick up a fresh NUG every month!
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CONTENTS
\\:NUG TIMES
20
\\:L.E.A.P
24
\\:ACTIVISM
28
\\:PATIENT PROFILE
32
\\:LEGAL
36
\\:HEALTH & WELLNESS
40
65
43
68
\\:ACUPUNCTURE
\\:HEMP CASES & CARS
50
\\:FARMERS MARKET
54
\\:NORML PORTLAND
58
\\:COOKING
61
\\:STILL GROWING
\\:GROW
\\:CHRONISSEUR
73
\\:INDIEFEST
88
\\:ARTIST PROFILE
96
\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS
106
\\:BUD REVIEWS
Stop the Ban SD – The effort to save Medical Cannabis in San Diego
By: Eugene Davidovich, San Diego Liaison for Americans for Safe Access It is no secret that some in the government of the City of San Diego have been working tirelessly to oppress medical cannabis providers and make life more challenging for medical cannabis patients. The Medical Marijuana Task Force’s recommendations were ignored; the planning commission sided with a vocal minority of prohibitionists. This month, the city council is preparing to vote on an ordinance that would close down every medical cannabis facility in the city and serve as a de facto ban on any reopening in the future. In response to this impending ban, a coalition of community groups, non-profits, businesses, and concerned citizens have launched a grassroots campaign called “Stop the Ban”, which is aimed at persuading the city council to amend the proposed, overly restrictive ordinance. The coalition, led by the San Diego chapter of Americans for Safe Access and Canvass for a Cause, has been educating the public about the impending ban for over a month now, and with your help, we can accomplish something unprecedented in the history of San Diego! We know that the people of San Diego support safe access, which doesn’t include all current dispensaries being shut down with only one or two emerging after a year-long compliance process. The vast majority of San Diegans believe the proposed ordinance is a de facto ban. Not only did Prop. 215 pass in San Diego County by a 52% majority, but collectives currently open in the city are revitalizing neighborhoods by helping lower the crime rates around them. In the last two years, the city has seen a significant reduction in crime, and the current crime rates are the lowest we have seen since the 60s. Collectives currently in operation are helping aids, cancer, M.S., P.T.S.D., and other seriously ill patients maintain a normal quality of life in the city; and if they are shut down, it would force thousands of patients back to the black market as well as deprive those in need of medicine 14 | NUGMAG.COM
from safe and reasonable access. The city council is out of touch with the city’s residents and the “Stop the Ban” campaign is going to serve as that bridge to bring the voice of the people back into city hall on this issue. If you’re reading this, we need you to help. We have organized a letter writing campaign to the city council from people who live in the City of San Diego, the likes of which our city council has never seen before. Our goal is 10,000 letters from voting constituents in the City of San Diego to their councilmember, urging them to amend the current ordinance. We cannot do it alone! We can’t guarantee that we’ll succeed in getting the ordinance changed – the city council can vote however it sees fit – but what we can guarantee is this: If this ordinance is approved, it will be over the most unprecedented outpouring of public opposition to an ordinance in the history of the City of San Diego. But again, we can’t do it alone. Visit us at www.stopthebansd.org, write a letter to your city council person, talk to your collective about the campaign, tell your friends and family what is happening in the city, volunteer with us, or donate to the campaign. This ordinance is the end of the line, and if we lose this fight, lawsuits, initiatives and more delays are imminent. We have nothing left to lose
in this battle with the city. Our united Jovan Jackson to Remain voices can sway the city council – city Free on Bail While ASA Apcouncil elections are decided by narpeals His Case row victories and our opposition is small – but if we remain silent on this By: Eugene Davidovich, San Diego ordinance, we lose medical cannabis Americans for Safe Access in San Diego. Advocates help keep a man unjustly convicted free while his case is apAs of this writing, our coalition part- pealed by their Chief Counsel Joe Elners and the organizations who have ford. both endorsed as well as thrown their support behind this campaign include: SAN DIEGO - Jovan Jackson – a mediCanvass for a Cause, Americans for cal marijuana patient, Navy Veteran, and Safe Access, A New PATH, The San former operator of Answerdam, a mediDiego Renter’s Union, The San Diego cal marijuana collective in San Diego – County Community Coalition, Drug was convicted on September 28, 2010, Policy Alliance (DPA), Ideal Choice after he was tried for the second time in Insurance, Law Offices of Melissa Bo- less than a year on the same charges of brow, Law Offices of Kimberly Simms, marijuana possession and sale. NUG Magazine, Kush Magazine, The San Diego County Community Co- He was convicted in his second trial alition, Green Freedom Law Group, as a result of being denied the medical Legal Cannabis Institute, Several marijuana defense by Judge Shore, who Members of the San Diego Medical claimed that although all were legal paMarijuana Task Force, among others. tients, and since all 1600 members of the collective did not express that their We need you to join our ranks while “purpose” was to cultivate, Jackson did there is still time! not qualify for the medical marijuana collective defense. Stay tuned to the StopTheBanSD.org website for the date of the city council On Wednesday, December 15, 2010, meeting, and be prepared to join us Jackson was sentenced to 180 days in for a march on City Hall as well as a jail with a fine. He was scheduled to rerally in front of City Hall on the day of port to jail on February 1st. At this point the vote. in the case, Americans for Safe Access For more information, contact Eugene Davidovich at the San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access at (619) 621-8446 or Rachel Scoma at Canvass for a Cause at (619) 663-6804.
Shore along with Lance Rogers arguing to keep Jovan out of jail while awaiting the appeal. At the hearing, Deputy D.A. Chris Lindberg demanded that in accordance with California Penal Code 1275 no bail should be accepted from the defense unless a judge or magistrate finds that no portion of the consideration, pledge, security, deposit, or indemnification paid, given, made, or promised for its execution was feloniously obtained. Judge Howard Shore agreed with the prosecutor and allowed the 1275 hold to stand. Although Joe Elford was able to get the bail reduced from $180,000 down to $50,000, the 1275 requirement would stand and Jovan would have to now report to jail on February 15th if he could not make the $50,000 bail. With the help of Americans for Safe Access, Excalibur Bail Bonds, NUG Magazine, and others, Mr. Jackson remains free today while we as a community attempt to repair this injustice and allow the man to have a fair trial where he is able to present his entire defense to a jury. San Diego Americans for Safe Access www.SafeAccessSD.org
(ASA – the country’s largest medical marijuana advocacy group) Chief Legal Get Involved, get active, Counsel Joe Elford joined the case. make a difference!
On Thursday, January 27th, Elford was in Join ASA - www.safeaccessnow.org front of Superior Court Judge Howard H.
COST OF COUNTY’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD RANGES FROM $83 TO $166 by Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
Senior, local, law enforcement officers have revealed to me that police and deputies will soon, gradually and unofficially, recognize and only accept medical marijuana (MMJ) cards issued by the state, but administered by the county. Privately produced MMJ cards issued by doctors are sometimes crudely made and easily counterfeited (a major reason why officers reject them). Indeed, counterfeit money and passports are easily available from street sources, so the MMJ cards are a piece of cake for counterfeiters. Are they needed? –Maybe not. If you only consume MMJ in the privacy of your home, you don’t have to worry about running into a law enforcement officer. But, if you smoke in public and an officer sees you, probable cause exists to stop you because the recreational use of cannabis is still unlawful. On the other hand, you might avoid a citation for smoking a joint if you have a MMJ card showing that you’re a MMJ patient. Robert Santos, a field reporter with KGTVCh.10 News, did a ride-along in a Chula Vista police, patrol car. On camera, Ch.10 News recorded the stopping of a car driven by two teenagers. The vehicle was stopped because the driver appeared to be using a cell phone while driving, a violation of motor vehicle laws. After stopping the car, the officer discovered that the driver was actually legally using a hands-free cell phone device. But, the officer smelled marijuana through the open window as he was interrogating the driver. The teenage driver and his young passenger were both carrying current MMJ cards issued by a doctor. Later, on camera, the Chula Vista police officer explained to reporter Santos that the vehicle’s occupants were complying with the law and released them without a citation. Both students in the vehicle were polite and respectful when answering the police officer’s questions, which also influenced the officer’s decision to release them. The officer let the two teenagers go based solely on the MMJ cards that were issued by a private doctor; however, word from confidential, local, law enforcement sources is that those privately issued cards may soon NOT be acceptable evidence that the holder is a legal, medical marijuana patient. Last year, while the possession of a single joint was still classified as a misdemeanor, allowing an arresting officer to take you to jail, the former governor signed legislation that reduces the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana to a citation. It’s like a traffic ticket,
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where a small fine can be paid with no jail time. But, confidential information provided to L.E.A.P. states that officers may soon only accept the official cards issued by the state and processed by the County of San Diego in order to avoid a citation.
OBTAINING COUNTY CARDS
The State of California issues photo ID cards that identify the holder as a medical marijuana patient. These official cards are administered and processed by the County of San Diego from its Office of Vital Records at 3851 Rosecrans (Ste. 802) near the Pt. Loma area. The county is doing a very poor job of educating its staff about these cards. Phone calls to five different county offices to learn which office processes the cards were unsuccessful. None of those county departments even knew that MMJ cards were processed by the county, let alone which office was responsible. An applicant for the official card must first call that county office ([619] 757-4909) and make an appointment that lasts about 30-45 minutes, according to Donna Levatte, an employee of that office. To that meeting, an applicant must bring the following: The original doctor’s letter certifying the applicant as a medical marijuana patient. A government-issued photo ID. Proof of residency in the county (for example, a utility bill). Payment of $166 for a regular applicant, or $83 for a patient on MediCal (Also provide that Medi-Cal card). The state-issued MMJ card is good for one year from the date it is issued. And when Levatte was asked what the county fees covered, she was unable to answer the questions – she didn’t know.
SAN DIEGO POLICE LACK GUIDELINES
Off-the-record reports from senior, local, law-enforcement officers to L.E.A.P. reveal that the privately issued medical marijuana cards may soon NOT be accepted by officers on the street, despite the fact that there are reportedly no guidelines provided to San Diego police officers on the subject.
The senior officer in the Media Relations Office at SDPD, Lt. Andra Brown, said (on-the-record) that the MMJ cards issued by the state and processed by the county are the only “legitimate” cards. She couldn’t define the word “legitimate” as it is used by SDPD, and she didn’t know how the issue might influence an arrest. When Lt. Brown was asked whether ONLY the county cards, and not the privately issued cards from doctors offices, would be acceptable by officers on the street in her department, she responded by only saying she was “not qualified to answer the question.” Well, who is? She referred me to Assistant Chief Cesar Solis (531-2708), but he did not return a phone call by our deadline, which requested clarification of his department’s official policies on the cards. Lt. Brown went off topic by saying, “Marijuana cards are a very complicated issue,” saying the city council and zoning departments were involved. But, she didn’t answer my questions, saying only that the “situation is very fluid.” Meanwhile, police officers in major cities in San Diego County are being provided with no official guidelines on how to deal with medical marijuana patients they encounter in the field.
POTENTIAL LAWSUITS
Many city and county governments throughout Southern California (including Imperial County) are adopting local ordinances that are a virtual ban on medical marijuana dispensaries. They have no jurisdiction to enact those laws. Local governments cannot pick and choose which state laws to implement, and which to block from implementation. Many biased and uninformed politicians dislike anything connected to marijuana, and are eager to either adopt outright bans on dispensaries or place so many restrictions on the operation of a dispensary as to be a de facto ban. Our state constitution does not permit local governments to block the implementation of state laws that some uptight and uninformed politicians personally dislike. “Hopefully, some of the attorneys working in the marijuana field will file a lawsuit prohibiting local governments from blocking the implementation of state law, authorizing medical marijuana in California,” said a community activist.
Current and former law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and state prison officers are invited to confidentially contact L.E.A.P. to assist in the medical marijuana crusade. Call (619) 757-4909 or email at leopowerhere@msn.com
Local Service Providers
Medicinal Cannabis and its Impact on Human Health (Documentary)
by Eugene Davidovich, San Diego Liaison for Americans for Safe Access This game-changing documentary presents the most comprehensive synopsis of the medical science surrounding the world’s most controversial plant to date. Medicinal Cannabis and its Impact on Human Health follows the research of over 15,000 scientific and medical trials, and takes a specific look at what conditions have been proven to benefit from medical marijuana. In this myth-shattering, information packed documentary, physicians and leading researchers present modern scientific findings regarding the demonstrated effects of medicinal cannabis use for treating many kinds of cancers, auto-immune illnesses, neurological issues, chronic pain, and more. It also shows its historical use as medicine dating back over 5300 years ago. Executive Producer James Schmachtenberger, a medical cannabis advocate and one of the founders of San Diego Herbal Alternatives (SDHA) – a medical marijuana collective, sat down to discuss the documentary, idea and message behind it.
How did the idea first come about to film a documentary on Medicinal Cannabis and its Impact on Human Health?
The idea to create this documentary first came about in November of 2009, a few months after we opened the collective in San Diego. We met many patients who had never used cannabis until their primary care physician recommended it for them, and many of these patients were running into repercussions in their personal and professional lives because of the stigma and myths surrounding marijuana. Although it was clear that medical cannabis was tremendously helpful to people with a wide range of medical conditions, there was still so much misinformation and false propaganda out there about it and very little presenting the real scientific information and evidence on the topic to help educate people. I wanted to create a clear, authoritative video that could better inform people – who were not already well educated about the benefits of appropriate medical cannabis use, and 24 | NUGMAG.COM
might still hold misinformed, negative views on the topic – by having the leading scientific experts in the field address the common myths and misconceptions while presenting the real data on these topics that have emerged from a huge body of well conducted, unbiased scientific trials. For this and all topics, it’s critical that people have accurate and unbiased information to support effective decision making.
Why did you decide to produce a video as opposed to writing a book or using another means of distributing this information? Video is an impactful and engaging way of educating and getting the message out to the masses. People are more likely to watch a movie or video rather than read a research paper or a book. Video seemed like the best method of delivery for the intended goal.
In December of 2009, when we first began to work on the film, it was mainly geared towards patients. As filming went on and we interviewed more doctors, we realized that it had a much greater scope. We found that it could help educate families, friends, and coworkers of people who use this medicine and hopefully create a paradigm shift in their views.
How do you intend on using this documentary? How do you hope people will use it?
The film will be distributed freely under the “creative commons license”. My hope is that people across the nation will use this film for education and to affect policy change. We showed portions of this film to the San Diego Planning Commission and have actually been asked to provide transcripts of some of the doctors’ interviews as expert evidence in criminal trials. People are welcome to reshow it, cut it, and use it to make as much of an impact as possible.
How much did it cost to produce? How many hours would you say were put into it?
The documentary cost about $15,000 to make, and we spent around 1500 hours on it. No one in the film including the doctors were paid for their interviews, and although we did have a few volunteers that helped out, it was primarily Lindsey Ward (Director/Producer) and Troy Brajkovich (Director of Photography) that did most of the work in producing, editing and finalizing the film.
What did you learn from making this documentary?
I learned a lot! The most significant thing was from Dr. Tashkin in understanding how cannabis’ anti-tumor properties work. Most of us in the medical marijuana field know that the plant has tremendous healing properties, but a lot of us don’t understand the actual science behind it. In the documentary, Dr. Tashkin explains in depth why THC suppresses tumor growth.
What would you have liked to focus on, but didn’t get to in this documentary?
There are many aspects of cannabis use that I think deserve serious focus and attention. There are so many different medical conditions that are helped with the use of cannabis. I would like to see a detailed presentation of how cannabis is useful for treating all major conditions as well as how to properly use it as a treatment for each. Other topics I’d love to see well addressed are the industrial uses of hemp and the profound environmental benefits that would come from its legalization; and
the critical economic and social benefits that would come as well. Due to time and budget limitations, we focused on one area we thought could have the most benefit.
Any plans for a sequel? If so, what would you cover in it?
We already have a few other documentaries in mind. The one we would most likely focus on next is how cannabis affects different types of cancers, which will include detailed information on how to most effectively use cannabis as a treatment. In the future, we definitely want to focus on industrial hemp, our country’s failed drug war, the problem with prohibition, and full hemp legalization. Our current focus is on getting this documentary out to as many people as possible as well as to secure funding for the next film, so we can continue to educate the public. I hope that the credibility and success from this documentary will help us secure more funding and support for future work. It is our intent to start filming in about 4-6 months.
Did you ever think you would be a documentarian? How does that feel?
I am very excited. I feel that in our current society video is a powerful tool for education and impact. Seeing the documentary and how much people
have been positively impacted when they watch it, makes me feel like I have tapped into a medium that I can continue to work with; it’s something that can help change the minds of people on this issue while helping to advance other social and environmental issues that I want to support over the next several years. It feels like I have a new tool that I didn’t have before, one that is more powerful than anything I’ve ever used for creating change. What are your plans in promoting or screening the documentary? Will you be holding screenings? We are coordinating multiple screenings across the country and are teaming up with individuals and organizations to screen the film. In January of this year, we held the first screening of the documentary in Hilo, Hawaii with almost 200 people in attendance. If anyone is interested in finding out information about hosting a screening, all the details can be found on the documentary’s website at www.MarijuanaMovie.org On March 16, 2011, we will be holding a screening in San Diego at the Landmark, Hillcrest Theater at 7pm. Tickets will be $10 with the proceeds going towards the rental of the theater.
