NUG Magazine Issue 23 by Ian Ruz

PUBLISHER’SLETTER August is here already and the summer is heating up! Last month was a whirlwind of events and celebrations throughout the county!

AUGUST 2011 VOL. 3 ISSUE #8 NUG Magazine Staff: Publisher: Ben G. Rowin Associate Publisher: M.J. Smith Editor: Dion Markgraaff Associate Editor: George Alberts Administrative Assistant: Gio Blitz Music Editor: Ras Mike Photographers: Gio Blitz, Eric Fowler, Jennifer Martinez, Chris Konecki, SCR Photos, Ashley Parda, Brom Richey, Brian Walnum Videographer: Chris Gabriel, NS Entertainment

As we hit press time, we were informed that the signatures gathered by the PCA and the California Cannabis Coalition were validated and the restrictive ordinance was repealed! We wanted to congratulate both organizations for their hard work and efforts on the referendum, as well as the citizens of San Diego for getting out and signing the petition! Below is a message from the California Cannabis Coalition’s website: “On April 12, 2011, the San Diego City Council passed an ordinance that would have forced all currently operating medical cannabis collectives in the city to close their doors. Only a couple of collectives would have been allowed to open after they came into compliance with one of the most restrictive ordinances in the state and the most restrictive zoning and operational requirements imposed on a business in the City of San Diego. Before the ordinance took effect as law, medical marijuana advocates Patient Care Association (www.pcaca.org) and California Cannabis Coalition (www.californiacannabiscoalition.org) successfully gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on the ordinance. The signatures were submitted to the City Clerk for verification, and on July 18th, the community received confirmation that the signatures were valid. Today, July 25th, the city council met and listened to 56 speakers. Because of the referendum, they had 3 choices: 1. Repeal the ordinance. 2. Send it to general election, which would cost 1 million. 3. Do nothing and a special election will be called at a cost of 3 million.

The San Diego City Council then voted to repeal the highly restrictive ordinance. This is a perfect example of what we can do as a community! You made the difference San Diego!”

Contributors: “SD OG Grower”, Dion Markgraaff, Canna Chef Kim, Eugene Davidovich, Marc Emmelmann, Pamela Jayne, Tiffany Janay, Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Jed Sanders, George Alberts, Robert Stinson, R.J. Villa, SD Liz, Bahareh, Mel The Bumbling Gardener, Simon Eddisbury, Esther Rubio-Sheffrey, Aaron Evans, Brom Richey, Marco Alvarez, Sharon Letts, My Key Way, Jon Block, Rachel Anders, Scott Whytsell

We still have a lot of work to do and the only way to accomplish our goals is to be a united front against our opposition. Stay informed and keep up the great work we have seen to date.

Comics: Joshua Boulet, Georgia Peschel

We also have an article about the new Sacramento Abatin Wellness Cooperative that is working with well-known talk show host and champion for Medical Cannabis, Montel Williams.

Sales Director: Ben G. Rowin Advertising Sales Reps: Dion Markgraaff, Eugene Davidovich, Brom Richey, Kirk L., Jordan D., Hashley, Gio Blitz Art Director: Ian Rie Finance Manager: M.J. Smith

On to the issue you hold in your hands…As always we’ve got a great one for you, San Diego! Aaron Evans is covering an amazing glassblower in his Perpetual Motion column, and we take a look at the Freedom Fighters Clothing line and the story behind the company. We were also lucky enough to be graced with an article from new contributor Rachel Anders, who tells the remarkable and touching story of Mieko Perez, her son Joey, and Chronic Fatigue.

The editorial staff at NUG have been pushing me to allow a ‘Meet Ben G. Rowin’ article to run for over a year now, so I finally broke down and allowed it. Now, all will be able to learn more about me in this issue as well. Of course, we have our usual columns, like The Chronisseur, Cooking with Kim, Health and Wellness, and the Product Reviews; as well as more local music than you can shake a stick at, with all three music articles covering San Diego bands this month! But, we also added some fun, including a look at an old favorite, Fritz The Cat, and an exclusive interview with Pro Skater Brandon Turner.

Marketing Manager: Marc Emmelmann

As always, thank you for picking up NUG Magazine – San Diego’s Original Cannabis Publication.

Distribution/Subscriptions: Beau’s Distribution Service info@beausdistribution.com

Cover Images: Skater Brandon Turner (Photo By Carlos Coords), Art: Stacy D’Aguiar, Band: Stranger (Photo By Jennifer Martinez)

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

-Ben G. Rowin

CONTENTS

\\:NUG TIMES

\\:SINK OR SWIM 3

\\:LEAP

\\:PATIENT PROFILE

\\:LEGAL EYES

\\:CHRONIC FATIGUE

\\:ABATIN WELLNESS

\\:MJ MUSICAL

\\:HEALTH & WELLNESS

\\:COOKING W/ KIM

\\:GROW

\\:CHRONISSEUR

\\:MEET BEN G. ROWIN

\\:BRANDON TURNER

\\:STRANGER BAND

\\:ARTIST PROFILE

\\:FRITZ THE CAT

\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis Pushes on with Prosecution of Legal San Diego Medical Marijuana Collective By: San Diego Americans for Safe Access - www.safeaccesssd.org

Legal cannabis patient Dexter Padilla appeared in court recently in front of Judge Albert T. Hartunian III as he and his attorney, Michael J. McCabe, fought it out with Prosecutor Ramin Tohidi over whether there was enough prosecutorial evidence to bind the case over for trial. The preliminary examination of the evidence on one count of cannabis cultivation and one count of possession with intent to distribute came after a series of exhaustive disclosure meetings between attorneys for defense and prosecution. The defense’s witness, Mark Wuerfel, Esq., Dexter’s civil attorney, laid open Dexter’s books, Articles of Incorporation papers, by-laws and every other piece of evidence to show Dexter’s lawfulness in his cultivation and possession of medical cannabis. The disclosure meetings proved both unusual and ultimately unsuccessful because Bonnie Dumanis’ office stubbornly refuses to drop this case against a shining example of a patient/citizen’s efforts to navigate the murky medical marijuana laws, and she refuses to interpret the law in a manner that is fiscally responsible and logical. Preliminary exam proceedings began with the prosecution’s first witness, Detective Paul Paxton of the San Diego Police Department. Paxton, cross-sworn as a DEA Agent and part of Dumanis’ expensive and politically conceived Narcotics Task Force (NTF), testified to having 12 years as a narcotics officer with training from various drug enforcement entities as well as “what he’s seen on TV” about drug enforcement. Paxton denied training in medical marijuana but went on to explain his interpretation of plant yields: An interpretation which the defense held him accountable for on cross as Mr. McCabe wrangled with Paxton to admit uprooted cuttings have only a 30% survival rate and other contrived opinions about yields from Paxton’s testimony. In his cross, Mr. McCabe also examined the details of the investigation that led to the search warrant and raid of Dexter Padilla’s legally grown cannabis. Of note is that Paxton’s surveillance, which took but one day, included the knowledge that Dexter was involved in a legitimate medical cannabis co-op and was in fact providing medicine to patients. Paxton, instead of attempting to verify the co-op or contact its directors, went ahead and obtained the search warrant, raided the warehouse where Dexter grew for his patients, and destroyed the medicine which was intended to provide relief for those patients. Mr. McCabe put forth a number of exhibits in defense of Dexter’s coop, including: Articles of Incorporation with language about the Compassionate Use Act (CUA) and signed by the Secretary of State, the co-op’s financials prepared by a CPA, by-laws and minutes from the Board of Directors meetings, as well as patient and grower contracts, the latter of which included language for oversight of each grow and legal doctors’ cannabis recommendations for each grower. In a fastidious but sensible move, Tohidi demanded the doctor recommendations be removed from each grower contract packet as he questioned the validity of the recommendations. Arguments for the defense brought Mr. Wuerfel to the stand, who not only served as Dexter’s civil attorney but also as the Custodian

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Photo By Gio Blitz of Records for the co-op. Tohidi fretted, in his attempt to eliminate Mr. Wuerfel as a witness, that he would opine on law and maneuver to school the judge. However, the judge allowed Mr. Wuerfel to take the stand. Mr. Wuerfel, a former federal law clerk, attorney of 33 years, law professor and founder of Redwood Law Group, testified to the lengths he advised Dexter to go to demonstrate lawfulness in his co-op and the methods of disclosure he recommended. Among the advice Dexter followed were processes for board of director oversight, source/cultivation documentation, financial considerations and tax oversight, methods of facilitating the examination of these documents by co-op members and law enforcement, and a host of other mechanisms meant to exceed the most stringent view of the Attorney General Guidelines for Medical Marijuana. It was on Mr. Wuerfel’s recommendation that Dexter re-filed his current Articles of Incorporation papers to include the CUA language. In final argument, Mr. McCabe referred to a number of cases, including People v. Konow 2004, a case McCabe himself won, in which a patient/defendant may suggest that the court dismiss a case “in the interest of justice” and the court has the power to do so. However, while Judge Hartunian admitted the prosecution had not proven unlawfulness, he nevertheless bound Dexter Padilla over for trial so his case could go before a jury. I had the opportunity to speak with Dexter and Mr. Wuerfel about the climate of medical cannabis law in California. Mr. Wuerfel, who has had his own struggles with federal agents in defense of legal medical cannabis law, stated that often in these cases the procedure is the punishment, but he expressed confidence that Dexter had conducted his co-op with his I’s dotted and T’s crossed and it would likely not escape the jury’s notice.

Election and Ethics Complaints Filed Against Scott Chipman and Others Involved in Anti-Marijuana Campaign and Other Political Committees By: San Diego Americans for Safe Access - www.safeaccesssd.org

Formal complaints against principal officers of Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana (CALM CA) and ‘Safe Beaches San Diego Yes on D’ have been submitted to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ Public Integrity Unit, and the City of San Diego Ethics Commission. The complaints document a multitude of election related violations committed by Scott Chipman, William Lowe, and other members of these campaigns. The violations include failure to disclose payments for mass campaign literature, failure to disclose payments made by an agent, use of illegal political slush fund, as well as failure to register as a lobbyist. Eugene Davidovich, a San Diego resident, Navy Veteran and medical marijuana advocate, mailed the 70-page complaints to the FPPC, a state agency that oversees election campaign rules and regulations. The complaint asks the agency to launch a formal investigation into the political practices of Chipman et al. CALM CA was founded by Scott Chipman and William Lowe in March of 2010 to oppose Proposition 19, and Safe Beaches San Diego was a committee founded to help enact an alcohol ban on the beaches in San Diego. If the FPPC and San Diego Ethics Commission find Chipman in violation, he could face thousands of dollars in fines. Since Chipman’s involvement with Yes on D and CALM CA, he along with longtime San Diego prohibitionist and Bonnie Dumanis supporter Marcy Beckett formed San Diegans for Safe Neighborhoods, which they are using to lobby against safe access to medical marijuana for legitimate patients in San Diego. As part of Beckett’s eradication efforts, she was responsible for filing as many as one hundred police complaints against medical marijuana dispensaries in San Diego. “Mr. Chipman has a lengthy and significant history of involvement in San Diego politics throughout which he failed to disclose various campaign activities and appears to have created an illegal political slush fund,” said Davidovich. “It is imperative that Mr. Chipman disclose and the general public be informed of his activities so that they may make intelligent voting and donating decisions.” The complaints come as Chipman is actively lobbying against medical marijuana patients through his ‘San Diegans for Safe Neighborhoods’ campaign as well as his work in San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ mayoral campaign. Chipman has also contributed money to Councilmember Lorie Zapf’s election campaign and other anti medical marijuana candidates.

DEA Closes Eyes to Evidence, Rejects Petition to Reschedule Marijuana for Medical Use By: California NORML - www.canorml.org

After nine years of regulatory delay, the DEA rejected a petition by a coalition of groups including California NORML to reschedule marijuana for medical use. The response came only after advocates sued in federal court for unreasonable delay. The petition, filed in 2002 by the Cannabis Rescheduling Coalition (http://drugscience. org), cited a growing body of scientific evidence plus the approval of medical marijuana in several states as grounds that marijuana qualifies as having “accepted medical use” and should be removed from Schedule I. The DEA countered that none of the evidence was valid because it did not meet the standard of FDA new drug application trials. The DEA cited a five-year-old DHHS paper claiming that marijuana did not have medical use. While referencing innumerable studies showing potential health risks of marijuana, it failed to reference any of the hundreds of studies showing medical efficacy of marijuana on the grounds that they did not meet the standard of well-controlled, large-scale, double-blind FDA approval trials. However, none of the negative evidence cited by the government met that standard either. The DEA failed to mention that it has deliberately obstructed FDA trials from taking place by denying the approval of a research-grade marijuana growing facility at the University of Massachusetts, contrary to the recommendation of its own administrative law judge. The only existing legal source of marijuana for U.S. researchers is the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which has stated that it will not pursue FDA studies of the drug for medical use. “The government has created a Catch-22 situation, in which the DEA is free to ignore mounting scientific evidence and the experience of countless physicians and users who have found medical marijuana effective in order to protect its bureaucratic position,” said California NORML Director Dale Gieringer, who helped author the rescheduling petition. “The government’s response raises serious questions about its competence to manage Americans’ health care. Surveys have shown that patients who use medical marijuana can dramatically reduce their use of other, more costly but less effective FDA-approved prescription drugs. Yet, DEA drug bureaucrats are deliberately ignoring these facts so as to protect their bloated agency.” Advocates are planning how to challenge the DEA decision. Medical marijuana advocates are supporting a bill by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the State’s Medical Marijuana Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 1983), which would end marijuana’s Schedule I status and let states regulate its medical availability. Under a policy recently reaffirmed by the Obama administration, the federal government has arrested, charged, threatened, and/or imprisoned hundreds of individuals in states with legal medical marijuana for violating federal laws. California NORML is calling on Congress to investigate the DEA’s malfeasance with regards to medical marijuana.

A NEW PATH RALLY

Photos By Ben G. Rowin

Sink or Swim Pt. 3

“Constant Elevation”

Article By: Aaron Evans Photo by DJ Deprave

I could have comfortably ridden the coattails provided by my crews’ accomplishments and found myself quite happy basking in the glow of other shooting stars, but I didn’t. I could have stood on the sidelines till the last play of the game and then screamed I was the key to victory. Yet, that seemed distasteful. I could have stayed in Ohio, close to my family and friends, support systems, and safety nets; but I didn’t because of the unsettling feeling in my stomach that told me breaking through my glass ceiling meant taking a leap of faith.

For me, California has been a sink or swim situation before the ship even set sail. As previously mentioned, when I docked in San Diego’s seductive harbor, I had more than misjudged my new surroundings. I knew I had to up my game if I was to keep my lips above the surface in So. Cal. But little did I know that the responsibility would fall upon my shoulders to ask others to do the same. Opinions are like assholes, and I’m not one to act like my shit don’t stink, so please take everything I say in these articles with a grain of salt. With that said, I’ve always been someone to reinvent myself again and again. I’m always trying to manifest a better me and asking the community around me to follow suit seems more than reasonable. After all, if marijuana is meant to provide constant elevation, shouldn’t we be able to fly as high as we allow ourselves to dream? True change can only come from within. Nothing I say or do can make anyone do anything. I can spit, kick, cuss, pray and plead till my face turns midnight blue; still, the opportunity to grow and blossom as an individual is a seed that only you can cultivate. I can break my back trying to create a world where it’s nourished and healthy, and even plant the seed for you, but only you can see to it that it grows.

I was raised on the principle that anything you do, you do with 110% gusto. Even hobbies should have moxy and be pursuits of your personal best. As an artist, I see every song as an opportunity to learn something new. As an author, I try every month to find better topics to unearth. As an activist, I see every day as a chance to discover a better way to lead. Over the next several months, you’re going to see ‘Sink or Swim’ and myself make several major transitions as I shed my cocoon and attempt to become a butterfly, born again. With ‘Sink or Swim’, the time has come to develop a wider scope. I’ll still address hot button topics within the culture when needed, but because I’m finding stories around every corner of our majestic city, and because the infighting has seemingly died down for the moment, I feel comfortable with this decision. Sometimes the best way to inspire change is to share stories of how others have already done so. Sometimes the best way to ignite hope is highlighting others who have never let it go. I plan to share the story of Inocente, the 15-year-old homeless painter who lives right here in the streets of San Diego caring for three younger siblings all on her own. Perhaps her struggle will remind us that we’re never swimming in troubled waters alone; that no matter how bad off we may think we are someone else has it worse. I want to take a look at pit bulls, my favorite breed of dog. Like the medical marijuana community, pit bulls are severely misunderstood and suffer a bad wrap – not for what they inherently are, but for what happens when they fall into the hands of evil and greedy people. Perhaps if we see that we are not the only ones misunderstood, our frustrations will no longer cloud our focus.

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I want to cover more people like this month’s featured artist in Perpetual Motion, J.A.G., who see limitations as an invitation to break the mold. I can’t help but ask myself: if we all worked with his diligence, would we reach our goals in a more expedient fashion? My personal state of constant elevation entails stepping out from behind the shadow of my group, The Green Brothers, and setting forth to launch my solo musical career. After 6 years of spreading the green word around the world, the time has come for me to share stories more directly related to my heart. My new album is called F.A.M. (Family Always Matters), and it has absolutely nothing to do with weed. Most people would consider this career suicide for an artist who has built his name as a weed musician/ac-

tivist, but I don’t share those feelings at all. I never aimed to be the best weed emcee, just like I’ve never aimed to be the best white emcee, or dreadlocked emcee, or west coast emcee. I always only aimed to be the best emcee I could be, and with hard work, hopefully, I’ll take my place amongst the best emcees ever, period. –No matter what their background, creed, culture or preferred method of medication. Am I stepping away from the weed culture? Hell no! In fact, I’m bringing it with me; or it’s coming along, as I don’t think there’s any other option. After all, every note, word, mix and design was done while medicated. You could say that this album may not be about weed, but it never would have been made without weed. I’m trying to bring another presence

of class to the green culture, and like others likeminded, I am trying to show the general population that we are not all the typical stereotypes of a so-called stoner. In fact, I’m so intent on bringing the culture into new horizons (as is the NUG F.A.M.) that I’m ELATED to announce that NUG Records and my label, Dove Ink Records, are teaming up to release the new album this fall. Now that gets me lifted! Over the last few months, you’ve seen NUG branch out to cover the LGBT community, the closing of State Parks, and other topics that we may not automatically think of as being related to the weed culture. This is necessary because we must all collectively step out of the closet if we are to ever be fully accepted in the mainstream world. For as we do so, we can see that the issues we are facing in the weed world are truly in the big picture of issues that our world is fac-

ing as a whole. There’s a symbiance between all of us, green or not, and our existence may depend on coming to that realization. We need more food, we need cleaner renewable fuel, and we need new industry; yet, somehow I feel like I’m preaching to the choir and that’s why it’s time to leave the church. The real ‘Sink or Swim’ situation that we’re facing has far more to do with our collective survival on this blessed planet than it does with recreational use or zoning regulations. Hemp can save the earth, end of story. Now it’s up to us to write the chapters leading up to our moment of victory. Real change can only come from within you, your constant elevation. I believe you can do it; now the only question is – do you? For more info on the author, please visit www.aaronevansimagination.com

services

COALITION OF DISPENSARY OWNERS SCORES A VICTORY By Leo E. Laurence, J.D.; Hillcrest | Law Enforcement Against Prohibition leopowerhere@msn.com

Many law enforcement officers, through training and experience in the field, develop an extraordinary ability to look at an innocent scene and notice that a crime is actually being committed. One evening, after dining with members of the Animal Rescue & Protection League at a restaurant on Encinitas Blvd. in North County, we were chatting outside on the sidewalk and drinking coffee. I casually happened to glance across the street at a 7-11 when I noticed three young people running towards the store. My law enforcement instincts told me something was wrong; though, to this day, I don’t know specifically what I noticed that was amiss. “Take my coffee for a minute,” I said to those chatting on the sidewalk with me. “I want to check something out.” Immediately, I walked across the wide boulevard, and by the time I got to a point near the 7-11 entrance, the three kids came running out of the store and took off down Encinitas Blvd. Seconds later, the store’s manager frantically ran out of the front door and shouted to me: “I’ve been robbed.” Less than a minute after I made a 9-1-1 call and reported the robbery, a sheriff’s patrol vehicle arrived, which was followed by three more minutes later. Two of the young thieves were apprehended a few blocks away “acting strange,” the arresting deputy later reported. While the trio of robbers was committing no crime when I first noticed them running towards the 7-11 store, something inside me was saying that something was wrong and needed to be checked out.