Aside from screenings, we are teaming up with collectives and doctors across the nation to provide this information to their patients. We are also making the complete documentary available for free online at www.MarijuanaMovie.org To watch the trailer and for more information on the film, visit www.MarijuanaMovie.org
Patient Profile: PHIL
Story by: Pamela Jayne
It was 20 years ago this May when Phil was involved in a horrible motorcycle accident that altered the course of his life forever. The past two decades have been marked by excruciating pain, scars that will never completely fade, countless numbers of surgeries that are still being scheduled to this day, and years lost to painful rehabilitation. Phil is a walking miracle, literally. The photos speak for themselves, but let me fill you in on the details of his accident, recovery, and how medical cannabis has allowed him to function and thrive throughout the years, despite the nearly unbearable pain that he lives with on a daily basis. The accident happened when he was a typical 21-year-old San Diegan on his way home from dinner. Just like all of the statistics say, it happened when he was almost home. No drugs or alcohol were involved, and no criminal charges were ever filed against the young man who was at fault.
and spent the next year and a half being shuttled between his home and the hospital for intensive daily treatment. He sustained a laundry list of gruesome injuries: his left leg was broken from the knee down in 12 places and could only be held together by a metal rod; there was a very serious fracture in his left hip; his left wrist was completely destroyed and it took four surgeries to rebuild it correctly; his right wrist was also broken, but not as extensively as his left one; and to top it off, numerous muscle, skin, and tissue grafts had to be done. Phil’s body had basically become a jigsaw puzzle, and it was up to the doctors and surgeons to reassemble him. Unlike many victims of a traumatic injury, Phil says he remembers pretty much everything about the accident and its aftermath, including the ambulance ride to the hospital and his parents taking a lot of pictures of him because they were unsure if he would survive. –Their concern was valid given that he had died three times during those first few crucial days of recovery. He was hospitalized for four and a half months following the accident 28 | NUGMAG.COM
The accident left him completely bedridden for an entire year, and it was two full years before he was able to walk without assistance. Before the accident, Phil weighed in at a solid 220 pounds, but by the time he was able to move on his own, his weight had plummeted to a shocking and emaciated 105 pounds. He joked, “Even a very small woman could carry me around with no problem.” In fact, his body had become so weak and his muscles were so atrophied that
the first thing on his physical therapy agenda was to enable him to sit up straight and allow proper blood flow, so he wouldn’t pass out from being elevated in bed. As much as he has been through over the years, he described this process to me as one of the most intense steps of his road to recovery. Needless to say, his physical condition was far from what it had been, when he could easily carry 300 pounds of materials up a ladder, day after day, all day long at a construction site. Phil’s physicians have been very candid with him, saying that he will undoubtedly be dependent on a variety of different prescription medications for the rest of his life, “Unless there is some sort of miracle.” Being on strong pharmaceutical medication for 20 consecutive years has led to extensive, irreversible kidney damage, so Phil is currently undergoing tests to see how long his kidney will be able to function on its own. At this point, dialysis and/or a transplant are inevitable. It is no longer a matter of if, but when he will have to once again go under the knife to replace the damaged kidney with a healthy
is, Phil refused help, finished out the show, and came out with some killer shots of the band! This is exactly the type of thing that happens to medical patients every day. Luckily, Phil has understanding and supportive friends and family that do not judge him for his preferred method of pain relief. It’s just normal. After all, who wants to see a friend in pain? Phil explained how it is necessary for him to use medically prescribed cannabis in edible form while working because photo shoots with models and live shows can take several hours to complete, and it’s just not practical to constantly stop and smoke. When cannabis is consumed in the form of food, it stays in the fat cells for a prolonged period of time, thus providing highly effective, non-narcotic, all natural pain relief that lasts far longer than a few puffs off a joint. one provided by a donor. In the meantime, in order to preserve the health of the organ, he has been put on a strict diet that allows no red meat or alcohol whatsoever. And that’s just fine with him, as long as he isn’t asked to give up sushi. This man loves his sushi! Phil is extremely open and honest about his medical cannabis use with his family, friends, and doctors. For him, it is just as normal as taking Tylenol for most people. He stressed the importance of being honest about it, especially with doctors, because, “They have to know what substances you have in your system before they put you on a table and cut you open.” He told me that while some of his physicians are accepting and encouraging his use of medical cannabis, others are still stuck in the past and do not condone anything that is not a product of a large pharmaceutical company. Of course, their opinions would most likely change if they profited from marijuana like they do from Vicodin, Oxycontin, etc. But that, as we know, is a whole different story. In the interest of full disclosure, I must tell you that although I didn’t know Phil when the accident occurred; we have been friends for close to 10 years now. I, along with other mutual friends, have seen the amount of pain that he endures on a daily basis. Not long ago, he was backstage photographing the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse for SCR Photos during their performance downtown at The House of Blues. Even though he did not complain, everyone knew that something was wrong. The pain had simply taken over and drained him to the point of utter exhaustion. When a couple of longtime buddies saw the lack of color in his face, they were alarmed enough to ask if they should call 911 for help. Being the tough guy that he
Speaking of photography and cannabis smoking, NUG readers are already familiar with Phil and his work even though they may not be aware of it. For several months now, he has been the man behind the lens for a majority of the photos featured in our monthly column “The Chronisseur” and will be doing more work with us in the near future. As for when he is off the clock and in need of instant pain relief, “Sativas are great because they allow me to get out of the house and actually do things. But, other strains are also great for relaxation and rest.” Rest is crucial, but it’s often an overlooked component in recovery. If the body does not get a proper amount of rest, it simply cannot heal. Trust me; I have seen him after physical therapy and I know that a good night’s sleep is just as beneficial to his health as the long hours he spends with his physical therapist. When I asked Phil how he felt about the person who caused the accident, he was surprisingly calm and forgiving, especially considering all that he has had to endure because of the reckless actions of a complete stranger. “He was just a young kid. He had just gotten out of school and did not have insurance. I did finally get $17,000 from his grandmother’s insurance company, but that was basically nothing. The first three days I was in the hospital cost about $27,000.” I wondered if he was bitter at all or ever thought about the guy, or had any contact with him. –”I have never even bothered to look at a picture of him,” Phil said. “I figure that karma will take care of it.”
Mind-Body, Health & Wellness
By Tiffani Kjeldergaard A marijuana arrest is classified as a non-violent offence, unless of course, you use violence. For the peaceful cultivator, transporter, possessor, or seller of marijuana, this pertains to you. You are the California prison system’s big ticket item! California calculates their budget for all prisoners, regardless of where they are housed, in order to get financing for each one. The state has established a courtesy supervision partnership with Arizona to house the growing number of non-violent prisoners in California. When they ship these non-violent prisoners to Arizona, it costs their state $22,794.00 per year for each California prisoner they house; however, this cost is not absorbed by Arizona taxpayers, it is billed to each prison. California taxpayers pay a WHOPPING $47,102.00 per year for each prisoner, regardless if they are housed in California or in Arizona. 32 | NUGMAG.COM
California budgets are submitted yearly with as large of a head count as possible, but when the prisons get their budget for all the prisoners accounted for, and after the check is cashed, the prisoners start getting “Farmed Out” to other states like Arizona and Oklahoma. The difference in costs for one prisoner per year between Arizona and California is $24,308.00. Where does this money go? If the California prison system can send 10 marijuanaprosecuted Californians to serve 5 years in Arizona, the profit of unused funds is $243,080.00. In 5 years, that sum becomes $1.2 million dollars of “free money” for California prisons on 10 marijuana arrests. Is that enough free “unused money” to keep busting as many non-violent offenders as possible? We can’t stop this until prohibition has ended. It’s our turn to end this cycle of financing “slush funds” for California prisons. Facts and information taken from ca.gov and nicic.gov http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/laomenus/sections/crim_justice/6_cj_inmatecost.aspx?catid=3 http://www.nicic.gov/Features/StateStats/?State=AZ
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Create Space Where Space is Needed - Rolfing ® as an Alternative Therapy Our bodies are amazing! They’re our vehicle for experiencing the physical world around us on many different levels. Our bodies let us feel the sand under our feet as we walk along the beach, taste a refreshing cold beverage on a hot sunny day, feel the touch of a loved one as we hold their hand, and interact with friends as we laugh and share stories. Physical health and wellness is essential for mental and emotional well-being. When our body is in pain or out of balance, functioning at an optimum mental and physical level becomes a challenge. Chronic pain and physical discomfort can compromise our ability to be our best and share our best with others. Fortunately, there are many forms of alternative therapies that heal the body and help to restore balance. Today, we have access to a great variety of holistic health modalities such as yoga, meditation, health coaching, massage, acupuncture, ayurveda, and so much more. In this month’s column, I’ll discuss a form of bodywork called Rolfing ®. I also had the opportunity to interview an Advanced Certified Rolfer ® here in San Diego and share my firsthand treatment experience.
What is Rolfing?
Rolfing ® Structural Integration, which is called Rolfing for short, is a type of bodywork based around a holistic view of the human form. It is a hands-on treatment developed over 50 years ago by Ida P. Rolf to enhance the body’s posture and allow for greater freedom of movement. Overtime, improper posture (the way we hold our body in certain places) and emotional trauma can create tension in our bodies. Additionally, injuries (sports, accidents, repetitive motion) create scarring in the connective tissues that result in additional pain and constriction. Rolfing treats the entire body and seeks to realign the tissues. The body is returned to balance and vitality is restored. Where chiropractic care works on the bones and massage therapy works on the muscles, Rolfing works directly on the connective tissues that support and surround the bones, muscles, organs, and nerves. Instead of treating the body as separate parts, Rolfing sees the body as a system or network of connective tissue, and works to release tension, realign the structure, and create balance throughout.
How it Started
The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration ® was founded by Dr. Ida Rolf in 1971. Dr. Rolf received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920, and was driven to find the best system of healing that allowed for optimal body function. She found that imbalances in the human body were accentuated by gravity, which leads to chronic pain and reduced mobility. She experimented with various systems of body manipulation and alternative healing methods, including homeopathy, osteopathy, and yoga. Her extensive studies and work became what is now the practice of Rolfing. Practitioners are trained and certified through the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado.
Courtesy of Rolfing Institute
Benefits and Treatments
Rolfing goes beyond simply treating the pain points (just working on the lower back or only focusing on the knee that’s hurting), and works on releasing and restoring the entire body. Better posture, improved structure, and increased flexibility have a dramatic impact on reducing pain and stiffness, and increasing mobility and energy levels. Rolfing treatments are beneficial for physical ailments and chronic pain resulting from: • Trauma • Repetitive stress injuries • Natural Aging They are successful in the treatment of headaches, insomnia, carpal tunnel, lower back pain, upper back and neck stiffness, and many other ailments. Rolfing is a great complement for yoga, Pilates, running, surfing, and other physical and wellness activities. Rolfers, certified Rolfing professionals, examine patients’ posture, structural alignment, and movement. They then work along the patient’s tissue planes, working progressively through the entire body and “communicating” with the body using pressure. They feel for where the restrictions exist and exert just enough pressure for the body to release the tension. Each session builds on the previous one to reduce tension and restore full function. As the body releases, the practitioner is able to go deeper.
Seaside Rolfing
Lindsey Morin, D.C., is a chiropractor and Certified Advanced Rolfer practicing here in San Diego County. After 12 years as a massage therapist, she became a Certified Rolfer in 1990 and an Advanced Certified Rolfer in 2000. In addition to her extensive background in bodywork, she has also studied yoga and meditation. Dr. Morin has practiced in Boulder, Aspen, Beverly Hills, Kauai, and Mendocino County – where she still has a part-time practice. She invited me in
for an interview and consultation at her beautiful office in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
past injuries. She took down my health and insurance information as we talked – her office accepts many forms of insurance.
When did you decide to get into Rolfing? I had many physical problems that resulted from car accidents and playing sports. I had a lot of pain and no relief in my early 20s. I had tried chiropractic care, but the adjustments just weren’t sticking. Then, I tried Rolfing and it changed my life. The chronic pain patterns diminished.
At the start of the treatment, she had me stand up while she observed my posture and body alignment. She then did the same as I walked through the room, observing my body in motion and taking note of any imbalance or misalignment.
What is your approach to healing? I believe that the power that created the body can heal the body. If you put the body in the right direction, it will heal. Rolfing is not passive - [we don’t just lay down in life] we stand up in the world. Rolfing looks at how you move, how you stand, and how you carry yourself. It allows you to get back to the way you were created. What are your thoughts on herbal medicines? Herbal medicines can help relax muscles, reduce chronic pain, and provide mental relaxation. It’s about quality of life. One of the main reasons why people saw health risks in medical marijuana was because of its presumed relationship with lung cancer. However, the National Institute of Health did a study in 2006 that found no association between smoking medical marijuana and lung cancer. What kind of ailments do you treat as a Rolfer? I treat sciatica, migraines, PMS symptoms, difficulty breathing, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, postpartum, chronic back pain, and more. I also do work with pregnant women and kids. My passion is to awaken in others their own healing potential. My work allows my patients to have a better quality of life through therapeutic touch.
Rolfing Session with Dr. Lindsey Morin
After being greeted by Dr. Lindsey’s friendly staff, I entered into her very clean and open treatment room. She went through a brief health history and allowed me to share my current concerns, previous treatments, and
She then had me lay on her treatment table (which was nicely heated and very comfortable) as she began to apply various degrees of pressure, moving progressively along my body. She regularly asked for feedback regarding the pressure applied and moved slowly. She spent more time in areas where I had built up a lot of tension. I could feel the release of tension as she applied pressure and worked into the tissues. She provided feedback throughout the session about how I was feeling and what she was finding. After the hour and a half of treatment, she let me know that each session would start to get deeper as the tissues began to naturally find more and more release. She even followed up a few days later to check up and make sure my body had a positive reaction to the treatment. Dr. Morin’s decades of study and experience in the healing arts certainly shows! Her office is located in the Cardiff Town Center in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. For more information, please visit www.seasiderolfing.com.
Tips:
• If you suffer from chronic pain and have yet to find relief, Rolfing is a great option. • Rolfing can help correct poor posture, relieve tension, and increase mobility. • Physical and mental stresses are held in the body and can create imbalance over time. Rolfing can restore this balance. • Rolfing can boost energy and improve performance. In health, Bahareh www.mindbodyalliance.com
Bahareh is a holistic health coach based in Encinitas, serving all of San Diego. She empowers others to live healthier and happier lives by eating better, increasing energy, reducing stress, and finding balance. Are you an alternative wellness professional who believes in natural remedies? I would love to hear from you about your experience or interest in the community! Email: info@mindbodyalliance.com
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Acupuncture By: Tiffany Janay
My adventurous spirit and tendency to constantly push myself toward new experiences is what led me to walk blindly into an acupuncture treatment. When I would tell people I was going, they would immediately ask me, “Are you nervous?” I would just tell them, “No, should I be?” The thought of someone sticking a bunch of needles into one’s body puts one’s nerves on edge I guess. Walking up to the Jara Acupuncture office was serene in itself. The office is located in a woodsy complex off Camino Del Rio South and is surrounded by running waterfalls that calm the spirit: the perfect setting for those that are a bit nervous to go and get their treatment done. I was unaware of the purposes of acupuncture or how beneficial it could be, but I am simply intrigued by pain, which was my motivation for seeking acupuncture. After an explanation from Denise Jara, I developed a greater understanding of this ancient Chinese medicine. People utilize this practice to help heal themselves from physical pain, emotional problems, and to promote good health. My particular treatment was for overall health and balance. The concept is to place needles at certain meridian points on the body to help the energy flow more efficiently, which promotes a higher level of health and wellness. The meridian is the channel in which energy flows throughout the body, and each point is connected to an organ. This energy is referred to as chi or qi. It is said that problems like disharmony or disease occur from stagnant or blocked energy. If the energy flow becomes blocked, then the result is pain because everything in our bodies is constantly in motion. To correct any blocked energy, flow needles or pressures are placed at specific acupoints along the meridian to stimulate flow. 40 | NUGMAG.COM
Acupuncture harmonizes the body by helping the energy properly flow throughout it. The first needle she put in my body was on my kidney meridian. The kidney is considered to be one of the essential parts of the body, so if your kidney is in good shape then your body should be too. The next needle was for my liver, which is the cleanser, so it is important to keep it in healthy condition. After she placed the needles in my back, she went and got some moxa. She told me she was going to place it around key meridians to help with the whole treatment. Moxa is an herb that is compacted together, which can be lit and placed around the needles directly on the skin. It calls the blood and chi energy to the needles, and helps to induce a smoother flow. The moxa was warm and it helped me to sink into a deeper relaxation. Out of all the different places where she put the needles, I had my favorite spot and she had hers. My favorite one was placed on my third eye, which is directly between the eyes. I could feel the needle vibrating from the circulation. I could hardly feel most of the needles, but this one stood out. The third eye is a great point for igniting intuitive thoughts, peering into one’s inner self, and seeing life from a more spiritual approach rather than just a physical one. Her favorite point was the life gate point, and it was one of the key points where she applied the moxa. The life gate point is special because it is the first point where we start to develop inside the womb; it’s a strengthening point.
She applied a few needles in my right ear. The ear points are the most powerful points in our body because you can treat the whole body through the ear. If you look at the ear, you will notice that it is shaped like an upside down fetus. There are points for relaxing nerves, treating the kidneys, promoting balance, calming the spirit, clarifying the brain, and encouraging clear thinking. Also, the points in the ear are used to treat major addiction. This practice of medicine is considered to be a preventative approach. In the holistic idea of medicine, prevention is essential, especially with acupuncture. We should take a holistic approach to life by being conscious of what we’re eating, how we’re using our energy, and by sending positive vibes to others. A diet and the kind of food one eats are very important. Drinking a cup of coffee will take a person’s body four hours to detoxify because of the 800+ toxins it can contain. The ingredients in foods
and drinks such as diet soda, french fries, and chips are addictive, making you want more and more. Denise recommends we get back to the basics and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and good proteins to help balance our bodies. It takes about 4-8 treatments (depending how long you have had the condition) to treat a specific condition. She mostly treats pain. Her weight loss patients are doing great from their use of acupuncture combined with diet and exercise. Acupuncture helps with weight loss because it detoxifies the body of built-up toxins. It makes one feel healthier and raises one’s vibration level. When people feel healthy, they naturally want to eat healthy. It is a whole synergetic process. She often treats pregnant women, so she is familiar with maternal energy and how to use acupuncture to assist the birthing process. For instance, there are points to turn the baby or lower the pelvic floor, which helps to relax the mother.
The experience elevated my energy level and made me feel at ease. It is a nice feeling to go out of my way to take care of myself. At the end of our session, she did a cleansing where she levitated her hands over my body in an upward sweeping motion, so as to throw the energy out the window. With my energy gone from the room, it was then purified for the next patient: a great way to end a beginning. When you are ready to give acupuncture a try, visit Jara Acupuncture at 2835 Camino Del Rio South, suite 120A. If you want to view what an acupuncture treatment is like firsthand before going, check out my session by visiting www.organicblood.com or www.youtube.com/nugmag.
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By Dion Markgraaff Cannabis composite-made products are starting to take over many industries due to the low impact cost (economically and environmentally) of growing the plant and the superior results of the finished goods. Scales, snow and skateboards, cars, plastic, and cases for business and musical instruments are only a fraction of the possibilities of using hemp. The same stalks and stems of the cannabis plant that hold up and help produce the resin in the flowers/nugs we all love are as valuable to our world’s many different industries as raw materials. Eco-friendly hemp can replace most toxic and costly petrochemical products. Cannabis is being manufactured to make biodegradable plastic products: plantbased cellophane, recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products, and resins made from the oil to name a few. The subject is very extensive and NUG Magazine will examine a few of the numerous uses in a two part series. In this issue, we’ll look at the subject of cannabis composites made mostly of fibers, and in the April issue of NUG, our focus will be fiber and cellulose plastic. When the late great Jack Herer would talk about the “thousands” of different uses of cannabis, he knew that the plant’s superior industrial applications were at the heart of the planet’s future economic ability to heal itself. Corporate espionage and manipulation turned so-
ciety against nature’s most useful plant. Society knew about the plant’s industrial uses and, at the same time, the government was conspiring with the DuPont Corporation (who had just patented Nylon, a fiber made from petroleum) to outlaw cannabis fiber through the disguise of calling this same plant “marihuana”. Herer, the author behind the bible of the hemp movement The Emperor Wears No Clothes, would always quote an article from Popular Mechanics, February 1938. The story said cannabis was going to be America’s “New Billion-Dollar Crop”, which reported, “Hemp is the standard fiber of the world. It has great tensile strength and durability. It is used to produce more than 5,000 textile products, ranging from rope to fine laces, and the woody ‘hurds’ remaining after the fiber has been removed contains more than 77% cellulose, and can be used to produce more than 25,000 products, ranging from dynamite to cellophane.”
Part I - Cannabis Composites What are cannabis composites? According to Wikipedia,
“Composite materials, often shortened to composites, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, which remain separate and distinct at the macroscopic or microscopic scale within the finished structure. The most visible applications is pavement in roadways in the form of either steel and aggregate reinforced Portland cement or asphalt concrete.” This is the same old and new idea of producing different items through NUGMAG.COM | 43
the use of cannabis as raw material. Performance characteristics of the end product as well as environmental and economic benefits are the reason companies are using hemp fibers. Hemp can be grown organically and is most often grown without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides. Hemp is also a natural weed suppressor due to the fast growth of the canopy used throughout time to “clean” the fields. Hemp composites are recyclable and biodegradable unlike many competing materials. Since cannabis can be grown almost anywhere, this valuable crop can be produced close to factories, cutting the total costs even more. This ideal environmental solution continues to remain impossible in America because of the prohibition that keeps farmers from growing hemp, holding back the hemp tidal wave from washing up around the planet. A major pioneer that utilizes the cannabis plant in composites is Stemergy, formally known as Hempline, which was founded in 1994. They’re a major leader in the hemp fiber industry in North America. From Canada, they supply hemp fibers to an ever-growing number of companies who are finding more applications for different products 44 | NUGMAG.COM
every day. The company’s website states that cannabis is superior because hemp is cost effective; it has high tensile strength and stiffness; it is ideally suited for needle punched nonwoven products; it’s an effective replacement for glass fiber; it reduces molding time; it helps with weight reduction in the finished part or product; it’s easy to process and recycle; it can be customized to meet a variety of specifications and different manufacturing systems; it has consistent quality; and, it’s availability of supply is possible. The Stemergy website says, “The most rapidly expanding application for hemp fiber is as reinforcement in composites. The blending materials range from thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene to thermoset fiber such as polyester. The common application is to blend hemp fiber with polypropylene in a nonwoven (felt) mat that is then compression molded to form a three dimensional part. Hemp fiber is also being used to produce mineral based composites in much of the same way polypropylene or glass fiber is used to reinforce cement or plaster. The rising price of energy is making these other reinforcing fibers more expensive, and the excellent properties and cost of hemp fiber are opening up new applications every day.”
There are a wide range of thermoset resins being developed that are compatible with hemp fiber for composite products. Some of these are plant based, so a 100% bio-composite is technically feasible and soon to be in full commercial production using resins based from soy canola or corn. Today, the industries using composite hemp include cars, furniture, building materials, scales, cases (travel, business and music styles), and speakers, as well as other consumer products including grinders.
Cars The largest use for hemp fiber produced in North
America is for automotive composite products. According to plastemart.com, “bio-composites contribute to the automotive manufacturer’s final goal by delivering a 30% weight reduction, and a cost reduction of 20%.” Many people do not know that most car companies today around the world have been using hemp fiber-based interior panels for a few years. Toyota, Audi, Porsche, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Cadillac, Saturn, Jeep, Mercedes, BMW, Saab, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and Volvo are some of the companies that realized the advantages of using NUG Magazine’s favorite plant. Today, there are literally millions of cars on the road that have cannabis in them. A company out of Canada, Motive Industries, announced last September that this year they will unveil Canada’s first automobile where the body is entirely made of bio-composite hemp. This electric “cannabis car” is made from hemp mats, which have better impact resistance than other types of composites like fiberglass; plus, they’re lighter and cheaper, which is critical for the business’s bottom line of making money. In 1941, Henry Ford built an experimental car out of hemp and other crops that were lighter and more durable than the cars of that time. On YouTube, you can watch a video the company made where a guy slugs the car with a sledgehammer, leaving no dents on the panels.
NUG Magazine Cannabis Cases
Another great example of using cannabis fibers in composites is happening in the case industry. Business style, computer holding cases as well as music cases are coming from the same factory
as the one that is producing parts for BMW cars in Germany. These cases enjoy the lightweight durability of the hemp car parts. Here at NUG Magazine, we’re so excited about the many uses of cannabis that we will be expanding our product line of NUG Magazine Hemp Tshirts to now include these cannabis cases, starting with brief cases, guitar and violin cases that you can soon buy through our website www.nugmag.com. The mind boggles at the thought of thousands of different products that will be made from cannabis when one considers the possibilities of composites. These thoughts will only intensify when we add hemp plastic to the mind-blowing possibility equation in part II of “Today cannabis composites are cars, cases, and more (like plastic) - made all around the world”. We’re at the dawn of a new era with the cannabis plant at the core of this global revolution.
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realized the positive role hemp could play in the U.S. if it were only grown here. It concerns me that every surfer I meet understands the importance of growing hemp from an environmental and economical standpoint while our government does not,” stated Jungmann at a meeting in February in Washington, D.C. Robert Jungmann has been manufacturing hemp t-shirts since 1993, and is continuing that stride with his new company Jungmaven®, which designs, manufactures and distributes hemp clothing out of Los Angeles. Their mission is bold: get everyone in a Jungmaven Hemp TShirt by 2020. Jungmaven is pronounced “Young Maven”. The word “Jung” is the first portion of the founder’s last name, Robert Jungmann; and the word “Maven” was discovered in the book “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. Mavens are described as “information specialists” that create and change the destiny of the world; they are one in a million. So, through the combination of these words, Jungmaven was born. As an environmentalist, Jungmann has been a leader in the hemp movement since the early 90’s, founding Manastash® Outdoor Hemp Clothing Company in 1993, TwoJupiters.com in 2001, and, most recently, Jungmaven® in 2005. On a surf trip in Costa Rica, Jungmann saw the need to bring back hemp manufacturing to the United States, and noticed that the #1 benefit of growing hemp is “World Security”. “In Costa Rica they are working towards becoming carbon neutral (to have zero output of carbon dioxide) by 2021. This is their goal and I love it! Growing hemp can help make this dream a reality. Feeding the world is going to be challenged by increased population and increased climate change. Every world leader’s primary goal should be to keep their country healthy and safe for all that live, including people, animals, plants, water, food, soil and air. They can play a role in nurturing or destroying these things that make up our ecosystem. A country being carbon neutral should be at the top of every world leader’s list, and if it’s not, well…they shouldn’t be a leader. Growing industrial hemp can help countries go carbon neutral. During my surf trips in Costa Rica, I
Jungmaven® T-Shirts are made from 100% hemp. “The key is getting the world off cotton and into hemp. The world needs a better mega crop than cotton. We need something that is more sustainable for the 21st Century. Hemp is one of many cures for our addiction to cotton,” said Robert Jungmann. –But, getting off cotton won’t happen overnight. Jungmann goes on to say, “It’s like looking for alternative energies to fuel transportation. We are not all going to stop using oil and go with electric cars one day. It’s going to be a combination of new strategies and energies to power us forward. Improved mass transit, home-based offices, less traffic lights and more roundabouts, biofuels, hybrids, hydrogen cells, algae, and other remedies are all going to be a piece of the pie that will help us transition away from unhealthy fossil fuels. Hemp can help us wean ourselves off cotton and find our balance; but, it’s just one of many steps in the healing process.” Cotton is one of the world’s largest abusers of fresh water and fertile land, both of which are needed for growing food and moving forward; for example, the Aral Sea has all but disappeared because of the mismanagement of fresh water that has been primarily pulled for growing cotton. Hemp can be grown in some of the world’s more arid places where cotton cannot. Since hemp can be grown in such inhabitable places on earth, it can help solve food insecurity issues around the world. Hemp should be grown as a mega crop to help sustain life on earth. According to the Hemp Industries Association, the difference in producing a hemp t-shirt and a cotton one is 300 gallons of water per shirt. “Our goal at Jungmaven is to create clothing that is made from hemp to help bring happiness and balance to the environment while preventing famine, wars and sickness around the world.” –Robert Jungmann NUGMAG.COM | 47
The Soul of the Farmers Market Article & Photos By: Tiffany Janay The farmers market is built around farmers and is the initial drawing point for hundreds of market goers weekly. The farmers are the heart and soul of these markets and support a greater cause with their prepared food, crafts, and art. I visited a few markets recently and connected with a few vendors who invest a lot of themselves into their booths to send home quality products and benefit their customers; they’re doing everything with a centered purpose.
eating it. People that are really sensitive have expressed their experience of eating their food as that of feeling a vibration. Coral, one of the owners, says, “The greatest thing is when you can do what you are doing for the highest purpose and the betterment for anyone who comes into contact with it, spreading the love that is already there. It’s as if you’re being nourished by the love of God.” So when they say it is vegan soul food, they really mean it! “You’re eating of this is a form of yoga and a form of union; that is the form of meditation you are practicing right now, so just open yourself up to receive what it is giving you. The whole time I’m making it I’m deep in prayer thinking, ‘If you could feed God, what would you feed him?’ As I’m making this food, I’m thinking of the Beloved, and it’s like making it for the Supreme. When other people receive this food, the sensation is indescribable, but people feel it.” “We put our love, heart and hopes for everybody into all the food we make.” The food is also said to be medicinal; for example, their chutneys are medicinal because every ingredient in it is powerful. They crack open coconuts by hand and use over two pounds of ginger in one chutney along with whole seed spices such as fenugreek, mustard seeds, Dahl, and fresh curry leaves. “We want to heal people and help them find their highest truth, and help them refocus on watering the roots instead of running around watering the leaves. Go to the source; there’s not enough money or whatever to fulfill them, so it’s important to get centered.” You can find Coral and Sage running Bova Dosa at the Imperial Beach Farmers Market every Friday, and more markets will be coming soon. Go and treat yourself to a Dosa Love. Umoja Vegan “Umoja is a Swahili word that means unite and we are one people who have one thing in common. I’m here to be a part of the people and to be one with them.” These are the words of Thomas who comes from Kenya, Africa. The method he uses to prepare his food originates from Africa, but he infuses it with a bit of San Diego by using avocado oil, which he believes is extremely beneficial.
Bova Dosa Traditionally from South India, dosas are a sourdough-like pancake made from rice and bean dough stuffed with flavored potatoes and served with handcrafted chutneys to use as a dip. At Bova Dosa, they add their own Southern California twist by adding avocado and soy-free, dairy-free cheese in some of their dosas. They also have sweet ones with natural peanut butter and agave. Their food is spiritualized because they are practicing a form of Bhakti Yoga when creating it. They offer up their food to the highest source and give the food with love and devotion. They believe that when they distribute food that has been offered in this manner, both the food and the activity of giving and receiving money are spiritualized. People receive great benefits from
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He makes his foods because they’re sustainable, and he can feed many people with a small amount of food. He says that people who sell unhealthy food often lose their customers to ill health, or their doctors will tell them not to eat junk food anymore; at which point, they come and seek him out and say their doctors told them to eat his food. “Our food will never break you. Whatever you put in, you will never really lose.” Everything he serves is vegan, which means that it contains no animal products or artificial flavors. In Africa, the people originally stumbled upon a vegan type of lifestyle. The rich people were the only ones that could afford to eat meat and processed foods. The poor people could only eat off of the land: the growing vegetation. He carries that spirit with him to America. Their food does not have any highs and there is never a catch most people expect when eating food, but people often find themselves craving it. “When you eat a certain mineral your
body is missing, a part of you recognizes it, and it’s not just about your taste buds, your body will crave it.” Tuning in with one’s inner voice is essential. Currently on their menu is millet, which is used in their food because it is easy to grow and it’s a gluten-free grain. In his home, he used to eat millet often; it’s an ancient grain that was eaten by our ancestors for nourishment. He also serves collard greens sautéed in avocado oil, black-eyed peas, and a corn cake. Simple! Their motto is: “Eat simple, so others can simply eat.” You can find Thomas at the La Jolla Farmers Market every Sunday morning. Smit Orchards At Smit, they know their smit about apples. I spoke with Matt who gave me a thorough explanation on the growing process of apples and how to create different flavors. He was very scientific in his explanation and provided me with straight facts. Smit is a 165-acre orchard located up in Linden, California that has been in operation since 1969. Although they grow other types of fruit, they are mainly an organic apple orchard. They use Granny Smith, Fuji’s, Pink Ladies, Galas, and Honey Crisps. Matt explained that to get different types of apples, you have to graft it. The apples typically come out tart, so grafting helps to create different tastes of apples. Fuji’s are a great apple to use for grafting because it is a good, hardy stock and provides good transportation. The region the apples are grown in determines the flavor you get. On the East Coast, apples have a different flavor and size than the ones grown on the West Coast. Apples adapt to their climate well and have changed accordingly over the years.
The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is a statement that still holds true even in current times. Apples are a great source of fiber and many have found protection from certain cancers. Others use apples in their daily diet to help relieve asthma, lower cholesterol, lose weight, treat diabetes, and boost memory. Smit Orchards are currently at about 28 farmers markets every week, so chances are they’ll be at any one you attend. Chocolate Rose In San Diego, there is a major population of refugees from Africa. Chocolate Roses is owned by Chana and Kalif who are dedicating their lives to ensuring that those from their motherland feel welcome and have the tools they need to navigate through America. At the core of their business, they are teaching the youth about entrepreneurship, leadership, community-esteem, and neighborhood pride through the stimulation of creativity and overall joy. They have a community garden of fresh-scented, organic roses. The rose is known to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit; it aids in emotional processing, balance, and the ability to love. The scent alone helps with decision-making and completing tasks by centering one’s focus. They make body products from the essences of rose petals, so one can wear it all day and experience its aromatic benefits. Their line of products includes hand-whipped shea butter, body oils, bath salts, scented candles, lip balms, and rose-scented incense. Their roses are bringing cultures together while providing youth with the opportunity to work together, trust each other, and have meaningful and compassionate exchanges. They teach the youth how to grow and harvest the medicinal herbs. Although their name may imply that they have chocolate roses at their booth, they will quickly correct you by letting you know that they are the chocolate and the roses are in their products. Visit them at the La Jolla Market and Southeast Farmers Market. For a look at what goes on during a typical day at the Farmers Market and to see more of my favorite vendors, log on to www.organicblood.com and www.youtube. com/nugmag and watch the video!