SDPD’s Chief Lansdowne’s Support

While our county’s district attorney, Bonnie Dumanis, is intentionally exploiting the uninformed, public stereotypes towards medical marijuana in her campaign to get elected as San Diego’s next mayor, San Diego’s police chief is publicly supporting marijuana as medicine. “My belief is that we need to concentrate on treatment, not arrests and prosecutions,” Chief Lansdowne said in an interview with the Union Tribune on July 10th. “I think we need to revisit this whole issue of drugs and enforcement. The unfortunate part is that I think it’s more of a political problem than anything else. I’m on board with medical marijuana. I think that there’s a place for it.” “I think it needs to be managed well,” the chief explained, in an interview with me at the Gay Pride parade in Hillcrest. “It’s confusing right now with each city having a different ordinance (implemented state law authorizing medical marijuana). If we all get together and have one ordinance statewide, I think that will work for everybody. Officers wouldn’t be able to use medical marijuana on-the-job because it would impair their ability to operate and function.” “My support of medical marijuana is not unusual. My father died of cancer. It was difficult and, towards the end, it would have been benevolent for him to have whatever he needed. We need to get everybody onboard. It’s clear in the votes that there is certainly a desire to have medical marijuana. We just have to manage it well,” Chief Lansdowne continued. Unlike corporate America, law enforcement is a paramilitary profession. Officers in the field on the streets take their cues and guidance from the top, from their chief.

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VICTORY BY DISPENSARY COALITION

Dispensary owners attending a closed meeting for their Patient Care Association (PCA) on July 13th cheered for their victory in qualifying a referendum on San Diego’s new, medical marijuana ordinance – an evil, de facto ban on dispensaries. The PCA joined forces with Citizens for Patients Rights and the California Cannabis Coalition to collect the thousands of signatures required for the referendum. After formally receiving the results, the city council had 10 days to repeal the ordinance or put the referendum on the June 2012 ballot, which could cost the city close to a million dollars. The ordinance was approved by the city council in April. It required that the city’s estimated 160 dispensaries shut down and apply for operating permits, which would create a crushing blow to the thousands of medical marijuana patients in the city. On July 25th, the city council reluctantly voted 6 to 2 in favor of repeal. Council members David Alvarez, Carl DeMaio, Sherri Lightner, Lorie Zapf, Kevin Faulconer, and Todd Gloria supported the repeal. Council members Tony Young and Marti Emerald voted to put the issue on the June 2012 ballot.

L.E.A.P.’s Executive Director Visits

Major Neill Franklin (ret.) of the Maryland State Police and current executive director of L.E.A.P. headquartered in Massachusetts met with members of the board of the Patient Care Association on July 18th in Ocean Beach. “L.E.A.P. was formed in 2002 by five police officers who realized that their efforts in combating drugs on the frontlines were not working. That it was very similar to alcohol prohibition in the 1920s,” Major Franklin explained. “L.E.A.P. is not just cops; it’s judges, prosecutors, corrections officials, and federal agents. We’re an international organization with over 50,000 members throughout 80 countries. Anyone can join, but we have about four to five thousand law enforcement officers. We don’t know exactly because we want officers to sign onboard, but they are not required to identify themselves as law enforcement officers.” “However, we do have a select group of law enforcement folks who make up our Speakers Bureau, including Leo here in San Diego. We have one branch in Brazil, one in Canada, and we’re working on ones in the UK and Australia. Poland is next on our radar, as well as México. We believe we can reduce addiction, crime, murder and disease by legalizing, regulating and controlling all drugs, not just marijuana.” “We realize this isn’t going to happen overnight. We realize that local efforts such as the PCA and Americans for Safe Access in the medical marijuana community are very important to this issue. People need to see that this can be done. It really can work. Unfortunately, too many people have heard about the horror stories in L.A. where some of the dispensaries are really just ways of moving product.” “We are here to support groups that are doing great things. We totally got behind Prop. 19 last year to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in California,” the executive director of L.E.A.P. explained.

MAJOR FEDERAL CHANGES

Radical changes in federal, prosecutorial policies towards medical marijuana were disclosed at the July 13th monthly meeting of the San Diego chapter of Americans for Safe Access in La Jolla.

Originally, the “feds” said that persons complying with state laws authorizing the consumption of cannabis for patients – need not fear prosecution by federal agents. A recent memo from Deputy U.S. Attorney General James Cole to all U.S. attorneys nationwide says that federal prosecutors are to go after anyone involved in medical cannabis distribution, “even where those activities purport to comply with state laws.” That is a radical change for the Obama administration. Meanwhile, the ASA newsletter reported that congressmen Barney Frank of Massachusetts and Jared Polis of Colorado urged in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to let states regulate medical cannabis without federal interference. Medical marijuana is now legal in 17 states and the District of Columbia. L.E.A.P. Executive Director Major Neill Franklin (ret.) of Massachusetts (right) talks with Randall Welty of the Patient Care Association on July 18th Photo by Leo E. Laurence

Police Chief William Lansdowne and Assistant Chief Shelly Zimmerman appeared at the Gay Pride parade in Hillcrest. Photo by Leo E. Laurence

Members of the board of the Patient Care Assn. meet in Ocean Beach with L.E.A.P.’s executive director from Massachusettes, Major Neill Franklin (ret.) of the Maryland State Police (left foreground). Photo by Leo E. Laurence

gone. On 6-23-06, Jens joined the angels on his 22nd birthday. He was the passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a mystery car accident. He donated his liver, kidneys, and heart valves to save three people’s lives.

By: Ben G. Rowin For the past few months, I have been seeing the Freedom Fighters clothing line all over and had a chance to meet the owner at Cheba Hut’s 420 party. I was moved by their story and how Freedom Fighters came to be and wanted to take a moment to let the NUG readers know about this organization. Freedom Fighters Clothing represents a higher learning and respectful consciousness of the Cannabis Culture. The company was started to honor a fallen Freedom Fighter, the owner’s brother. Fighting for your freedoms and the freedoms of others is the idea that NUG was built on. Whether it is the fight for the freedom to utilize an herb instead of prescription medications, or the right to love and marry the person of your choice regardless of race, creed, or gender, we support those who have the strength to stand up! I had RusSkull of Freedom Fighters send me some information about their company and background… Freedom Fighters is a movement that brings awareness and support to the cannabis community by creating controversial artwork and clothing designs, reaching the masters empowered by the new generation of hardcore Freedom Fighters. Freedom Fighters Clothing was established in 2007, in honor of Jens Trevor Russell and all the Freedom Fighters here and

He had just gotten out of prison on cannabis charges, but had been in and out of jail and prison for years of his life because of cannabis related incidents. He always said, “As long as I’m alive, I will fight for freedom for the plant.” He also included, “Nobody should be in jail or prison for using freedom, save tax dollars for the real criminals.” A substitute word for cannabis became “freedom” because that was what we would use to escape a rough life and feel free. That is how Freedom Fighters Clothing came to be. After his death, I dedicated my life to the cannabis community. With every step forward and new friends made through Freedom Fighters Clothing, I know it puts a smile on my lil bro’s face. One cool thing some may want to know is that we use real cannabis leaves to create a lot of our designs. I’m still looking for the right person to help design the website, but I hope to have it up and running by the end of August. Thank you to NUG Magazine and all the supporters of Freedom Fighters Clothing. One love, and peace to those at war. – RusSkull freedomfightersclothing.com

Patient Profile: Anne By: Pamela Jayne Anne is an energetic and outspoken stay at home mother of two. Her husband may be the primary breadwinner, but she has two successful online businesses of her own where she sells her handmade crafts. They have quite the typical suburban life. And like a growing number of ‘typical’ suburban women, she chooses to use cannabis as medicine rather than relying on man-made pharmaceutical pills for pain relief. First and foremost, Anne is a mother. Devoted and active in the lives of her four and seven-year-old daughters, she is definitely not a stereotypical ‘ston-

er’. In fact, the term ‘stoner’ is somewhat offensive to her, because of its negative connotations of laziness and half-baked thinking. As she says, “I am not laying around on the couch smoking pot because I don’t have anything better to do, and I don’t let my kids see me medicate. That would be inappropriate. I am very careful and very discreet.” Just listening to her describe a normal day is exhausting, and I must say, impressive. It is true what they say, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Anne only medicates in certain child proof areas of her home, and when they are far enough away and being watched by her husband – so as not to be exposed to secondhand smoke. She would like to start using a vaporizer for health reasons, but keeping curious kids away from neat looking gadgets is easier said than done; she would rather not risk it. Although she exercises extreme discretion when it comes to her cannabis use, she does not lie to her children. She just keeps it age-appropriate. For example, when she leaves them with her husband or a babysitter to go to the collective, and they ask where she is going, she simply says, “Mommy has to go pick up her medicine.” As they get older, she says she will talk to them more about it, but for now that answer seems to suffice.

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Before becoming a stay at home mom, Anne served four years in the Coast Guard, went to school on the GI Bill where she graduated third in her class, and then worked as a nurse in a sub-acute unit. Seeing desperate patients and their families not being given any options to the strict, oldfashioned medical protocol, even when it was not in their best interest, really upset Anne. She recalled times when she suspected that families were sneaking cannabis into her patients, and then seeing the results with her own eyes. Anne’s primary reason for using cannabis as medicine is pain and inflammation caused by bilateral patellar tendonitis. She became a medical cannabis patient just over six years ago, after quitting pharmaceutical pain pills because she was weary of the short and long-term side effects. “When you’re in pain, it makes you cranky. Take away the pain and you’re not cranky anymore, which makes everyone happier. Freedom from pain is not the same thing as getting high.” Even before she was a patient herself, she was a supporter of patients’ right to medicate as they choose. “I just don’t think it is right to judge people, especially sick people. Actually, sick or not, it should not be illegal for any adult to use cannabis responsibly. But, that is a whole different conversation…” “If we ever do see full legalization, I know that some of my ‘Mommy’ friends will be walking around with joints in their hands rather than glasses of white wine when we get to-

gether.” For now, though, she is hesitant to share her we are already under so much scrutiny, why make the fight use of medical cannabis with peers, for the fear of being even harder? judged by the wine glass wielding parents of her daughters’ friends. Anne would be a very effective activist in the movement because she is educated and well-spoken; but for now, she As for lawmakers and other politicians, she is very pas- has to settle for staying informed and aware of what is going sionate when she says, “There is definitely a political on. Having school-aged children, she must think about how campaign to discredit the benefits and safety of the can- the parents of her daughters’ friends would react if they saw nabis plant. Political power plays are behind all of this her on the news picketing at city hall. She was quick to add mess. Also, a lot of people have been brainwashed, and that she has nothing but respect for those who are on the some just plain do not care about others. It blows my frontlines; it’s just not something she would feel comfortable mind that certain groups do not want me to have the doing at this time. Patients like Anne are proof positive that legal right to walk into a safe and legitimate collective to there is much more to the medical cannabis movement than get cannabis, but they have no problem with people get- what we occasionally see on the news. We are mothers, ting pills from a pharmacy. The hypocrisy of that really fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, students, veterans, bothers me.” Lawmakers who are standing in the way of and much, much more. We represent all walks of life, from safe access to medical cannabis aren’t the only group the financially privileged to the working class hero. We are that frustrates Anne. “I am so tired of some of these ig- liberal, and we are conservative. We are of all races, creeds, norant stoners who are constantly making the rest of us and colors. Our common bond is the belief that medical canlook bad. All of the hard work that people put into this nabis should be safely and readily available to all who may cause is so easily overshadowed by a few dumb people benefit from it. As Anne said, “I just want to be able to treat who only care about themselves.” Her point is that the my pain in a way that I believe is best for my health, without entire community needs to be respectful and respon- being harassed. Is that really too much to ask for?” sible at all times. With rights, come responsibilities; and

By: Pamela Jayne At the core of this movement are, of course, the patients. It takes so many different people and their individual talents and skills to ensure that patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights are protected and that the medical cannabis movement moves forward in a positive direction. There are caregivers, collective operators, activists, lobbyists, growers, donors, organizations, and yes, lawyers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lots of lawyers. While the legal profession may be on the receiving end of millions of jokes, lawyers are an absolute necessity in our goal to free patients from fear and persecution, not to mention, prosecution. Say what you will about attorneys, but they are, often times, the only thing standing between good people who put their freedom on the line to provide patients with medical Our first profile will be about Mark Robert Bluemel, attorney and member cannabis, and jail. of the San Diego Medical Marijuana Task Force. Mark is a familiar face in the community and a fierce advocate of patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights, but there are many In the months to come, we will be profiling the men and other interesting aspects to his life that you will find out. women of the local legal community who are dedicating their time and talent to the cause of protecting the rights So, beginning next month, we will be telling you all about the legal eyes of patients. Our goal is to give them a platform to pub- in the community while doing our very best to dispel the legal lies. And licize their beliefs, and also to provide patients with the with any luck, we will soon bring you the good news that our cause has kind of information that only a law degree can provide. been legalized.

By: Rachel Anders & Scott Whytsell Imagine being a mother and seeing your child suffer and waste away due to a combination of illness and pharmaceutical meds, and not knowing what to do next. That was the case for Mieko Perez, a single mother of three, with her middle child, Joey, who has suffered from autism since he was an infant. After a ton of research and deliberation, she found that medical cannabis could stimulate her child’s appetite. Her decision saved his life! Joey has been thriving and has reduced his 13 prescriptions down to 2 ½. Yet, Mieko has had some backlash from some in the medical field, criticizing her decision. We sat down for an interview with Mieko to get her story.

Why did you decide to go the medical marijuana route with Joey? I researched that medical marijuana stimulated one’s appetite; so initially, that was the only reason we decided to try medical marijuana – to extinguish his wasting from the harsh pharmaceutical meds. The positive effects of medical marijuana were evident the very first afternoon he had his first dose. Medical marijuana gave him a personality! He was unresponsive, lethargic, and unable to eat. Now his sensory issues have reduced. Joey eats, laughs, and smiles. He’s learning to be social and talkative, he loves music (Snoop Dogg is his favorite artist), and he enjoys aqua therapy. He now has a relationship with his brother and sister and I that was previously void. His eyes have a glow that wasn’t there before. Science is the key to unlocking this misunderstood diagnosis. It’s not a miracle, it’s science. In the last two years, I strongly believe cannabis has opened and repaired receptors that were closed and damaged. Wow, that’s great! This really shows the importance of medical marijuana and the importance of edibles, drinks, smoothies, and lotions for younger patients. YES! Those are appropriate ways to use medical marijuana for sick children.

Thank you, Mieko, for sitting down with us Well, it’s clear you made the right decision for Joey. What do you want to emphasize to any and sharing your experience. We know you voice of opposition? are a very busy lady! You are very welcome. I did all of this to help my son, Joey. After seeing his success, I knew there was a need for a foundation like The Unconventional Foundation for Autism to educate and help families who have the same struggles caring for a special needs child, and helping them thrive. This is my passion and I’ll rest when I’m dead, there are parents who need my help. It was hard for me to go to bed at night knowing there were other parents and families out there not knowing what to do to sustain a better quality of life for their children. –She vowed the day after doing the Good Morning America interview in 2009 that she would personally respond to emails. Mieko remembers the dark days and crying about her son with no help in sight and no handbook to guide her through this journey that has now made history with their fight in the medical marijuana movement.

Walk a day in the shoes of a parent with a special needs child! Every day is a struggle and some days are harder than others. –Mieko has learned early on that as the diagnosis of autism has been on the rise, so has the medical educational curve. She strongly believes that if she hadn’t intervened with her own research, traditional doctors would have placed Joey in an early grave. I know I’m doing the right thing for Joey. What I’m frustrated about is the stigma of medical marijuana and how its benefits are being kept secret and criminalized. Sick patients should have their medicine and therapy covered by insurance, but unfortunately, nontraditional therapies are not covered, such as aqua or music therapy. We need medical marijuana rescheduled and regulated like regular prescribed medicine. The government needs to declassify medical marijuana from a Schedule I narcotic, and we need to regulate and structure collectives. There needs to be safe access for patients! We both agree you are the Mae Nutt of our time to the medical marijuana movement. The strength you women had in taking care of your sons is commendable! I’m just Joey’s mom trying to help my son and help parents across the country who are dealing with the autism factor to make an informed decision on this safe and effective treatment.

What can others do to help? The mission of UF4A.ORG is to raise awareness and support for families afflicted with this mysterious and misunderstood condition of autism. By donating money, time or resources to UF4A.ORG, you are helping to raise funds for cannabis based medical research and clinical trials. Contributions directly support the advancement of our mission. We are not concerned with how autism got here; UF4A.ORG is more concerned with the quality of life of our children. Mieko, it has been a pleasure chatting with you, and thank you so much for all you do in the medical marijuana community. We also LOVE our new Chronic Fatigue shirts (Every $25.00 you spend, you get a Chronic Fatigue – UF4A.ORG shirt). Please share with NUG readers the people and companies who have supported you. Dr. Grinspoon, Michael Lerner, Dr. Hedrick, Jeremy Joseph Esq., Attorney Ted Cromwell, Jorge Cervantes, Kyle Kushman, Dr. Melamede with Cannabis Science Inc., Buds and Roses Collective, James Gierach L.E.A.P., Judge Jim Grey, Medicalmarijuana411.com, ajnag. com, Don Duncan & Steph Sherer with ASA, DNA Genetics Amsterdam, Steep Hill Labs, The Human Solution, Heaven Scent Organics.com, Chronic Fatigue.com, my Dad – Bobby Hester, and Bhang Chocolate.com in Northern California.

The Irresponsibility of Government By: My Key Way Government, bureaucracy, litigators, law enforcement, and local lawmakers are responsible for the gross negligence of those who consume illegal drugs. They are responsible for the method of use and the environment they are consumed in. They are responsible for the overuse, overdose, and the inconsistent quality control. They are also responsible for dangerous chemicals that are put into the substances that are illegitimately manufactured. They are responsible for the glorification of these substances and the declination of the citizens who choose to use them. By ostracizing the very substance, they – the bureaucracy – choose to control it, which evokes curiosity, and curiosity evokes experimentation. Now, the methods of experimentation are illicit, but they can be found within society, our society, and its black markets. Within these social scenarios, people learn to consume the substance irresponsibly. Alcohol abuse leads to unprotected sex, rape, and unsafe use of technology (i.e. cars, guns, knives and text messaging). Now in ancient society, substance was used during ceremony. Were ancient cultures bands of mescaline eating psychotics roaming the hillsides going “Wow Man” ? No, they were extremely reserved, responsible communities that were highly spiritual and connected within their communities and families. The people were taught to respect toxic substance. They used it to promote vision and spirituality. They utilized it responsibly and reserved it for a particular time and place. They used it for rite of passage and growth of self and understanding. Yet, when alcohol was introduced, it became a widespread problem and led to the decline of a culture, because there was no ritual, no rite, no limitations respected. There was not one bit of cultural understanding or responsibility. It was just a means of escape or a good feeling. This created mass consumption without restrain, which was promoted by European culture. European culture embraced this and had an understanding and a desire to undermine native peoples. Is that what our government is doing to its people? Are they taking away culture and promoting despondency? In countries such as Amsterdam, they enforce responsibility by allowing people to consume substance in designated areas. People who consume various substances understand the risks, and there is less violence because illegal entities are not trying to control the profits

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created by the black commerce. Substance is traded and tendered openly and consumed without punishment. In America, the lack of tolerance creates illegal profits and violence, and history shows that prohibition creates markets for people such as Al Capone. It is the very laws that promote irresponsible use of substance; it’s because of the ignorance of the governing body. Controlled substance has been provided in irresponsible situations for irresponsible reasons by irresponsible people teaching irresponsibility, just as firearms and gang violence promote irresponsible use of weapons. When firearms are introduced to control territory, they are used in a designated rite or ritual, and as a display of power, the responsibility is lost in pride and prowess. Is it an evil without necessity? Do the violent stay and see the destruction they have caused? Usually, they run to escape the responsibility of their actions. If a family is raised around the responsible usage of guns for hunting, protection, food and military reasons, they develop a respect that creates responsibility. They witness the outcome, beneficial or not, of their actions. A bond is created between necessity and its evils, and it bridges the gap of responsibility between understanding and power. Such things as fire, electricity, flight, sea travel and nuclear power are inherently dangerous. Yet, through controlled usage, we have obtained great things. We have bridged continents, ended sicknesses, and created power without pollution. We have connected many cultures and sociological perspectives that have brought enlightenment and understanding. We have abolished many fears and extinguished myths. What was taboo is now perspective. Just because there are deaths caused by these advancements, it doesn’t mean we should create legislation that bans the use of fire, guns, or even electricity. Instead, we regulate them, control the use of its properties, and create safe environments where we can utilize those special and beneficial attributes. Many amazing principals have been presented by consumption of substance. Art, music, science, theories and hypotheses have been stimulated by the “out of the box” thoughts produced by responsible usage of chemicals. Francis Crick admitted to the

discovery of DNA induced by the consumption of LSD (Supernatural; Graham Hancock); however, a society that consumes LSD on a daily basis may be irresponsible. A Sunday afternoon of spiritual awakening in an environment created for the expansion of the mind and body may be a necessity to understanding our place in the future we all live in. Why was LSD once distributed in stores freely without discrimination? Although there are inherent dangers to the consumption of chemicals, those dangers are reduced greatly by utilizing their benefits responsibly. While the government and its officials demonize and punish the use of some chemicals, they glorify others by allowing irresponsible use. If your mother told you that you could never consume chocolate, it would induce a natural curiosity. When you later discover that chocolate is good, you begin to question other beneficial advice given by authority; therefore, disregarding other laws and rules that are completely necessary. Yet, most responsible parents simply inform their children, “No deserts until after you have had your dinner,” creating a responsible format in which to consume sweets. We continuously tell our children, “Say no to drugs!” – while the drug induced lifestyle is glorified in the media, movies, television and books. Is there no way to prevent mass consumption of irresponsibility? Most Italian families have red wine with dinner. Is there an overwhelming level of wine-o’s roaming the countryside in Italy? No (unless they are American college students); yet, this is the place that is credited for the birth of the resonance and the centralization of religions. Most churches of catholic denomination use wine as the blood of Christ, not grape juice. Americans abuse many things within our society. Obesity is prolific. Alcoholism has existed for as long as there was a constitution. The abuses of opiates are as old as the British Empire. No laws have ever prevented this; no religion has ever cured this crisis. By ignoring, punishing, and litigating, we have destroyed families, lives and people. By abolishing and abstaining, we have created predators. By denying, we have created abuse. The glorification of the few has led to disappointment, scandal, and a lack of trust of the establishment. There are cocktail parties at the White House, but the police are dispatched to incarcerate a citizen near you. Yet, wine is served with cheese, and scotch is served after dinner. These responsible perspectives are accepted because society has created parameters for use. An unattended camp fire can burn out or destroy hundreds of thousands of acres; so, is this a reason to stop using fire? The creation of a legal drinking age has led to more teenage alcoholics than any other law. If children didn’t have the known limitations, there would be no glorification or correlations in being an adult and drinking alcohol. Being able to consume liquor should not be a perspective of becoming an adult. This perspective of adulthood only leads to an excuse for irresponsibility. “It’s my 21st birthday and I’m going out to a bar and getting wasted. There are no laws that can hold me back now,”(Karoki Rosamo; National Geographic’s’ Indestructible, July 10, 2011). A child that has indulged at a young age and become sick from stealing wine after dinner – this child has a greater understanding of the responsibility of wine. The 21-year-old has earned the right because they have aged to an adult, and the child that is sick might realize excess is unnecessary. In conclusion, learning to consume substance in a responsible environment will only create responsible usage. Television and advertisements promote the consumption of liquor, the glorification of night club environments, and the “let loose and party” attitude. This will only lead to more DUI’s and more alcohol related accidents and crime. Did prohibition teach us nothing? Was the 21st amendment another industry related crime against humanity? The demonization of an act will only lead to a proliferation of epidemic proportions. This determines that lawmakers are responsible for the irresponsible declination of a society, and these laws must be repealed, removed and ratified. Decriminalization must be observed before the destruction of our great nation occurs.

By R.J. Villa Abatin Wellness Center in Sacramento, CA is attempting to set the new standard for medical marijuana cooperatives and collectives. This cooperative is taking a new approach to medical marijuana. They are offering a more in-depth and scientific approach to the cooperative experience – consulting with and educating their patients, collecting feedback, and dispensing appropriate doses of their medication. Abatin Wellness Center has recently been pushed to the media forefront when they started working with Montel Williams, the Emmy winning syndicated talk show host of 17 years and the national spokesperson for Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Formerly known as Capital Wellness Cooperative, Aundre Speciale still remains the cooperative’s executive director. Working together with Montel Williams, they look to take the next step in exploring the science and medical benefits found in cannabis. Abatin Wellness Center counsels medicinal marijuana patients on everything from addressing their condition to the proper dosages of cannabis. “We believe they’re coming in here to be educated,” Williams said at a press conference at the Abatin Wellness Center in June. “They’re coming in here so they can feel comfortable. So to make them feel comfortable, we’re going to be providing them with more information and more guidance than, I believe, any facility in this country has attempted to do.” They do not have a listed or readily available telephone number. They are not on weedmaps.com, nor do they have a website. No advertising, no loud nug displays, not even a sign outside to indicate that it is a medical marijuana cooperative. Upon pulling up

to the corner of 29th and U, you will notice the grey building looks more like a private practice doctor or dentist office. Walking through the door, you are placed through a metal detector and searched by a well dressed security guard in a business suit. The paperwork process is quite extensive. Expect to answer a few questions about your medical condition and history. What they are trying to do at the Abatin Wellness Center is identify your medical condition and history, so the scientist has the ability to address each patient according to their specific needs. Once inside Abatin Wellness Center, you will find that the reception desk, consultation area, and the dispensary counter carry the feel of a high end doctor’s office. It is clean, posh and professional. Two HD televisions are on the wall with a video on loop of Montel Williams greeting you to Abatin Wellness Center. A couple of glass display cases house a framed, detailed history of marijuana. As soon as your medical marijuana patient status is verified, you are sat down at a private desk for a one-on-one consultation with one of the Abatin Wellness Center scientists. This consultation will dive into specifics of your medical condition and the use of cannabis to treat the condition. When I first sat down, I noticed a copy of the book “Plant Trichomes,” from the Advances in Botanical Research Series, sitting on the desk. I was greeted by a friendly scientist

extremely informative, and it helped me zero in on treating my own conditions. I explained that I started using cannabis medically after voluntarily removing myself off of a mood stabilizing prescription medication that was adding unwanted body weight, killing my liver function, and hindering my social skills. I cracked a smile when I received the recommendation to try and find a solid Jack Lemon phenotype, as this matched what I had been medicating with for quite some time now. I also explained the rough bouts with insomnia I had been dealing with for most of my adult life. I was advised that ingesting medical edibles, roughly 45 minutes prior to sleeping, would help me maintain my deep REM state instead of my typical segmented naps. This would allow the ingested marijuana to be at its most potent at the time I have been regularly susceptible to a disrupted sleep pattern. Upon taking this advice, I have noticed a deeper, more restful sleep, one that allows me to recall my dreams a little better. who politely introduced himself before diving right into the meat of my consultation. When we began, I thought I had already accumulated quite an extensive knowledge of cannabis and medical marijuana. As the consultation went on, I realized that I had only scratched the surface of the science behind cannabis.

The other major difference you will notice at Abatin Wellness Center is how they dispense their medication. They only dispense cannabis in 2.5 gram increments with a maximum of 5 grams per visit. No coupons or quantity discounts. No frequent buyer deals. No halves or ounces. This is their step to pull away from the street measurements and to stop illegal redistribution of their medication for recreation.

The scientist went on to explain how we were essentially standing in a jungle surrounded by various plants and strains, and how scientists and doctors are now finally given the opportunity to study the specifics of how each strain effects each human body differently. We can all agree that the effect of a well grown OG Kush has a far more noticeable effect than most other strains. The scientist explained that we now have the opportunity to look beyond THC and CBD content and percentages, and can look at the other natural chemicals present in the more potent strains like OG Kush.

All medication has been quality tested for foreign contaminants, molds and microbes – assuring its quality. The nugs are dispensed in amber glass jars, which add a great touch to keeping the medication fresh. True to the idea of cooperatives being non-profit, the marijuana is offered at cost: $3.20 a gram, plus sales tax. However, included in your visit is a $45.00 member fee that covers your consultation with the scientist.

Up to this point, in-depth research on cannabis has been limited due to the lack of funding and the obvious legal restrictions. A perfect example of limitations on research is the “Plant Trichomes” book on the desk. It was actually research on tobacco trichomes, yet, one of the most informative books on the topic. The research they are doing at Abatin Wellness Center will only help strengthen the proof of the benefits of medical cannabis. Each scientist has access to a massive library of all the latest medical marijuana studies and findings in order to help each patient. Extensive research and patient input and feedback helps with proper strain identification and accurate prescriptions per condition. The scientist working with me had a wealth of knowledge regarding medical cannabis. It was quite mindexpanding. I can honestly say the consultation was

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“Why are we treating patients who seek out this medication like they’re some lesser member of society?” Williams said. “We could set a new standard, not just for Sacramento, not just for California, not just for the other 16 states that allow it now and the District of Columbia, but also for the world.” Montel Williams has been a medical marijuana patient for the last decade since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He had found that the use of prescription drugs inhibited the function of his kidneys. He now uses medical cannabis to deal with the cramps and spasms associated with multiple sclerosis. Williams chose to become involved with the Sacramento location due to it being at the historical forefront of the medical cannabis movement here in Northern California. Williams is merely a consultant for Abatin Wellness Center, but has been looking into expanding this vision and opening several similar dispensaries across the country. Abatin Wellness Center 2100 29th Street Sacramento, CA 95817 For a peek at some of the strains Abatin Wellness carries see the extended article at nugmag.com.

Photos: S.Letts

Humboldt’s own

Mary Jane: The Musical By: Sharon Letts The world’s iconic regions have been covered in verse. New York screams of city lights in the town that doesn’t sleep; Chicago sizzles; ex’s live in Texas; and California is always dreaming – but when it comes to cannabis, Humboldt County rocks it like no other. Mary Jane: The Musical opened in the tiny town of Blue Lake at the larger than life Dell’Arte International, one of two physical schools of comedy in the world. Founded in 1971 on Berkeley soil, the founders followed back-to-the-landers to Humboldt and made themselves at home in a historic depot in 1974. The Diva of Sativa and Queen of the Emerald Ball hit the stage in June of this year to sold-out audiences with the world’s largest bud in hand and a bevy of original musical numbers written by some of Humboldt’s finest singer/songwriters. Dell’Arte’s Producing Artistic Director and Director of Mary Jane: The Musical, Michael Fields, waxed poetic of the controversial play, launching the school’s 40th anniversary and 21st year of its Mad River Festival, kicking off its summer season. “This play is really the community speaking to itself. Dell’Arte has always been about ‘theatre of place,” Fields explained. “That is, theatre by, for, about, and with the community in which we live.” Quoting Hamlet, Fields said, “Dell’Arte holds the mirror up, laughing and crying at itself. For the play is a satirical and sometimes biting descriptor of Humbyland in all its green glory.” Mary Jane: The Musical sprang from Cali’s failed Prop. 19, which would have forced Humboldt to deal with its main economic squeeze, if passed. Instead, the failed proposition began a conversation that continues with humor, sadness, and a respect for the bud. Dell’Arte students hail from all over the world, bringing a magical amount of diversity to an already rich with culture environment that makes Humboldt…well, Humboldt. The ensemble cast is comprised of students and teachers alike, with everyone participating in each number, sans special guests. The lead role played with perfection by Dell’Arte co-founder Joan Schirle, tells the story of Humboldt’s greatest and illusive commodity. She is the “Diva of Sativa,” a Southern Humboldt backto-the-lander and free-spirit, wise beyond her years, sharing her knowledge from the Summer of Love and heartache in the covert world of canna, singing, “It’s Kush to be Mary Jane.” From seedling to maturity I’ve had the best of care— No artificial light, no fans, Just sunlight and fresh air. They’ll be toasting me with pure delight, No roaster bag for me tonight, I’m out! I’m proud! I stink out loud! Anybody got a light?

Through Mary Jane we meet her niece, Chantrelle, the quintessential Humboldt Honey still very much alive in Humboldt today, played by student Janessa Johnsrude, and accompanied by fellow thespians Zuzka Sabata and Meridith Anne Baldwin. Dawning classic, blonde dreadlocks, singing of Vegan delights, singer/ songwriter Eldin Green crafted her with love and admiration. It’s a whole-wheat, eighteen grain bagel And it actually has some acorn in it I actually made the cream cheese myself But it’s not really cream cheese you see It’s tofu and mayonnaise, because I’m a vegan And I don’t believe in cream cheese…because dairy is pain! “She’s one of the things that attracted me to the area – and the fact that she never went away,” Green shared. “The actual Vegan folk are usually sweet, determined individuals,” Green said of his tribute. Zuzka Sabata hails from the Czech Republic, but said she grew up in California. She is a graduate of the MFA program in Ensemble Based Physical Theater at the school. Aside from achieving goals as a performer, she said surviving in an economy where community art isn’t given a monetary value is a challenge. “Green Like Money” is her nod to the profitable side of growing. Let me buy you a house, let me buy you a car, buy you some friends wherever you are The present moment fools you My hot breath cools you I’m green like money I’ll make you feel like honey Slow and wise A head filled with helium will rise Characters throughout include Gemini Giovani, a world traveler who comes back to Humboldt to grow and reap the benefits of an abundance of cash. Local storyteller Jeff DeMark sings of “Christmas Eve in Hilo,” ordering a “Double Gin and Chronic” in the process, as the ensemble hulas to the beat. A double gin and chronic Makes me feel supersonic When I’m feelin’ down It lifts me off the ground It was Christmas Eve in Hilo (Saw) a street singer in dreadlocks Singing the world’s angriest version Of Puff the Magic Dragon

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An endearing number called “Grow Inside” is a tragic tale of indoor and outdoor grows in love. Moving, yet, hilarious as indoor grower Kev sings with Mary Jane, “I don’t want to go outside and you don’t want to come inside.” It’s a lighthearted number that breezes the issue of indoor grows, with Mary Jane lamenting, “I’ve always been an outdoor plant. You know they say indoor pot production uses 1% of the country’s electricity. A little ironic don’t ya think?” The lighthearted feel of the play turns dark during Act II with “The Industry”, written and performed by guitarist and songwriter Scott Menzies. It’s a Metal number and hits hard, both visually and lyrically, against the dark side of this covert industry that wants to stay that way. “I just feel that the symptoms (of growing) have become worse and worse and worse. It used to just be ‘Be careful about walking in the woods, and now it’s burning indoor grows, guns, all the stuff mentioned in the song.” The catalyst for the number was political and centered on Prop. 19 and the equally ironic movement of growers wanting to keep cannabis a crime. “If people are benefiting economically from the incarceration of others, it’s wrong,” Menzies explained. “Hearing the stories about groups in So. Hum. (Southern Humboldt) who were supporting McCain for president because they figured his election would ensure continued prohibition, seriously pissed me off. Then, hearing that a group of outdoor growers, who were advocating against ‘diesel dope’ and for organic growing in the sun, were receiving death threats, added to that fire.” I hide in the forests, hide amongst the trees. The purr of machinery, keeps my profits humming. The stench of diesel as it soaks into the earth I am The Industry, and profits come first! I hide in your neighborhood, hide behind closed doors Hear the lamps buzz as mold spreads on the floors Jacked up housing prices skewed economy I am The Industry, it’s all about me! The conversation further deepens with “My Son” and Mary Jane regretful for raising a child in the shade of the plant. He was by my side, the very first time I put a seed in the ground. He watched me hope, he watched me pray, he watched as I sold my first pound. And then he watched me grow easy as my life turned around. Food stamps and poverty were nowhere to be found. I built a homestead and it wasn’t only me, It was a whole community, a whole community. I’ve given him a lifestyle full of danger. I’ve given him a life full of fear. I have given him a job that holds no future. Nuggy, Nuggy lightens the load with a Bollywood tribute, sans Pratik Motwani, an MFA student who studied the dance technique as a child, but said he really learned from watching films. Originally from Bombay, the home of Bollywood – India’s entertainment industry capitol, Motwani doubled for lead Dev Patel in the Indian version of Slumdog Millionaire, as the film’s British star had no Hindi. Humboldt State University is located in neighboring Arcata, otherwise known as “60s by the sea.” Like many who come to the county to study, Motwani said he was unaware of the county’s pot past. “My views have definitely changed about it from the time I came here, and my perspective has been broadened,” he said. “I have learned about its medicinal use and its spiritual significance.” Music Director Randles said he created the number just for Motwani, as is common practice to pick from the school’s rich, cultural pool, undaunted at the subject matter. “What also made the story so powerful was that it was cathartic for a lot of people,” Randles continued. “It took this kind of hidden thing, pot, which is all around us, and brought it out into the open and let everyone laugh at it and take it serious. The show made it okay to be associated with this cultural taboo.” Randles said the musical works because the show is set in a context where you expect singing and dancing, and they don’t seem out of place.