Stephen Hearn
A Visit to the Cannabis Café in Portland Article & Photos By: Ryan Whitaker
NORML is the oldest and longest running grassroots, nonprofit organization devoted to the legalization of marijuana. Its name “NORML” stands for National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws; and their main goal is to decriminalize marijuana so that the responsible possession, use and cultivation of cannabis by adults are no longer subject to legal penalty. They agree with medical marijuana, but find no reason as to why it is illegal, especially hemp. They are pursuing complete decriminalization and seeking to create a legal market for marijuana. Formed by Keith Stroup in 1970, they started out as a small and humble organization, and ever since, they have been involved in a lot of if not every decriminalization movement for marijuana. Madeline Martinez, the Executive Director of NORML in Portland, knew there was a need for a place of gathering and a place to use medicine out of the public eye, so she created a place from humble beginnings called the Cannabis Café. The Cannabis Café is open to all Oregon medical marijuana patients. It’s a place of fellowship and community where you can have a smoke and discuss life, medicine, or just talk. When I first entered the place, I felt awkward because the surroundings were unfamiliar and a bit surreal, but as soon as I was greeted, I knew I was in the right place. I was welcomed with open arms and smiles, and told by a few patients that I should stick around for the next few days because of their upcoming karaoke and comedy nights. If I wasn’t here for work, I don’t think I would have ever left; it was a great environment and atmosphere full on knowledge and love. They had a big screen TV for patients who like to sit back and relax, and a second room farther in the back decked out with pool tables, air hockey, foosball and more. There is also an area they called the commons, which was a place for discussion and sharing medicine. But in my opinion, the main attraction had to be the bud bar. It was almost set up like a regular bar, but instead of the different types of mugs or glasses, the options were limited to vaporizers, joints, or packing your own personal bowls. While I was still observing the environment, I was greeted by Madeline Martinez; we sat down and got to talking about the establishment and what they’re doing for Portland patients. 54 | NUGMAG.COM
So I was told that the Portland Cannabis Café started with only 200 joints? Exactly, it all started with 200 joints. I used to travel around the state delivering samples of medicine along with cuttings from my own personal garden. It was pretty overwhelming because my husband and I only had one car. Things just got way out of hand and eventually burned me out. One day, as an alternative, I tried to concentrate on one meeting with our Oregon medical marijuana cardholders. It took me two weeks to prepare for the meeting because I rolled 200 joints from my excess medicine together with “sugar shake” and kief. When we got together and had the meeting, we made sure every person was an OMMP cardholder. I also supplied them with excess plants from my own personal garden and medicine. We started with 35 people, and the following month those 35 returned with more OMMP cardholders. It grew slowly too 100 and above, and just blew up. That is basically how it started.
Now how did you get the city to agree, or what city ordinance protected you and allowed you to create the Cannabis Café? We didn’t ask them. We went ahead and made the decision because it had been a dream of mine after years of meeting people on my own as an advocate; I would meet with so many people. I had Veterans crying to me on the phone, telling me they couldn’t get the relief they needed without this medicine. I was constantly working with people that had very extreme and active cancers, and life threatening illnesses. Along with needing to medicate, they wanted to sit down, talk, and discuss things, but we didn’t have a place to do it except at public places like Denny’s or Starbucks. I would sit down with them and show them a little bit of compassion and care. Isolation because of your condition or choice of medication is a horrible depression; no one should ever have to experience this.
we do for you,” and they said, “Well, we just came to look for a person, but it appears everything is in order here…I actually recently voted for the legalization measure in November.” It was awesome to hear a police officer who was in support of our cause.
How long have you been with NORML and were you with them at that time? Yes; I have been with NORML for over 11 years.
How do you give back and benefit the greater Portland area? We are not only taxpayers, but we supply sick people with a place to medicate privately with other like-minded people. We have also participated in the Adopt a Highway Program, and as the executive director of NORML, I made an effort to go out and clean up the highway less than a week ago. What was kind of funny was that someone stole our sign, but I took it as more of a compliment because what kid wouldn’t want a big Oregon NORML sign on their wall.
Did you come up with the idea for the Cannabis Café? I did, and it was because of these meetings I had been having. After Obama cut the funding that the DEA was spending on raids in Oregon, they said as long as we followed the state’s guidelines for medical marijuana, which we in fact did, there wouldn’t be any issues. As you know, you must show your OMMP card when coming in the store to participate. We’ve had law enforcement officers come to meetings and tell us that people are upset about the smell, and my response was, “Well, frankly, I think the smell of curry and compost is upsetting, and even though the neighbors may be upset, it truly doesn’t matter does it? It’s my right as an Oregonian to medicate out of public view.” One of those officers tried saying, “It is only legal to medicate at your residence,” but I said, “Sir, you need to familiarize yourself with the law. It says it is legal for an OMM patient to medicate out of public view.” Since then, people have called me the cop whisperer; I thought it was kind of funny. It’s quite surprising because the City of Portland and its police have truly evolved with us. Recently, we had a few officers come in to check out our new location, and my son and I sat down with the officers and said, “What can
What was this measure? It was measure 74. Well, unfortunately, it was for dispensaries and it didn’t make it, and this is the second time they have tried. It is working sort of like California. People in Portland are operating within the guidelines, and donations are accepted for growers in exchange for medicine. As long as you are donating to a grower and it doesn’t come from an outside source, it is completely legal. Jim Klahr, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Medical Marijuana and the OMMP program, says it’s a practice that has been going on for quite a while. We feel that we are well within our rights to allow patients to donate to a grower who supplies them with the medicine they need. We receive calls daily from 70-year-old patients who have no idea where to go to acquire help or medicine. They ask things like, “Do I go to the waterfront and just ask around?” and I usually say, “You’re 70-years-old, you don’t want to go do something like that.” I let them know that it’s their right to acquire medicine, and all they have to do is get approved for their OMMP card and come down to the café. They can have as much medicine as they would like for the standard donation rate of $10 dollars a day or $5 for members of the café.
What is your goal or the café’s goal? Is there room for expansion in the future? My goal is to end adult marijuana prohibition and capture the revenue that is currently being lost in the black market, putting it to good use for the state of Oregon. I believe that cannabis was put on this planet for the people. I feel that it is the most beneficial plant known to man along with being the safest medicine for patients; no one has died from using marijuana. Just stop and think about all of the pharmaceutical commercials you see these days and the list of side effects you hear, which include blood clots, high blood pressure, nausea, insomnia, and even death. Whenever I see these, I always think of making my own commercial about marijuana and explaining the side effects as euphoria, increased appetite, dry mouth, and is not recommended for use with some heat medicines,
or for patients suffering from schizophrenia. My true end goal is to help create as much change as I can on this plateau. I am not a religious person, but I believe in the powers of the universe and treating your fellow man with the same respect that you would expect…sort of like a karma type belief system. What types of medicine options does the Cannabis Café offer? Well, what’s free is the medicine that has been donated by other patients as excess amounts of medicine, which is the cannabis at the bar you have seen. We are a self-sustaining community and we don’t have to support the black market or prohibition. When we first opened our doors to OMM patients, we started with about half a pound, and by the end of our opening weekend, we had about a pound and a half donated to the café. Do you have any closing statements? The sad thing is that we can’t make congress or the legislation listen to the cries of 859,000 people who are arrested every year. I feel as if it’s a “High Time” for our representatives to step up to the plate, but it’s truly going to take all of us to end adult marijuana prohibition. Change will not happen from congress down. We’re going to have to organize and form more grassroots organizations because that is the only way to change anything. We need to make it known that our “representatives” are misrepresenting us. So get involved and organize; put the joint down, step away from the bong, and do something about our god given rights that are being violated. My visit to the Cannabis Café was not only an informative one, but a pleasure. I would urge any patient to visit this place because it’s a great resource to the cannabis community. It also offers you the chance to talk to serious grassroots organizers and patients with firsthand experience in the battle against marijuana prohibition. The Cannabis Café 322 SE 82nd Ave. Portland, OR 97216
Photo: AMS by Greenhouse Seed Co. NUGMAG.COM | 57
Cannabis
Cooking with Kim
Written by Canna Chef Kim ~ Mother Earth Co-op ♥ Serving San Diego MMJ patients since 2005 This month we have a few new healing recipes for your St. Patty’s Day dinner with of course, our medicinal twist!
B.E.’S BEER BOMB SOUP (Soups)
St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally celebrated on March 17th. This religious feast day is the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this as a religious holiday for well over a thousand years. St. Patrick’s Day is customarily during the Christian Season of Lent. Irish families would usually attend church in the morning and celebrate it in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
2 medium Leeks (chopped) 2 stalks Celery (chopped) 2 medium Carrots (chopped) 2 tsp. Garlic (chopped) 1 medium Bay Leaf 1/4 cup Cannabutter 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour 2 cups Milk
Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. Over the next 35 years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants prospered, prompting the rise of so-called “Irish Aid” societies such as the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the Hibernian Society. Each group held annual parades featuring bagpipes and drums. In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies decided to unite their parades to form one New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today, the parade is the world’s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants. Some of the following recipes are taken from Mother Earth Co-op’s “Special Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis Cookbook.” Canna Chef Kim © 2008 Cookbook available at finer co-ops, collectives and physician offices, or online at www.motherearthcoop.com/products 58 | NUGMAG.COM
1 3/4 cups Chicken Broth 1 (12-oz.) bottle Ale (like Bass) 1 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt 1 tsp. Dry Mustard 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper (ground) 1 lb. Cheddar Cheese (extra sharp) 6 slices Bacon (crumbled)
Wash leeks well and drain in a colander. Cook leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf in cannabutter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until vegetables begin to soften; about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle flour over vegetables, then cook, stirring occasionally; 3 minutes. Add milk, broth, and beer in a stream, whisking; then simmer, whisking occasionally; 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add cheese by the handfuls, stirring constantly, and cook until the cheese is melted; about 3 to 4 minutes (be careful and do not boil). Discard bay leaf. Serve sprinkled with bacon and a dollop of sour cream if desired. This recipe makes 4 to 6 healing servings. Note: Extra sharp cheddar and a malt English ale balance perfectly in this hearty healing soup. ST. PATTY’S SPECIAL CORNBEEF (Main Dishes) 3 lbs. Corned Beef Brisket 1/2 cup Sliced Onion (1 small) 1-1/2 lbs. Cabbage (cut into 6 wedges) 3 tbsp. Cannabis (finely chopped)
1/2 tsp. Black Peppercorns (hole) 3 cups Water 1 Bay Leaf 1 tsp. Kief
Place rack in a 4 to 6 quart pressure cooker. Add meat, onion, bay leaf, finely chopped cannabis, black peppercorns, and water. Lock the lid tight in place. Place pressure regulator on vent pipe. Over high heat, bring cooker up to pressure. Reduce heat just enough to maintain pressure, so pressure regulator rocks gently; cook for about 45 to 50 minutes. Allow pressure to come down naturally. Carefully remove lid. With a slotted spoon, remove the meat and onions to a serving platter; set aside. Place the wedges of cabbage and kief in the pressure cooker. Lock lid in place. Put pressure regulator on vent pipe (if you have a
first-generation cooker). Bring cooker up to pressure over high heat. Reduce heat slightly to maintain pressure, so pressure regulator rocks gently; cook for 2 minutes. Quick-release the pressure, and cautiously remove the lid. With a slotted spoon, remove the cabbage wedges. Serve with meat and onions. This recipe makes 6 medicinal servings. IRISH BOILER SODA BREAD (Breads) 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour 3 tbsp. Sugar 2 tsp. Baking Powder 1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt 1/3 cup Cannabutter 1 1/4 cups Buttermilk* 1/2 cup Currants or Raisins
Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine all ingredients, except buttermilk and currants, in large bowl; cut in cannabutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk and currants just until moistened. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead gently 10 times. Shape into ball. Place onto greased baking sheet. Pat into a 6-inch circle. Cut 1/2-inch deep “X” at the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Yield: 1 loaf, bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Note: A traditional Irish-inspired medicinal quick bread made with buttermilk and currants. *Substitute 4 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 1 1/4 cups. Let stand 10 minutes.
Note: Yarrow generates a sense of peace and relaxation for women in menopause, and it’s a tonic. Yarrow can be used as either a tea or a bath additive, and has proved helpful in allaying rheumatic pain and controlling high blood pressure. “KIEF” is an age old way of extracting trichomes from plant material. Kief is the product derived from the kiefing process. Kiefing is a method in which you rub dry trim, buds and small leaves with crystals on them over a silk screen. The THC glands will form a powder that comes through the screen, which is used in cooking or for smoking. It is usually a pale green to light brown dependant on the strain of the cannabis. Kief powder that is pressed together is called hash. Note: Kief boxes are sold at some smoke shops and are easier to work with than the silk screens. In a kief box, the screen is above the collection drawer, allowing the THC glands to pass through the screen and into the collection drawer. This makes it easy and compact for the average user to collect the kief and use for smoking or cooking. *Cannaoil is any high quality food grade oil such as coconut oil, hempseed oil, olive oil, canola oil that has been infused with high grade medical cannabis. *Cannabutter is dairy butter that has been infused with high grade medical cannabis.
GANGA GUINNESS GOODNESS CAKE (Desserts)
The recipes for cannaoil and cannabutter can be found in the first copy of NUG Magazine or online at www.MotherEarthCoop.com
1 cup Cannabutter (room temperature) 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar 1 1/4 Self-Rising Flour 1 tsp. Baking Powder 1/4 tsp. Salt
Wishing you a hempy journey to a healthier you! Please remember to continue the 2011 challenge of being kind to each other every day!!!
2 tbsp. Cocoa Grated Rind of 1 Orange 4 Large Eggs 1/2 cup Guinness
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans. Cream the cannabutter and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa into a bowl. Add orange rind to the creamed cannabutter and beat in eggs one at a time, including a spoonful of measured flour mixture with each one, beating well between additions. Gently mix in the Guinness one tablespoonful at a time, including another spoonful of flour with each addition. Fold any leftover flour gently into the mix; blend thoroughly without overbeating. Divide mixture between the tins, smooth down, and put cakes into the center of the preheated oven. Reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cakes are springy to the touch and shrinking slightly in the pans. Turn out and cool on a wire rack. GANGA GOODNESS ICING (Desserts) 1/2 cup Cannabutter 1 medium Orange (juice, grated rind)
1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar
Cream the softened cannabutter and icing sugar together thoroughly, then blend in the grated orange rind and enough juice to make an icing that is soft to spread. When the cakes are cold, use half the icing to sandwich them together and spread the rest on top. RELIEF OF HEADACHES & SLEEP AID (Remedies) 1 tsp. Yarrow (finely chopped) 1 tsp. Peppermint (finely chopped) 6 drops of Canna Tincture
2 cups Water 1 tsp. Honey
Slice yarrow and peppermint finely, and place in a sauce pan with boiling water. Bring to a boil and steep for 13–15 minutes, covered; then strain. Add drops of tincture to tea. This remedy has been used since ancient times for headaches, fevers (drink hot yarrow tea), colds, and influenza. Helps curb diarrhea, anemia, gas, diabetes, Bright’s disease, palpitations, and excessive menstruation. Treatment with yarrow has been used for centuries to assist ailments from gastrointestinal and gallbladder, to toothaches (chew the leaves) and sleep disorders. FOR BATHS: Use 20 grams (about 4 teaspoonfuls) of yarrow per gallon of water.
Peace, Love & Gratitude, Kim
Still Growing The “Mothership” has landed
By Mel the Bumbling Gardner If you took my advice, you got off the fence and started growing your own. If you read my last story “Grow or not to Grow”, then you know that I found an easy to understand, easy to set up, and, most importantly, easy to operate indoor growing system. With two successful grows under my belt, I found there was a lot more to learn than just keeping the pH level in check. Have you ever gone into one of the newer hydro shops? And I’m not talking about the plant section at Wal-Mart; I’m talking about a full-blown hydro shop. My advice to you is: find a shop near your home, walk in, introduce yourself, and tell the shop owner that you’re a new “tomato” grower who needs as much help as he can offer. Your new hydro buddy will have the keys to your success on one of his many well stocked shelves. –Take my word for it, you can buy stuff that will make your grow look like you’ve been doing it for years. Ask him to help you figure out a feeding and care program that you can afford in time and money. No matter how big or small your grow may be, knowing how to take care of your plants and what they’ll need as they enter the next stage of their life will make your experience much more rewarding, especially at harvest time, which should come around every 70 days or so. Now, our new adventure begins. I keep thinking how interesting and helpful it would be if I learned how to supply myself with one of the most important parts of every grow: the clone. After my first grow, I knew I had a lot more to learn. If I wanted to get the most bang for my buck, I had to figure out how the “Big Boys” do it. Now that I’m on my 3rd growing cycle, my Spinner has been running 24/7 with no real problems, and I’ve been real happy with the results. As I thought about my first two growing attempts, I realized that I had more problems finding enough healthy clones to fill the holes in my growing chamber than any other single part of either grow. The clones I most often found just weren’t ready to feel the full power of my light. I’m not trying to say that the people who grow clones are doing it wrong, but they are definitely in too much of a hurry to bring their product to market. Most of the clones I found were small, pale, and not very root developed, which makes it difficult to get good results. So, with higher med prices and lower quality “name brand” buds, I can see why so many of us are now starting to grow our own. Nevertheless, getting 12 clones to grow all at once is still something I want to see. For whatever reason, I have not been able to get all 12 of my plants to go full cycle. 10 out of 12 planted is the best I’ve been able to do so far.