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“A lot of the evolution of the musical has tried to blend realistic drama with song and dance,” Randles said. “Sometimes it works, but a lot of the time it seems a bit contrived. Most of the early musicals were based on showbiz stories where song and dance was all a normal part of what’s going on.” Director Fields said he had wanted to do a piece on marijuana for years, but it took the failed initiative to bring the subject into the mainstream. Future plans include grants and sponsors to take the show on the road. “All of the reviews have been raves,” he added. “My fear and secret hope was that it would cause more controversy than it did. I expected we might get a push back from growers and folks against, but that hasn’t happened. Sometimes it takes a while in a rural community before you hear the whole story, which is why I think it begs a second round.” Dell’Arte and Humboldt fans may have another reason to visit Humbyland next year as they wait for Mary Jane: The Musical – Part 2. If Fields has his way, the play will be traveling south to So. Cal. For more information on Dell’Arte and its programs, visit www.dellarte.com

Photos: T.McNally

With all those leg presses, bicep curls, and squats, you are totally fit, right? Then why do you still throw out your back when you reach down to tie your shoes? What’s going on?

How long have you been coaching?

I’ve been working under the physical therapy group that I partner with now for approximately 7 years. I’ve been coaching swimming since I was 18 and went full-time on my own doing coaching and functional strength training in 2008.

Each of us place unique demands on our bodies to accomplish our daily activities. Our muscles must work together to excel at a What would you say motivates you? What do you love certain sport, lift our kids in and out of a stroller, or even sit for long about what you do? periods of time. Every activity places demands on our bodies that I love to see people move – movement creates change in people’s lives. We overare not addressed by strength training isolated muscle groups. look a lot of simple things that athletes get to experience every day. Perfect example, we have this newbie swimmer. She has come out a few times, always shows up Functional fitness, or functional movement, is about understandlate, and shows up without a wetsuit; she is completely apathetic. She says she is ing how your body works in your daily life. Then, realizing how motivated, but she’s doing everything possible to defeat herself. Today she showed your body SHOULD work in your daily life. Finally, it’s about develup and only stayed in the water for 20 minutes, but she figured out how to swim in oping a program with dynamic, functional movements that stretch the open water. Unbelievable! She was so excited. and strengthen your body to achieve optimum performance. So it’s about being able to make a change in someone’s life, so they can make a To learn more about functional movement, I visited Trevor King change in someone else’s. It’s about understanding that a small change in the way Head Coach at Energy Lab Training. I have worked with Coach that someone lives can help them make a difference in so many others. That’s really Trevor in the past to improve my swimming abilities and wanted to what we want to be able to do – help others do what they want to do. And I truly learn more about his work in strength training. believe that it all begins with fitness.

What services does Energy Lab Training Let’s say you’re somewhere between an athlete and provide? someone who’s just getting off the couch. What is We look at ourselves as a full-service personal training and coaching group for everyone from the person just getting off the your approach and what do you recommend? couch, to someone competing in their first triathlon, up to an iron man triathlon. We have a network of partners that include physical therapists, A.R.T. [Active Release Technique] specialists, chiropractors, and various types of integrative medicine specialists.

Strength really needs to be specific to the individual. We need to look at what you are doing on a day-to-day basis: are you doing a sport, are you taking care of your kids, do you have a job that requires lifting? What exactly is it?

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One of the key workouts that we have, which is a crossover for most things, is a simple lunge. • •

•

We start by making it into a walking lunge. So you’re going one leg after another. Next, we modify it a number of different ways, so we get across three planes of movement: sagittal, frontal, and transverse. To create those different planes of movement, we use the upper body while the lower body is doing the same movement repeatedly. Then, we look at the workload and specify the load required for that individual in what they do in their lives.

How do you take a simple pose and make it dynamic? –Add movement. How do you make it functional? –Make that movement mirror the demands of your daily life. Coach Trevor demonstrated what it means to add movement and strength training to a simple lunge. To try, take 10 steps forward for each movement shown.

Energy Lab Training is based in North County with events and training programs throughout San Diego. To learn more about Energy Lab Training and Coach Trevor’s work, visit http://www.energylabtraining.com.

In health, Bahareh Bahareh is a certified Health Coach based in Encinitas, California. She empowers others to live healthier, happier lives by eating healthy, reducing stress, and finding balance.

www.mindbodyalliance.com

Steps on how to do

Lunges

(Left to Right)

Wine Without Grapes – It is Possible, and Delicious! By: Esther Rubio-Sheffrey When it comes to choosing an alcoholic beverage with which to relax on a hot summer day, most people go with a cold beer or a cocktail. Wine, with the exception of a chilled white, rarely comes to mind because its flavors do not tend to quench a summer’s thirst. Do not misunderstand. A good bottle of wine can make or break a great meal or, at times, even be the meal itself. It is also not to say that my latest discovery cannot be paired with a delicious hearty meal, because it can be. The guys at California Fruit Wine are onto a new trend, one that all wine lovers can enjoy, even on a hot summer day. Brian and Alan Haghighi, the two main driving forces behind California Fruit Wine, are twin brothers who grew up in San Diego’s north county area. The brothers did not reinvent the wheel, there are similar wineries nationwide, but in November of 2010, they established the first Southern California winery dedicated to making fruit wine. Yes, grapes are fruit, and technically all wine is fruit wine, but the Haghighis make their wine from everything but grapes. California Fruit Wine’s four staple flavors include cherry, peach, strawberry, and plum. By no means are these dessert wines either; they are not very sweet, they vary in dryness, and the alcohol content in all is 12.5%. The two young entrepreneurs, who celebrated their 25th birthdays in July, have embarked on a grassroots effort to introduce their wine fruit flavors to the palates of Southern Californians, establishing one fan at a time. The Recession Inspired Winery Like most college graduates, in 2009, after earning his Bachelors in Political Science from Colgate University in New York, Brian found himself unemployed amid a recession. He returned home with the hope of

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helping his 75-year-old father launch an invention for a new kind of women’s hairbrush. It did not prove fruitful, and like his brother, Brian found himself working odd jobs to stay afloat.

are basically the entire operation, from wine makers to the bookkeeping, and we are still doing a lot of fine tuning.” Still, the brothers’ facility is already proving to be too small to keep up with production.

A dinner party at the home of family friends Devin and Bobbi Lee Sission changed everything. As a hobby, “We want to saturate San Diego with our wine the Sissions made fruit wine in their home, and Brian and have people taste something different,” was hooked with his first sip of plum wine. Brian said. “They might discover that they prefer something else to the traditional grape wine.” “I immediately thought, ‘Why isn’t this in grocery stores?’” Brian recalled. “Our friends didn’t have the “Our primary target market is the 20 to 30-yeartime or the means to take their wine making hobby old crowd because they have yet to establish set to that level, so we decided to team up.” expectations about wine,” Brian added. “Most people confuse fruit wine for dessert wine, or In addition to learning how to make the wine, the two think of it as a sweet syrupy mess. The older brothers spent the better part of a year figuring out generations seem to think of it as something the financials and marketing. Brian’s responsibilities similar to Boone’s Farm drinks. These are the included extensive research on how to start a winery misconceptions we have to overcome.” and obtaining the proper licensing. “There were a lot of hurdles and obstacles,” he said. “The government Plans to expand California Fruit Wines include is not in the business of making it easy to start any selling to grocery stores like Henry’s and Trader business. Our biggest hurdle was lack of funds.” Joe’s, as well as expanding the facility and offering wine making courses as part of their tastPooling together monetary investments from the Sis- ing room events. “We are working very hard to sions, their father, and older brother, the Haghighis constantly improve our product and accessibilfigured out a way to start the winery with approxi- ity,” Brian said. “We are entrepreneurs created mately $12,500. “It has been a combination of luck by the recession, and our operation is entirely and resourcefulness,” Brian said. For example, they from the bottom up.” found a warehouse owner willing to sign a lease agreement, so they could obtain their license with- The California Fruit Wines out charging them rent for the use of his facility until Although they produce four staple flavors, plans they obtained an approval. They were also able to for a blackberry flavor are currently underway, raise additional funds for their bottling equipment by and the brothers are toying around with the posremoving unwanted equipment from other wineries, sibility of adding watermelon, cherry, raspberry, cleaning it up, and selling it for a profit. and possibly pineapple. The sky is the limit. Along the way, roles have been redefined, and the “The most important thing with fruit wine is prebrothers have taken up many responsibilities. “We serving the fruity characteristics,” Brian said. have learned to do it all ourselves,” Brian said. “We “We drip dry the fruits we use and we have to

ensure that we use the proper strain of yeast.” Out of one gallon of fruit juice, the brothers make five bottles of wine; and depending on the fruit, they use between three to six pounds of fruit per gallon. For their most recent batch, they used 1,400 pounds of peaches. All wines have an alcohol content of 12.5% and are light-bodied. “My favorite is the plum wine because it goes well with anything,” Brian continued. “The strawberry flavor is popular with the ladies, and the cherry and peach go very well with entrées that are paired with white wines, but over all, these are all very drinkable wines, perfect for an afternoon in the sun.” Cherry: Made from Lambert Cherries, this refreshing and crisp wine ferments slowly to preserve the fruity aromas and flavors, and the taste is off dry with a nice finish. Peach: Made from ripe peaches grown locally in Southern California, the wine has bright peach and caramel tones, powerful aromas, and, although dry, has a lingering fruit flavor. Strawberry: The ingredients come from Aviara Strawberry Farms in Carlsbad. This blush-colored wine has strong aromas and a slightly tart flavor balanced with a distinctive strawberry sweetness. It is perfect for a warm summer day. Plum: Fermented slowly to build character and complexity, this wine is made using Black Friar Plums from Riverside County. Like the strawberry option, its taste is a combination of tartness and sweetness. In addition to finding California Fruit Wines at special events throughout town, tastes are available on a weekly basis at farmers markets in North County and cost $10 for one or $15 for two. For $9.99, you can also purchase a bottle online and have it delivered anywhere in California, as well as a few other states. However, it should be noted that proof of legal drinking age is required upon delivery. The brothers have expansion plans, but in the meantime, they hope that the California Wine reputation will spread through word-of-mouth. Do yourself a favor, get your hands on a bottle and pour yourself a glass. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Written by Canna Chef Kim ~ Mother Earth Co- CORNY BLUEBERRY KUSH SALAD op ♥ Proudly serving San Diego MMJ patients (Salad) since 2005 6 ears fresh corn (husked) 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded, fine cut*) ¼ red bell pepper (sliced in strips) This month we have a few new healing recipes for your 1 cup fresh blueberries 3 tbsp. canna olive oil favorite patient with, of course, our medicinal twist! Some 1 small cucumber (sliced) 1 tbsp. electric honey* of the following recipes are taken from Mother Earth Co- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped) 1/2 tsp. ground cumin op’s “Special Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 2 tbsp. lime juice Cookbook.” Canna Chef Kim © 2008 Cookbook avail- 3 cloves garlic (chopped fine) able at finer co-ops, collectives, and physician offices, or In a Dutch oven, bring salted water to boiling. Add corn. Cook covered for 5 minutes or until online at www.motherearthcoop.com/products. tender. When cool enough to handle, cut corn from cobs. In a serving bowl, combine corn, blueberries, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño. For dressing, in a screw-top jar, combine lime juice, canna olive oil, electric honey (honey with kief), and cumin. Cover and shake well to combine. Add to salad; toss. Cover and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). Recipe makes 6 to 8 servings. NOTE: *Hot peppers, such as jalepeños, contain oils that can burn skin and eyes. Use caution and wear plastic gloves when working with them. MS. CRAB’S TOASTED PEPPER SOUP (Soups) 4 tbsp. cannabutter* 4 cloves garlic (chopped) 1 small onion (chopped) 2 stalks celery (chopped) 3 tbsp. all purpose flour 2 red bell peppers (chopped)

6 cups vegetable broth 1 cup parsley (fresh chopped) 2 sprigs of thyme (fresh chopped) 1/8 cup cannabis (finely chopped) 1 lb. crab meat (cooked) 1 (8 oz.) pkg. sour cream

Heat 2 tbsp. of cannabutter*(see recipe) with garlic and onions in a large wide pot over medium heat. Add celery and flour, and cook until mixture is golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Char red bell peppers over gas flame or in a broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose peppers in a paper bag and let stand for 10 to 13 minutes. Peel and seed peppers. Transfer peppers to blender. Add 2 tablespoons of cannabutter, 1/2 cup of parsley, thyme, and cannabis, and purée until mixture is smooth. Gradually whisk in broth and red pepper purée. Bring soup to boil. Simmer until flavors blend and soup thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add reserved crab meat and a 1/2 cup of chopped parsley to the soup. Simmer until crab meat is heated through, about 2 minutes. Recipe makes 10 healing servings. Note: Soup can be made a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. This curative soup is great for easing nerves, pain, building an appetite, and reducing nausea. Ladle soup into bowls and serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. Garnish with parsley sprigs or cilantro. 50 | NUGMAG.COM

MOUSSAKA MANTECA MIST (Beef) 4 small eggplants (washed) 3 tbsp. cannabutter* 2 lbs. lean ground beef 2/3 cup onion (finely chopped) 1 cup mushrooms (sliced) 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1/2 tsp. thyme (chopped) 3 tbsp. cannabis (finely chopped)

1 tsp. rosemary (chopped) 3 cloves garlic (crushed) 2/3 cup beef stock or broth 3 tsp. tomato paste 1 tsp. cornstarch 3 large eggs (slightly beaten) 1 can tomato sauce

Remove tops from eggplants and slice eggplants in half, lengthwise. Make deep slashes in eggplant pulp, but do not cut through skins. Sprinkle eggplant halves with 1 teaspoon sea salt and allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Squeeze moisture out of eggplant halves and brush cut surfaces with cannabutter. Heat 4 eggplant halves at a time in the microwave for 7 minutes or until pulp is tender. Repeat with remaining eggplant halves. Scoop pulp out of the eggplant, being careful not to rip skins. Set skins aside. Chop eggplant pulp coarsely. Place pulp in a medium sized, heat resistant, non-metallic bowl; heat, uncovered, in microwave for 4 minutes or until tender. Stir occasionally. In a large bowl, crumble the beef. Heat, uncovered, in microwave for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to break up pieces until meat is no longer pink. Liberally oil a deep casserole dish. Line casserole with reserved eggplant skins. Arrange skins with the purple sides toward the outside with the wide ends of the eggplant skins to the top of the casserole. Drain beef juices and discard. Add chopped eggplant, onion, mushrooms, salt, thyme, cannabis, rosemary and garlic to cooked beef. Stir to combine well. Heat, uncovered, in microwave oven for 5 minutes or until onion is tender. In a small bowl, combine beef stock, tomato paste, and cornstarch; blend until smooth. Heat, uncovered, in microwave oven for 1 minute or until thickened and clear, stir occasionally. Add thickened beef stock with remaining tomato paste and eggs to mixture. Pour mixture into eggplant skin-lined casserole. Fold eggplant skins over filling. Heat, covered with a plate, for 9 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the mixture comes out clean. Invert onto platter for serving. Note: Serve with tomato sauce and grated cheese for relief of pain and nausea. NIC’S GRANNY CORN PUDDING (Vegetables) 5 eggs 4 tbsp. cornstarch 1/3 cup cannabutter (melted) 1 (15 oz.) whole kernel corn 1/4 cup white sugar 2 (15 oz.) cans cream corn 1/2 cup milk Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add melted cannabutter, sugar, and milk. Whisk in cornstarch. Stir in corn and creamed corn. Blend together well and pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour. Makes 6 to 8 servings. EUPHORIA PEANUT BUTTER PIE (Desserts) 1 prepared chocolate cookie pie crust 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 1/4 tsp. kief* 4 1/2 (12 oz.) cups whipped cream 1 jar hot fudge topping 1 cup creamy peanut butter Beat together peanut butter, cream cheese, sugar, kief*(see recipe) in a medium bowl. Fold whipping cream in gently. Spoon mixture into prepared pie shell and smooth out. Heat hot fudge in microwave and reserve 3 tablespoons. Pour hot fudge over peanut butter pie and chill. Just before serving, pour remaining whipped cream on top of the chocolate layer and drizzle with the remaining hot fudge sauce. Serve and enjoy.

“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 then used for cooking or 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 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, or canola oil that has been infused with high-grade medical cannabis. *Cannabutter is dairy butter that has been infused with high-grade medical cannabis. The recipes for cannaoil and cannabutter can be found in the first copy of NUG Magazine or online at www.MotherEarthCoop.com Wishing you a hempy journey to a healthier you! Please remember to continue the 2011 challenge of being kind to each other and practicing random acts of kindness each and every day!!!

Peace, Love & Gratitude, Kim

Introducing Full On, an Organic Biostimulant for

Bigger, Healthier, Faster Grows! By: The SD OG Grower

I know you have seen all the different nutrients, additives, and supplements on the shelves at your local gardening store. These days it looks more like a wine and beer selection. –Hundreds of choices to choose from with all of them saying the same thing, claiming to have the same results with the same, if not similar, ingredients. I’ve mentioned many times that my favorite nutrients are Canna, Botanicare, Heavy 16 Nutrients, and several others. Canna uses pharmaceutical grade salts to make their nutrients, which is basically a much purer refined form of the minerals and salts that make up a nutrient. The purer they are, the more absorbable the minerals are to the plant, or a much better absorption rate! Well, we found a product that beats the competition! My friend Scott at IGS Hydro in San Diego got a couple of samples in the mail from a new company and it sparked his interest, especially because it was an all organic bio-stimulant! Like he does with many of his new products, Scott asked me to check it out and run it on a few plants. WOW!!! HOLY SHIT!!! I have never seen a product that allows me to cut my nutrient strength in half and produce such a dark, lush green, healthy, vigorous plant. There was such a noticeable difference in less than 72 hours! It’s a new product called “Full On,” an Organic Biostimulant for Bigger, Healthier, Faster Grows! It uses 2 ml per liter, and it’s made up of high concentrations of Humic and Fulvic Acids, Rhamnolipids, Marine Plants, Enzymes and Micronutrients. It’s like nothing I have ever seen! Full On gives up to a 20% faster growth, a 75% boost in health, it promotes nutrient uptake, suppresses diseases, chelates fertilizers, and deactivates toxins. Basically, it is like an organic, healthy RED BULL for plants!!! It boosts the plant’s overall health and immune system, and it allows for a much higher absorption rate and percentage for nutrient uptake. –This cuts nutrient usage by up to 50%! Full On is an organic food grade ingredient supplement that will make a huge difference in your garden. IGS is actually working with Grow Switch to fine tune the formula, and it will ONLY be available at your finest garden shops and stores! Look for Full On with the IGS logo on the bottle to recognize the new and improved formula that should be made available on the market by the end of the month, or about the time when you read this article. Full On is one of the breakthrough miracle products of the decade, and I think every grower should be using it. Whether in soil, hydro, coco, or whatever style of growing you like, Full On will definitely improve your plant’s overall health and immune system, giving the plant the ability to reach its maximum capability in sugar and brinx levels – basically giving you the sweetest, tastiest fruit and herbs possible! And it works in conjunction with any nutrient on the market, saving you money and giving you a much better product. Trust me; you want to look for this one at IGS, soon! And one of the best things about it is that it’s 100% organic!

By: Mel the Bumbling Gardener If you read last month’s story, then you know I just received a new greenhouse from QuickGrow Hydroponics. The assembly and setup was a breeze. The Q9 only needed a single 110 volt, 15 amp plug for its power source. And with a draw of only 4.5 amps, it was easy to find enough counter space with a standard wall plug to power up my new toy. Before I could put my clones into the “Veg” side of the Q9, I had to do a couple of things to finish setting up the unit. First, the onboard timer had to be set with the correct time and date. –Note: everything the timer does is factory preset. Both light cycles (12/12 & 18/6), air pump operation, both water pumps, the CO2 gas enrichment system, and the exhaust fans are factory preset for maximum performance and production. The second and last thing I had to figure out was the correct mixtures of nutrients for both reservoirs. Remember, this greenhouse has a “Veg” and “Flower” side that works 24/7. About four months ago, I was at the grand opening of Neighborhood Hydro in Escondido, where Ryan introduced me to Brice Patterson from Heavy 16. Ryan told me to talk with Brice about his new line of nutrients just for our industry. This guy was a real pleasure to talk with. He seemed to know way more than your old Bumbling Gardener. I’m so happy to know that there are really smart people working on the science it takes to help us

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Part 2 The planting begins all with what we do. If it was up to me, we would all still be smoking that seedy stuff from years gone by. Brice gave me a generous sample of his two part, Heavy 16 nutrients for this grow. If you remember, my goal with this new greenhouse was to be able to pull a harvest every 30 days or so. I have grown tired of that “all or nothing” kind of harvest. As a patient, what I have been looking for is a system of growing that gives me what I want, month after month, all year long. I really don’t need to have a large stash; I just don’t want to run out and have to go out looking for some. Part of this “grow your own” hobby is price control with quality; plus, it’s real nice to know that the gravy train stops at your station each and every month with more than what you need. My clones are ready to grow. You can tell by the roots and new growth; they are ready to explode. My only problem is making sure that the way I want to plant equals the way I will harvest. Willpower is what I need. It would be so easy to just plant up both sides and see what happens, but what I want is a harvest every 30 days. Picking the first 3 clones to plant was easy. Size matters – the bigger the better. At this point, I want to let you know that the clones on this grow will see a light change (18/6 to 12/12) when they are between 6 and 8 inches tall, no matter how old they are. The instructions that came with the QuickGrow clearly stated that any plant moved to the flowering stage will triple or quadruple in size. For example, a 6-inch plant will finish out at 24 inches in height, which is just right for the 30-inch interior of the chamber. Boy, that didn’t take much time. Planting only 3 clones at a time seemed too easy. Every other grow has been about getting all 12 in the ground at the same time, so you could start counting the days until you pulled the trigger and changed the light cycle. This grow is much more relaxed. Plant 3, wait a week, plant 3 more, wait, plant, wait…and at some point, when your first planted are at that magic 7-inch mark, you can make room for the next round of clones that are ready, just off to the side under the dome. This looks like it just might work; and if it does, it will change the way I grow herb. I think I might like this.

Gas is the air of kings. You can’t smell it, you can’t see it, and how do I even know it works? The unit’s instructions came with a page that said, “WARNING: CO2 is a dangerous gas that can kill.” I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to turn it on. I want to see the little silver ball float its way to bigger and better buds. Yea, I want to grow with gas. It was slow starting at first, and there didn’t seem to be much going on; but after 4 weeks, I finally had all 12 clones in and growing at a good rate. The Heavy 16 seemed to be doing its job. I’m very happy so far. While watching the clones grow, you get a chance to be up close and personal with each one of your new ladies. –Oh, how they love to be trimmed and fussed over; after all, they are just weeds. Remember the old saying, clip 1, grow 2. It didn’t take long for the new clones to cross that magic 7-inch mark. Like the Jeffersons, they would be moving on up, and move they did – right next door into the “Flowering” side of the greenhouse. I was very happy with the amount of root that came out with each pot I changed. The roots were long and full of whiskers, and it looked like the watering timers were set just right. I have got to tell you, I have never tried to flower a clone at 7 inches. I have always thought that the plant should be at least 12 inches before that miracle happens. Next month: Now I know why they call it “QuickGrow”

Three OG’s, a Sour D, and the news that the San Diego City Council was forced to repeal their unfair de facto ban on medical cannabis collectives made for one very happy Chronisseur this month. This was one of our most enjoyable sessions yet…

H3C Marilyn OG: (HCCC)

“Nice nug. Very tight and almost perfectly formed. Really nice shades of green with dark, almost reddish brown hairs. It has a very appealing aroma, especially when pinched. I’m really looking forward to trying this one! The flavor is definitely that of an OG with a hint of tartness that lingers for a few minutes after the hit. It’s literally mouthwatering. It has an initial cerebral high that quickly travels all throughout the body. I had never heard of the Marilyn OG before today, but I really enjoyed it. It would work great for moderate pain relief or a sleep aid. Very nicely done!”

H3C OG: (HCCC)

“Another tight little nugget. It looks a lot like the Marilyn, but with darker red hairs and some light green in the shading. It’s packed full of shiny trichomes when snapped open. Although the Marilyn and the H3C look a lot alike, the H3C tastes much sweeter. It packs quite a punch, but isn’t overly harsh. After a few hits, I feel very “comfortably numb”. This strain would be great for patients in need of pain management. All around great job on this one!”

619 SFV OG: (Green Works SD)

“Yet another beautiful bud! Light green with bright red hairs. Very beautiful, inside and out. The aroma is on the sweeter side for an OG, but it’s amazing! Too bad the photos aren’t scratch and sniff, because this one really smells great. It tastes great also. Really nice mouthwatering OG flavor. I have always been a fan of the Valley Kush, and this was no exception! It is not so much a daytime strain, so medicate accordingly. It would be perfect for someone who needs bed rest. Definitely giving this one a thumbs up!”

Sour Diesel: (Southern Lites)

“For a Sour Diesel, this is one of the tightest buds I’ve seen. It was obviously grown with care. There are so many different shades of green covered by beautiful red hairs, and it has that tell-tale petroleum scent of Sour Diesel…nice. It also has that trademark Sour Diesel flavor. This sample obviously comes from strong genetics, which is extremely important. No matter how much experience and knowledge you have, if the genetics are weak, the final product will not be up to par. Cerebral high is instant, but not too overwhelming. It’s a nice balance of both body and mind relaxation. I would recommend this one to a patient who prefers a Sativa dominant strain for daytime medicating.”

Hopper says he is cautiously optimistic about the City Council’s decision to repeal the de facto ban on collectives in San Diego. While the fight is by no means over, as certain council members made clear by making veiled threats, this victory has made it clear that San Diegans are largely in favor of safe access to medical cannabis. “I hope that the success of the repeal shows people that their voices and their opinions do make a difference…a very big difference. Every single person who signed the referendum deserves credit for this victory.” We talked awhile about the basic right to safe access, and that led to a discussion on why Hopper’s Green Door Collective is a private, members-only establishment. “It’s not ‘exclusive’ – the purpose is not to exclude anyone in need, I just keep membership numbers lower in order to maintain the highest quality patient care and privacy. When I am talking to a patient who is fighting cancer, I don’t want him/her to feel rushed because there is a long line. At The GDC, we are here for our patients, and that’s the bottom line, nothing else matters. We are here for them and because of them.” He also broke the news that The GDC is now interviewing potential new patients on Wednesdays and Fridays, and appointments can be made by contacting him at thegreendoorcollective@gmail.com. “I want the opportunity to meet patients who may not have a referral to become a member. The average age of a GDC patient is 35-40, and we are of all walks of life. I’m not going to promise that everyone who is interviewed will be accepted, but I do promise to accept those who are genuinely in need of safe, private, and high quality care.” I asked Hopper what he thought about those who criticize him for not allowing everyone with a doctor’s recommendation into The GDC, and how some say he is a snob who just hangs out with a lot of bands and thinks he is ‘Mr. Cool Guy’. His answer was simple: “Anyone who knows me, knows that is not true. Actually, it’s so untrue, it’s laughable.”

Story By: Pamela Jayne All photos by: Phil Calvin for SCR Photos

Perpetual Motion

“J.A.G. Just Another Glassblower”

By: Aaron Evans

Every so often you meet a mind so creative that every angle and aspect of that person’s life simply oozes with ingenuity. Blessed with an inherent indifference to society’s notion of what an artist should be, they live in a world of freedom and imagination. When boundaries and roadblocks become the catalyst for self-improvement, rather than excuses to wither and fold, one becomes unstoppable, infinite. This month’s Perpetual Motion proudly presents J.A.G. (Just Another Glassblower), a craftsman whose work and ideology embodies these ideas to a tee. From Easy Street, his one of a kind glass art gallery in New York City, to his role in creating “Smoked” Vol. 1 and 2, J.A.G. constantly resets the bar for himself and those around him. Even his name, which I asked him the meaning of, was answered only by a playful sarcastic smile, confirming that he knows he is anything but Just Another Glassblower. Last month, on my way home from rocking a show in L.A., I was honored to be invited to his brand new shop here in San Diego for a face to face discussion about the numerous roles he has played in the culture. Having just relocated from Philadelphia eight months ago, he had just got done putting the finishing touches on his new digs, and it was impressive to say the least – seven torches, 20+ foot ceilings with exposed wood beams, kilns in every corner, and a ventilation system that looked like it was powered by a jet engine. This was a place of manifested dreams. He explained to me how his new palace had come to be, only after years of paying dues with hard work and sacrifice. I asked him how his journey began and he explained that since the very first time he had hit a glass bowl, he was mystified by the medium and spent his entire life determined to propel his techniques and the culture forward. I knew from seeing his remarkable pieces at IGS and CHAMPS that he was one of the top blowers in the world; but as he continued to talk, I realized that this angler had just landed himself a white whale. Now one of the coolest things about getting to go to a torch worker’s layer is that you get to see their current inventory and take a peek inside their private picture collection. J.A.G. has done a phenomenal job documenting his career and showed me a vast presentation of his works. Being that he was initially brought up and taught in PA’s booming glass scene, his early pieces show a level of skill that is almost hard to believe. Most of his work from 10 years ago is still considered cutting edge to this day. My gut tells me the rest of the world is simply trying to catch up with him and his compadres’ innovative compositions, and I’m starting to see that in the glassblowing community there’s the best, and then there’s all the rest. Quickly rising in the culture, he decided to open a gallery in Philadelphia to showcase his higher-end pieces, but there was one major problem – Operation Pipe Dreams happened the day it was set to make its public debut. For those unfamiliar with Operation Pipe Dreams, I’ll give a quick explanation. In 2003, our government had the fantastic idea to flush 12 million dollars down the toilet in a national raid targeting the most despicable of all villains – artists. Sighting outdated laws in Pennsylvania and Iowa, 55 people were arrested; 54 of which got off without being sentenced to jail – all except for Tommy Chong. Thank god we got him off the streets for 9 months. I know I’ve never felt safer than that time in my life. Even though very few blowers were sent to jail, the sting sent shockwaves through the community for years and artists were sent underground once again. Being that he was at the epicenter of the raids, J.A.G. had to scramble to find a creative solution to a very volatile landscape. Initially stepping back from making pipes, he spent a few years designing jewelry that looked like something from a futuristic tribal gathering set in another galaxy. Still, he missed his roots and decided he would find a way to go incognito. His environment demanded adaptation, so he rose to the occasion obliterating the box and taking his craft to a whole new level. By never saying never and diving down the rabbit hole, he found a personal wonderland where anything and everything could be inspiration for a smokeable piece of art. Sherlocks became elongated silhouettes of African goddesses standing tall and proud. Bubblers became naturalistic narratives depicting landscapes from Asian bamboo fields. His pieces became living works of art, untamable by conventional thinking. During this period, his creations were so undetectable,

as pipes, that you could stare at them 100 times over and not notice the stunning imagery in front of you was a functional way to medicate. Words like breathtaking and groundbreaking are often used to describe this time in J.A.G.’s career, and the acclaim is well deserved. As an artist, when you’ve earned the respect of your peers, you know you’re doing something right. His collaborations, with almost every other major name in the glassblowing community, confirm that it has been a long time since he has made a wrong turn. This may be one of my favorite eras from any blower ever. If I had to choose one word to sum it up, it would be eloquent – simply eloquent.

Ranking J.A.G., or any other blower of his caliber, is almost absurd. He is absolutely a master of his craft who never rests on his past accomplishments and tirelessly plows forward into uncharted waters. At the end of our conversation, he told me his big dream in life right now is to spend several months traveling around the globe. After talking with him, I have no doubt that he’ll manifest his goal, and I can’t even begin to imagine what offerings are in store for collectors upon his return. Check out J.A.G. online at www.easystreetbrooklyn.com, and on Facebook – “Nate Purcell (JAG Justanotherglassblower).”

The only problem with a cat like J.A.G. is that there is simply too much to cover in one article; you would need a book, which he told me is in his plans for the future. Being that we only have so much space, I’ll jump ahead to his adventures in California and the new line of scientific glass he is introducing to the medical community. He told me that the two primary reasons for his relocation were: A.) Starting a new chapter in his life where he could refocus on his art under the warm San Diego sun; and B.) His desire to feel less like a criminal for ingesting a daily medication.

We’re firing up the engine on all cylinders now; the flame is burning brighter by the second. Make sure to check out next month’s edition of Perpetual Motion. Till then, keep the fire burning, you know I will.

Now for as much as I love his previous periods of work, I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when I first saw that his new line was flagshipped by glass replicas of syringes and pills. I’m not one who partakes in other drugs (that’s not how NUG rolls), and given that fact, I was somewhat turned off. Then he explained how the entire idea was spawned as a satirical spin on the current establishment of medicine. He figured that if he made our tools to smoke weed look like the traditional methods of medicating, people would finally see that we are, in fact, patients. Fucking brilliant! I was instantly sold. He let me take home a few of the pills, which he has titled the “Manifesta” line, for me and the NUG fam to try out. One feature I really like about these pipes is that the line consists of 12 various etchings, representing ideas or desires one may want to manifest in their life. “Balance”, “Power” and “Peace” are examples of the different options one can pick. He sent me with a “Love” for myself and a “Bling” for the editors, wishing them success in their future ventures. Now I don’t know if it’s the concept behind the pipe, the pristine craftsmanship, or a combination of the two, but all I can say is that this pipe hasn’t left my hands all week. As I pack another bowl of Rickey Williams O.G. from Trichome Healing Collective, I realize my favorite thing about this piece is that the smooth, clean, white side adds class while the transparent mouthpiece allows me to gauge the size of the hit I would like. I’ve used this from sunrise to sunset, and my mind is set that this is the perfect piece for just about any occasion.

By: George Alberts NUG Magazine is a beacon and a source of information for patients and advocates that shines light on the issues surrounding patients’ rights and legalization. It is a tool that benefits a lot of aspects of our community – art, music, literature and culture – and not just cannabis. It brings us together on the subject and we owe a lot to one man, his family and the experiences that molded his views about one of the most beneficial plants in the world. Ben G. Rowin has been around cannabis and its culture his entire life. It has had a tremendous impact on him as a patient, a grower, and a family man. He has roots within the community because of his family’s history and his efforts in educating and supporting the movement through his publication. He is a product and a reflection of the medical marijuana community. And aside from the few who know the man behind the curtain, Ben G. Rowin is NUG Magazine.

debilitating migraine headaches. “I also suffer from a rare blood disorder that leaves my liver very vulnerable. I cannot use prescription medication or pills as they are absorbed through my already susceptible liver. I chose to look into becoming a patient.”

Ben’s roots in San Diego run deep. His grandparents owned multiple businesses in downtown, including a restaurant, a social club, an arcade and a construction company. His grandfather was the first president of the San Diego Chapter of The Sons of Italy and his great grandfather helped build Balboa Park for the World’s Fair. With looking at his family’s rich history that contributed to our now vibrant city, there is no question that Ben was destined to create a name for himself in San Diego.

He connected his friends, Steve McWilliams and Barbara McKenzie, to the publication’s editorial department to inform them about the stories and events that were surrounding their struggles, and San Diego CityBEAT became one of the first publications to cover the medical marijuana struggle in San Diego. “I had sold the first cannabis evaluation ad to Dr. Sterner and things were looking great in the medical cannabis community.”

He began working in the publishing business at the age of 19. He had to hide his cannabis use to blend in with the blue collar environment, as most people do. After Prop. 215 was passed in California in 1996, Ben began researching cannabis as medicine before opting to become a patient in early 2000. Ben has always suffered from 64 | NUGMAG.COM

Ben met Steve McWilliams in the summer of 2001 when he was 24. After a year of knowing Steve and learning more about the efficacy of cannabis as medicine from him, Ben joined Shelter from the Storm cannabis coffee house as the eighth member in 2002. “Steve and I became great friends. I learned quite a bit from him and miss him very much.” It was around this time when Ben began working for then start-up publication San Diego CityBEAT and running their circulation and doing ad sales. The publisher at that time brought him on board to revamp their distribution. He was the first boss that Ben had that knew he was a medical cannabis patient and didn’t hold it against him. –“Finally feeling like I was in a position where my cannabis use didn’t matter was an incredible feeling.”