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Still Growing cont... A “Mother Plant” is a gardening term that describes a plant that you are going to take cuttings from. Plant cuttings are small pieces of a larger plant that are cut off and rooted. These small cuttings produce new plants or clones that will have the same traits as the mother plant. Any female can become a mother plant, regardless of how old. She can be grown from seed or be a clone of a clone. The important thing to remember when taking clones from a mother is to NEVER let the mother plant bloom and then revert her back to vegetative growth. Clones taken from a rejuvenated female tend to be less potent and much weaker. Strong mothers produce strong healthy clones. So, with this in mind, I wanted to find a way to add another growing device that would run 24 hours a day and not eat me out of house and home. Fortunately, I didn’t have to look very long or far because in the back of my barn, covered in dust, but in great shape, I found my 20+ year old Phototron 2 growing chamber. Back in the day, Phototron was the “Big Dog” of home growing systems. Everybody that thought about growing anything “herbal” had a Phototron. When you think about it, you can count on one hand the number of “growing chamber” companies that have made it in any market for over 20 years. Just for the fun of it, I thought I would give them a call just to see if they still had any parts for my old chamber, or if they could give me any information as to whether or not my old model 2 was capable of doing the job I had in mind. After only a couple of rings, a real person answered the phone and offered more help than I ever dreamed of getting from a random phone call to a company that I haven’t talked to for over 20 years. “Hello, this is Brian at Pyraponic Industries, home of the Phototron, can I help you?” –Is how it all started. By the end of call, Brian was sending me a brand new Phototron model 8 complete with cooling fans via overnight delivery. After I explained who I was and what I was trying to do, the Phototron “Red Carpet” rolled out and I had just what I needed to complete my growing chamber/barn. My new model 8 has 30% more growing space, and sports a much higher output of light at 30K lumens instead of the 18K that my older model 2 offered. The packaging on the model 8 was very impressive, not a single scratch or missing part. With a 3 bowl assembly time, my new chamber took shape very quickly. The Phototron’s quality has really improved over the years, and with the new built-in cooling fans, this “mothership” is the perfect addition to my turn-key growing barn. I hope you will follow along with me in the next 3 issues of NUG, where we’ll figure out how to set up, fill up, grow, trim, and windup getting our very own healthy, well rooted, well grown clones.
GROW: CHELATED MINERALS AND NUTRITION FOR PLANTS AND HUMANS ALIKE!
By: The SD OG Grower Everyone always wants to know what the best nutrients are, or what is the one product that will give me that magical harvest and yield? Many people say that all nutrients are the same and you can just use anything like Miracle Grow or some powdered 20-20-20 made of nitrates and other non–chelated elements or minerals. It’s just not true! Chelated minerals or elements are much more effective and useful to the plant or body. They actually enhance and balance out the ecosystem in the root zone; and it’s what they do naturally to each other that creates better uptake in the plant, better pH balance and stabilization, and a healthier immune system. It’s kind of like drinking your favorite beer. A Natural Ice is not the same thing as a Heineken or Samuel Adams. Sure, they’re both beer and will get you buzzed, but both will have different effects on the body, and everything from the buzz to the hangover in the morning is different between the two. It’s simple; it’s the quality and type of minerals used. The natural chelation or fermentation process they go through greatly affects the outcome, final value, and quality of the end
product, whether it’s your plant, you yourself, or brewing and making beer. The quality of the ingredients, where they were derived from and how they were processed, determines how functional and active they will be once they’re put into the nutrient water to create a nutrient solution. I’m going to lightly touch on a couple of subjects that go way deeper than I’m going to try and explain. Let’s start with pH. We all know how greatly pH can effect and make or break a crop. pH stands for potential hydrogen, and we use the familiar scale from 0-14.0 pH with 7.0 being neutral pH. pH is actually the measurement of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. When a nutrient solution is pH 7.0 or less, then it has more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions. And when a nutrient solution is pH 7.0 (also known as alkaline) or higher, then it has more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions in it. The same goes for your growing medium; if there is more of one or the other, it affects the pH and determines if it’s high or low, which changes the pH value and can greatly affect the plant. These two hydrogen and hydroxide ions are also present in all of our elements or minerals we use to grow our plants with, and most of which our human bodies use as well in the same exact way! We classify these minerals into two different distinct groups. The first group of elements is called cations, and they contain more hydrogen ions. This group called cations includes some of our macro and micro elements such as urea, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron zinc, manganese copper and cobalt. The second group of elements is called anions, and they contain more hydroxide ions. And some of the elements that are anions are nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, carbonates and bicarbonates. I know you’re asking yourself what in the world does this have to do with me? Actually, everything! Your water, nutrients, and growing medium form and create a natural and powerful circle that when kept in balance with each other is the real kept secret to a healthy plant and a huge tasty harvest, as well as a strong and healthy body! By definition, an element is “a substance consisting of atoms, which all have the same number of protons or the same atomic number.” There are about 116 elements known to man and they are all listed on the Periodic Table (webelements.com), but most nutrient formulas only include about 12-17 of these different elements. All elements have a “charge” to them, either positive or negative. This charge is not always active or turned on per say when the element or mineral is in its single state form, or by itself. Many organic minerals or elements are found together in nature and are called “compounds” or chelated minerals, which consist of two or more minerals or elements compounded together. This normally happens by some geological event like a volcano erupting tons of nutrient rich minerals up out of the earth with all of the silt landing in a fresh water lake, or natural mineral deposits that are mined out of the earth. Over time, like a fermenting brew, it compounds the minerals into layers, combining and then mixing them together as one – many times seen in layers. This can be called or referred to as raw chelated minerals as they are charged and active when compounded with other nutrients creating the chelation process.
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However, this process of chelation goes a bit deeper. A quick summary would be that without certain elements or minerals, other elements and minerals may be present, but will not be active! Adding a product like IGS Elements trace minerals (which will be available for market soon) with over 78 known elements mostly in minute amounts, can dramatically increase and improve your garden and yields. As the earth compounds the minerals, a humic layer covers them and in a sense is fermenting or chelating these minerals together, making it an amazing chelated trace mineral. Everything in life needs to have balance, and that includes the nutrients for your plants, nutrients or food for your body, and the water and minerals that go with those as well. I’ll talk in the next issue about water quality, but you should all be using a Reverse Osmosis machine and a De Chlor Filter for the water you use to feed your plants. The problem with stripping out all the bad stuff in your water is that you also end up stripping out all the good minerals too. So, we need to replenish them with some trace minerals like IGS Elements. –It’s cheap and a little goes a long way. I also like to use it to blend with my coco medium before I even plant. It helps make the minerals available right away at planting, but it also balances out the microbial ecosystem in the medium. By having the right balance in the medium, the pH stays balanced as the right amount of cations and anions are present in a well-balanced nutrient mix. Not all nutrient companies use chelated nutrients, in fact, very few do. A simple way to activate any nutrient and charge your garden is to add the right chelated trace minerals such as IGS Elements. Some of the benefits of using chelated trace minerals include helping beneficial and microbial organisms by sustaining and enhancing their natural “Microbial Ecosystem”, and better uptake of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (N-P-K). IGS Elements is basically a fine silt mineral clay, and clay having the highest retention rate of energy makes it one of the best additives for your garden, creating the best balanced environment in the root zone as well as making the absorption rate of nutrients by the plants much higher and much more efficient. This increases the availability of nutrients to the plant, prevents nutrients from leaching out of the plant, increases the mobility of plant nutrients within the plant, prevents mineral nutrients from locking up and becoming insoluble, suppresses plant pathogen growth, and when done properly, it helps stabilize and balance out the pH. But remember, many of these elements or minerals are only used in trace amounts, many under 1/1000 of mg. Generally, these are called trace minerals, which are uncommon minerals that all organisms need in minute quantities in order to trigger the production of enzymes and hormones for growth, reproduction, and healthy maintenance for the plant, animal, or human body. What does this mean to your garden? Well, if most nutrient companies are not using chelated elements for their nutrients, or you’re not using a chelated product like IGS Elements, then you are definitely not getting the most out of your plants and are being robbed of a much larger, sweeter, and healthier harvest! Your plants will thank you for it. The same IGS Elements is sold in a purer pharmaceutical form in capsules for the human body, and it’s called 76 Minerals. IGS Hydro in Pacific Beach has them both, and the capsules of the minerals for your body really work as well; just like with the plants, it’s the same process, relation and reactions! Chelated trace minerals are the missing ingredient in life! Many believe it’s the reason why 3rd world countries don’t have cancer; it’s due to the minerals they get from eating whole foods with proper nutrition that comes straight out of the ground. The soils in our backyards and farmlands are far past depleted. Adding chelated trace minerals is one of the only ways to bring the soil’s natural ecosystem back to life again. Remember, the same goes for our bodies; about 90% of us are nutrient deficient! That means that 90% of us are not getting the proper nutrition into our bodies, which is mainly due to the depletion and lack of chelated trace minerals in our diets. Try it for yourself, and also give it to your plants. Don’t you both deserve to be the healthiest and most productive that you can be? It’s a secret that most nutrient companies and our government don’t want you to know about because they wouldn’t be able to sell you as many other products and supplements to fix all those problems. This goes for the health of your plant and the health of your body because both will thank you once you have tried it!
Between organizing the First Annual San Diego Food Fight and implementing some exciting new changes at The Green Door Collective, it has been quite a hectic month for Hopper. Of course, he had no problem clearing his schedule to make time to fulfill his duties as our resident Chronisseur. Let the sampling begin...
Dream Queen: (Soothing Solutions Wellness Center) 585-507-6795 “This is a textbook example of what a bud should look like. When you look at it in the light, you can see all of its shiny little trichomes. It has excellent coloring and the perfect amount of orange hairs to compliment the trichomes. It has a sweet, mouth-watering aroma. Now onto the hit; it has a nice, sweet, hashy flavor. A lot of expansion - that was a really good hit! It gave me a cough, but not due to harshness. It packed a great punch. It was obviously well-flushed. The Dream Queen is an overall winner. Great job!
THC Blue: (The Holistic Café) “This nug has a deep, rich green color with some trichomes peeking through and nice red hairs. I really like the aroma of this one. It’s very sweet and berry-like. Can’t wait to sample it! The taste of the THC Blue is definitely on the sweeter side of the flavor spectrum and has a really enjoyable hint of Blueberry. I expected more expansion, but I did get a pretty good cough from the second hit, which was almost immediately followed by a cerebral high. This strain would be beneficial for a variety of different patients and ailments.”
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The Green Lights: (The Holistic Café) “This is a nice tight little spear of a nug. It has great coloring - the lighter shade of green along with all of the trichomes gives it a white, glowing appearance. There are also a few little orange hairs peeking through. Its aroma is not very strong, but it is very unique. –A slight hint of Bubblegum mixed with a piney scent. I’m very interested to find out how this one tastes...There is most definitely no lack of expansion in this one! I expected a piney flavor, but it had more of a hashy taste that really stuck to the tongue. Though it wasn’t quite what I expected, I really did enjoy sampling this one because it was very unique, in a good way! The Green Lights would make a great daytime strain for patients with a higher tolerance. It offers an uplifting high and almost instant relaxation.”
As we finished the final session, Hopper made me promise to remind NUG readers that his latest pet project, The First Annual San Diego Food Fight, began on February 14th and is now in full swing. So consider yourself reminded, and be sure to drop off canned goods and other non-perishable food items at a participating collective no later than March 14th. The winning collective will be announced after the San Diego Food Bank has picked up and weighed all of the donations. Hopper also let me in on a little secret. –The winds of change are blowing through the GDC. Adding new members to the board of directors has freed up his time to do more community projects and, most importantly, spend more one-on-one time with the patients of The Green Door Collective. He has also decided to accept a few new patients, so if you’re interested in becoming a member, email Hopper at thegreendoorcollective@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. *To respect the privacy of current members, GDC staff cannot accept walk-in interview appointments. Story by: Pamela Jayne Photos and Nug Shots by: Phil Calvin for SCR Photos
growth & demand. We’ve added a built-in show locator, which enables viewers to search by artist with all upcoming shows. We put emphasis on our Free MP3s with our MP3 Massive section and MP3 Leak of the Week, both dedicated to free MP3 downloads.
You’re an exclusive online magazine bringing music news to the world; do you get bands from all over the world sending you their music? What has impressed you the most about how people have reacted to your magazine? There are groups that find us and there are groups that we find. It’s all a community effort. We don’t just get emails from bands, but from fans all over the world, letting us know who they’ve recently discovered.
Goin’ Global with The Pier By: Sandieganliz
The Pier is an online magazine dedicated to bringing the latest news and reviews on the Reggae/Rock scene, particularly the kind that emphasizes an acoustic approach. “Take Life Easy” – doesn’t that sound like a reggae approach? NUG Magazine got a chance to discuss The Pier’s impact and future in the online world of Reggae/Rock fans, bands, and shows as it relates to the global scene.
What is your primary goal in providing this free information online? Are you happy with the content your magazine provides to the online community? Artists have a place to be showcased and to spread word of their upcoming albums, tours and general news, and fans have a one stop environment to absorb this info. We are thrilled at how we’re being received globally. We always get pumped when emails come in from fans and groups in other countries. It’s a pleasant reminder of why we do this in the first place.
The Pier started in 2007, but underwent some recent changes; how has this affected the magazine? Since 2007, we’ve made a lot of progressive upgrades to the sites format as a result of the growing demand from the artists and fans. As a growing online magazine and community, I think there will be constant changes to support the sites 70 | NUGMAG.COM
Reggae/Rock has all kinds of roots that stem from Jamaica and other islands to California and throughout the country. Why do you specifically focus on this style? What makes it special? One of the gravitating elements of this genre is the positive energy. If you listen to the lyrics of reggae music, it’s mostly uplifting. It’s a place where people can escape to and drown out the negativity that is often over-powering in our world. People want to feel good and they tend to get pulled in by this. Reggae has always danced on the fringes of popular music, but has managed to maintain its independence. The combination of reggae and rock music genres seem to blend seamlessly, creating a marriage that feels very organic.
Reggae music is notorious for implementing the use of cannabis. Do you find this offensive or simply just part of the culture? In the last few years, cannabis has been moving into the spotlight of many political debates. Regardless of your own personal beliefs, I think it’s safe to say that the cannabis movement will eventually become the mainstream of American culture (if it hasn’t done this already). As a society, it’s time for us to accept this and focus on other issues that are more important like global warming and nuclear weapons. Smoking cannabis doesn’t define this style of music, but it does play a role.
The Pier features music compilations composed of all sorts of Reggae/Rock bands such as John’s Brown Body from the East Coast, Live@Subs from Australia, and even Del Mar from Reno, Nevada, which featured Bud Gaugh from Sublime. Are there any plans to produce one for 2011? We actually do have plans for a couple of compilation releases in 2011. We’re working on a Pacific Island sampler that’ll be available for FREE download on our site. It’ll encompass all new music from groups that are based out of the Pacific Islands region. Then, we will be releasing our Pier Comp Vol. 2 for sale that will include new and unreleased music from various bands and artists in the community. Both releases will be available exclusively on our site, and we’d like to have them available by this spring or summer. We’ve always seen compilations as a beneficial way to spread awareness on new music, especially when the bands get behind the compilation and tell their fans about it. Indeed, The Pier contributes a lot of valuable, online information and resources to Reggae/Rock people found all over the globe. For more information, visit the catalog at www.thepier.org. | Facebook.com/ThePierOrg Youtube.com/ThePierOrg | Twitter.com/ThePierOrg
we are scientists
MARCH 12-13, 2011
vokab kompany
7th Annual IndieFest All Indie | All Ages | All In By: Marc Emmelmann “San Diego IndieFest celebrates independent music, art, business and thought.” – Danielle LoPresti IndieFest is turning SEVEN on March 12th – the year is commonly thought of as significant for change or even rebirth. In the business culture, this milestone predicts future sustainability: if your business makes it past seven successful years, you have a very high likelihood for long term success. This sentiment perked up the ears of IndieFest creators and producers of all things indie in San Diego, Danielle LoPresti and Alicia Champion. This well-respected team chimed in recently, “We are professional musicians, not professional producers. This festival was built from an artist’s perspective and it’s the first of its kind that is exclusively independent. Every musical act, for example, is either unsigned or on an independent label.” No worries about this challenge to change, making a bit of a difference in their ability to manage your festival experience. They have a track record of creating amazing grassroots festivals for six years — for independent-minded individuals, by independent minded individuals. It’s certainly applicable to their 2011 “No Safety in Sameness” theme.
LoPresti and Champion didn’t realize the significance of all the changes happening in the seventh year, but I can’t blame them for turning a blind eye. I prefer to keep low expectations in the way of mysticism, but when it comes to the business research, those statistics are something to think about! Regardless, IndieFest producers have been doing exactly what they’ve set their minds to. They’ve successfully overcome previous challenges, so they won’t have capacity issues this year (unless it’s like Woodstock); there will be an abundance of parking and plenty of cushy green grass to relax on. Here’s a small sneak peek into this year’s eclectic music lineup: We Are Scientists and AWOLNATION are headlining. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actor-turnedmusician, James Marsters, and the group Love Darling (which contributed the theme song to the Showtime TV series “The Real L Word”) will be present along with Danielle LoPresti & The Masses, Republic of Letters, Black Party Politics and Vokab Kompany. They’ll all be performing on the Durga Sound Main Stage that is presented by 91X. Also, a birdie told me Monette Marino Keita and Vanna Prasta are not to be missed. Genres this year include Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, House, Folk, Latin, World, Country, Funk, Punk, Jazz, and Electronica. For the full line up and schedule, visit www.sandiegoindiefest.com.
Danielle LoPresti, also of Danielle LoPresti & The Masses, recently shared, “The whole movement inherent in IndieFest is an organic fit with the culture that is NUG Magazine. IndieFest is a place for those who know all too well how polluted mainstream culture is by corporate greed and apathy. Our goal is to turn folks onto the goodness that lies outside the herd mentality. There will be music, film, art, ideas, interactive activities, trees, bay and lots of space to come and be filled by the IndieFest experience. Everywhere you go is one example after another of brilliant artists, businesses, activists and thinkers who’ve found a way to manifest their vision with little-to-no backing. These are the entities we rarely, if ever, see in mainstream venues. We want to showcase those unique groups that make up the alternative culture in our community and do what we can to help inspire support for them. We don’t want strip mall culture everywhere we look. We want to see San Diego’s cultural uniqueness and its independent entrepreneurship thriving. There has been an immense movement toward
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republic of letters corporatism as of late, so it’s that much more important that we light a fire of awareness that helps independent people, businesses, artists and thinkers thrive, not just survive. Oh yeah, and NUG Mag readers are extra-welcome!” The new festival location might just be one great embodiment of their 2011 “No Safety in Sameness” mantra. Previously held in the heart of North Park on University between 29th & Granada St., you might think IndieFest, which represents all things indie and independent, would be oxymoronic to happen at the NTC Promenade in Liberty Station (OK, the cat is out of the bag!). Point Loma and Liberty Station (2640 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106) is an area often associated with conservatism, but what is that anymore? You may be wondering, “Is Liberty Station reflective of the indie movement?” After talking to LoPresti and Champion, I realized they made a very smart and methodological decision to move to Liberty Station. I admitted that I needed some convincing, but after contemplating the reputation of Liberty Station, its iconic American imagery and the strong creative vibe is already there; it’s home to Dance Place, the Actors Alliance, ARTS: A Reason to Survive, San Diego Dance Theatre, and Capoeira Brasil to name a few! I agreed that it’s a great place to grow IndieFest! It’s also a great place to add some more credibility to that area’s philosophical/artistic premise.
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It’s been said that the demise of Street Scene will benefit IndieFest, but for LoPresti and Champion, it’s comparing apples and oranges. LoPresti said, “Street Scene was a totally different kind of festival that focused on national and international acts, whereas IndieFest is all about promoting a collection of artists coming together to say, ‘Hey world, look!’ There’s scores of amazing bands, films and artists out there that aren’t famous, but are every bit as good as those who are. Come to IndieFest and discover them! Street Scene was about the biggest
names, IndieFest is the rising up of the little guy.” Champion followed up with, “We’re here to shine light on really deserving groups, but just haven’t had the luck, the fate, or the investors that the biggest names in popular music and film have had. We also want to inspire people by showing them how exciting an event can be even if you don’t have the big name backing it. We’re sad that Street Scene isn’t coming back, and we have enormous empathy for them since we know how gnarly it gets to pull everything off to produce a festival.” The theme of IndieFest this year, “No Safety in Sameness”, was inspired by local indie press man John Rippo. Rippo has been influencing LoPresti and Champion for quite some time. His message was this: “Fortunately, not everyone is willing to abide by the notions of safety in sameness. The people who push the creative envelope, whether in art, music, politics, or even business, do their fellow man a great service by adding facets of what’s possible in life.” IndieFest is not a left or right fest, it’s for those who think for themselves, who are open to alternative energy, alternative anything, and medicinal alternatives too! IndieFest has a lot of thoughtful reasons behind it. One of these reasons is posted on their website: “Big used to matter. Big meant power, profit, and growth. Today, little companies often make more money than big companies. Small means the founder is close to the decisions that matter and can make them quickly. Small is the new big only when the person running the small
company thinks big. Don’t wait. Get small. Think big”. ~Seth Godin, Small is The New Big, Portfolio, 2006 If you’ve read this far, you might be interested in the following random, but factual festival details: IndieFest is for all ages. Kids 12 & under are FREE! Pets are welcome; however, they must be leashed. Clothe yourself in layers because it might get chilly from the wind off the bay. There will be shady spots for fair skinned mates and sheilas. 1,000 people will not get turned away this year because the new location is HUGE! IndieFest is rain or shine. The Beer Garden will serve hard liquor for the first time. Great indie products like jewelry will be for sale. There will be a half pipe with skaters performing. There will be free stages for those hit hardest by the current economic climate. There will be an Artist Mixer on Friday, March 11th, at Humphrey’s Music Club; it is open to the general public ($10 door, Ages 21+). The fabulous downtown Sofia Hotel is their hotel sponsor this year; a very boutique and independent hotel offering deals for IndieFest attendees. 91X FM is the official radio sponsor again! After 91X left their Clear Channel contract in 2005, they have been uber supportive of IndieFest. “They will be broadcasting live from the festival and we love them. They are TRULY an independent station.” says LoPresti. “They don’t just say they’re independent, they actually are.”
danielle lopresti
This is a NON-PROFIT event; better yet, a “SOCIAL-PROFIT” event. All the proceeds will be going to RESULTS / Results Educational Fund, which focuses on ending poverty in the United States and worldwide. Not only has their announcement of a new festival location caused heads to turn, but their addition of new kid activities and two full days of film screenings are noteworthy. There will be more grass, more shade, more music, more films, more parking, more space, and free art classes, which will be held at the WaterColor Stage and the Expressive Arts Institute, just above the ARTS Stage. This year’s IndieFest is more “festival” than ever! IndieFest – if it was a poker game, I’d be all in! NUG Mag will be there too, so come and say hello and grab a free goodie at our booth! It’s right in your backyard and much cheaper than other festivals that beckon you from deserts and other cities. Get connected to IndieFest online at www.sdindiefest.com. General Admission is $25. Get your social media fix at: www.twitter.com/sdindiefest and www.facebook.com/sdindiefest.
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goes to
C.H.A.M.P.S
By; Ben G. Rowin Photos By: Brom R. The C.H.A.M.P.S trade show (Contemporary Handcrafted American Made Products Show) has been taking place for over 13 years. This show is for tobacco accessories, hand-blown glass, clothing, incense and more! I decided to take a bunch of the NUG staff out to Vegas for the show in February. We had a great time and met a bunch of product manufacturers. I will be reviewing some of the cool products I found at the show over the next few months in my product review section, so keep an eye on it and don’t miss out on the newest and sickest stuff that caught my attention. The crew and I rolled into Vegas on Wednesday, which was too late for the show, but just in time for the after parties. Hemp Beach TV and Jonny B, the creator of the Digger One Hitter, had a smoke filled suite at the MGM Grand where the NUG staff and I were staying, and GLOW Industries had an awesome event at the Bellagio. Tired, but ready for the show, we headed over to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Thursday to catch the last day of the event and ran into a bunch of our friends in the industry. Cannabis Planet TV was there doing coverage, and Pony NUGMAG.COM | 77
Boy from Los Marijuanos as well as Aaron Evans of the Green Brothers were in attendance. We also spent some time chillin’ with Mean Green (keep an eye out for his new album!). Of course, we had to say what’s up to San Diego’s own SeedleSs, who was holding down a booth promoting their clothing. 420 Football also had a booth and were showcasing their line of glass. We were also lucky enough to run into Joanne from Girly Glass, who we showcased in a previous issue. I’ve gotten so many requests for Girly Glass since we ran the article that I had to break out some cash and buy some pieces for the ladies of NUG. The after parties that night were insane! Kron went and represented NUG at the Glass Gripper party in the Hugh Hefner suite at the Palms, and the rest of the NUG crew and I cruised the strip, passing out NUGs and T Shirts to promote the brand. An amazing time was had by all and we’ll definitely attend CHAMPS again.
The Ambassador and The “The Ambassador”, a.k.a. Stephen Gabriel Lewis, was born in Virginia in 1980. He began using the title “The Ambassador” because it was based on his mother’s words to him throughout his childhood, encouraging him to be a leader rather than a follower, and to be a peacemaker with a message of hope. The nickname went hand in hand with his passion for traveling and learning from other cultures while sharing and shaping his own. Throughout his songwriting, Lewis has made it a point to couple thought provoking lyrics with a positive message written with today’s youth in mind, to encourage, exhort and capitalize on the importance of family, community and relationships.
Lewis has been both a student and a teacher overseas and professes the invaluable lessons of character building as a result of leaving one’s comfort zone and venturing out into the world. –He states, “Learning the ways of other cultures allows us to better reevaluate our own society and who we are as individuals.” Learning from various cultures through conversation and relationships has no doubt been one of the biggest influences on his more recent musical aspirations. In 2004, he returned to the U.S. from his latest stint overseas as an English teacher in Korea to begin work on a partnered project with “The Seed” (www.myspace.com/theseedsound), as well as hone his skills as a solo performer. Lewis toured, wrote and recorded with The Seed as their frontman/guitarist, releasing a self-titled debut album in April 2008. While living in Virginia from 2005 to 2008, he hosted acoustic and electric showcases entitled The Ambassador Presents..., which featured various Blue Ridge Valley musicians, sitting in from show to show. It was also during these years that he continued to tour the east coast with The Seed, gaining valuable road experience and sharpening his song writing skills. In February 2009, The Ambassador decided to head west and plant new roots in sunny San Diego, California. Since relocating, he has performed and recorded with some of SoCal’s best rising reggae musicians, including members of Pato Banton’s The Now Generation and the Slightly Stoopid offshoot C-Money and the Players Inc. He continues to perform acoustically and with his backing band The Chosen Few. As a follow up to The Ambassador Presents…EP of 2009 and the 2010 Haiti Relief Benefit EP Sunshine, The Ambassador’s first full-length solo album New Roots is set to be released in early 2011. The Chosen Few – About the Band… The Chosen Few is an interchanging group of talented musicians who support The Ambassador at live performances and in the studio. Made up of some of SoCal’s finest rising players, The Chosen Few musicians can be seen playing regularly throughout L.A., Orange and San Diego counties. Tony Saenz (drums), Adam “Jah Mex” Arredondo (keys), Carlos Marin Jr. (bass), Bob Bartosik and Nathan Mills (sax & trumpet), Andrew Mencher (producer/engineer/mix), and Jimmy Cui (mix) are the session players who make up The Chosen Few and joined The Ambassador at San Diego’s own Capricorn Studios in 2010. They are also featured on The Ambassador’s upcoming solo album New Roots. --NUG caught up with The Ambassador to ask him a few cannabis related questions: How has San Diego taken to The Ambassador? I love San Diego for its laid back vibe. The people here have definitely shown support for my music. A big “Thank You” must go out to Tim Pyles at 94.9FM and Rowley at 91X FM for playing The Ambassador and giving my music a chance to be heard. Musicians are a tight knit community here and I’ve had a lot of fun teaming up to do shows with my friends Brendan Dayne and Scott Woodruff from Stick Figure.
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By: Ben G. Rowin
Chosen Few Brendan played bass with Scott’s project and my own before recently heading to Washington, D.C., and both he and Scott have always made themselves available for a beer and good conversation on the local scene. I have nothing but love for my San Diego people, and I hope they feel it in my album New Roots because much of it was inspired by me putting down new roots in SD in 2009.
Are you currently playing around town? I had been gigging locally in OB and PB at spots like Winston’s, 710 Beach Club and the Pacific Beach Fest. Although I had a killer cast on the New Roots album, it was difficult to keep the same crew for shows because most of the guys are either touring or live in the L.A./Orange Co. area, or have multiple projects. My band went through a lot of different lineups and I decided to shift my focus to recording and producing New Roots with an occasional acoustic show, which is much easier to do on the fly. Now that the album is finished, I’ll be looking to put another crew together to rock live shows throughout the San Diego area. Tell us a little bit about the new album New Roots? New Roots is a reggae album consisting of lover’s rock, roots, and dancehall vibes, and it’s inspired by my move to San Diego from the East Coast. I wrote many of the tunes while sitting atop the cliffs and watching the sunset over Pacific Beach. My engineer and co-producer Andrew Mencher introduced me to some great musicians that I now call friends, and through them I was able to fulfill my ideas in the studio. The album was recorded at Capricorn Studios in downtown San Diego and managed by the wonderful Astra Kelly. The lineup included Tony Saenz of Pato Banton’s Now Generation on drums; Carlos Marin Jr. formerly of Psydecar and C-Money & the Players Inc. on bass; Adam “Jah Mex” Arredondo on keys, who recently produced his own roots reggae album Firm Soundation by Jah Mex and The Translators; Shaga from San Diego’s own Bloodfiyah Angels on percussion; and local jazz players Bob Bartosik and Nathan Mills on sax and trumpet. I look forward to working with these guys on the next album.
Since we’re a cannabis publication, we want to know your views on herb. I have no problem with marijuana for medicinal, ceremonial or faith-based use, or leisurely recreation. I would like to eventually see the nationwide legalization and taxation of marijuana (but governed at the state level) to aid in reducing our nation’s massive federal budget deficit and individual state budgets by creating funding for social programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and bolstering K-12 school programs, including art, music and sports that would otherwise be cut (as recently seen in California) or funded by further state and federal taxes from average, hardworking American families. However, I do think that much like alcohol or tobacco, marijuana needs to have age requirements for use and purchase. But, let’s be real about it; has anyone you know been involved in a car accident where lives were lost or gotten charged with domestic violence for beating their significant other because they had gotten “too stoned”? –Hmmmm. Has cannabis helped inspire your songwriting? Cannabis, like any other substance, can be good or bad depending on how you use it. But, to answer your question, buy my new album and see for yourself. How did you feel about the failure of Prop. 19? Did you go out and vote? I was excited that it even came to a vote. California has always been at the forefront of America’s forward thinking, and it continues to set the trend. It was encouraging to see that people can be open-minded enough to have an issue like that on the ballot, and we’ll see it again in the near future. I look forward to increased educated debates on the topic from our state politicians. Again, we want to thank you for taking the time to tell us a little bit about yourself and your music. Go ahead and give any shout-outs to friends or sponsors, and let the readers know where they can find your music and see you next. I’m a big fan of NUG Mag and NUG Radio, and now readers can find me in both places. New Roots is available on iTunes and everywhere else on 3/1/11. You can order CDs from my website at www.TheAmbassadorMusic.com. New Roots will be featured on Last.fm, Oakland’s own BigUp Radio, ThePier.org, and many other cool places in the weeks to come. I love feedback of any kind, so please become a fan on my ReverbNation page at www.ReverbNation.com/TheAmbassadorMusic and stay posted on upcoming shows. For any solid San Diego musicians down to rock some soulful grooves, feel free to contact me through my website. Thanks, and respect to the NUG Mag crew for supporting San Diego’s own rising artists!
By: George Alberts Now that 2011 is in full swing, it’s time to unveil a San Diego artist looking to make a big splash this year. Since the release of his first mixtape in early 2010, D-Shells has been busy stickin’ to his grind with a second mixtape, live performances, and the recent release of his first album Secret Weapon. With his third mixtape Burn Me Alive already in the works, D-Shells is an artist with a lot on his mind and the lyrical talent to hit the scene hard. And though he might incorporate different styles of music in his format, he delivers a refreshing step back into a realm where the message overshadows the image. At a time when Hip Hop has been reduced to a new age style of music polluted with swag and dance trends, D-Shells characterizes the audacity of hope that once fueled the originality of the scene. NUG caught up with the young, versatile rapper to discuss his music, aspirations, and what he’s bringing to the table. What are a few things you’ve grown to love about San Diego? I love the weather and the beautiful women, and I feel like we got the best weed!
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I agree; when it comes to cannabis, do you have any preferences in regards to strain or smoking device? I don’t really have a preference when it comes to weed, but I do when it comes to how I smoke it; I like to stick to joints or bubblers, or an occasional blunt. What are your thoughts on the current politics surrounding the cannabis community and medical marijuana patients? It’s incredible! It’s hard to ignore the negative stuff like the arrests and crackdowns, but it’s amazing at how strong the community has become. I think the co-ops and collectives are a great blessing for patients, making it easy and convenient for them to get what they need. How or when did you find yourself getting into music? I started getting into music mainly from rappin’ and battlin’ at parties, and just messing around with friends. For a good part of my life, I’ve been a crazy hip hop fiend. I started practicing a little bit and before I knew it, I was trying to make a career out of it. How would you describe your style of music? I don’t really have a style because I switch up my flow so much that everything sounds a little different, but if I had to describe it in one word, I’d say my style is “Insane”.
Who or what influences have you had when it comes to your music or sound? My influences come from everywhere. I can’t just name one or two artists because I listen to music from the North, South, East and West, but a few of my favorites would be Lil Wayne, T.I., The Game, Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy, Drake, Big Sean, Kanye West, Eminem, B.O.B, and the list goes on and on. What are your thoughts on the current state of hip hop? A lot of people say that hip hop has taken a turn for the worse because it’s so commercial; but that’s what you have to be if you’re going to be successful. Honestly though, I like the way it is because I’m the type of artist that doesn’t stick to one genre. I can adapt and do gangsta’, pop, hip hop, club, rock, and alternative music, and in the end, I’m happy because I feel like I can deliver you the best of both worlds and have fun while doing it. What makes you unique and separates you from other artists? What makes me unique from other artists is the fact that I don’t sound like any artist
you’ve ever heard. I have my own thing going, so when you hear one of my tracks you instantly know it’s me because there’s only one person in the world that has this voice and that’s the truth. What can you tell me about your latest album? My newest album is called Secret Weapon. It sounds fresh, original, and genuine. The title just came to me because I’m tryin’ to be the next superstar to take over the game. My delivery and lyrics are out of this world, and I call myself the secret weapon because the artists are going to want to use me for total destruction, basically saying I’ve come to take over the industry. Are there any projects you’re currently working on? Any goals you’re working towards in terms of your career? I’m putting another mixtape out this month. My goal for 2011 is to go on tour and distribute CDs as I travel from city to city. I want to do shows every weekend and make more money.
Are there any specific artists you hope to work with in the future? Future artists that I would love to do work with are Wiz Khalifa, Drizzy Drake, Busta Rhymes, Rihanna, Kevin Cossum, Snoop Dogg, Lil Tunechi, and Beyonce. They’re styles of music are so versatile; I think I would mesh well with any of these artists. Would you like to give a shoutout? I want to give a shout-out to my manager Kent and to all my fans, I’m going to become the best just for y’all. I would also like to give a shout-out to my mom, R.I.P; I love you with all my heart. I wish you nothing but the best of luck, and thank you so much for your time. Give everybody a website or something, so they can find out more about you and what you got goin’ on. I’ve got a website in the works, but everyone can check me out at: www.facebook.com/d-shells
How’d The Show Article By: sandieganliz | Photos By: Ashley Parda
THE EXPENDABLES On February 17th, The Expendables graced Solana Beach with an amazing performance. Fans or anyone interested in them will enjoy a mellowness meets punk/rock show!