Ben and Steve only disagreed on one thing – Activism! “I felt that if you were quiet you would be left alone, but Steve always told me that you had to be VOCAL for those who could not. Steve’s suicide was a tragic loss to the San Diego medical marijuana community and to me personally!” Moving forward after his death, Ben continued to hold onto his “be quiet and get left alone” philosophy. He was accessing medicine like most patients at local dispensaries until they all closed down again in 2006. Once again San Diego patients were left with no access besides street dealers or trying their hand at growing their own medicine. “I chose the latter and began to grow my own medicine in 2007. I was discreet and only grew for myself and my ailing mother-in-law. Things were great! I was married to my beautiful wife,

who I have been with since I was 17-years-old, and we had an amazing son, who was six at the time. But, things took a turn for the worst when a joint task force of local and federal agents raided my home in March of 2008. My son was terrified and my wife and I were treated like criminals. We kept telling them that everything we were doing was legal. I had my paperwork up-to-date and posted in the garden, as well as the proper paperwork for being a caregiver. They arrested both my wife and myself and charged us with ridiculous overstated charges. We were taken to the local DEA headquarters where they searched and fingerprinted us and then said they had NO federal charges to hold us with, but would be taking us both to San Diego jails.” Ben was confused about how they were going to be charged by the state for following state law. They posted bail and got an attorney, which was a considerable amount of money! Ben’s attorney told them that the DA would use his wife’s charges as leverage to get Ben to take a plea deal at arraignment, and that’s exactly what happened. “They told me if I pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession of concentrated cannabis, they would drop all charges on my wife and all other pending charges on me. I asked my attorney what would happen if we fought it all the way and his advice was that we were in a good position to do so as far as the evidence was concerned. BUT, there was a chance we could still end up in prison, so he thought the deal was a good one. I took it and got only three years probation.” To overcome the strong emotions they felt as a result of this experience, they began to read and hear other stories just like theirs, about the horrors happening to legitimate patients and their families. Anger began to set in for Ben and his wife because they knew something needed to be done – it was time for someone to bring a voice to the com-

munity concerning this issue. Unfortunately it took some time, as this created a substantial amount of financial ruin for Ben and his family. From the costs of bail, lawyer fees and business losses, they found themselves swelling with a debt of about 50k, which ultimately cost them their home and the ability to live in their community. After everything was settled, Ben decided to launch a cannabis magazine, NUG, which came together in July 2009. He wanted people and patients to have access to the information he had to search for. He wanted the general public to see what was going on in our community and give a voice to those who did not have one! “I wanted to make up for my lack of activism and wanted my old friend Steve to be proud of me. I wanted to move forward with the movement, for the patients and people who choose to smoke cannabis for ANY reason! I strongly believe that, patient or not, NO ONE belongs in a cage for using a plant!” This was a difficult decision for Ben, and even more difficult for his family. They were all nervous that the same problems Steve had were on their way for him; so, he chose to write under a pen name that he coined while writing a grow article for CityBEAT years before – Ben G. Rowin. “It was not a choice to hide my identity for the sake of looking cool or being a ‘character’ of the marijuana movement, but more out of fear of local officials coming down on the person who is publishing the information they DON’T want people to see.”

His fears were validated in July 2010 when NUG’s P.O. Box was approached by the local sheriff’s department to obtain the address and name of the box holder. Less than two weeks later, his home was raided a second time, but no cultivation was going on and he had less than an ounce of medicine with a valid state card; plus, he had the knowledge to speak with authority on what his rights were as a patient! This time he was treated fairly and all his medicine was returned. The authorities left without making an arrest. Through its publication, NUG has brought about many wonderful opportunities for the local community and advocates alike. Ben’s love for music, tattoos, art and skateboarding became the inspiration that molded NUG into what it is today, and the blueprint continues to change and grow. Various artists and musicians, both local and national, have graced the pages of our publication, including Subliminal Trip, who was also the inspiration behind Ben’s decision to startup NUG Records. With the new label in full swing, Ben wants to cater to all the up-and-coming bands and musicians who would not normally be given the opportunity to succeed. He believes in promoting the indie way of life, which also led him to pursue sponsoring events like IndieFest and the San Diego Music Awards. Also, most people don’t know that in addition to playing guitar, drums, bass, and singing, although not yet publicly, Ben spends a lot of his free time tattooing friends, family and a select few clients out of his private studio. Ben G. Rowin LOVES San Diego; it has been his family’s home for over four generations! Through NUG, he has become a homegrown hero and an important member of our community. Aside from his strong love for the local cannabis culture, he is a firm believer in freedom of speech and a proponent of civil liberties. He will continue to provide a voice for the community and give writers and musicians a chance to be published and heard. Through his passion, hard work and ingenuity, Ben has created an outlet for all of us. NUG is his contribution to San Diego; it is his legacy.

Article By: Marco Alvarez | Photos By: Carlos Coords I simply couldn’t pass up the chance to interview pro skater Brandon Turner when my buddy Kent from the Purple Room hit me up and said they were showing him the studio. He was down, so I was stoked. We had our proper introductions in Pacific Beach over a brew, and I wanted to dig into what he’s been up to lately, skate-wise and music-wise. Although he travels often, Brandon was born in San Diego and was also raised in Japan for 8 years. Brandon, myself, and so many other San Diegans grew up loving skateboarding, so I value the respect among local skaters. Brandon exemplifies this respect, and the simple way he carried himself made it easy for me to talk to him. Coupled with his down-to-earth personality is his profound sensibility for skating, which is somewhat underrated. The sheer magnitude of his actual tricks is incredible, and his effortless style is unmistakable. His switch skills don’t seem switch. His switch hardflip is an atom bomb. Thrown down a fat double-set or tripleset? No problem! His switch hardflip over the Carlsbad gap is a classic piece of skate footy and history, and it was even featured on YouTube’s “World’s Best Hardflips.” His nollie skills are no joke either with nollie boardslides down intimidating rails and nollie 180 flips down super steep banks. Moreover, the first trick alone in his throwback footage is absolutely insane. It’s one of those rare and beautiful moments when you see magic unfold in front of your eyes. He launches off a bank and kickflip melons over a chain-link fence! Are you kidding me?! His video parts are teeming with life, and they indicate his longevity. Ever since his early video days, such as on TSA Clothing’s “Life in the Fast Lane,” you get the feeling that he was born to skate. As he is a comprehensively unique figure in the world of skating, it was only natural for me to ask some questions. I was eager to see what Brandon has been up to since his throwback days on Shorty’s.

Tell me a little about the Sk8Mafia vid that is due to drop in September. What do you like about this video? Is there something new you took away in making this one compared to other vids you’ve done in the past? Yeah, we droppin’ the Mafia vid late September, super excited about it and about just the team as a whole. We’ve been doing a lot of traveling to Spain, Sweden, and some other countries, so we have a pretty good variety of spots. I think that’s what makes a video more interesting. Also, we are not just some put-together team – we are all family and you’re going to be able to tell that when you watch our epic edits. Who do you usually skate with on or off the Sk8Mafia team? I skate with the whole team. Like I said, we are all family. I guess it just depends on who is in town at the moment or agendas. I like to skate with all skaters though, whoever is around. I don’t just skate with my team. It doesn’t matter, all skateboarders are one. That is the definition of Sk8Mafia. I’m big on names. How did the name Sk8Mafia come up? The name Sk8Mafia just came from the fam…going all the way back to Shorty’s. You were telling me you just got back from skating in Europe. What was that like? Was it a contest or a tour? Europe was ill as fuck…for real, I love it. They have free medical, and being a skateboarder, that’s amazing because we get hurt sometimes. The people, for the most part, are real genuine and show a lot of respect for the art of skateboarding. We went to Finland for a contest and then to Spain to film for the video, which was really nice. We had an apartment for all of us, so we were good…that’s all we needed to handle biz. Spain is the skateboarding capital, so yeah I didn’t mind staying for a month. This last time we went to Sweden, it was for a contest and this filming trip and it was the best. They really took care of us and it was super organized. NUGMAG.COM NUGMAG.COM || 67 67

You’re a skateboard hero for a grip of skaters out there, locally and beyond – who would you say have been your skateboard heroes? Haha, that’s cool. All the skaters who ever picked up a skateboard and have the love for it that I do are all my heroes because we share the same passion...but, if I had to pick one skateboarder to be my hero, then it would be Tom Penny, hands down.

but me and him are doin’ a mixtape called “We Trippy Mayne,” with Juicy J from Three 6 Mafia hosting it. What do you like to listen to when you skate? Is there something that just gets you flowing? It all depends on what mood I’m in…if I can find my iPod. It tends to walk away, haha… nah, but what gets me flowin’ is the energy with the homies, so I try to keep the headphones off. It’s better, you can hear everything.

How old were you when you first started skating? And when did you realize you wanted to skate for a living? I started skating when I was really young…I would have to say like 5 or since I can remember. I used to play a lot of sports just to feel it out and for fun of course, but I realized I wanted to skate for a living when I was in about 6th grade. I realized I was tired of being told what to do by coaches – I’d rather be my own coach.

What relationship, if any, do you see between skateboarding and cannabis? Everything!!! It sets the mood, keeps you mellow, and it expands your mind into thinking about different tricks…unless you’re on probation – then it stressed me out.

What’s your favorite kind of terrain to skate? I like skating everything; it really depends on what type of mood I’m in. If I want to keep it mellow, then maybe I’ll just skate some flat ground or a skatepark, but if I’m hung-over or something, I might want to get down on some handrails or some gaps, haha…

After the time I spent talking and hanging out with Brandon, I got a vicarious slice of what it’s like to be a veteran skater who has been at the epicenter of skating since he was a kid. He has been living a life I could’ve only otherwise imagined, what so many of us skaters dream about, while staying true to the art of skateboarding.

Have you had to deal with any injuries lately, or have things been pretty chill? I have had a lot of injuries in the past, but nothing serious lately, just a little ankle sprain here and there. I think I cracked my foot in Europe, but I was over trying to go to the hospital…so I’ve just been re-hurting it. I think I’ll go after the vid drops, maybe. Who are your current sponsors? Sk8Mafia, Yums, Venture Trucks, Pacific Drive, Seedless, Electric glasses, and Laced. What does your board setup consist of right now? Sk8Mafia board, Venture trucks, Sk8Mafia wheels and bearings. Now you’re back here in San Diego for a few weeks, but where are you off to next? Texas. I just signed with this company called Yums out of Dallas, and they do this thing the first Friday of every month called First Fridays with DJs – a skate contest, graffiti, body paint, performances, just the whole thing. They are doing an after party and we’re going down there for that at the first part of August, and we’re doing this video shoot with my boy 2 Much a.k.a. 2 Meezy…super excited about that. Music is your other passion...have you been getting involved in it for a while or is this more recent? What artists are you working with? And are you working on an album? I’ve been doin’ music for a while, but a lot more recently. I started with a little studio in my crib and then my boy Nigel started working with me, shooting me beats and recording. But then he dipped, so I’ve just been staying active and trying to get a couple projects together for the homies. Everyone that knows what I’m about…I’ve been workin’ with my boy Suge and my other dude Makeshift, they’re both out of Daygo. Also, recently, my longtime homie from Daygo and Top Notch Records, 2 Meezy a.k.a. 2 Much, just dropped a single on MTV featuring Bun-B, you got to check that!!! It’s called “Cake Up”!!! Hot shit for real. No album for me now,

Where do you see skateboarding headed in the future? How do you see it evolving? I see it getting more and more corporate. Skating will never be the same, like back in the day when I grew up doing it.

To find out more go to www.sk8mafia4life.com/team/brandon-turner

By: SD Liz STRANGER is a well-known reggae band from Chula Vista, California. Maybe it’s their friendly, sultry sound that captivates new and loyal fans, but STRANGER ain’t a stranger to various parts of the world. Since 2000, the band has made their way from Hawaii to Arizona and up north, along the western coast of the U.S. They have played major shows, including those with Don Carlos, Barrington Levy, and Johnny Osbourne, and are shown plenty of love from people of other countries, including those from Canada and Mexico. Stranger is known for their widespread love and message of unity and hope. Stranger consists of Daniel, David, Tilly, E.N Young, Nolan, Don, and Aaron. These guys constantly “Come Together” (like the Beatles’ song they cover) and play music for large crowds, especially at home in San Diego. Their captivating lyrics, messages, and very own vibe puts people at ease, wakes them up, and definitely gets them dancing! With songs such as “Like A Dream,” “Tomorrow Never Comes,” “Lift Up Your Hands,” and “The Only One,” Stranger sets a roots/reggae tone mixed with jazz horns to produce a hopeful celebration of life, love, and cherished moments. With their latest CD release of “World Underground,” and a recent CD Release Party, NUG Magazine caught a glimpse of just how thoughtful the band gets. The band’s CD Release party took place on Friday, July 15th at the House of Blues in downtown San Diego. Four bands opened for them, including The Vera Groove from Arizona, True Press, Ease Up, and Through The Roots. The show started at 8 pm, but I arrived a little after 9 because I had to look for parking in the busy downtown area. Upon arrival, there was a pretty good line for the box office. After some time, I made my way downstairs where the crowd on the floor next to the stage was 18 years of age and older. I have to admit, the restriction of not being able to enjoy a beer on the floor next to the stage made it slightly difficult to enjoy the show. This was because the venue was well-packed; people were everywhere. At least the venue opened a lounge area equipped with video screening for drinkers later on in the night. Stranger went on stage and the crowd cheered. They started with “Believe”. The most memorable songs includ-

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ed “The Only One,” “Like A Dream,” and “Lift Up Your Hands.” Songs off their latest album included “Go Leave,” “Hand in Hand,” “Royalty,” “My Angel,” “Body Connection,” and “Best Part”. Stranger presented an encore of “Come Together,” where they got members of all the bands to come on stage and participate in covering the song. The crowd also stood closely together and cheered for the amazing, extended performance. In fact, in a recent interview with Daniel, the guitarist, and David, the vocalist, the guys admitted that this is one thing they strive to do with all the members of their audience. Read on to find out what else Stranger strives to discover about their world and their very own wake-up call. For those rare readers who are unfamiliar with STRANGER’s sound, please recap what the rest of SD and neighboring cities know. David: Our music is a fusion of reggae, jazz, and rock. Also, we are more soul than blues, so we term ourselves “Soul-Cal Reggae”. Daniel: Over the years, our sound has been diverse, where we don’t try to keep to the one drop reggae. We have tons of influence from hip-hop, jazz, and rock; and we try to combine that into stuff we love. As we grow, we get more into technical style to keep it hip. I think it’s just a natural progression of any musical group. STRANGER prides themselves on being multicultural. How do you think this makes a statement in today’s world? David: Daniel is Chinese and White; Tilly is African; I am Mexican and White, and Don, our horns player, is Armenian. With the mix of members, our audience sees the multicultural-ness; so they can connect to such diversity, and then connect to our music. You know, as a band, we grew up in a diverse community, so that brings something to our music. Daniel: Music is definitely a universal language, so no matter where you are from or what you believe in, we can ALL come together and agree on something. That’s the beauty of OUR music. I want people to leave with our own unique experience, and also, what they have shared in it with other people as an audience. We try to make every show unique and that’s what we bring to each show. David, you are the vocalist and you write the lyrics. With those conscious lyrics heard in most of the songs, tell me, what inspires you? David: Everyday occurrences inspire me, whether it is something seen in the media, general public, or personal life experiences. That, in particular, is where the blues comes from, as well as some uplifting messages. What about you Daniel, tell me who inspires your guitar-play? How did you find your rhythm and lead riffs? Daniel: Hendrix and old blues style. I did not know anything on reggae until I got together with the band. Influence is very minimal; the styling and technique just take practice. Obviously, I do reggae music, and listening to old school reggae for the vintage sound of guitar is nice, but Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, as well as some other classic rock guitarists inspired me – even the sound of the jazz guitar.

Beach to Brewery Fest 2011 | Photo By Jennifer Martinez What do you find inspiring about the local music scene and local bands? Daniel: It’s great that we have a big scene, especially in reggae, because the scene is becoming more reggae. Bands like Rebelution and Iration are having more success out there, which lends opportunities to up-and-coming bands in the genre, like Tribal Seeds and such. Even our sound has evolved! We try to keep the foundation of the roots sound, but we mix different sounds like jazz, hip-hop, rock. But, at the same time, you can hear different foundations of what we have previously done. Being from South Bay, San Diego, we are more towards the roots style versus the Cali-reggae style; yet, it’s also been an innovation of these two sounds. Your members have stuck together over the years. Besides the music, what’s the glue that keeps you guys together? David: We’re people before musicians. We’re a family, we’re friends; we started out as friends. We communicate as friends, so we respect each other as people. We get together a lot and we focus on the music, but we don’t get caught up. We come together and talk and celebrate life. As you know, we’re heavily involved with cannabis issues. What do you think about the current state of cannabis in the U.S., specifically here in California? David: The band supports cannabis. The plant has been here for centuries and is used as medicine. Federally, it would be wise to decriminalize it, but it shouldn’t even be an issue. In fact, people should be educated on it since it is not the same as alcohol or pharmaceuticals. People have this stigma that because it is illegal, it is bad; and it’s the same with hemp, when it can be useful and beneficial for our country. Whether legal or not, or just decriminalized, we shouldn’t have to worry about it. That would be smart. Daniel: The controversy is the state rights issue in this state. It’s legal, but under federal law, it’s illegal. Personally, I believe in a free society. One should be able to choose what goes into

their body, but as far as the history of it goes, it’s an economical issue. I have no problem with it being legal for personal and economical reasons. David: Yeah, in California it’s a double-edged sword because some people are losing and winning from the legalization of it. But, it’s a natural herb; just put water on the plant and watch it grow – that’s how it should be. Tell me something about your latest CD that is coming out right about NOW. David: “World Underground” – the CD is named that because it’s a statement that we’ve been together for 10 years, and we are dedicated to pushing forward. It means we aspire to bring about a conscious movement. It’s something we want to bring to the forefront. We don’t necessarily care if it makes it because it’s about spreading true love and consciousness first. Inspiration drawn for such songs as “Royalty” and “Believe” is about looking inward – reflecting, walking the middle path, choosing paths, and learning, especially in these times of economic crisis. Daniel: Where we been, especially for me, the message is a wake-up call. One to look at things deeper and get educated deeper about the world, especially on why things have become the way they are – issues like thinking for yourself, what is valuable, the change in the world, and coming together specifically in the U.S. It’s about critically thinking about what has been lost and what is lost…what works, like a bunch of different cultures contributing to the whole world, and what we can learn from it. Under globalization, that gets depleted…when every culture has beauty to offer. Finally, what message do you want new and old fans to take home after the band’s recently past CD Release show? Daniel: This band is about chemistry. We’ve always understood each other and gone in the same direction, so we’ve been fortunate to develop as a family and come together as brothers. I think that is what was brought out in our last shows – how we have come together. We come together, we work with it, and we each add a unique piece; that’s how we develop our music. Just like when we try to jam in practice and someone comes in with an idea; we feed off each other and it’s a collaborative effort. David: We’ve come to a level where we created a unique sound and have many aspirations. Our music keeps growing, but we mostly want people to be conscious about their everyday life and contemplate what’s most important! Stranger is definitely a band who knows the importance of sticking together, uniting for the same reason, and filling people’s ears with good, conscientious music. If you haven’t heard their music, or the tracks off their latest CD, “World Underground,” be sure to visit their website, www.strangerband.com, for more information. As always, One Love!

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By: M.J. Smith If you were lucky enough to catch the NUG Records launch party back in March at Soundwave, the 4/20 Party at Cheba Hut, the recent 91X Shot to Rock finals for X-Fest, or the fourth installment of the Irie Revolution at 4th & B, then you already know all about Mean Dinosaur. But for those who have not yet had a chance to catch one of their many recent performances around town, here’s the scoop. Mean Dinosaur includes Brandon Turner (guitar/ vocals), Edward Fugatt (Drummer), Sam Hartjen (Bass), Anthony Coryell (Guitar/vocals), and Jesse Estes (Vocal Frontman). Originally formed back in 2005 in North County SD, the band released their debut self-titled album “Mean Dinosaur” with Luke Chandler (Reason to Rebel) and Above Ground Records in September 2007. By the time of their first break up back in 2009, they had embarked on four U.S. tours and released two studio singles, “Nobody Likes” and “Perfect Place To Hide”. 72 | NUGMAG.COM

The band has been booking gigs all over San Diego since getting back together in December 2010, and has renewed their commitment to hitting the streets twice as hard this time around. According to the guys, “Mean Dinosaur is a rare type of herbivore that loves the green. The Mean Dino’s from the stoned age are the first dinosaurs back from extinction and we are the first dinosaurs back from extinction twice! That is one hell of an accomplishment. The ego is destroyed and we have found our love and soul purpose, this is healing the broken and fixing our souls.” I had a chance to ask Brandon Turner a few questions about the 91X Shot to Rock experience they recently had, and what was all involved in the process, and he was happy to enlighten us. He says, “Mean Dinosaur got the email Tuesday, June 28th, stating that we made it to the semi-finals and that we would be taking on Bender in the first round on Thursday, June 30th. They give you two days notice. We show up to West Coast Tavern at 8pm prepared to play at 9:30. When we walk into the venue, there is a very small handmade stage. This could be the 3rd smallest stage we have ever played. The sound provided was a standard rehearsal P.A. I personally think they did this on purpose to see what raw talent the artists have.” Mean Dinosaur ended up winning that evening. The remaining semi-finalists -- Subliminal Trip, Reason to Rebel, Red Hand, and The Real Spectra -were left to battle it out. In the end, the finals came down to Subliminal Trip,

Mean Dinosaur, and Reason 2 Rebel. “All three finalists are NUG Records release artists...I think NUG knows how to pick their groups. The three of us took each other on Sunday, July 10th at True North. The finals felt like a family gathering and we treated it that way,” says Brandon. After another round of remarkable performances, Reason 2 Rebel took the title home to open 91X’s X-Fest with Incubus, Bush, Face 2 Face, Iration, Middle Class Rut, Viva Brother, Little Hurricane, and Graffiti 6. “We all had a great time at X-Fest munchin’ on free Mexican food from Los Primos and free Bud Light in the artist and sponsor’s VIP Cabana,” says Brandon. While speaking with Brandon, we also learned that in addition to playing in Mean Dinosaur he is getting ready to hit the road with his other local band, Munson Keef, which is headed by well-known, local female, lead vocalist, Aurora Maladay. Munson Keef is going to be attending Seattle’s Hempfest on August 19th and will be performing alongside acts like the Kottonmounth Kings and Bone Thugs N’ Harmony. Last year, they performed on the McWilliams stage at 4:20 in memory of Jack Herer. This year they have been invited to perform the same stage, same time. There will be a tour kickoff party at Brick by Brick on Saturday, August 13th, and now NUG Mag will be sponsoring their tour, so look out for the NUG Mag banner! In the meantime, Mean Dinosaur is currently designing new logos, creating merchandise, and starting preproduction on their sophomore release, which is expected to come out “before the end of the world in 2012”. Mean Dinosaur would like us to give a shout-out to their sponsors (Special Thanks To): NUG Records, Freedom Fighters Clothing Co., West Syder Ryder, 91X, 94.9FM, Above Ground Records, Releaf’d Clothing, Nuglife Radio, One Pride, Skankn.com, Cabo Wabo, Clear Onyx, Sushifish Studios, and Pappas House Studios. You can find out more about Mean Dinosaur at the following websites: Facebook, ReverbNation, www.meandinosaur.com.

Silence Betrayed By: Robert Stinson | Photos By: Jennifer Martinez

At NUG Magazine, we pride ourselves on seeking out up-andcoming talent in an industry that is saturated with artists looking to make a name for themselves. Silence Betrayed – with their unique brand of in your face, angst ridden metal – has garnered themselves a San Diego Music Award nomination. Four years of endless touring and promotions has culminated with the release of their self-titled album, an anthology that encompasses the raw elements of classic metal with Joe La’s razor sharp lyrics. The band has managed to stay humble, despite the barrage of criticisms from the blogosphere. The band welcomed me up aboard their tour bus, which was parked outside The Ruby Room in Hillcrest. As we passed around the peace pipe, we chatted with Joe La (lead vocals), Danimal (guitars/vocals), and Cresus Jeist (drums) of Silence Betrayed. What have been the greatest challenges you guys have had to face as a band? How has your sound matured over the course of those years? Joe La: Our challenges have been balancing day jobs and financial planning with getting our music out to as many people as possible. It’s a matter of getting out to the right spots. There are tons of gigs waiting to be filled, but it takes dedication and networking to be successful. Bands like Mötley Crüe and Van Halen did it the right way up in Sunset Blvd during the ‘80s. We try to carry on this tradition of guerilla marketing through posting up fliers and by word of mouth. So the ultimate challenge is to get people to the show, because the economy is shit right now. What was it like when you were just starting to go see (or play) shows as teenagers? What basements, garages, or holes-in-the-wall venues particularly stood out? Give us a picture of the music scene that you were a part of in high school? Joe La: I did half of my high school up in Kodiak, Alaska, so we played in hollowed out armories that had cement walls. 300 kids from the school would come out to see us. I was also up at Mammoth Mountain playing backyards and music shops. It’s difficult when you’re a kid because, unless you’re extremely talented and in the right city, you’re not going to make a big splash. Plus, music is so disposable these days; it’s very hard to develop a loyal following. You have to really shove it down their throats. What experiences do you draw from when channeling the raw aggression that is apparent in your sound? Joe La: I write the lyrics and I try to capture everyday life as I experience it, so it stays relevant and fresh in my mind. If it doesn’t work, we move on to the next idea. For us, it’s not about sticking to a certain formula. On that note, what was the songwriting process like during the making of your selftitled album? Were all the tracks carefully laid out or was it more organic with a lot of room for improvising? Joe La: It kind of went by feel. The whole thing was a collaborative process. We were recording ‘Older,’ which is the third track on our album, and once CJ 74 | NUGMAG.COM

laid out the drums, it completely changed the direction of the song, because we didn’t initially rehearse it that way. We like to call our creative process ‘shotgun writing,’ because we knew it was time for us to get our act in gear and start making an album.

You know I have to ask it. Are there any particular strains you guys like to smoke after a performance to chill out? Joe La: Being from Alaska, my favorite will always be Alaskan Thunder Fuck. But here, I like any strain of Sour D.

How do you guys feel about the district attorney’s crackdown of local dispensaries? What can we do as a community to prevent the needless closure of facilities that provide vital medicine to chronically ill patients? Joe La: Right now, California is very flexible when it comes to its laws. Just think; the majority of the state is catering to medicinal marijuana patients. San Diego County has decided to bow out of the deal; I really feel like an outcast. I went to Food 4 Less this week and a canvasser was all up in my face with his anti-collective campaign. It really made me feel like an outcast in this town.

Cresus Jeist: It’s all about the Kush!

Danimal: What it boils down to is proper representation and proper usage by patients. The most important thing we can do is be responsible about it. You know there are a lot of people out there offering fraudulent cards and running shady operations, making the whole community look bad. Collectives should be there to offer safe access to patients, so respect it. Collectives should enforce rules that keep the whole operation legit. Unfortunately, none of this will be possible unless marijuana is decriminalized on a federal level. Joe La: California is a Petri dish for the rest of the country. Overall, I think our state is leading the way. –To think that with proper taxation we could be building like Dubai. Another political issue is that a lot of counties in this state are rising up against the whole gay marriage issue. That’s not right, especially when the majority of the state is already for it. Danimal: Get out there and vote!

What advice would you give to aspiring bands who want to enter the sometimes cutthroat music industry? Danimal: Never give up and never burn bridges, because you never know who you’re going to run into out there. Show up early to your shows, network, and most importantly, be yourself and love the music you’re making. Joe La: These days, with social networking, everyone has a band, so it makes it that much more important to get out there and promote yourself in person. That is why the band is going places, because we’re all pretty humble and just going along for the ride. Check out Silence Betrayed online: http://www.reverbnation.com/silencebetrayed

Local Artist Spotlight:

Stacy D’Aguiar- “Un-Real Art” By: Jed Sanders. The terms “abstract” and “contemporary” art can make us all feel a little uneasy these days. What instantly comes to mind are artists who haven’t spent the time to learn any technical painting skills and resort to splashing paint on a canvas, which results in more of an accident than something created with intentional purpose. Or, people arguing over the meaning behind a blank canvas, or the art sales that are primarily motivated on whether it can be made to match the sofa. All of it seems much like the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes, where the value is based more on how much one can be fooled into buying into it, whether figuratively or literally. I mean, let’s face it, making a good investment in a genre where even pet horses and turtles have learned to make a good living can prove to be difficult. You might be much better off buying a lottery ticket. That’s why there’s nothing that makes me happier than finding an artist who proves this wrong and shatters all of the stereotypes. Stacy D’Aguiar is an abstract and contemporary artist. She doesn’t do it because it is “easy”, or because she doesn’t know how to paint. On the contrary, Stacy is quite the skilled painter who also has a serious grasp on surrealism and realism. Her paintings are filled with an intensity of emotions over her love of nature and the human spirit. So how did you come up with the name “unreal” for your art? The two qualities that prominently define my artwork are surrealistic and dreamy. To me, the word ‘unreal’ describes the essence of my work as well as what the viewer might associate with the meaning of it. ‘That’s unreal!’ is what people have said sometimes in the past, so the name stuck. I saw on your website that you are originally from Washington D.C. What made you come out to San Diego? I visited L.A. when I was in 8th grade, and I just knew from then on that I was meant to live in California. San Diego became my home in 1998 when I followed a friend. San Diego is not just a melting pot, it’s a hybrid of a city in its truest sense. The laid back beach culture dominates the vibe of the coastal areas. Central parts of San Diego preserve the culture of those who settled down here long before us. Neighborhoods like the Gaslamp, Little Italy, and La Jolla have a special appeal to me. It’s the marriage of urban chic and casual and healthy living that I embrace. I’ve watched an upsurge of architecture and visual arts here over the past decade, and I look forward to watching and participating in the continuing growth of the art scene in San Diego. You have a vast range of different subject matter in your paintings. How do you decide what your next painting is going to be? I have so many ideas that I couldn’t paint them all in this lifetime. For my surrealistic work, I may see a picture of a person in a certain pose and think of, perhaps, an animal or insect that they could be fused with in a pictorial. For my abstract work, I paint what sells currently in the contemporary art world. I have a few terrific art reps who do a great job showing my work to the right people and giving me art direction according to what they think they can sell. Basically, my contemporary abstracts and landscapes, horses, botanicals, etc., pay my bills.

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I noticed that nature is prevalent in a lot of your art? What about it inspires you the most to paint? I believe everyone and everything in the universe are all connected and made of the same things, so I want to convey nature’s brilliance. I tend to combine human forms, plants and animals in one painting for this reason. A theme that I interpret a lot is the process of transformation and growth, which Mother Nature is doing infinitely. I want the viewer to really feel the magic of life and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Besides making art, what is your favorite thing to do in San Diego? My favorite thing to do besides painting is eating! Surfing is my third favorite. I feel deeply connected to the ocean, and living next to it is a requirement. It’s a very cleansing place to be. There’s nothing like the feeling of riding waves. It’s the most joyful form of meditation for me. What is a typical day like for you? I’m living my dream! I wake up and work out or surf, walk my dog and brush my teeth. Not necessarily in that order, and that’s the short version. I go to the studio, late morning, and work until, sometimes, late at night. I love to paint at night, because I feel more connected and creative. I make time for friends and have a good balance of keeping my body healthy, creating art, and having fun. What is your favorite piece of artwork that you have ever made?

It has to be ‘Red’, because it’s the first oil painting I did of a figure and the biggest I had painted so far at that time, which is 24”x36”. He’s just very ‘god-like’ and massive, yet, peaceful. I actually painted him for Sushi’s Red Ball in 2002, and he sold right away. He is one of my most popular paintings. Is there a line drawn between your life and your artwork? How do you manage to keep a balance of the two? I tend to work a lot because I’ve graduated to the next level in my career. But, I also really enjoy the balance that I have most of the time between painting and having fun. It’s important to me to be healthy as well, so daily meditation and workouts or yoga are a necessity for me spiritually, emotionally and physically. I’m responsible and have the drive to make a living, so I work more often than play. With all of this, I’m extremely busy all the time basically. How do you define success with your artwork? If I cry after stepping back from a painting when it’s finally finished, then that’s success. It’s that feeling of not knowing how I did it, but there it is. To be able to create beauty, spread it outward and share it is the most amazing gift. I feel successful because ‘creating’ makes me happy and that creativity and vision comes from within me; no outside source can fill that, and I feel whole. There’s nothing like selling the work either! Having

art reps is very important for me because if it weren’t for them getting my work to qualified buyers, I don’t know how I would sell on a regular basis. Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time? I try to stay in the present moment as much as possible, so I don’t look too far into the future. But, I’ll definitely be creating a lot, and I’d like my name well-known and my work sought after. I want my work to inspire and help people. I’d like to be credited for that. I’ll always be learning and growing. I see myself making a lot of money and sharing a lot of money. My goal is to paint and travel a lot. Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions and good luck to you! To see more of Stacy’s artwork and/or to purchase art from her, go ahead and check out unreal-art.com You can also see her work in person (highly recommended) at the Mission in North Park at 2801 University Ave.

Article By: Robert Stinson Photos By: (Above) Jennifer Martinez (Right Page) David Fuller Popped Culture has been focusing a lot of attention on artists who have lived in Manhattan lately, so it came as a surprise to us at NUG that the citizens of New York collectively raised their voices in support of Gay Marriage. Hopefully, this momentous decision will have a cascading effect throughout the country, because someday people are going to have to wake up to the fact that gays have always been an integral part of society and deserve the same rights as everybody else. In response, we decided to take part in the San Diego Pride Parade this year. We had a contingency of marchers walking along the parade route with the NUG banner and free giveaways. For this issue of NUG, I decided to focus our attention on an unsung hero of our community. Mitchum Todd is a San Diego local who has been instrumental in developing arts programs throughout the state. He was a resident performer for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and is a personal friend of Bobby Miller, the house photographer for Studio 54. NUG Magazine had the pleasure of meeting with Mr.Todd at Chicano Park to discuss his work in bilingual education. Can you tell us a little about your background with the Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham Dance Companies? In the early ‘80s, I attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance School on scholarship, which subsequently led to me dancing with the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble. The company I was with mainly toured the U.S. I also trained with the Martha Graham Contemporary School of Dance. What did it feel like to be on stage with so many talented performers beside you? It was awesome. At the time, I think I was really naïve because the people I was performing with were just blossoming into their dance careers, so it was a real honor to grow alongside them. I agree with the people that say performing on stage is a spiritual exchange with the dancer and a higher consciousness.

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For a few hours, you get to slough off the trappings of your life and become a different person. We recently did an interview with one of your friends, Bobby Miller. You met him in NY, right? Yes, I met Bobby when I was living in New York City. He was part of a group of visual artists, dancers, musicians, and Broadway actors – all talented individuals who engaged in an exchange of ideas. At that time, Bobby Miller was very prominent and famous throughout the artistic community, being that he was associated with the likes of Robert Mapplethorpe and was a house photographer for Studio 54. I felt really inspired being around so many creative types, but at the time, I didn’t understand the cultural significance of what I was a part of. You were heavily involved in Dance education in California, which was rooted in bilingual education. What was the motivation behind your decision to leave New York and move to California? Maxine Green of Columbia University’s School of Teaching saw me teaching a workshop for kids when I was living in NY. She invited me to the Lincoln Center Institute for Aesthetic Education, which was a program of instruction for educators of K-12. When I was there, I led and created workshops through experiential investigations around specific works of arts. While I was there, I heard about a program in California called SUAVE (Socidos Unidos Para Arte via Educación), which was a program financed through the California Center for the Arts. SUAVE was an arts integrated approach to teaching and learning in multi-cultural and multi-lingual settings. Using the arts as a medium for instruction offers students a forum for translating ideas and creating representations and metaphors for specific understandings. It was their contention that translation is essential to intellectual and emotional development. Considering that you have invested so much of your life in the education sector, how do you feel about the state of our county school districts that can’t even afford to keep their arts programs?

I think it’s a detriment to the district’s students that so many arts programs are being cut. I have always believed that the arts should be preserved because they encompass the soul of education. It is one thing to teach a student the fundamentals, such as English and Math, but the arts represent something that is intangible and transcendental. Children who don’t have access to arts programs are denied access to the world of ideas. How has living with the AIDS virus for over a decade changed your perspective about life? At the time when I got my diagnosis, there was no counseling or support. The doctors just told me that I had the AIDS virus and that it was fatal. In response, I was shocked and afraid because so many people I knew had already died and I was next in line. I didn’t know where to go or what to do, but there was a part of me that made a conscious decision to look at life differently and not take anything for granted because life is too short. I have vivid memories of visiting a friend of mine who was in the hospital. When we got there, he was sitting in a wheelchair in a hallway, because there were so many patients that they were overflowing into the hallways. My friend was in critical condition, and we knew that at any moment he could die.

The government is cutting many vital social programs because of the fiscal crisis. Are you afraid that this will affect your HIV treatments? First of all, I am grateful that I have been able to receive the HIV medications and vital services that keep me alive. If the federal and state government suddenly cut programs like Ryan White and ADAP, then thousands

of people will be cut off from their life support. It is a really scary predicament to be in because my life is hanging in the balance while the legislators in congress decide whether or not I have the right to live. I find it kind of serendipitous that while we’re conducting this interview, gays in NY have been liberated. I bet you are ecstatic.

It makes this year’s pride much more meaningful because the people of NY collectively decided to allow gay marriage. The freedom to enter into a marriage contract is something that straight people take for granted. Hell, even people on death row are granted that right, so why shouldn’t we? Denying gays certain freedoms is reminiscent of the Jim Crow laws that made interracial marriages illegal during the early 1900s. Freedom shouldn’t be considered a fringe issue or a political tool; it is our inalienable right as American citizens. How do you feel about our district attorney turning against the collectives of our city and then turning around and getting full support from the gay community? It’s really sad that she has decided to take this stance against the medical marijuana community, especially when she has the full support of the LGBT community. There are so many people that need this kind of medication because nothing else works, and the medications that physicians prescribe are sometimes detrimental to the body and can be addictive as well. Denying safe access to these people doesn’t stop crime, it just leaves patients bereft and unable to treat what ails them. The district attorney’s personal crusade is nothing but a sham and a ploy to churn up support for her political campaign to take over city hall.

It’s Not Racist! It’s Cultural! My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy San Diego Repertory Theatre, Lyceum – Horton Plaza Playing Now through Sept 4th www.lyceumevents.org

Steve’s life is surrounded by people only keen on pointing out what is disastrously wrong with him and what he “should” be doing (many will recognize their own families in this). He tells us stories of growing up in New York through his teen years and his struggles to find gainful employment…from marriage to children to divorce and so on.

Lyceum’s one-man production of “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy” recalls a simpler time. In this technical age of Facebook, texting, and other forms of pseudo-human connection, the simplicity of one guy busting his ass to make us laugh cannot go unappreciated. The show consists of one man telling stories about himself for 80 minutes, and it’s wonderfully entertaining.

Tobin plays over 30 different voices, relying heavily on stereotypes for humor. This is a broad approach clearly done to reach wide audiences with its instant recognizability. The production would lead us to believe, for instance, that every Italian person talks and moves exactly like Joe Pesci from GoodFellas. It works well depending mostly on your point of view towards cultural stereotype humor, which can induce uproarious laughter or consistent groaning.

Written by Steve Solomon and starring Ron Tobin, this is one of the longest running one-man comedy shows in history, spawning two sequels: “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m STILL in Therapy,” and “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m Home for the Holidays!” Solomon draws heavily from his own life experiences, using his eccentric family for inspiration.

It comes as no surprise that lead actor Ron Tobin came up as a stand-up comic – a skilled impressionist opening for comedy greats such as Jerry Seinfeld and Robert Klein. Tobin is highly effective at connecting with every member of the audience, being a seasoned professional and affable personality. He also leads a delightful talk-back after the show, comparing San Diegans’ sunny personalities favorably to New Yorkers. Again, there is reliance on stereotypes; again, it’s gentle rubbing and easily likeable.

The location is a psychiatrist’s office set in present day. Following a humorous overture and medley of traditional Italian and Jewish songs, If there is one issue, pretty much a genre standard with one-person shows that Steve (Tobin) enters on his cell phone speaking with his mother and have no set changes and no human interactions, it’s the lack of story. The play father who have no recollection of who he is and why he keeps calling. is a series of anecdotes akin to a stand-up comedy show. Some stories hit more than others; none fall embarrassingly flat. There is little push towards a climax, and it’s natural to wonder at several points just when the show is going to end. 80 | NUGMAG.COM

The Lyceum offers an intimate setting where you can see the sweat onstage and the faces of all the audience members. This is a fine show with enough sex innuendoes and cultural references to hold anyone’s interest, and one that would be excellently suited for that senior in your life. Call up a parent or grandparent, or the always-friendly yet somewhat-lonely elderly person you know, and be proud to offer this night of enjoyment. This is a real human connection here, and at the end of the day, that’s probably the most important thing we know. Out of 4 possible joints, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy” receives: 3 JOINTS!

OTHER SHOWS AROUND TOWN “THE LOVE SUICIDES AT AMIJIMA” – DANGERHOUSE AUGUST 13th – 28th LIBERTY HALL THEATRE (NATIONAL CITY) www.dangerhouse13.com/lovesuicides If it’s DangerHouse, there will be horror. Oh, the horror! DangerHouse is fronted by Danger Domino (Lola Marie Miller) and is now nearing the end of its second season. The collective produces shows featuring alternative storytelling techniques. At a DangerHouse performance, audiences can expect to see bloody special effects, black light magic, enormous puppets, and elaborate soundscapes. Past shows have included various Grand Guignol pieces, H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Festival,” Gautier’s “The Foot of the Mummy,” and the 2009 Patte Award winning “Dreams in the Witch House.” ROAR THEATRE’S COMEDY IMPROV EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT / BANKERS HILL www.roartheatre.com This rapidly rising improv comedy troupe has its own space in Bankers Hill to contain its giddy madness. Led by Travis Doeringer and featuring a deep ensemble of ethnically diverse talent, each show is an unexpected and hilarious delight. Whether you puff-puff-pass or not before the show, you will laugh until you hurt. We recommend that you puff-puff-pass. ABOUT JON BLOCK Jon (jblock@jbcreationsonline.com) is thrilled to be a new contributing writer to NUG Magazine. An event producer dealing with music and arts, he’s also the creator of the HERE & NOW franchise, blending personal development with performing and visual arts into original live experiences.

By: Marco Alvarez If you’ve seen Fritz the Cat, the 1972 X-rated and animated feature based on Robert Crumb’s comic strip character, then you already know how heavy it is. But if you have never heard Fritz being mentioned by any of your friends or at any of the cocktail parties of artists and intellectuals you attended, I urge you to begin celebrating now with an obese blunt or a couple bong-loads because you’re in for a real treat. The rating makes it clear that this film is nothing like the Disney cartoons we all grew up on as kids; it is an animation for adults. Why would adults be interested in cartoons? –Adults’ interest in cartoons reveals something about how adults can relate to animated films through a kind of mature revisitation of their childhoods. For adults, watching the movie was like watching a new kind of cartoon. Kids love cartoons for what they do for their imaginations and playful senses of wonder. Similarly, adults love Fritz the Cat because it captures a vividness of real adult life. You can appreciate the psychedelic part of cartoons when you’re an adult: the visual trips, the composition of the story, the unraveling of the animation. Fritz the Cat sparked controversy for its intense violence, sex, and psychedelia, and is the first animation to receive an X-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. It was groundbreaking in the history of American film and in the evolution of animation itself. This fact indicates more of an achievement than a negative label because of the form and context of the film. Fritz the Cat did more than set the stage for later television successes like The Simpsons, Beavis and Butthead, Family Guy, and South Park, which have similar adult-oriented content and animation. The only American animation I know that is more explicit than Fritz the Cat is Rob Zombie’s The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (but keep in mind the time gap between the two). Fritz the Cat surpassed all standards, and since its release in 1972, there has been no bolder or more real animated feature that shows us our own disgusting behaviors, our own shortcomings and trippy fantasies. It has been almost 40 years and it has aged exceptionally well because there is actual substance to the film. At the movie’s core, there is this fascinating quality of a double-edge – a realization that what Fritz embodies: overindulgence in sex, weed, and himself in a society marked by racial issues and power hierarchies is at the same time beautiful and ugly, funny and foolish. When you watch the film, you are accompanied by the feeling that Fritz is both the protagonist and the antagonist at different moments. While this movie is iconic in counterculture, even its portrayals of counterculture do not escape its own satire – so really, everything is subject to its satirical sting. As a satire of the socio-political atmosphere of American life during the ‘60s, the film is meant to disturb and embarrass us and provoke thoughts about ourselves through the dynamics of Fritz, other anthropomorphic characters, and their happenings. After all, that is exactly what excellent satire does: sarcasm simply stabs, but satire incises like a surgeon and then sews you back up. The combination of mature content with mesmerizing animation produced a satire of a higher order. It was not the satire of 82 | NUGMAG.COM

a schoolboy cheating on an exam; instead, it was the satire of a pot-smoking, womanizing NYU student trying to find out “where it’s at.” It reinvented peoples’ ideas of what a cartoon can be. Fritz the Cat spoke to a new audience, the young adults that were becoming the next generation of artists, laborers, and politicians. The aesthetic form of the satire can be applied to the movie simply beyond its textual content. In other words, the sheer visual dimensions and the colors of it, also fulfill the definition of satire. The word “satire” comes from the Latin phrase “lanx satura,” which means a full medley of fruits or dishes. Fritz the Cat truly radiates a variety of colors and meanings. It represented a new aesthetic, an unexplored part of the spectrum of American animation. Fritz the Cat began as a comic strip by Robert Crumb, and the strips he would create with this character gained a reputation in the underground comic culture. In a story published in Robert Crumb’s Head Comix in 1968, an intro on Fritz says, “Fritz is a sophisticated, up-to-the-minute young feline college student who lives in a modern ‘supercity’ of millions of animals…Yes, not unlike people in their manners and morals….” The same effect of animals behaving like people comes through in the film. The mature content that was typical of Crumbs’ Fritz the Cat comic strips brings a realism to the film that makes the characters seem human; as a result, the viewer takes the film more seriously than the established Disney cartoon that is full of clichés and romantic fluff. According to Michael Barrier’s The Filming of Fritz the Cat: Bucking the Tide, Bakshi is quoted as saying in a 1971 L.A. Times article, “Grown men sitting in cubicles drawing butterflies floating over a field of flowers, while American planes are dropping bombs in Vietnam and kids are marching in the streets, is ludicrous.” –At least Bakshi included what was going

on in the country in his animation. He even used real audio recordings of people on the streets of New York for the characters. Bakshi refused to use celebrity voices for the main characters. He also refused to portray his characters singing like those of Disney’s because he thought it wasn’t realistic. One exception is when Fritz plays guitar and sings as three girls walk by, but he does so because he is trying to get laid.

about the freedom of an artist’s creative expression. Another example in which the permeation of sex becomes significant is that it satirizes sexual promiscuity and the notion of free love. A third and perhaps the most appropriate reason of all is that Crumb characterized Fritz by his sexual adventures, so his Fritz the Cat strips were known for having a strong sexual element. The nudity in the film is full and in your face. Fritz has an orgy at the beginning as well as at the end of the movie. At one point, Fritz leaps through hallucinatory tunnels of breasts, and at another, he repeatedly thrusts his pelvis into an idealized vision of a massive ass. One of Fritz’s favorite ways of opening his mind is by opening girls’ legs. Many people think that this compromises the movie’s substance because it seems trashy, To go along with the mature content are current events of but if anything, it makes it more real as it mimics human behavior. the time, which add to that realistic feel and provide depth. The movie captures a particular era of people, places and The other controversial element of the film is its excessive depiction of drugs, which makes occurrences. There are several cultural and literary allu- sense because it satirizes the ‘60s and it’s a social taboo usually paired with sex. In one sions throughout the dialogue that create various meanings scene, a male aardvark asks a female rabbit while puffing on a pipe, “I can’t tell if I’m and connections. You probably wouldn’t immediately under- there or not, how do you tell?” After she assures him that he’ll simply know when he is, stand all the different associations unless you lived during he humorously replies, “Oh balls, it doesn’t work for me. I’m a failure as a pot smoker.” In that time: Comedian Flip Wilson’s female alter ego Geral- another scene, the pairing of sex and drugs couldn’t be more seamless as the crow Duke dine, Terry and the Pirates, James Baldwin, Dick Tracy, the takes Fritz to visit Bertha, a former prostitute who now deals pot. Bertha shoves seven Head Start Program. The movie acts like a cinematic time joints in Fritz’s mouth and he gets super horny. Fritz gets freaky with her and upon climax, capsule through which contemporary society can look back he claims to have gained some clarity. “Revolt, revolt!” Fritz begins to yell his sudden and reflect on its relevance. epiphany. The contrast between the Fritz that just wants to smoke and fuck, and the Fritz that has noble revolutionary ideals, is hilarious. The contrast makes you critically think To give you some back-story, according to Gibson and Mc- about the inconsistencies and contradictions of not only rightist, but also leftist views. The Donnell’s Unfiltered: The Complete Ralph Bakshi, director brilliant mix of catchy dialogue and thrilling visuals in satiric fashion approaches the topic Bakshi noticed Crumb’s strong satirical style at a bookstore of drugs more candidly and comprehensively than any anti-drug propaganda campaign where he found a copy of Fritz the Cat. He identified with that has been funded by our tax dollars. Crumb’s raw approach and told producer Steve Krantz that he thought it would make a good movie. Bakshi flew from It took some talented and courageous people to make Fritz the Cat a success. Despite exNew York to San Francisco, where Crumb lived, to convince pected criticisms and controversies, the movie was received quite well. The film grossed him to sell the rights to Fritz for the film. He showed Crumb over $100 million internationally and became the most successful independent animated some Fritz drawings he made in imitation of his style to help feature in history. For Bakshi, his directorial debut couldn’t have been any bigger. He persuade him that he could adapt it to animation. Crumb would proceed on to other mentionable television shows and films such as Spider-Man seemed interested but did not sign the contract. Upon re- (1967), Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures (1987), Cool World (1992), and Cool and the turning to New York, Bakshi found out that Steve Krantz Crazy (1994). For Crumb, even if the film wasn’t created exactly as he would’ve preferred, bought the rights from Crumb’s wife, who was able to make it nonetheless extended the legendary status of Fritz the Cat beyond the world of comics. the decision by power of attorney. They immediately began However, in 1972, Crumb ended the strip by having Fritz’s ex-girlfriend stab him in the making and marketing the film. back of the head with an ice pick in the story “Fritz the Cat, Superstar” (The Life and Death of Fritz the Cat). For producer Steve Krantz, he would go on to produce the 1974 sequel, The movie’s marketing approach was to capitalize off its The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat, which didn’t involve Bakshi or Crumb. I saw the sequel too, own notoriety of being X-rated and animated. The theatrical and it was decently compelling, but it lacked the same ambition and depth of the original. release poster reads, “We’re not rated X for nothin’, baby!” You can see Fritz with his arm around a female feline on the Considering Fritz the Cat’s success and how legitimately awesome the film is, I’m surcouch, his hand reaching down into her shirt, and his leg po- prised not more people have heard about it. Of its time and ahead of its time, this piece is sitioned between her legs. The headline is true. The movie certainly worthy of your movie collection. So now you know what to do when you have that doesn’t hold back at all. The excessive sexuality in the film sweet vixen over at your pad. Just pop Fritz the Cat into your DVD player, light up some functions on at least a few levels, so it’s there for some good heavy joints, and embrace the sacred truth! reasons. One example is that it is a way of making a point

Product Reviews By Ben G. Rowin

Organic Wick:

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August Calendar of 2. Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow At Cricket Wireless @ 7 3. Hippiefest At Humphrey’s @ 7 4. The Screamin’ YeeHaws & Dead as Dillinger At Boar Cross’n @ 9 Mean Dinosaur At Pier View Pub @ 9 5. Cheech and Chong At Humphrey’s @ 8 Unwritten Law At House of Blues @ 8 The Bravery At Del Mar Seaside Stage @ 7 Live Reggae Bands At Wave House @ 6 Califarians At Winston’s @ 9

6. SATURDAZE Pool Party Feat. Ease Up At Arterra, Marriott Del Mar @ 12 Weezer At Del Mar Seaside Stage @ 7 Subliminal Trip At 710 Beach Club @ 9 7. Matisyahu At Humphrey’s @ 7 Sandollar At RT’s Longboard @ 9 Tribe of Kings At U-31 @ 9 8. San Diego Music Awards At Humphrey’s @ 7

9. Vans Warped Tour 2011 Feat. Against Me, Less than Jake & More At Cricket Wireless @ 7 Katy Perry At Valley View Casino @ 7

San Diego ASA Meeting At The La Jolla Brew House @ 7

Munson Keef At Pier View Pub @ 9

11. South Bay ASA Meeting At 1233 Palm Ave Imperial Beach @ 6

13. Mike Pinto w/ Social Green & Stone Senses At Belly Up @ 9

Product At Pier View Pub @ 8

Reason to Rebel & Munson Keef At Brick by Brick @ 9

12. Jet West and Fayuca At Wave House @ 6

F.O.A. w/ Dive Bomber At 710 Beach Club @ 9

Snoop Dogg At Harrah’s Rincon @ 8

14. Steel Pulse w/ Tribal Theory At House of Blues @ 7

The Wailers Uprising Tour Benefit Concert Califarians At World Beat Center @ 8 At RT’s Longboard @ 9 Subliminal Trip At Rosie O’Grady’s @ 9 The Devastators At Winston’s @ 9:30 Afroman and As the Sun Sets: Fire At Brick by Brick @ 8 Jimmy Eat World At Del Mar Seaside Stage @ 7

16. Death Cab for Cutie & Frightened Rabbit At UCSD Rimac Arena @ 8 18. Adele At SDSU Open Air Theatre @ 8 Bad Neighborz At Pier View Pub @ 9

Events 19. Unity Tour 2011 311 & Sublime w/Rome At Cricket Wireless @ 7 Stranger At Winston’s @ 9:30 Silence Betrayed At Brick by Brick @ 8 21. Shoreline Rootz At Moonlight Beach @ 3 Rock the Bells Feat. Raekwon, Ghostface & Mobb Face At House of Blues @ 8 Rassogie At RT’s Longboard @ 9 Tribe of Kings At U-31 @ 9 23. Sade & John Legend At Cricket Wireless @ 7 25. Lil Wayne At Cricket Wireless @ 7

Bad Neighborz At Pier View Pub @ 9 26. Sunny Rude At RT’s Longboard @ 9:30 Despite the Wolves At Brick by Brick @ 8 Live Reggae Bands At Wave House @ 6 The Airborne Toxic Event At Del Mar Seaside Stage @ 7 Ocean Beach Comedy At Winston’s @ 6 27. Vokab Kompany At Belly Up @ 8

28. Natural Heights At RT’s Longboard @ 9 30. North County ASA Meeting At The Fish Joint @ 7 31. Bushwalla At Belly Up @ 8

To add your events to our monthly calendar listings send us an email to submit@nugmag.com.

East County ASA Meeting At Mother Earth’s Alternative Healing @ 2 Media Lab At Brick by Brick @ 8 Irie Revolution 5 At 4th & B @ 8

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Irie Revolution 4

SD Pride Parade 2011 Photos By Jennifer Martinez Comic Con 2011