The Thursday night show started with The Holdup and The B Foundation. These bands complemented The Expendables quite well, playing similar rock/reggae music. It was also cool to see that the bands shared a common ground of mellow vibes, but that’s not to say they didn’t cause and encourage mosh-pits. The B Foundation is a rock/ska/reggae band from Los Angeles. They played the second set of the night and did a good job pumping up the crowd for The Expendables. They got the crowd to sing, “When you’re licking my ass,” from their song “Too Damn Tough”. Yeah, sounds dirty, but it is actually a great song that emphasizes relationships. After that, they played “Dirty Girls”, dedicating it to the girls that sang the previous line. Ha-ha, good stuff! The Holdup is a band from San Jose. They’re pretty progressive/rock/reggae with songs that relate to trendy stuff. Their song “Drunk Texting” is a good example. Other songs seem to relate to college-friendly stuff like drinking, finding one’s self, and experiencing things. They were a great opener for the show with a sound similar to the other bands. I heard songs off The Expendables’ self-titled album a while back and I have to admit, I didn’t prefer their music. I could hear why it was popular and why
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it rocked the reggae/punk/rock genre, but it wasn’t my preference. Then, I go to this show and see them for the first time, and I’m hooked. I feel their music now; I get it! This feeling happens all the time to diehard music fans that are ready to experience the recorded album, live performance, and paraphernalia as soon as it is made available. Although I’m a music enthusiast open to all kinds of genres, I don’t incorporate the fast-moving, rock & roll scene into my life as readily as others. However, I completely understand why particular kinds of music, songs, and people are “popular”, whether for the mainstream or underground scene. The Belly Up Tavern was at capacity for The Expendables. When the band first came out, they rocked the crowd with “Ganja Smuggling”. This made me smile because the crowd reaction started off great and stayed that way. Songs like “Positive Mind” and “Down, Down, Down” brought out the good, mellow vibes while other songs like
Go? “D.C.B.” brought the metal this band claims! “Bowl for Two” was a good way to end the show, prior to the encore performance. The Solana Beach crowd was great, showing their love, support, and dedication to the band. I saw so many “Expendables” t-shirts, and the fans had nothing but great things to say. A few were surprised I wasn’t a diehard fan. I explained I was a newbie to their shows, but that I enjoyed their sound and the performance was fantastic! Honestly, the most riveting moments of the show were both the feedback from the audience and the way The Expendables addressed them. Even through more mellow songs, the fans were hooked. Of course, the connection between the performers and the audience goes handin-hand; however, I admire watching it. If you are down with a punk/rock show, definitely check out The Expendables because they are good at going punk, but are also mellow enough not to start a riot. I give props to the people who set this tour up because the Solana Beach show was insane!
A CREAMY BLEND OF FANTASTIC & FABULOUS By Marc Emmelmann
Melanie Dellas’ new book, Fantastic Fabulous Creatures and Beasts (Volume 1), is perfect for children or anyone with a whimsical spirit. 22 beasts & creatures are introduced in this 45 page, creamy blend of fantastic and fabulous! Written poetically with dynamic and fun illustrations, mythological folklore is celebrated in a modern way. In this first volume, you’ll meet the Bogies, the Kappa, the Sirens, and the Harpies, as well as Puck, Pan, the Woodland Leshy, Water Folk, and the Rusalki! Each creature has their own dedicated page with artwork and their poem. The imagery is similar to “Where the Wild Things Are”, but is also reminiscent of a Tim Burton-esque style. Don’t be surprised to find your eyes fixed on Christopher Bennett’s eerily brilliant illustrations. Christopher was the perfect collaborator for FFCB because he is a San Diego illustrator, musician and pantomime artist who is also a proud member of the singing robot troupe called Steam Powered Giraffe. Admittedly, it was an exciting project for Bennett, who has always had a fascination for monster mythology. This is definitely a book that can be read over and over again. You can read one poem a night or all at once, or it can be your coffee table conversation piece just as well! Melanie shares, “Through this book, it is my hope that children will come to respect and appreciate the multicultural world they live in and, of course, remember that our world is still mystical and magical – as long as our stories remain alive!” Melanie Dellas is known for more than just authoring. With all her irons in the fire, she might come across as scattered. She edits for local poets, so you might think she would be the quiet, reserved type. She belly dances with an urban tribal twist, so she may come
across as dark and mysterious. She is also a grant writer for the local classical music company Mainly Mozart and produces Fusion Nights, a late night performing arts event at the Portugalia in Ocean Beach on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Sounds busy, huh? Well, throw in being a mother of two and there you have it – busy, busy, busy, which is just how she likes it. Unlike some people who have their finger unproductively in too many pies, Melanie Dellas balances her life with tremendous grace, calmness and potency. She is far from scattered, and is actually quite calculated and precise, as well as most fantastic and fabulous too! I’m still trying to figure out how she gets it all done. What is your secret to balancing life? Really good time management. I’m at a point in my life where I want to do so many things, but have to be a mom first and foremost. So, my No. 1 priority is being a mom and doing all the school activities with my boys. After that, I have to really schedule my days well, so I can do everything I want: my job, dancing, writing my 2nd book, and preparing to go to graduate school. What do your kids think of the new book? They love it. They helped me every step of the way as far as telling me if the pictures were too scary or by reading the stories. If my oldest couldn’t read the words, then I knew I had to edit. They also love that their names are on the dedication page – they think they’re famous! What creatures do you and your boys like most? My 7-year-old son John loves the Woodland Leshy because to confuse the Leshy, you have to put your clothes on backwards and your shoes on the wrong feet! My 4-year-old son Nick loves all the scary pictures, like Medusa. And I have 2 favorites: Pegasus because I love the way the poem turned out; and the Phoenix because of the connection it has with its mother. Do your mythology mash-ups stay true to the original stories? Absolutely, I researched all of the stories from the originals to the exaggerated ones and made sure to follow the originals as best I could. The point of it is to teach kids the true mythologies, not what you’d see in the movies. What are your plans for volume 2? I’m working on it now. So far, I have 5 creatures done! I will be putting creatures in from Israel, China, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Africa and many other countries! It’s going to be fantastic! Where can we get a copy of FFCB? Barnes & Noble and Amazon! Here is an excerpt from one of the myths I find especially fun. It’s about the Bogies! “Deep Inside your cupboards your cluttered storage places Bogies love to make their homes And fill the smallest spaces. Their wispy forms are often mistaken for a puff of dust So if you see a Bogie, paying attention is a must.” Melanie will be doing a free Saturday storytime at the Mission Valley Barnes & Noble on March 19th at 1pm, so be sure to mark your calendars and meet all 22 creatures with Melanie Dellas herself! NUG Mag readers are highly encouraged to attend! Last but not least, you may want to visit www.MelanieDellas.com to find the special “Meet the Creatures” section, locate Melanie’s latest blog about the Texas Chupacabra, and to sign up to receive info on events, books and news!
Anthony Ausgang Artist Spotlight:
By Jed Sanders.
“Lowbrow”, also known as “Pop-Surrealism”, is an underground art movement that has been highly ignored by the mainstream art media and its critics. This genre of art has helped open doors and lays a serious foundation for many forms and styles of non-conventional art that we see around today. Anthony Ausgang is one of the founding fathers of the Lowbrow Art Movement. His art spans back for decades with crazed-out paintings of psychedelic cats, white knuckle hot rods, mind-boggling guitar creations, and fast living.
How was your first experience with smoking pot ? The first time I ever smoked pot was back around 1975, at a Deep Purple concert in Houston. It was also the first concert ever in the Astrodome, and the newspapers made a lot of jokes about how plastic pot plants were going to grow out of the plastic turf football field. It was kind of weird because at that time, the concert promoters in Houston were basically the same guys who put on rodeos and demolition derbies, and they had no clue of what to expect. People could actually bring in their own booze, and pot wasn’t even on those cats’ radar. So fortunately, there was no paranoia and everything was cool. Despite the fact that I didn’t feel like I had passed through some gates of perception, I was just glad to had finally smoked pot! Does marijuana help or hinder your creative process? There is an old writer’s adage that goes, “Write drunk, edit sober.” I don’t drink, but I totally agree! I find that marijuana is very useful when I’m drawing or just fucking around in my sketchbook. It helps me loosen up and to have a good time, so interesting and unexpected things appear. Though, when I’m working on a serious painting, I stay completely sober. I’ve ended up painting too many things shit brown instead of hot pink. Do you think there is more of a stigma with the use of marijuana for a visual artist than that of a writer, actor, or musician? Visual artists get a bad rap! People tend to think that painters lie around watching nude models and thinking convoluted thoughts about their next painting, occasionally getting up to make some brushstrokes and then returning to the couch. This is probably because there’s not really that much motion involved in painting; in fact, I sit when I paint. Writers tend to get the same sort of treatment since they also sit on their asses most of the time. Now, actors and musicians move about, so people expect them to be on meth or cocaine. What is your favorite strain(s)? Do you prefer indicas or sativas? I smoke indicas to fall asleep and sativas to get busy!
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You mentioned on your blog that art will never appeal to the masses until the elitist attitude no longer exists. Can you expand on this? The elitist attitude can be found in so many contemporary art museums and galleries. It’s the result of hyper-intellectual, conceptual art that cannot be understood without some sort of explanation from the artist. This attitude assumes that the viewing audience doesn’t have the necessary intellect to figure it out on their own, and must be spoon-fed clues to the work’s meaning. True populist art can be understood and appreciated by “the masses” with no background in art history or contemporary trends. What would you say is one of the greater moments of your career? Painting the cover for the MGMT release of “Congratulations”. Do you have any regrets or embarrassing moments that you would like to share? Back in 1983, Andy Warhol had a show of his prints of Ingrid Bergman. I really wanted to go to the opening reception, but it was $50 to get in. So, I went to the gallery the afternoon of the show and tried to find a way to sneak in through a window or over a fence. Anyway, the gallery director came out and told me that I could get in for free if I installed the show and hung the pieces on the wall. I knew what I was doing and did a good job. So, when I finished up, I grabbed my gal and went to the opening. I was a pretty snotty punk at the time, so I went up to Andy Warhol and said, “Hey Andy, I hung up all the paintings here and I wondered if you had seen any of them since your assistants do all your work for you.” He just shook my hand, looking completely past me and deadpanned, “Loved your movie.” He then turned to my girlfriend, took
her by the arm and began to walk around the gallery with her, chatting nonstop. After about half an hour, she came back and I asked her what they had talked about. “Goldfish,” she said. I regret that I was an asshole when I spoke with Andy because it could have been me that talked with Warhol about goldfish. What inspired you to start creating custom guitars? Every now and again, I want to paint on something other than a fucking stretched canvas. Guitars are cool items, and I enjoy going to the stores and haggling for some cheap-ass Fender copy. Then, I get to walk down Hollywood Boulevard carrying an electric guitar, and I just love to do that! What are your cats’ names and personality(s) like? Push Push is an “odd eyed”, all white cat with blue and yellow eyes that is extremely cautious since there’s nothing around here to hide against. The other cat is called Bisquit and has already had an abortion. Finally, there is (was) Lucy, an all black cat that hasn’t been seen in two weeks. What do you like to do for fun? I like to watch people do drugs that I never touch. Crackheads are interesting, especially when they start going through dog shit looking for that lost piece of rock, it makes me feel superior. I also write for fun, and my novel The Sleep of Puss Titter will be out on K-Bomb Publishing in March 2011. I also like to head out to the desert that surrounds L.A. to look for ruins and old cars out in the middle of nowhere. Do you find yourself more attracted to art that is different from your own, or to art that is similar? I prefer to look at art that is different. I’ve been fucking around in the art world for so long that I’m sick of looking at the work of other artists in my genre. However, I do enjoy going to openings and spotting new talent. I’m mostly attracted to artwork that is unlike mine because it makes me realize that everyone has different ways of thinking and behaving; it makes me more tolerant of other people’s madness.
In regards to your work, what is the greatest compliment you have ever received? What was the greatest insult? The MGMT cover that I did received both complimentary and insulting responses. One chick wrote on a blog that the cover sucked and I’m “impotent from all the blow I did in the ‘80s”. Perez Hilton wrote that MGMT was on a “burn ride with Mush Mush” when they came up with the cover and “hopefully the artwork does not reflect the quality of their music!” Now that the album has been out for a while and the cover art is just part of the general reality, no one is crapping on it anymore. The fact is that I’m constantly getting emails and Facebook messages from people who absolutely love it. One kid even painted a huge mural of the cover on his bedroom wall, and that’s about the biggest compliment I can think of! Do you have any interesting stories about your early encounters with Ed Roth, Hot Rods, and Custom Car Culture you would like to share? I bought my first Rat Fink out of a gumball machine when I was about six years old. 20 years later, I met Roth at the “Great Western Exterminators” show at the Zero One Gallery. I told him that the first thing I ever bought was a Rat Fink, and I thought that was a pretty significant thing in a consumer society like America. He just looked at me and growled: “Buy something now!” Another time, I was asked to paint flames on a junker car at a hot rod show. The car was dropped off in the middle of a big field and the sun had been beating down on it all day. And since I had been given water-based paint to use, it actually steamed when I painted on the hot metal and dried in a couple of seconds. Ed Roth had set up his booth nearby in the shade, and he had a constant stream of customers and people hanging out. I labored on the flames all day while off in the distance I could see girls doing burlesque on stage and bands playing rockabilly. By the time I was through working on the car, the show was over and people were leaving. I was sitting there, basically hiding in the wheel well from the sun when Roth came over. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me that the flames were awesome and I was a great painter. That made it all worthwhile. Any upcoming shows? I will have a painting in the “INLE” group show curated by Greg “Craola” Simkins, which opens on March 12th at Gallery 1988 on Melrose in Los Angeles. To check out more of Ausgang’s work, visit his website: www.ausgangart.com
Photo By. David Gray
Fire Reiki and his experience as a practitioner of Anderson Faerie Witchcraft to create an atmosphere of spiritual rejuvenation for his clients. My Authentic Self is a part of The Happenstance Tribe in Hillcrest, which offers a barrage of services stemming from tattooing and piercing to a full scale salon. Tommie gave us a peak behind the habit and gobs of white facial paint, revealing a man who has made it his life’s mission to spread a message of joy and hope to those victimized by intolerance.
By: Robert Stinson In 1979, 66 Americans were taken hostage in Iran; Dan White got a slap on the wrist with two counts of voluntary manslaughter for killing Harvey Milk and George Mascone; Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” was taking over the airwaves; and three men took to the streets of San Francisco fully clad in nun’s outfits, the garb that became the definitive look for The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. In subsequent years, the organization grew into an internationally recognized advocacy group whose projects included everything from orchestrating protests against social injustices, to fundraising for various community associations while spreading their philosophy of love, acceptance and the repudiation of guilt. Blending their unique fashion sensibilities with public service, The Sisters have left an indelible mark on the LGBT community. NUG caught up with Tommie Starchild, a.k.a. Sista’ Kali Vagilistic X.P. Aladocious, a local member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Tommie is the creator of My Authentic Self where he works as a medium, blending his knowledge of Blue
How has your involvement with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence colored the rest of your life? It has colored my life with white grease paint (chuckling). The mission of The Sisters is to promulgate universal joy perpetually, and expiate stigmatic guilt. What that means is that we go out into the community and promote joy to help lift the guilt that has been heaped on gay people from outside sources. I try to reflect the beauty of the community back on itself by helping people explore their genuine nature. That is the foundation of all my work. I’m trying to create a space where people can reflect on who they truly are. Not that we come into this world in sin or damaged in some way, or that we have to be constantly forgiven or purified, but I believe that we’re all born of perfection. What recent charity events have The Sisters hosted? We recently hosted Laughter Yoga at The Center, and some of the money went to the Laughter Yoga Program. We do an annual distribution of funds to organizations such as the San Diego Youth and Community Services, specifically the Store Front, which is here in Hillcrest. I just love them! They do so much for homeless youth. Some other charities that we contribute to are POZabilities, which is a social ground for HIV+ individuals, The Queen Eddie Fund, and a woman’s health fund that is associated with The Center. We do try to spread our focus, and each individual within The Sisters has their own focus that they relate to. My focus has always been on the alternative aspects of the gay community because that’s where I come from. I used to do HIV prevention education before I became a Sister, and one of the things that I discovered is that most of us are well educated on the topic of HIV and STDs, so why are people still getting infected? What I discovered through the retreats and curriculum I helped develop was that the main issue was selfesteem. Due to this, I decided to focus my attention on the gay community because of my experiences of being raised Baptist and growing up with a lot of stigmatic guilt. I try to go out into the community and notice people, so I can tell them they are beautiful and that I value their presence.
POPPED CULTURE
How long does it take you to transform into Sista’ Kali? Could you talk about the genesis of your name? Ooooh (laughing)…We started in 2005, and what Sista’ Kali looked like then and what she looks like now has been quite a journey. I generally like to take about two hours to put the make-up on and get dressed. I don’t have an acting background, but it helps me to have that time to get into that head space because as soon as I leave the door of my house, I’m on. I need to be happy, I need to be smiling, and sometimes I’m not feeling it because I’m a little shy socially. The name Sista’ Kali Vagilistic X.P. Aladocious came about when I was in a belting circle, a ritual where we celebrate the Spring Solstice and fertility. We were having a potluck, sitting around talking, when a transgendered (female to male) friend of mine said, “If things that are penis-like are phallic, what do you call things that look like vaginas?” And I replied, “Vagilistic”. Then, my partner chimed in and said, “Vagilistic X.P. Aladocious!” Bells rang and I knew I had the name. What services do you offer at My Authentic Self? What is your affiliation with The Happenstance Tribe? Everyone around here lovingly calls me the local witch doctor. I do Reiki, which is a form of touch healing. I direct energy back into the body reminding it that it knows how to heal itself. I take a more shamanic approach, so it’s not a standard Reiki. I use my intuitive process to see what each individual needs and where I feel directed. I’m a medium, so I do psychic readings where I combine talking stones and tarot cards. My readings are more like counseling sessions where we focus on life patterns, and I have a special emphasis on relationships. What are your spiritual beliefs? How do they factor into your profession? As I mentioned earlier, I was raised Baptist, which was a religion that never spoke to me. I’m a witch of the Anderson Faerie tradition and a pagan, so that’s the lens from which I view the world. There are a lot of scary misconceptions about witches. As a practitioner, I’m not here to tell people what their spiritual beliefs should be. I’m here to provide a safe space where people can discover that for themselves. There are various different types of witchcraft; Wicca being one and Anderson Faerie another. They don’t relate to one another, but they may have a few similarities. Anderson Faerie is an ecstatic based faith as opposed to fertility and earth based, which is predominately Wicca. Do you believe the hostile environment among the ranks will change as a result of the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”? First of all, I’m thrilled that it was repealed. I think that a lot of the violence perpetrated against gays in the military has stemmed from DADT. At 18, I knew I was gay, so I knew there was no way in hell the military would take me. I would never want to go into a situation where I knew from the get go that I wasn’t welcome, so I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for gays and lesbians who have served in silence. With this repeal, gay men and women can enter the armed services with a sense of pride, and in the end, our nation is more secure because of it. For more info on the organization or upcoming events, go to http://myauthenticself.com/ or http://www.sdsisters.org/
FRIDAY NIGHT COMEDY PARTIES, ROAR! By: Marc Emmelmann
The parties have just begun in Bankers Hill – Friday Night Comedy Parties that is! Nestled between the Tin Can Alehouse and an unnamed drag bar is the new ROAR Theatre. I love Bankers Hill because it’s full of hidden gems, and ROAR Theatre is no exception. ROAR produces Friday Night Comedy Parties, which are a guaranteed two hour ruckus of improvised sketches and games with copious amounts of audience interaction, risqué humor and laughter. Unlike your traditional theatre, it’s quite simply a dive; a modern hole in the wall if you will. Many San Diego improv troupes perform sporadically, sometimes once a month, but ROAR is entertaining audiences of up to 50 people EVERY SINGLE FRIDAY! Now, you may find yourself sitting in a lawn chair, on a bar stool, on office furniture, or on a couch in this eccentrically cozy venue. Well, maybe not cozy if you get the white lawn chair, but there is ample standing room, so you can always lean up against the wall – just don’t knock over the 4 ft. wooden tiki mask that hangs next to the actors’ dugout. As for the ambiance at ROAR’s new space, fun animal masks adorn the walls (a 92 | NUGMAG.COM
very becoming custom in the comedy circuit these days) and large murals dedicated to Patrick Swayze are an impending project that producers Travis Doeringer and Holly Mann have in the works. Before ROAR moved to its Bankers Hill home, it was occupying the green room at Twiggs in University Heights, but only on an “Every other Friday” basis. Being able to have their own space is a milestone for this gaggle of 13 said comeditarians comprised of: Cory Milano (32), Student Teacher; Saiid Zamingir (22), Student/Bartender; Randy Thomas (26), Babysitter/Student; CJ Chaisson (25), Projectionist; Nathan Reinicke (20), Writer; Sergio Lopez (21), Student; Jen Abundez (23), Improv Artist; Steve Murawka (26), Screenprinter; Jenga (23), Advertising Sales; Andrew Platte (24), Party Animal; Tommy Ortiz (26), Freelance Artist; Claire Hendrix (20), Student; and Stacey Livingstone (25), Marketing Consultant. There you have it, a squad made up of mostly 20-somethings who are generally funny and most definitely ambitious. If we were in England, they’d be the dog’s bollocks. Opening night at their new space in January was SOLD OUT – a good sign for Travis and Holly. Holly, from Atlanta, is no stranger to the unpredictable performing arts industry in San Diego. She was previously employed by Broadway San Diego in their
marketing department. Holly said she was mentored by one of her superiors and felt there was only one way to be as cool as her – so she did it, she left one of the largest arts organizations in town to blaze her own trail in the way of comedy. Holly now works full-time for ROAR, and although she used to act with the entourage, she has since focused on the job of managing a new venue, website, two rehearsals a week, development of comedy classes (which are coming soon), and mapping out future nights for stand up and other styles of comedy to be showcased. – I’m stoked! When asked why they choose the name “Friday Night Comedy Party”, Travis said Holly came up with it because not everyone realized what they were doing. Apparently, invites to “Megalovetron”, “Love’s Labour’s Lost Not Shakespeare”, “Harry Potter Prequel”, and “Zombie Vengeance” were just too misleading. And besides the medical marijuana-friendly demographic who come to ROAR, there are many college students, urban explorers, and partiers in general that come out as well. The names of the some of the games ROAR plays are: “Interview”, “Dialects”, “Rant”, “Confessions”, “Dating Game”, and “Pitch Session” to name a few. Audience participation is encouraged, but not required. The faint of heart need not be afraid to exercise silence, but if you are more of a loudmouth, that definitely works too. Just be sure not to scream over your neighbors.
I mean, there are certainly no 12 or even 24 inch voice rules; just don’t make it your subconscious agenda to smother your neighbor’s voice. Some of my favorite audience suggestions have been the internet sensation Techno Viking, Oprah, and various arrays of accents, including dinosaur accents (for the screeching, of course), Irish, underwater, and even operatic. In my recent Skype session interview with Travis and Holly, I asked Travis about what the Friday Night Comedy Parties are all about. He had this to say: “It’s about truth in action! And that is why sometimes we offend, though it’s not intentional, obviously. I mean, we make fun of everyone.” –Ok, he was being a bit playful, but he gets more practical. “It’s a place to try stuff out, to yell out loud, take chances, and even be absurd. Some people need it; it can be a much needed soul release. It’s also a shared experience with the actors and the audience. We’re also very selective when it comes to casting our crew actors. They must resonate with our values, and although we make fun of people, there is a tremendous amount of respect between us and our audiences.” – I can attest to that. Travis and Holly are incredibly down to earth, genuine, kind, fun and funny. They’re quality people! NUG readers may experience cottonmouth from all the hubbub on a typical Friday night at ROAR, but Holly assured me that concessions are available (phew!). So if you like Vitaminwater, chocolate milk and granola bars, then aren’t you just the
lucky one! Other snacks are available too. A liquor license is being pursued, but we all know how that can be…fingers are crossed for those that enjoy beer & wine with their improv! So, if your Fridays are boregasms, head over to the infinitely entertaining ROAR Theatre at 1851 Fifth Ave. You might want to visit ROAR Theatre on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ RoarTheatre) for the 2 for 1 password that is announced every Friday! It is $8 per person, but with the secret password, you and your chum get in for $4 each! If you are interested in auditioning for ROAR Theatre, visit their website www.roartheatre.com for more information. The next audition is April 2. Remember, there’s nothing funny about staying home and doing nothing on Friday nights. Parking is simple and abundant in Bankers Hill, so you can’t use it as criteria for not coming. Doors open at 8:45pm; Showtime starts at 9pm! If you decide to creep in at 9:06pm, odds are the best seats have been taken. You don’t want that— you like options – you like to choose. Unless a white lawn chair is really your thing.
March 2011 Sundays Uptown Ranking at U31 @ 9 Reggae at RT’s Longboard Grill @ 9 Reggae Sundays at Sin @ 9 Mondays Dub Dynamite at The Office @ 9 Industry Night at U31 @ 9 Reggae at Stage Bar and Grill @ 8 The Style Tones at Bar Pink @ 9 Tuesdays Reggae Saloon at The Saloon @ 9 Stress Free Tuesdays Comedy Show at U31 @ 7 Hip-Hop/Reggae/Soul at Bar Dynamite @ 9 Wednesdays Reggae at Winston’s @ 9 Royal Wednesdays at Diamond Jim’s (every 1st & 3rd Wednesday) @ 9 Dub Dorado at El Dorado (the 2nd & 4th Wednesday) @ 9 DJ Reggae at Fannie’s Nightclub @ 9 Club Kingston at Winston’s @ 9 Reggae meets Hip-Hop at Ruby Room every last Wednesday @ 9
Thursdays Riddim Roll Reggae at Harney Sushi in Oceanside and Old Town @ 9 Generations Hip Hop at U31 @ 9 Shamrocks and Dreadlocks with TRC Sound system at Gallagher’s @ 9
4. Common Sense at Belly Up @ 8
Friday TRC Dub in Da Skybox at Skybox Bar and Grill (every 2nd & 4th Friday) @ 9 Hip-Hop/Reggae at Bar Dynamite @ 9
5. Subliminal Trip’s ‘Be Set Free’ Album Release Party w/ Reason to Rebel & Mean Dinosaur At Sound Wave @ 8
Saturdays Rasta Nation Vibrations at Sapphire Lounge @ 9 1. Everest At Casbah @ 8:30 2. Crystal Castles At House of Blues @ 8 3. Thrice At Soma @ 7
TheAmbassador Presents his latest reggae album...
New Roots Available March 1, 2011 on iTunes featuring the single:
available now on iTunes
facebook.com/TheAmbassadorMusic myspace.com/TheAmbassadorMusic www.TheAmbassadorMusic.com
Free demo CD with any donation exclusively at TRI CITY Holistic 915 Grape Street, San Diego 92101
Uncle Kracker At Viejas Casino @ 8
Soldiers of Jah Army At House of Blues @ 8 Platinum Rockstars ‘Tribute Bands’ At Belly Up @ 8 San Diego Brazil Carnival At 4th and B @ 8 8. Oxygen(e)D.M. At AC Lounge @ 10 SD ASA Meeting At 7536 Fay Ave. 92037 @ 7
9. Biggie and Friends Party At Ruby Room @ 8
17. Cash’d Out At Casbah @ 8:30
10. Lyrical Skoolyard w/Ugly Duckling & Afro Classic At Boar Cross’n @ 8
18. Inhale w/ Beyond I Sight At Mission Tobacco Lounge in Riverside @ 8
South Bay ASA Meeting At 1233 Palm Ave. IB @ 6
19. Activist Boot Camp 19th and 20th At 10459 Roselle St. Suite A, 92121
11. IndieFest Art & Industry Mixer At Humphrey’s Music Club @ 8 Unwritten Law At House of Blues @ 7 Stranger and Subliminal Trip At 4th and B @ 8 12. San Diego IndieFest 7 (day one) At NTC Promenade at Liberty Station @ 12 AM 13. San Diego IndieFest 7 (day two) Film Stage Only At NTC Promenade at Liberty Station @ 12 AM 16. CCHHI Intiative Meeting At 1922B South Coast Hwy, 92054
20. Devo At Belly Up @ 8 22. North County ASA Meeting At 514 South Coast Highway, 92054 @ 7 24. National College Fair At The Convention Center @ 10 AM The Green and Through The Roots At Winstons @ 930 25. The Amalgamated At Brick by Brick @ 9 The Green and Through The Roots At Winstons @ 930
Without Papers and Nekter At O’Connells @ 9 26. Subliminal Trip At Rosie O’Grady’s @ 8 East County ASA Meeting At KNB Wine Cellars 6380 Del Cerro Blvd, 92120 @ 2 27. Sum 41 At House of Blues @ 7 28. Kenny Loggins At Belly Up @ 8 Stop The Ban Rally, Protest & March At The Federal Courthouse 940 Front Street, 92101 @ Noon City Council Meeting At City Hall 202 C St. 92101 @ 2 29. Lady Gaga At Viejas Arena @ 8 30. Galactic At Belly Up @ 8
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VAULT CASE
Remedy Coffee
cream co.
Our friends over at Vault Case sent us some of their new cases that have Budman’s Stay Fresh unit added to them, which is a bi-directional, nano-bead technology, humidification unit that works in two ways. If your stock is too dry, you can add water to the unit, which will allow for distribution of the perfect amount of humidity to bring your stock back to life without the possibility of mold/contaminant growth. If the user needs to dry out or cure stock, the humidification unit will act as a desiccant and absorb any access moisture in the air. The use of both these products in sync is the perfect combination for everyone; from the individual user looking to keep their stock fresh, to the commercial grower looking for the perfect curing/storage unit. All Vault Cases are air tight (no smell) and completely waterproof. The inside foam is completely customizable to fit your glass or vaporizer, and the cases come in all kinds of sizes. For more information on these products, give them a call at 866-617-1670.
This month, we got a call from another local company called Remedy Coffee, and they wanted us to try their new line of medicated coffee products. –How could I say no? This coffee is 100% Ethiopian beans, and each bottle contains almost a full gram of 100% Sativa. We picked up a case of the Vanilla + Caramel Medicated Cannabis Coffee and it was great! It was really tasty with a very mellow effect; perfect for medicating during the day when you want to relieve pain, but still be on your toes. The packaging was, in my opinion, a step up from what most places carry. –It looked very professional and included the Nutrition Facts and Ingredients list. One of the things I like best about this company is that the proceeds from Remedy Coffee are donated to Kid-Fit, an organization that assists in creating continued Health and Fitness Education for kids in our community. Nice work Remedy! Collectives interested in Remedy Coffee can contact them at: www.remedycoffees.com
Cream Clothing is a San Diego based company that was established in the winter of 2008. Today, they’re on the scene with a fresh batch of new colors, retro art and street art flavor. Inspired by a team of graphic designers, street artists, and musicians, Cream Clothing captures everything that surrounds the West Coast Culture, but with an unorthodox twist. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the cream team running around S.D., and be sure to check out the winter/spring line now available and fresher than ever at: www.creamclothing.com
GO GREEN PACKAGING PLUS Go Green Packaging Plus is a full service distributor of packaging supplies for medical marijuana dispensaries. Go Green has over 200 products from glass to plastics, but specialize in glass for an eco-friendly environment. Glass is the future, and patients are less likely to throw away a glass jar than a plastic one, which has become a huge problem for dispensaries in regards to recycling. Glass jars range from an economical 50¢ for an 1/8th jar, to customized 1/8th glass jars from Cannaline – jars specifically dedicated to serving the medical cannabis industry with specially made airtight lids that will keep your flowers fresh longer. Dispensaries can also customize a Cannaline jar with their logo for just a few cents more. Glass containers also include a wide variety of vials for concentrates, oil and tinctures. Go Green Packaging Plus is the exclusive distributor of DragonChewers – Grindtainers. Grindtainers are a unique grinder and storage container all-in-one. They’re made in the U.S.A. from high quality materials that will not wear out like other plastic grinders. The 1/8th and 1/4th size have separators, so the patient can enjoy multiple strains of medicine. Go Green Packaging Plus is marketed to fit all sizes of dispensaries and delivery services in San Diego by offering low purchasing quantities, pricing structures to fit all budgets, great and professional customer service, and best of all – free and speedy delivery of products to your dispensary! Call the main office at 619-778-6918.
ASTROLIGICAL PERSONALITY OF PISCES – THE FISH RULING PLANET – NEPTUNE As the morning frost melts away, spring starts making its way around the corner. You can almost smell it in the air. We are lucky to live in San Diego. Our weather is mild, and our outside gardens are among the best in the country. As we say hello to our Pisces friends, it’s time to break out your garden tools and get to work. Since Pisces like to take the easy way on most things, they will enjoy watching all their friends getting ready for this year’s grow. Always supportive, our Pisces will make sure the bowl is full and the drinks are cold. Just don’t ask them to dig. Watering is their specialty.
By. Zodiac Mama
February 20 - March 20 Lucky Numbers 6, 15, 26, 37, 39, 42
NUG Astrology The Pisces Female
Even without astrology, rumors have spread about the charms of a Pisces female. She likes to be loved and cherished. Her charm and grace helps her to be noticed by many a man. She appears to be innocent and helpless on the outside, but in reality, the Pisces female is very intense with a deep sense of feelings and raw emotions. Our Pisces female loves her home and tries to keep her family close. Nothing makes her happier than whipping up a “special” batch of homemade brownies or other edible treats for her friends and loved ones to enjoy. This gal loves the changing seasons, but winter remains her favorite time of the year. She enjoys showing off her artistic ability by creating a home that is filled with warmth and love. Cozy and calm fits her personality. Her heightened powers of insight make her sympathetic to the troubles of others. Because of her unusual sensitivity and insight, she is known to be a bit psychic and can normally see the truth… she knows how things really are. Don’t try to deceive her! Her love of art, music, and dance help to keep her grounded.
The Pisces Male
Make no mistake about it; our Pisces male likes to party. Whether at the local watering hole or a smoking lounge, this fish is in his element! Cruising through life with a big smile and an occasional left or right turn is normal for this guy. Not wanting to cause any problems, our charming, creative, and intelligent Pisces male will stay out of harm’s way. Life is supposed to flow smoothly for him. He is at his best while using his creative side. Advertising, public relations, or the arts suit him best. He has a mind that travels into many zones. In life, he relies on his intuition. With an abundant supply of spiritual energy, he will likely belong to a co-op that offers both yoga and Zen classes. The Pisces man looks for love and romance. He is forever looking and constantly searching for that special person…a soul mate…someone who makes his dreams come true. He was born with the desire to see the world through rose-colored glasses and prefers to live in his own watery, gentle world where everything is beautiful and lovely. Our Pisces male is a delight to talk with; he will always find time to spend with his many friends as he swims through life’s journey.
Compatible Signs: Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn