NUG Magazine Issue 25

PUBLISHER’SLETTER Welcome to another issue of NUG Magazine, San Diego’s Original Cannabis Publication!

OCTOBER 2011 VOL. 3 ISSUE #10 NUG Magazine Staff: Publisher: Ben G. Rowin

Associate Publisher: M.J. Smith Editor: Dion Markgraaff Associate Editor: George Alberts Copy Editor: Marco Alvarez Administrative Assistant: Gio Blitz Photographers: Gio Blitz, Eric Fowler, Jennifer Martinez, Chris Konecki, SCR Photos, Ashley Parda, Brom Richey, Brian Walnum Videographer: Chris Gabriel, NS Entertainment 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, Dionne Payn, Medicinal Michael Boris, Abner Nevarez.

Kimberly Simms, Billy East, Pat Hegarty Comics: Joshua Boulet, Georgia Peschel Sales Director: Ben G. Rowin Advertising Sales Reps: Dion Markgraaff, Eugene Davidovich, Brom Richey, Kirk L., Jordan D., Hashley, Gio Blitz

It seems like last month flew by in the blink of an eye, and getting back in the groove of the school year schedule as a parent kicks my ass every year! Why can’t summer be longer?!?! Anyways, we are back in full swing over here at the NUG offices and are excited to bring you another great issue!

Our Chronisseur, the infamous Hopper, is of course reviewing some strains as usual, but was also under the needle getting tattooed by Pat Kim, the bassist for Unwritten Law and Sprung Monkey, while our contributing writer Pamela interviewed Pat about his new project Thousand Watt Stare!

Our other music coverage this month includes Three Legged Fox and Through the Roots.

Pamela also had time to interview another local attorney for her Legal Eyes column, this time talking with Lance Rogers.

Our artist profile this month is on Brad “SLAG” Sluder, written by Jed Sanders. Make sure to check

out the article and his art at SLAGART.com.

We have heard and seen a bunch of rumors and press surrounding the new collective in El Cajon, Mother Earth Alternative Healing, so we sent two of our contributing writers, Pat Hegarty and Billy East, over there to get the scoop from the directors to hopefully shed some light on what they are all about.

We also have some great book reviews this month and a Q&A with Ed Rosenthal!

Aaron Evans brings us another installment of Perpetual Motion and talks with Josh Opdenaker, a.k.a. JOP. His work is literally amazing and sometimes disturbing!

Last but not least, Mel the Bumbling Gardener wraps up his yearlong column “To Grow or Not to Grow” in this issue.

So kick back and twist one up and enjoy the new issue…You keep reading them and we will keep knocking them out for you every month!

-Ben G. Rowin

Art Director: Ian Rie Finance Manager: M.J. Smith Marketing Manager: Marc Emmelmann

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

NUG Magazine Staff Contact Information: 9880 N. Magnolia Ave #168 Santee, Ca 92071 (619) 616-4961 For general information or to reach our Publisher: info@nugmag.com For all art/design information: art@nugmag.com For all editorial related information: info@nugmag.com For submissions: submit@nugmag.com NUG Magazine is published and distributed by NUG Magazine LLC. All contents are for entertainment and educational purposes only and are intended for mature audiences. We are not responsible for any actions taken by our readers nor do we condone any illegal activity. Advertisers are responsible for their own ads and content. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the magazine. All submissions become our property and may be used for publication. At times we may use materials placed in the public domain. If you own it let us know and we will acknowledge you. Reproduction of any content is encouraged if you get permission from our Publisher.

All contents copyright. 2011

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CONTENTS

\\:NUG TIMES

16

\\:MOTHER EARTH

20

\\:EDIBLES

24

\\:PATIENT PROFILE

28

\\:LEGAL EYES

32

\\:BUD HUNTERS

36

56

40

60

\\:HEALTH & WELLNESS

\\:BOOTLEGGER VODKA

42

\\:BOOK REVIEWS

46

\\:BAKED

50

\\:COOKING

53

\\:GROW

\\:GROWING W/ GAS

\\:CHRONISSEUR

68

\\:THREE LEGGED FOX

74

\\:THROUGH THE ROOTS

78

\\:ARTIST PROFILE

88

\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS

RAND Study Finds No Link Between Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Crime Report affirms claims of patient advocates and officials from cities that regulate distribution www.safeaccessnow.org/

for neighborhoods where dispensaries remained open. In total, RAND said that “researchers examined 21 days of crime reports for 600 dispensaries in Los Angeles County – 170 dispensaries remained open while 430 were ordered to close.”

RAND calls its study “the first systematic analysis of the link between medical marijuana dispensaries and crime.” However, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck conducted his own study in 2010 comparing the levels of crime at the city’s banks with its medical marijuana dispensaries. Chief Beck found that 71 robberies had occurred at the more than 350 banks in the city compared to 47 robberies at the more than 500 medical marijuana facilities. At the time, Beck observed that “banks are more likely to get robbed than medical marijuana dispensaries,” and the claim that dispensaries attract crime “doesn’t really bear out.”

Oakland, CA – The RAND Corporation issued a report recently dispelling the myth that there are inherent links between medial marijuana distribution centers and crime. The study on which the RAND report is based on claims that crime was as much as 60% greater around medical marijuana dispensaries that had been shut down by the City of Los Angeles compared to those areas with open dispensaries. “[We] found no evidence that medical marijuana dispensaries, in general, cause crime to rise,” said Mireille Jacobson, the study’s lead author and a senior economist at RAND. There are at least 60 localities in California and many more around the country that regulate the distribution of medical mariRAND’s study, which challenges the common wisdom that med- juana. “Dispensary regulations bring greater oversight and less ical marijuana dispensaries promote criminal activity, affirms crime to local communities,” continued Sherer. “We’re hopeful the findings of patient advocates. “We have reached the same that an objective study like RAND’s will help dispel the fear that conclusions as RAND using a qualitative study of public officials our opposition is spreading across California and compel more with firsthand experience of how dispensaries reduce crime in local governments to adopt sensible regulations.” their neighborhoods,” said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the country’s leading medi- For further information: cal marijuana advocacy group. “Unfortunately, law enforcement has largely ignored or refuted these findings.”

RAND Study on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Crime: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/RAND_Study.pdf According to a statement from RAND, the study “examined crime reports for the 10 days prior to and the 10 days following ASA Report on Dispensary Regulations: http://AmericansForJune 7, 2010, when the City of Los Angeles ordered more than SafeAccess.org/downloads/dispensaries.pdf 70% of the city’s 638 medical marijuana dispensaries to close.”

Researchers analyzed crime reports within a few blocks around For more up-to-date news and to read our exclusive online dispensaries that closed and compared that to crime reports content, including the Food Truck Chronicles and How’d the Show Go, log on to our website at www.nugmag.com.

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San Diego County’s 1st permitted dispensary,

Mother Earth’s Alternative Healing Cooperative;

Debunking the Myths

By Billy East and Pat Hegarty Mother Earth’s Alternative Healing Cooperative Inc. is the first permitted medical cannabis dispensing center in San Diego County operating in full and unambiguous compliance with all state and local ordinances. The facility officially opened its doors on July 4th, 2011 after completing a yearlong permitting process and overcoming all the bureaucratic hurdles put in place by the new county ordinance. It now serves medical cannabis patients in San Diego six days a week.

every grower they came across. Hopefully this will now change, thanks to the fact that the sheriff’s office and the Mother Earth Cooperative are working together to comply with the San Diego County ordinance to grow their own medicine.

The sheriffs are the ones now tasked with implementing compliance to the rules set up by the same Supreme Court challenging county supervisors. Member cultivator contracts, or source agreement documents, have been created to facilitate the goal of providing enough medical cannabis for all the collective members in a safe environment. While some of the medicine will eventually come from on-site cultivation, the majority as required by local law is cultivated by patients at their homes with the excess provided to the cooperative.

The opening of the first permitted cooperative is a historic step Member cultivators who choose to contribute their excess medicine to the cooperative all possess a legal forward for the medical cannabis community in San Diego and sourcing agreement provided to them by the cooperative. a testament to the hard work and dedication of patients and advocates in all municipalities within San Diego County. The Cooperative member cultivation sites are inspected and approved by the San Diego County Sheriff’s DepartMother Earth team is dedicated and works tirelessly to provide ment’s licensing division. Trained deputies conduct the inspections, which are meant to ensure that patient safe, regulated and reliable access to cannabis therapeutics cultivators are growing in a safe manner and with proper safeguards (officers will give at least a 24-hour notice). If a problem is found during the inspection, a notice to correct the violations is issued and a refor all legal patients in San Diego. inspection is scheduled within 30 days. This is not a new division in the department, but the same people who Situated in a commercial building in an industrial zone next to deal with other “conditional use” licenses, like pawn shops.

Gillespie Field, the cooperative features over 2,000 sq. feet of newly remodeled space dedicated to the dispensary. Once all Member cultivators may have no more than six mature and twelve immature plants per patient. If two patients construction is completed, the facility will bolster over 15,000 are living together (i.e. married couple) and both have their recommendations and county cards, then they sq. feet in total, including a small on-site cultivation area and a may possess twelve mature and twenty-four immature plants, collectively. For those member cultivators state-of-the-art testing facility where all medicine, prior to being whose conditions, or the way they consume their medication, require cultivating more than six mature or dispensed to patients, will go through on-site gas chromatog- twelve immature plants, their physician recommendations will need to specify the amount of plants reasonraphy and mold/pesticide testing. The facility will also include able for their condition in order to be accepted by the sheriff. classrooms and office space for use by the staff, members, Source agreements issued by the cooperative are kept on-site with the plants, as well as at the cooperative. and public advocacy groups like NORML, ASA, and others.

The agreement contains a phone number for a contact at the sheriff’s department in case any law enforceAlthough construction of the on-site testing facility is not yet ment comes into contact with a legal county approved cultivation site. Prior to cutting down any plants or completed, all medicine dispensed by the cooperative is al- confiscating any medicine, they are required to immediately call the sheriff’s station to verify the validity of the ready undergoing testing for mold, pesticides, and cannabi- source agreement. If everything checks out, the officials are required to leave the site unharmed. noid content, including THC, CBD, and CBN, by a third party “We have seen nothing but support and help from sheriff’s licensing. While going through the permitting testing service. process, everyone has been focused on finally bringing safe, regulated access to San Diego County,” said Educating county officials to the realities of medi- Coe Riedel, President of Mother Earth Alternative Healing Cooperative. “We are committed to staying in full compliance with the law as well as to protecting our patients’ privacy and confidentiality.” cal cannabis Perhaps the greatest accomplishment this dispensary will provide with its legal permit is changing the entrenched practices Much like other medical facilities in the state, all records at the newly permitted medical cannabis cooperative of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. For 15 years, since the fall under strict constitutional protections. In fact, in addition to taking all the steps necessary to be in full comCompassionate Use Act became law, the county government pliance with local regulations, the cooperative has gone to great lengths to ensure that patients’ privacy and has waged the biggest anti-medical cannabis campaign in the medical records are protected. All records, including membership agreements and recommendation letters state, infamously challenging the implementation all the way from physicians, are protected under patient privacy laws. Patient records are never released to authorities to the U.S. Supreme Court. This hostility led the county sher- except through an order by a judge. iff’s department to consistently say the law is illegal and arrest The facility maintains security systems, metal detectors, and on-site security guards to protect the members and the cooperative from theft, burglaries, and vandalism. A state-of-the-art blood pressure monitor that looks

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like something from ‘Star Trek’ is available at the facility for patients to use for free. Despite wild wrongful rumors, there is no direct feed of the surveillance system to the sheriff, nor is there any eye scanner or facial recognition of any sort at the facility. Coe says, “We want to be transparent to the medical cannabis community and welcome people to come visit us to get to know how we operate and our intentions to serve the greater good in San Diego.”

In fact, once a patient becomes a member of the cooperative, they are then able to receive free consultations on a consistent basis from on-site licensed pharmaceutical technicians about their medicine and its effect on the ailments they are treating. Another cool thing the cooperative offers is a $10 voucher for gas at a local station if you live more than 10 miles away, thus making the remote location more accessible.

Because of their legal permit from the county, one could argue that the cooperative is currently the safest and most protected place in San Diego County for patients to obtain their medicine. In line with their goals to advance the therapeutic research of cannabis, the cooperative has already begun forging relationships with local oncology and other disease specialists, and are actively supporting medical cannabis research as well as patients’ rights advocacy.

Meet the Team: Coe Riedel, President A longtime San Diegan, United States Marine Corps Persian Gulf War veteran, and medical cannabis patient, Coe serves as the cooperative’s President and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of cannabis therapeutics as well as management. Having suffered herself from PTSD, and battled side-effects of pharmaceutical medication that nearly destroyed her health, Coe is a true believer in the medical efficacy of cannabis. Coe oversees the operations of the cooperative and strives to maintain the highest standard of excellence in all of the cooperative’s practices and efforts.

Paul Nager, Board Member A 35-year San Diego native, conservative, blue collar, United States Marine Corps veteran, Paul first learned about medical cannabis when his wife suffered serious debilitating conditions for which she only found relief with cannabis. After retiring in 2004, Paul became a medical cannabis patient when he found that the plant significantly helped him deal with his chronic anxiety and other debilitating conditions. Having excellent financial and managerial experience as well as a good business sense, Paul helps the cooperative stay in full financial compliance and is an integral part of the cooperative’s mission to faithfully and rigorously follow the laws of the County of San Diego and the State of California.

Nelson Carrick, Board Member, Head of In-house Security Nelson, the cooperative’s Head of In-house Security, comes from the world of private executive protection, corporate aviation asset management, and high-level security. His expertise helps ensure a safe and protected environment for the cooperative’s members. Aside from being a security expert, he is also a medical cannabis patient who relies on topical application of the plant to treat severe chronic knee pain related to injuries suffered in the past. He remembers his father’s lifelong advocacy for medical cannabis and is proud to continue the tradition. In his spare time, Nelson is working on a novel and several children’s books.

Cory Hizel, Cooperative Manager and Director of Cultivation Cory is a medical cannabis cultivation expert with years of experience in varying cultivation techniques and practices. He specializes in quality assurance and oversees the cultivation, testing, production, and dispensing of all the medication. After suffering a severe car accident, which left Cory with chronic back pain, Cory tried varying pharmaceutical medicines, all of which left him with side effects not allowing him to maintain a normal productive life. After discovering cannabis use as a healthy alternative to the pharmaceuticals, Cory devoted himself to the research and advancement of cannabis botany and has helped develop some of the most effective cannabis medicine on the market to date.

The team at Mother Earth’s Alternative Healing Cooperative welcomes new members and looks forward to helping foster a community that is compassionate, that advances the understanding of all that they do, and inspires each other to better themselves and their community. The cooperative says, “Come join us and be a part of cannabis therapeutics’ history in San Diego!”

When looking at the landscape of medical marijuana businesses in the state of California, discussions are often centered on storefront dispensaries, their zoning and regulations. However, there are several other business models such as mobile dispensaries and edible companies that are also in dire need of guidance and attention.

In terms of regulation, edible marijuana products have long been overlooked. This presents a number of questions for the providers and the consumers, from a legal, health and safety standpoint. For example, do edible providers also need to be incorporated as nonprofits and become collectives or cooperatives? Where should the cannabis come from? And what kinds of preparation, labeling and distribution rules must be followed?

First and foremost, those who wish to prepare and distribute edibles must comply with the same rules and regulations set forth in the California Health and Safety Code and the Attorney General’s Guidelines, just like all medical marijuana dispensaries. This means the business must be operated in a nonprofit manner and obtain the appropriate permits and licenses. Additionally, edible providers must also ensure that they are procuring their cannabis in a closed circuit manner, ensuring that there is no illegal diversion of marijuana. Distribution to non-members is strictly prohibited and edible providers must take the same steps and precautions to verify that a member is a qualified patient. Edible collectives must also be sure to pay all their taxes, just like any other business. Last, be sure to check your local regulations and ordinances to see if edible production, distribution or consumption is banned.

It is also important that edible collectives engaging in the production and sale of edibles familiarize themselves with the rules proscribed in the California Retail Food Code. The code applies to food that is sold in a retail setting as well as food delivered directly to the consumer.

The code focuses on rules designed to ensure safe and sanitary pro20 | NUGMAG.COM

duction and storage of food products for retail sale. These rules are equally as important to the provider as they are to the consumer.

In order to comply with the code, at least one person working in the food production facility must have passed a state approved and accredited food safety certification. This person need not be on site at all times, but is responsible for ensuring that every person is trained on applicable procedures and may only serve at a single facility. Training must be taken every three years, but incentives are provided by the state for people who renew their training on an annual basis.

According to the code, food may not be prepared in private homes. If the collective does not have an on-site kitchen, several options are available for safe food preparation. Check with local restaurants to see if they will rent out their kitchen during non-business hours. There are also commercial kitchens available for rent. Rentals are available on both full-time and part-time plans.

Some of the best practices included in the code are as follows: • An easily accessible hand washing station should be located away from the area where food is prepared and stored or where utensils are washed. The station should have an adequate supply of hot water (between 100-108 degrees), cleanser, and single-use disposable towels or a hot air dryer. Signage should be on display in restrooms reminding workers to wash their hands before returning to the food preparation area.

•

Workers must wear clean clothes, hair nets, and trim fingernails to prevent contamination of food and utensils.

•

Workers may not be present in the food preparation area while suffering from an illness that is transferable by food products (such as gastrointestinal issues) or while experiencing uncontrollable sneezing, coughing, or runny nose.

•

Food preparation surfaces and utensils must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized prior to use.

•

Products must be individually packaged at the place of preparation and must specify the date produced.

•

Food products must be packaged or displayed in a manner that prevents contamination

•

Include a warning on the label if nuts or other common allergens are used in any foods prepared at the site.

•

Labeling must indicate the total weight of cannabis in the product and must clearly indicate that the product is medication containing medical cannabis.

•

The labeling must not be attractive to children and must clearly indicate that the item is to be stored in a manner that prevents children from accessing it.

Food is considered to be adulterated when something is added to the food that would not normally be an ingredient in that type of food. In general, a food that has been adulterated contains ingredients that are unknown and unwanted by the recipient. Under federal standards, foods that are infused with an unsafe ingredient could be considered adulterated. Under the California Retail Food Code, adulteration laws focus on ensuring that food is presented to the consumer in an honest manner, without misleading or misinforming the customer. Retail food products are to have labeling clearly disclosing the common name or a description of the food product (e.g. brownie), all of the ingredients contained in the product listed in descending order according to weight, the quantity of the contents of the package, and the name and location of the manufacturer.

In San Francisco, the City and County Department of Public Health has set forth regulations specifically relating to the regulation of medical cannabis products called Medical Cannabis Dispensary (MCD) Regulations for Preparation of Edible Cannabis Products. Because so many cities remain mum on regulations, it is strongly encouraged that edible providers adopt the San Francisco model to ensure safe preparation and consumption of edible products. In terms of sanitation, the regulations read like a relaxed version of the California Retail Food Code. These regulations offer many additional tips for good packaging practices, such as:

Any items that resemble common food items must be placed in nontransparent packaging before it is removed from the collective or before delivery to the patient.

While these best practices are extensive, they do not cover all of the requirements of the California Retail Food Code or the San Francisco regulations. Collectives engaged in preparing and distributing edible cannabis products should consult with an attorney to ensure that they are a properly formed business and compliant with state and local laws; and patients should not be afraid to ask how their edibles are being prepared.

It is up to YOU to create a system that will ensure products distributed to patients are safe for consumption.

By Kimberly Simms, founding attorney of Law Office of Kimberly R. Simms and Legal Cannabis Institute instructor.

For more information, go to our website at simmslaw.com

Patient Profile: James By: Pamela Jayne

Let’s just say that James is not hesitant when it comes to voicing his opinions. Although a broken back has left him confined to a wheelchair, his spirit and voice more than make up for what his body is unable to do. He is independent, strongwilled, and armed with a lifetime of experience and facts about the benefits of medical cannabis. The 800-pound air compressor that caused his injury may have sidelined him physically, but it also led him to become outspoken in many areas, medical cannabis being one of them.

This is not the first time that James has been in print. He was featured on the cover of the San Diego Union Tribune back in 2006, discussing how he was impacted by Part D of Social Security. “I wanted to let people know how that affected those who depend on SSI, but I didn’t expect my face to be plastered on the front page!” he said.

When I asked James if he ever felt stereotyped because of his cannabis use, he made an excellent point that applies to everyone, not only cannabis users. “Aren’t we all [stereotyped], all the time?

The media stereotypes us, the police stereotype us, and the politicians definitely stereotype us as people who have no intelligence and no interest in politics or what is going on in the country. They think we don’t care about anything, but that is not true. We care about each other, and we help each other.” He smiled a knowing smile and added, “We do care, we do listen, and most importantly, we do vote!”

James has had the same physician since 1996, and not only is his doctor aware of the fact that James uses medical cannabis, he readily encourages it. This is especially significant because it is highly unusual that a CMS (County Medical Services) physician would officially give James the go-ahead to use cannabis as medicine. Of course that conversation was off the record, but it does 24 34 || NUGMAG.COM NUGMAG.COM

show that doctors are not as afraid to advocate for medical cannabis as they once were. According to James, his doctor is very open-minded and told him, “I happen to know a lot about herbal and alternative medicines, and I believe in that they work. If it helps you, go for it.”

“Nobody has any idea of what I go through on a daily basis. I can tell you about it, but unless you actually feel it, you have no idea what it is really like.” The pain James endures is due to his back being broken not once, but twice. After the initial injury, he was eventually able to return to work; but the second time, the damage was so extensive that he was paralyzed from the waist down for three months and is still confined to a wheelchair. Imagine the pain of having an 800-pound air compressor fall directly on your back. The pain has been constant since the accident, and the only pain management that the modern medical establishment is willing to provide comes in the form of highly addictive and dangerous pills.

One of the most common and disturbing themes that I have noticed in all of these months of speaking to medical cannabis patients, is the pharmaceutical “instant addiction in a bottle” drug called Oxycontin. I have never heard any of them say that it is a good thing. Most say they will only take it in conjunction with medical cannabis, so the many painful, dangerous, even life-threatening side effects may be lessened, or at the very least, tolerated. Patient after patient describes it as poison, or a “necessary evil”. “I hate having to take that shit,” some have said in more candid

moments. All agree that the government needs to lighten up when it comes to medical cannabis use, and allow for real research to be done. As James says, “We patients are a wealth of information, so study us. I mean really study us, and you’ll see the truth. Forget the ‘Reefer Madness’ propaganda and open your minds. Stop letting the government tell you what to think. I know from my own personal experience that cannabis does not have any negative side effects. All of that man-made, synthetic stuff is a shot in the dark, and the side effects are harmful. I know because I have been through it. Why should I have to deal with that when marijuana is so safe and it actually works?”

Because he is legally allowed to possess and use medical cannabis, James has reduced his pill intake from 13 different daily prescriptions, down to only six. He is also currently working on lowering the dosage of medications.

About the ignorant few who still loudly insist that cannabis has no medical value and is nothing but a recreational drug, James says this, “They are ig-

norant. They don’t care. They wrongly stereotype us as just a bunch of lazy potheads. These are the same people who will pop pills every day, even though they have no idea of the long-term side effects. They see a commercial on TV, so they assume it is safe.” I know exactly the type of person he is speaking of. We have all seen them at city council hearings and on the local news lying to the public about the effects of cannabis on the community. If ignorance really is bliss, then they must be the happiest people on earth!

I ordinarily prefer to end these articles on a hopeful note, but month after month of hearing story after story of ailing, vulnerable people being hurried through the medical system and treated like lab rats, rather than human beings, has made me angry. It has dimmed my view of humanity. On a positive note, I would like to thank all of the collective operators, caregivers, growers, and activists who risk their own freedom to protect the rights of medical cannabis patients – most of whom they have never even met. If only the health care system in the United States were so compassionate…

What and where did you teach?

I taught theater around San Diego County at elementary schools. I currently teach English to foreign lawyers who come to study at California Western School of Law. What led you to medical cannabis law?

Unlike some lawyers, for me, it was accidental. I did the case People v. Jovan Jackson in 2009. He called the firm I was working for at the time, Turner Law Group, and my boss was out of town, so I went to George Bailey Detention Facility and met Jovan. I had done a lot of jail visits, but this one was different. He was educated, polite, clearly under a lot of stress, and telling me that he was innocent. Of course you hear a lot of people say that, but with this case, when I looked at the evidence, it was obvious that this guy really was innocent.

Legal Eyes: Lance Rogers By: Pamela Jayne So…A lawyer and a blonde walk into a diner. No, this isn’t the opening line to the worst joke ever; it’s the setting for my interview with Lance Rogers, a mild mannered San Diego native who abandoned a career as an actor to become an attorney, and who is currently fighting aggressively for the rights and freedoms of medical cannabis patients and providers in San Diego County. From one of the most highly publicized cases San Diego has ever seen, to the many cases that are quietly dismissed due to his knowledge and skill, Lance represents his clients with both relentless vigor and endearing compassion. Sorry to disappoint those who wish to stereotype attorneys as unethical, in it for the money, soulless beings, but Lance Rogers is the exact opposite of that. Yes, he fights tooth and nail, but he does so because he actually cares.

What made you decide to become an attorney?

Whenever I am asked that question, I tell this story. I was a professional actor for about eight years. I did a lot of theater and a lot of film and television, probably nothing anyone ever saw, but that was how I made my living. I was doing a play at the North Coast Repertory Theatre and that is where I met a retired judge from Alabama who said something I’ll never forget: ‘Theatre and the law are not that different. In the theatre, you manipulate lies to expose the truth. In the law, you manipulate truths to expose a lie.’ That really stuck with me. For example, put two people on the witness stand and they will have two different versions of events. One of them is lying and you, as the lawyer, try to prove that through evidence.

So before that conversation, that chance meeting, you had never considered pursuing law?

Nope. I did take one of those psychology tests once and apparently my personality is geared towards things like being a teacher, which I have done, being an actor – I’ve done that, and now I am a lawyer.

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So you had no bias or opinion for or against medical cannabis before the Jackson case?

That’s true. As a criminal defense attorney, it is just as important for me to not have any bias, as it is for the prosecutor, the judge, or the police. Whatever my personal views are, I set them aside when I represent my clients. It is just about the facts. So anyway, Jovan retained me, we went to trial, and we achieved an acquittal for him. After the acquittal, I started getting all of these calls about medical cannabis cases. I realized that there was really something important going on here.

Should patients be afraid of the law as it is now written?

No one should be afraid of the law, but people should know their rights and stand up for those rights. This is actually a very good question because I am hopeful that we are in a transitional period for medical cannabis, and that very soon this culture of fear will go away and people can once again be friends with and not be afraid of law enforcement.

And what about collective operators, caregivers, and growers? Should they fear the law?

Same thing. You bring up a good point. Something I have talked to my collective clients about recently is the subject of crime from real criminals. For example, I have a client who was robbed by three to four men with machetes. Those men were caught and are now serving time in jail because my client cooperated with the police and they were able to get the bad guys. I have heard of other cases where a collective does not want to cooperate with law enforcement after being the victim of a crime, because they are afraid of being investigated for medical marijuana. My problem with that is that I don’t like exploitation of any kind, and that is a situation where the collective is being exploited by the criminals. The point is that collectives should say to police that we are the victims in this situation and we will cooperate with you, but we will also protect our patients’ confidential and private information. Yes, it is a difficult balance, but I do not think it is acceptable to not report a crime.

What do you think the future holds for the medical cannabis movement?

Please excuse the cliché, but I believe that the future is bright.

Do you think we will see improvements sooner rather than later, or does slow and steady win the race?

Slow and steady wins the race. People are very frustrated because they want to see a lot of access very quickly. Reasonable access should be the standard, and I do not think that reasonable access means only one collective per city. Steve DeAngelo said recently, ‘Medical cannabis is still a movement, it is not yet an industry,’ and I believe that to be true.

Are you satisfied with our local lawmakers and how they have handled the issue of safe access to medical cannabis?

No, I am not satisfied with how our elected officials have handled it. But I am also not completely satisfied with how the cannabis community lobbied them. There is a lot –

too much – division in the community and that is such a disservice to the common goal that we all have. There is all of this talk about unity, but people need to take it more seriously and act on it because there are many people out there who oppose the very idea of medical cannabis. They may not be a large number, but this very vocal minority can influence elected officials. What we are asking for is progressive in nature and it is much easier for elected officials to stick with conservative viewpoints. I think that the city council was duped by this very vocal minority into believing that they represented more people than they actually do.

Duped or corrupted?

Corrupted is a strong word, so I am going to say duped.

But the response to that was the referendum; and the reason that the referendum was successful in repealing the city council’s ordinance was because patients did not feel like they were being heard.

For the average person, navigating the law can be very daunting. So in brief layman’s terms, will you explain the current medical cannabis laws to NUG readers and break down the legal speak and tell people what the law really means?

Very simple. A medical cannabis patient has the right to use, possess, cultivate, and transport cannabis for medical purposes. A primary caregiver has those same rights to do it on behalf of a patient. A group of patients or primary caregivers may join together to cultivate and distribute cannabis for medical purposes. All medical cannabis must be grown by and distributed only to members. That is the core of how it should work.

Do you have any down time? What is it that you do to relax?

Well, I do not think about medical marijuana! I like to run; I do marathons and half marathons. I spend time with my wife and our two cats. I go to the beach. You have to have a balance between work and life, or you will get burnt out.

What are your plans for the future, career wise? Do you intend to stay in the field of law?

Well, I went from actor to lawyer, so who knows what’s next? There is a whole lot of work to be done on this issue, so I am going to be busy for quite awhile. After that, I don’t know.

Maybe I’ll take on another civil rights issue.

So you do consider this to be a civil rights issue?

Medical cannabis is a civil rights issue because people are being treated differently for no rational reason. Take two sick people for instance, one who uses Oxycontin with a valid prescription, and one who chooses, instead, to use cannabis with a valid doctor’s recommendation. They are being treated completely different. That is discrimination, and that is why I consider this a civil rights movement.

Do you consider yourself to be an activist, or is your role simply to protect the rights and freedom of your clients?

I take that question extremely serious. As a lawyer, I am not an activist. When I am hired by a client, my job is to represent that client’s interest to the very best of my ability. I am there on behalf of the person sitting in the chair to the right of me in the courtroom. I am not there on behalf of any group or organization. Personally, I support the regulation of medical marijuana and the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes.

As Lance said, there is still much work to be done on behalf of the medical cannabis community, so if you are in need of legal representation, contact him at: Law Offices of Lance Rogers 835 Fifth Avenue, Suite 307 San Diego, CA 92101 www.lrogerslaw.com (619) 333-6882

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Meditate for Better Health

There is a great deal of mystique and perhaps misconception around meditation.

While its benefits are touted regularly, there remains a barrier for many of us who are curious and don’t know where to start, or are intrigued but may have some concerns. So then what is meditation and why would you want to incorporate it into your daily life?

We live hurried lives filled with noise and distractions. Many of us tend to go through our day with little real thought around our actions, as if we are on autopilot.

When the alarm rings, wake up, shower, eat, get the kids ready, grab some coffee, go to work, eat, come home, help the kids with homework, eat, watch TV, go to bed. Repeat. Through all this, our mind races to what we are doing next or jumps to whatever stimuli (phone, email, thoughts, other people, etc.) present themselves. After a while, there is little sense of time; days, weeks, and sometimes months go by before you can take a break and step out of this cycle and just breathe.

What’s meditation? It’s when all the whirling stops. It’s that moment when you just breathe, when you are fully aware and fully present in the moment. That state of peace and serenity when you are not just your job, your family, your responsibilities, your friends, your home, your community...You are just you.

Meditation has been shown to have the following benefits in those with a regular practice: • Stress reduction • Pain management • Improved sleep • Increased concentration • Emotional stability It is important to note that stress impacts our overall health and immunity. Many conditions, such as ulcers, heart disease, and diabetes, are also impacted by our stress levels; so reducing stress has far-reaching physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

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Ready to try meditation? Here are some simple first steps.

Walking Meditation A walking meditation incorporates a stroll on the beach, a hike through the hills, or a walk in the park with a state of meditation. This is a great way to begin training the mind and building focus.

• • • •

•

Plan a 15 to 30-minute walk in nature.

As you begin your walk, set an intention that you will concentrate on the moment and allow yourself this time to be present.

While walking, take in the sights, sounds, and smells as they are. Just breathe, walk, and observe without thinking about your day, or what you will do next.

Each time your mind kicks in to judge (Oh that surfer just wasted a perfect wave!), analyze (Hmmm… I wonder what kind of plant that is. I would love this in my garden.), or tune out (I need to make sure I buy some dog food on the way home): 1. Notice it – Oh there it goes again!

2. On your next exhale, allow yourself to let it go.

Thank yourself for taking the time to be at peace!

Remember to not be upset at yourself for having “thought interruptions”. This is a practice, so think of it as training. You’ll get more and more focused as you practice more. Each time you let go of a thought interruption, know that it will be there when you are done with your practice. Let it go and calmly resume your meditation. Treat yourself with kindness and patience as you build mental strength.

Sound Meditation Another type of mindfulness practice is sound meditation. Just like the walking meditation where you allow yourself to become absorbed in your surroundings, you allow yourself to let go and experience sound. Think of the last time you heard a very moving song as you

watched a movie or danced, where you are not thinking and just experiencing.

Pick a spot where you feel safe and comfortable. Some ideas may be a bench in a park or a blanket on the sand. You may also choose to sit or lay down at home with a CD of chanting, prayer, or sounds of nature, something you feel comfortable with that is soothing and quieting.

• • • • • •

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

Set an intention to be fully present for the next few minutes.

As you breathe, keep your mind focused on the sound of the waves rolling, birds chirping, chanting, church choir recording, or whatever your surrounding sound is. Breathe slow and relax into the sounds.

As with the walking meditation, notice when your mind wanders. As you notice, let the thought go with your next exhale and redirect your attention to your sound meditation.

When you are ready, take a deep breath in and out. Move your fingers and toes to slowly wake your body and senses back up. Slowly open your eyes.

Acknowledge yourself for taking time to contribute to your health!

Community Resources Living in San Diego, we are blessed with numerous resources for creating and building a meditation practice. Reach out to your local yoga studios, churches, or temples to find a group that resonates most with you. If you are looking for a way to get started, The Chopra Center (located in Carlsbad) offers a free “Introduction to Meditation” class taught by their meditation teachers every Friday from 2:00 – 3:00 PM. The Little Yoga Studio (located in downtown San Diego) offers a “Guided Meditation” class every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. Please visit their website for up-to-date schedules and rates.

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

Bootlegger Vodka, a Foreshadowing of Things to Come for the Legalization of Marijuana By: Esther Rubio-Sheffrey

Once upon a time, alcohol was illegal. Conservative and religious organizations, predominantly the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, succeeded in persuading politicians to enact the Constitution’s 18th Amendment, which prohibited everything from the production to consumption of alcohol between 1920 and 1933. There are many parallels between today’s war on drugs and prohibition.

For example, prohibition was impossible to regulate, increased crime dramatically, made gangsters like Al Capone infamous, and well… it was simply foolish because like it or not, it was what the majority of Americans wanted to consume. An in-depth dissertation can easily be written on the subject, but this is not the time or the place. This story is about a new American distillery that combines the nostalgia of the Prohibition era, with satire and humor, to produce vodka that is extremely smooth and rivaled by few.

Prohibition Comes Full Circle Prohibition Distillery opened its doors on January 16, 2009, the same date that prohibition began in 1920. Its two owners, John Walsh and Brian Facquet, see their brand as a celebration of the rebellious spirit that defied and challenged society’s constraints during the 1920’s era. Their marketing and branding is extremely creative.

When alcohol was outlawed, it made it that much cooler to drink, and saloons, as bars were known back then, saw record profits. They were able to provide their 40 | NUGMAG.COM

patrons with drinks thanks to bootleggers, who like marijuana growers, risked imprisonment to create a product the masses could enjoy. Prohibition also had loopholes.

You could, for example, get a doctor to prescribe alcohol to help calm your nerves.

Thankfully, prohibition ended with the 21st amendment. So naturally, Walsh and Facquet named their product Bootlegger Vodka 21. Applied on a clear bottle, the name is inscribed on a prescription label from the ‘20s.

Some of their ads feature slogans like, “Goes down easier than my 401k” and “depression proof” with black and white images from the ‘20s. Creativity aside, both men soon realized that financing and starting a distillery just as financial giants like Lehman Brothers were falling apart, kick-starting our current recession was not going to be easy.

“We have a couple of thousands of dollars, and we are in an arena with the biggest guys in the world who have millions,” Facquet said. “We can’t spend against them, but we can work hard and keep our heads up and try to get through whatever obstacle and challenge comes our way. There is nothing else to be but problem solvers.”

Both men left corporate jobs to pursue this dream, which originally was the idea of Walsh’s sister, who was casually brainstorming around the kitchen table with a friend for the name of a speakeasy themed bar. “John came in from the backyard to grab some juice boxes for his kids, and off the top of his head said, ‘I would name the bar Prohibition and serve Bootlegger vodka,’” Facquet explained. “A couple of weeks later we ran into each other on the bus, and he asked me to meet to discuss his idea about a liquor company. When we met up, I fell in love with the idea and right away gave him my word that I was in.”

Although Facquet’s wife would later say, “Damn you and your word,” she was supportive. “I have a two-year old daughter and being on the road and away from them is tough. I probably would not have done it without her support, but she didn’t stop me because she knew that if I didn’t do it, it would be one of those things I would regret 15 years from now,” Facquet explained.

Both men knew nothing of the distillery process, but dived in head first, soaking up as much knowledge as possible. They found a distillery in the Hudson Valley that allowed them to use their facility and got to work. About 60 batches later, they sipped on a vodka they were happy with and began bottling up their first batch to serve at parties

and charitable functions. “Everyone feels a little more charitable after having a couple of drinks,” Facquet said, adding that they made no profit from those functions. All they asked in return was that those who tasted it provide feedback.

To gauge if they were on the right track, they sent their initial recipe to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and won a Silver Medal.

“When we got it, we were like, ‘Holy crap, we can’t believe we got this,’” Facquet said. “We showed it to our wives and asked, ‘Should we keep doing this?’” The answer was yes, but not completely satisfied, they continued to tweak the recipe.

Nine months later, they were awarded the gold medals at the 2010 New York International Spirits Competition and an “Exceptional 90-95 Rating” from the esteemed Beverage Testing Institute. For the non-vodka aficionado, that is a rating predominantly given to Russian vodkas, and a rating that familiar brands like Ketel One, Absolut and Belvedere have yet to receive.

Although they are still on the road at spirit festivals and competitions nationwide, they are no longer delivering their product from the back of their cars. Prohibition Distillery has earned enough to hire a distributing company, and future plans include their own distillery, a storefront with a tasting room, plus the addition of rums, whiskeys, and gins. For now, their focus remains on creating high-quality vodka made from corn.

“Trust your gut, that is the biggest lesson we have learned,” Facquet said. “We ran into so many people who would say things like, ‘I have 30 years in the business,’ and would want you to do things a certain way. You have to respect what people did before you, but I don’t believe that just because someone did something one way then it is the only way. I guess it is the bootlegging mindset, but when we have gone against the grain, we have ended up being right.”

Perhaps one day when future generations learn that marijuana was once criminalized and illegal, a young entrepreneur or grower will create a “prohibition” strain or open a café that creatively looks back on our era with satire and humor, and give its patrons the option of buying Dumanis dime bags or smoking from a Clinton inhaler. Until then, the spirit of defiance is alive and well and available in a clear bottle, and trust me, it goes down very smooth.

Buying Bootlegger Vodka Currently, it is mostly available on the East Coast, but contact Facquet and Walsh through their website to discuss shipping options. A few bars in town, however, have already discovered its quality. You can purchase Bootlegger Vodka from downtown’s Prohibition Bar, at the Navy Bar, or the PB Shore Club. Bartenders at these establishments are mixing it up and serving it straight.

Facquet recommends drinking it on the rocks, the way you would drink a scotch or a fine whiskey. Having tasted it both as a drink and on the rocks, I would tend to agree.

Happy Buds:

Marijuana for Any Occasion by Ed Rosenthal Article by Brom Richey

Pop quiz, hotshot. You waltz into your office, all unsuspecting like, only to find a request from THEEEE Ed Rosenthal for a book review...What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?? Well, after you wipe that look off your face and stop bragging to all your co-workers, you pack a big beautiful bowl of that sweet, sweet sensi and get to work!

In this case, I could not have been happier to see the title Happy Buds: Marijuana for Any Occasion by Ed Rosenthal. I sat down and read it from cover to cover almost immediately; paying special attention to the “Working It” section, which outlined the strains that can lend a little intellectual boost. After securing an amazing specimen of White Satin, as Mr. Rosenthal had suggested, I opened up my mind and my cannabinoid receptors, took a top shelf tube of some top shelf meds, and started writing this top shelf review.

Now in our present day, with the cumulative knowledge of our cultivating forefathers, and the advantage of an abundance of technology specific to growing fine medical grade cannabis, we smokers have the pick of the litter when it comes time to choose a medicine. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming with the amount of options. So many to choose from, how do they affect me differently? How does this herb differ from that one?

Well, every smoker can now thank Ed and his team for putting in the hard work and figuring out how these individual cannabis varieties will affect the user. Happy Buds is an amazing catalog of over 80 different strains divided into 30 categories. No longer will you have to make the mistake of getting couch-locked on a big ole’ ripper of Kiwiskunk when you were actually trying to get up and get active with an eye-widening Buddah Haze doobie.

Coming from the man who wrote one of the greatest series ever of strain resource guides for marijuana in the form of The Big Book of Buds, Ed understands that there is a strain for every occasion. Like a fine wine being paired with the appropriate delectable food accompaniment, it’s just as

important to have smoked the appropriate cannabis strain with anticipated high characteristics befitting to whatever activity you are about to get into. The photo work in the book is amazing as well. Striking imagery and seductive cola shots keep your mind dancing as you work your way through the various chapters. Well placed tips, handy trivia, delicious food and drink recipes, and an excellent resource for securing seeds from reputable seed banks are included as well. Happy Buds is complete with aroma and flavor profiles for the individual strains, expected high qualities, and an easy to follow index, which will guide you to the right strain for the right kind of experience. Fitness buds, party buds, cinematic buds, gettin’ it on buds, etc. Happy Buds is quite literally the ultimate guide for the marijuana user who wants to live life to the Highest!!!

SEX POT:

The Marijuana Lover’s Guide to Gettin’ It On Sex and Pot. If these are not two of your favorite things, then we probably would not be friends. Sex Pot: The Marijuana Lover’s Guide to Gettin’ It On. If this book and the self-professed bongslut Mamakind, who penned it, are not two of your favorite things, I say again, we probably would not be friends.

With that said, I hope we are still friends…

Now I was familiar with Mamakind from her popular column “Roachplay,” so I knew how sexy and crafty her wordplay can be. She has never failed to keep it extremely straightforward and tell you exactly how it is – for men and women out there struggling with aspects of their sexuality. From what I can gather, she has seen it all, just about done it all, and really does not have a problem telling YOU all about it in detail.

The way she is able to field reader questions about what would normally be some extremely awkward subject matter, is both humorous and informative.

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Usually you get one without the other. She breaches a wide spectrum of topics within modern human sexuality, peppering her discourse with anecdotes of how fine ganja flowers and finer hashish concentrates have assisted her in reaching her current state of sexual consciousness. Mamakind literally had me giggling from start to finish with her snappy retorts and over the top TMI explanations of her precarious sexual escapades. She has a unique ability to convey a relatively simple and somewhat serious message, but keep it lighthearted and comical throughout the curious dialogue.

One of the main points that I see repeated throughout the book is her notion that there really is nothing off-limits when it comes to your sexuality – so long as everyone is being safe, sane, and the action is consensual among any partner(s) involved; then, if it feels good, go for it! She stresses in many a colorful personal revelation that whether you are getting off or getting high, it always seems to be better when they are done together. I probably should throw out a little disclaimer that if you are offended by concepts like a vagina-bong or a list of amazing locations where this crazy stoner sexpot has flicked her bean, then this ain’t your read, lol!!! Mamakind does not shy away from any query and lets that skilled silver tongue of hers dance along topics of “skronkin,” relationships, pot, and the pursuit of happy highness. I would highly recommend referring to Ed Rosenthal’s book Happy Buds, which Mamakind also contributed to, for a particular strain that might heighten one’s sexual senses. Then sit down with your lover, get lifted, and take some of Mamakind’s advice! Start experimenting and allow your mind, body and soul to reach those previously unattained highs. **For more information on where to go to get your copy of Happy Buds: Marijuana for Any Occasion or Sex Pot: The Marijuana Lover’s Guide to Gettin’ It On, go to www.quicktrading.com or contact Jane Klein at jane@quicktrading.com.

NUG Magazine Q & A with America’s Guru of Ganja: Ed Rosenthal

by R.J. Villa Ed Rosenthal, you have held the title for close to 40 years as America’s Guru of Ganja; what would you like to say to NUG Magazine readers about your book, Happy Buds?

Beyond being an expert in growing marijuana, I’m also an expert in consuming it. Happy Buds is really the culmination of a lifetime spent smoking as much marijuana as possible. If you are a marijuana lover, you need this book; otherwise, you may find yourself smoking the wrong bud, which would be a huge disaster.

What can you tell us about your co-authors Anna Foster and Mamakind?

Anna and Mamakind are dedicated stoners without whom this book would never have been written. I should also point out that Mamakind has a new book that has just hit bookstores, Sex Pot: The Marijuana Lover’s Guide to Gettin’ It On. I highly recommend it for all my sexually active readers, including those who only engage in sex with themselves.

The book talks about a research team; do you care to elaborate more on the background of this research team?

A loyal and hardworking group of ridiculously high people.

Of all the strains listed in this book, which strains have you found that always make their way into your steady rotation of medical cannabis?

I enjoy all strains, so it’s hard to pick, but Jack Herer and Lemon Haze always seem to be around.

Page 101 lists your personal Guru of Ganja coffee brew you start the day with; just curious, which coffee company do you typically buy your grounds from?

Trader Joe’s. Of course, caffeine is an extremely addictive substance and I strongly urge all readers to use caution when experimenting with it.

Tell me about your relation and connection with Cheba Hut?

Cheba Hut is my favorite marijuana-friendly fast food outlet.

They make great salads and sandwiches and I expect that they will expand rapidly in the future – I just wish there was one in the Bay Area where I live!

Do you have any plans for more volumes of Happy Buds in the future?

Of course! If the book is as popular as I expect it to be, I’ll absolutely write new volumes. After all, new strains of marijuana are being developed every day, so there are always new varieties to try out.

Anything you would like to say about the seed companies or other companies featured in your book?

Seed breeders, both professional and amateur, are accomplishing amazing things these days. The future is bright for marijuana.

Anything you would like to say about Quick American Publishing?

Long ago, I tried to get my first marijuana cultivation book published, but couldn’t find a publisher willing to take it on because they were either too scared or didn’t think there was a market.

So, I formed Quick to publish my own books and here we are 30 or so books later. Quick is the premier publishing company when it comes to marijuana-related books and there are a number of younger, great authors who are also writing cultivation books that Quick publishes, like Subcool and SeeMoreBuds.

We know you are active in writing your Ask Ed column in West Coast Cannabis and Soft Secrets as well as your coursework with Oaksterdam University; do you have any other projects or writing that you would like us to call attention to?

The latest edition of Marijuana Grower’s Handbook is a mustread for anyone who is interested in cultivation. Even if you are an experienced grower who thinks you know it all, I guarantee you that you will learn new techniques and concepts if you read it. Additionally, the Big Book of Buds series, which I also authored, is a great set for all marijuana enthusiasts. If people are interested in the struggle to legalize medical marijuana (as anyone reading this magazine presumably is), they should check out www.green-aid.com, which is a nonprofit I started that helps to pay the legal defense costs of defendants in high-profile medical marijuana cases.

About Ed Rosenthal: In the preface to Ed Rosenthal’s Marijuana Grower’s Handbook, R. Keith Stroup, Esq., NORML Founder and Legal Counsel, was quoted saying that “Ed Rosenthal is the best-known cultivation expert in America. He has written more than a dozen books on the topic; he is politically active and testifies as an expert in state and federal criminal cases. He was the recipient of the 2007 NORML Lifetime Achievement Award for advancing the cause of legal marijuana.”

For more information on Ed Rosenthal, please visit his website: www.askedrosenthal.com

Baked : A Cookbook for Everybody’s Sweet Tooth

By R.J. Villa

Baked: Over 50 Tasty Marijuana Treats by Yzabetta Sativa gives the medical marijuana patient a cookbook with a wide range of recipes to cure any sweet tooth while also catering to the sensitive diets for those looking for delectable gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan medicated treats. Are you looking to satisfy your inner Cookie Monster? I would be willing to bet that a medicated Lemon Verbena, Peanut Butter Cup, or Mockolate Chip cookie would do the trick. Are regular brownies getting too blasé for your taste buds? Try baking a Scottish Brownie with a mind-meltingly delicious shortbread crust with chocolate chips and chopped pecans, or a vegan Butterscotch Brownie that looks like a brownie, but tastes like butterscotch pudding.

All the recipes are certified classics at medical marijuana dispensaries across the country, and the book contains dairy-free, glutenfree, sugar-free, as well as vegan 46 | NUGMAG.COM

recipes. More than just a cookbook, Baked offers a way to explore a healthier way of life by expanding culinary horizons. Containing over 50 recipes, this high-end marijuana cookbook briefly gives a little bit of background on the author and explains how she “quickly got sick of pot brownies and started developing other yummy concoctions…” It also explains how on top of mastering the culinary arts, Sativa also studied the history of cannabis use (more specifically the background of Indians’ use of cannabis) and uses that acquired knowledge in her recipes.

“I am an information junkie and my interest began with studying the tradition of bhang,” Sativa explains.

“Bhang being a mild preparation of marijuana made from young leaves and stems of the Indian hemp plant, cannabis sativa, drunk with milk or water as a fermented brew or smoked for its hallucinogenic effects. In fact, bhang drinks, such as bhang tea, have become the official Holi drink. After experimenting with different variations of bhang tea, it dawned on me that the balance of the four basic flavors in Indian cuisine would lend itself really well to cannabutter for obvious reasons.”

The book’s ‘How to Make Baked Butter’ section gives simple to follow instructions along with stepby-step photographs to help you along the way.

Sativa acknowledges the other methods that exist to make cannabutter, but found this one to be her preferred method.

“Admittedly, the method I used in Baked, I find to be the easiest as well as most efficient way of making the butter. I know that you can do it in about 30 minutes or so, but whenever I set about to do it that way, the phone rings or I end up getting distracted and burning the butter. The processes in the book, as I have said many times, are idiot resistant and therefore are my preferred method.”

The recipes in the book are divided into sections

by Cookies, Cakes, Candies, Gluten-Free, SugarFree, and Vegan. Thumbing through its pages, you will find recipes for candies like Butter Rum Fun, Chocolate Marsh-Mellow Bites, and Orange Coconut Chews. There is a Vienna Bundt Cake recipe that tickles your tongue with almonds, brown sugar,

cinnamon, coffee, and devil’s food cake.

Or you can try the Sour Cream Cake with your choice of white or golden cake mix for a deliciously playful mix of sweet and sour. If you are looking for a gluten-free snack, there are tasty recipes for Cranberry Bread, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and a Sweet Short Bread. If you need a little bit more guilt added on top, try the Ginger Snap Cookies with a side of Sorbet. Vegan appetites can seek comfort in recipes for snacks like Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies or the Asian-inspired Coco Nutty Lime Cookies.

All of the recipes in Baked are based on the idea of a flavor profile. Sativa explains that marijuana is part of the hops family. This can be quite a challenge to the chef as there are not a lot of dishes made with hops.

“I picked recipes that would enhance the essence of the pot. Some of them are old favorites that I just knew would work well, and other recipes I sourced out and tweaked a bit to meld with the taste of pot. I am a chef by trade, not a botanist. I purchase hydroponic strains from my trusted source, and while they ramble on about Lowrider, Blueberry, Romulan, Purps, and God knows what else, I have a potency preference that my trusted source has a handle on and I just go from there.”

This is just the beginning for Yzabetta Sativa. She continues to write articles that can be found on podcasts and currently has another book in the works.

She is also currently working on another cookbook. In her next book, she will be diving into Italian delicacies with her own Baked approach to the recipes.

“I have written another pot cookbook: Italian Recipes with a Twist. I am presently working on the photography for the book, which is a time consuming process as I create all the dishes and have my favorite photographer take pictures of each dish. I think he did a fabulous job with the photos in Baked and I am anxious to see what he does with simple things like Beef Carpaccio. I love working with Green Candy Press. Everyone there, Andrew, Liz, Heather, Ian and especially Jack, have all been wonderful.”

To NUG Magazine readers, she has one last message.

“Be responsible about your consumption, write elected officials to shake things up, and don’t live up to your stereotype.”

Are you hungry yet? Now go out there and get Baked! Bon Appetite!

Yzabetta Sativa is a lifelong smoker who found that ingesting marijuana prolonged the effects on her system and allowed her to avoid unhealthy smoke inhalation. As a chef, she recognized that others could benefit from healthier, diet conscious and delicious recipes, so she began to supply edible marijuana treats to Compassion Clubs, and her experience eventually led to the writing of this book.

She lives in Toronto.

For more information on the author Yzabetta Sativa, she can be found on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her weekly blog on: yzabettasativa.blogspot. com For more information on Green Candy Press, please visit www.greencandypress.com

cannabis made up half of all medicine prescribed and sold, with virtually no fear of side effects or death as most pharmaceuticals have. In 1839, the report on the Multiple Uses of Cannabis by Dr. W.B. O’Shaugnessy, one of the most respected members of the Royal Academy of Sciences, was just as important to mid-19th Century Western medicine as the discoveries of antibiotics (like penicillin and Terramycin) were to mid-20th Century medicine.

Written by Canna Chef Kim ~ The REAL Mother Earth Co-op ♥ Proudly serving San Diego MMJ patients since 2005 Radiation Burn and Educating the Medical Community I gave a friend of mine, and fellow patient, a bottle of Mother Earth Co-op’s Medicinal Massage and Holy Oil, as she had breast cancer and was undergoing radiation treatments. My friend used the oils, as per directions, and after a few weeks, her doctor and the technicians commented on how great her skin was holding up during her treatment. Marie explained that the holy oil seemed to work wonders for her and commented on how much it soothed and healed her burned skin, erased her headaches, and helped her sleep. She said her doctor then reprimanded her for using something that she had not gotten through her. Marie continued to use the holy oil throughout her treatment, but felt she had to lie to her medical team. It is hard to imagine that the very people who are supposed to be caring for their patients are creating a situation in which a patient, whom was already suffering, felt they had to lie to continue doing something that was helping them make their treatment more humane and bearable.

First, they were delighted with regard to the minimal trauma to her skin, but then were upset that whatever she was using was not purchased through their system, and nor was it considered a pharmaceutical. Maybe medicine should be more about healing and mixing Eastern and Western medicines with alternative and natural therapeutics, and less about worrying over a natural plant based medicine that a patient found beneficial and actually works.

One would think her caregivers would have been happy she found a product that took some of the sting out of a situation that was already bad enough. After a few discussions, Marie was able to educate her medical team, especially when they were seeing results.

We should always be encouraged to be honest with our medical team, help educate others, and know that you will get the very best treatment for your illness, regardless of politics.

Cannabis extract medicines were produced by Eli Lilly, ParkeDavis, Brothers Smith (Smith Brothers), Squibb, Tildens, and several North American and European companies and apothecaries. Throughout that time, there was not one reported death from cannabis or its extract medicines and virtually no abuse or mental disorders reported, except for first-time users occasionally feeling disoriented or overly introverted.

Cannabis was North America’s primary analgesic for over 60 years until the rediscovery of aspirin around 1900. From 1842 to 1900,

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Our First Annual Medical Halloweed Cup is October 29th, so make sure to check your local dispensary to get your limited, numbered judge or general admission tickets before they are all gone!

This month we have a few new healing recipes for your favorite patient with, of course, our medicinal twist! Some of the following recipes are taken from the real Mother Earth Co-op’s “Special Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis Cookbook.” Canna Chef Kim © 2008 Cookbook available at finer coops, collectives, and physician offices or online at www.motherearthcoop.com/products HUMBOLDT ONION KUSHETTA (Appetizers) 2 tbsp. cannaoil* 2 large onions (chopped) 1 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp. kief*

1/8 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 1/3 cup gorgonzola or blue cheese 8 slices French bread (thick sliced)

Heat cannaoil*(see recipe) in large skillet. Cook onions, brown sugar, and vinegar for about 25 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently. When onions are golden brown, remove from heat, sprinkle with kief*(see recipe), salt and pepper; stir. Place baguette slices on an ungreased cookie sheet. Broil 2 to 3 inches (6 cm) from heat for a few minutes, until lightly browned. Turn slices over, so untoasted side is up. Spread caramelized onions over toasted bread and sprinkle with cheese.

Broil about 1 more minute, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve appetizers hot. Makes 8 healing servings.

Note: You can make part of this appetizer ahead. Just cook the onions and store in the refrigerator for a day. The toasts can be prepared ahead too, stored at room temperature, well covered. Then, assemble and broil the finished appetizer. Feta cheese is also tasty with this recipe.

CHILLIN’ CORYMAN CELERY SOUP (Soups) 1 medium leek (sliced) ½ tsp. salt 6 cups celery (sliced) 13 stalks 1 medium onion (chopped) 1/2 tsp. kief* 1 tbsp. canna coconut oil pinch cayenne pepper 1 small potato (chopped) 1/8 tsp. white pepper 2 cups water

Wash leek well and drain. Cook celery, onion, and leek in oil in a large heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until softened, about 10 minutes. Add potatoes, water, salt, kief*(see recipe), cayenne and white peppers. Simmer covered until celery and potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Purée in batches in a blender until smooth; then force through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on the solids and discarding them. Set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water. Let stand, stirring occasionally until cold. Season with salt. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Makes 4 special servings.

Note: Wonderful source of vitamins and helps reduce fever and nausea. ALWAYS remember to use caution when blending hot liquids.

GRAPEFRUIT HAZE CRAB SALAD (Salads) 1 head red lettuce 6 cups salad greens 3 red grapefruit (pieces) 2 tomatoes (cut in wedges) 12-oz. crabmeat 1 small green sweet pepper

milk. Spread the filling over the bottom layer, cover, and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).

1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup yogurt (plain) 1 egg white (hard boiled) 1/4 tsp. kief* 1 tbsp. catsup 3 drops hot sauce

Line 4 plates with crisp lettuce leaves and top with torn greens. Section grapefruit over a bowl to catch juice and set the juice aside. Remove seeds from sections. Arrange grapefruit sections, tomatoes, crabmeat, and pepper rings on top of greens.

For dressing: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the reserved grapefruit juice, the mayonnaise, yogurt, hardboiled egg white (chopped), kief* (see recipe), catsup, and hot pepper sauce. If desired, stir in additional grapefruit juice, 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency. Top each salad with dressing mixture. Makes 4 medicinal servings.

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 of sea salt and allow it 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 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 and 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 and the wide ends of the eggplant skins at the top of 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 onions are tender. In a small bowl, combine beef stock, tomato paste, cornstarch, and 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 a sprinkle of grated cheese for the relief of pain and nausea.

COCO LOCO MEDICINE MINT SQUARES (Bars) 1/2 cup cannabutter* 1/4 cup white sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 large egg (beaten) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs 1 cup coconut (shredded) 1/2 cup walnuts (coarsely chopped)

1/4 cup cannabutter* 3 tbsp. milk 2 tbsp. vanilla custard powder 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract 2 cups powdered sugar** 4-oz. semisweet chocolate 1 tbsp. cannabutter*

Grease a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) pan. BOTTOM LAYER: In a saucepan over a low heat, melt cannabutter. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder and then gradually whisk in the beaten egg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (1 to 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm (about an hour).

FILLING: In an electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the cannabutter. Beat in the remaining ingredients. If desired, add a little green food coloring and beat until the filling is uniform in color. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add a little more

TOP LAYER: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and cannabutter. Spread over the filling and refrigerate. Makes about 25 squares.

Note: *(see recipe). **Powdered Sugar is also know as confectioners or icing sugar, dependant upon what part of the world you live in. To prevent the chocolate from cracking, bring the squares to room temperature and then, using a sharp knife, cut into pieces. “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 in cooking or for smoking. It is usually a pale green to light brown dependant on the strain of 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 & practicing random acts of kindness each and every day!!!

Peace, Love & Gratitude, Kim

I have written many articles on nutrients and additives for growing and often highly recommend organic additives and the use of beneficial microbes and teas to really enhance the flowers, immune system, and overall health of the plant, and to get sweeter, tastier buds! Many of you also know I have been a big fan of Canna nutrients, especially Canna Coco with coco as my favorite growing medium of course. But several months ago, my friend Scott from IGS told me about a product line that is NOT nutrients, but rather a series of bottles that was based off of plant science and not just loading the plant with N-P-K. No big phosphorous and potassium bloom boosters like most companies push.

No! This is a product line that is 100% organic and you still use your base nutrients like Canna Coco A & B. But don’t be tempted to use anything else or you will destroy the program and the plant!

So I did my research and it was almost impossible to get my hands on it, but my good buddy Scott had a friend in Holland get me some and he sent it over!

I had a lot going on at the time when it arrived, so I decided to run it at a good friend’s grow room, a very experienced grower I have worked with for years. He’s the kind of person who always tries to find a reason to complain or say that something didn’t work that well! He runs his own custom recipe and thinks it’s the best! So when he ran it and wrote this article as a feedback report on what he did and the nutrient, I knew I had found something magical!

He messed up many different things by being lazy and busy with other things, but it still came out as probably the best looking and best tasting buds I have ever tasted! I’m told this nutrient will be in the USA by early 2012; but till then, this is the report on the product line Aptus!

I’m a bit of a plant geek. Nerdy science talk turns me on almost as much as a smokin’ hot blonde…almost. I asked a lot of questions and grilled the Dutchmen into the ground, but nothing rattled them. They just responded with sensible answers and simple explanations. They claim the Aptus Specialty Boosters are founded on very basic plant science, like proper soil microlife, nutrient movement through plant tissue, high concentrations of organic active ingredients, antagonistic action between nutrients (some “push” away others), and preventative care (keep plants healthy to avoid problems) versus curative (try to fix problems).

In spite of my skepticism, I decided to make an educated decision and see if what they were saying was the truth. I was just wrapping up a cycle and decided to do a test in one of my rooms – mostly to prove that my custom recipe would trump any shiny new nutrient line.

The Aptus guys told me to try just a couple of products on some of my baby cuttings for a week and then report back. I started with FaSilitor (silicic acid for nutrition management) and Start-Boost (organic nitrogen, bacteria, amino acids, humic and fulvic acid). I had some clones that were just rooting and would be used for my next cycle – a nice Master Kush (not known for yield, but definitely a stanky herb and great medicine!).

I transplanted my clones into Fox Farm Light Warrior and fed them once every two days when the soil was dry. The first thing I noticed was how little of the product I had to use. I was nervous giving only 3ml of FaSilitor and 5ml of Start-Boost for an entire 5 gallons of water. I’m used to adding 5-10ml per 1 gallon of each nutrient!

This was all I put in my water for the first 7 days.

Words can’t explain what the picture here shows! Not only was the vertical growth nearly twice that of the Roots Excelurator control, but there were also three full branching tops versus the one top on the control. I’ve never seen this kind of veg response!

A NEW PLANT TECHNOLOGY FROM HOLLAND, PSHAW! BY: LANCELOT Finally! The silver bullet for massive harvests! Grow rock hard buds the size of footballs! Break two pounds per light every harvest!

I went back to my local shop where I got the Aptus and demanded the rest of the product line. And there’s another thing that made me happy; not only are the bottles ultra-small because of the concentrations, but there are only 7 products for the entire cycle (plus a base NPK)! This means no more lugging 40-pound jugs into my room. I can literally fit an entire cycle of nutrients in my backpack!

I’ve heard every marketing pitch trying to push some new nutrient into my precious garden and every audacious claim of huge yields and snow white buds.

I’ve been growing for awhile and have developed my own special recipe that is reliable, productive, and cost effective. So, when approached about a new nutrient technology from Holland, I was skeptical. But there was something different about the way they talked about their philosophy and products. There was no hype, no sensational claims, and frankly, no bullshit. All I heard from them was true plant science backed up by a decade of university research and success with commercial agriculture in Europe. They were more concerned with educating me than with selling me.

I’m used to vegging for 3-4 weeks, especially with a full indica, but the Aptus guys convinced me to cut my veg time in half. Here’s what happened…

VEG – DAY 7 I transplanted into 5-gallon grow bags with Ready Gro coco mix and kept the same feed.

VEG – DAY 10 I flipped my light cycle. Plants were about 8-10 inches tall and most had 4-5 tops at this point (no topping!). I placed 6 plants per 600W HPS light – this is my usual configuration with 4 weeks of veg. The tables looked pretty sparse. I’m thinking…

Okay, trust the Aptus guys.

If they screw up my harvest, I may break some legs. Trust, trust, trust. Breathe…

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MY FLOWER ROOM SETUP This particular room is not my ideal setup (someone else built it), so I broke a few rules…Okay, a lot. I also battled with heat (not enough AC), tight working spaces (got lazy on the undertrim), and a helper who has never seen the inside of a grow room.

BLOOM – WEEK 4 My girls have grown to almost 4 feet tall and have incredibly dense top canopies. There’s not a drop of powdery mildew, spider mites, or even fungus gnats, which I nearly always have. My temps have been 85-90°F with humidity at about 65-75%. The plants are strong and healthy with no signs of heat stress. This is apparently from the effects of FaSilitor and the special form of silicic acid it provides.

A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE APTUS GUYS AND HOW I BROKE THEM • Never let your nutrients stay in a res for more than 3 days…I left for a full week.

• Best to mix and feed with no run-off to keep nutrients in the medium…I ran a re-circulating system with full run-off back to the res.

• Let your medium dry out in between feedings…I fed for 15 minutes every day with my manual timers, leaving the medium constantly saturated.

BLOOM – WEEK 5 I mix in the horrific smelling Finale-Boost (amino acids, potassium, and sulfur).

My only thought is that if dead and rotting organic material is a great fertilizer, THIS is a gourmet Vegas buffet! Don’t ever splash Finale-Boost on your clothes if you ever want a girl to date you. At least I only need 1-3ml per gallon. Also, there’s another dose of Mass-Boost needed here.

All I really did right was mix my nutrients according to the feed schedule and resist the urge to add other stuff to my reservoir.

BLOOM – WEEK 1 In the first week, the nutrient mix is the same as veg, except I started adding a base NPK, Canna Coco A/B at about 900 PPM. At the end of the week, my girls are healthy, strong, and about 18 inches tall! Most have 6-9 full tops. Now I was getting excited, and nervous. This Master Kush has never needed a trellis, just a few stakes usually worked. But these girls were growing fast.

Solid budsites started showing at about Day 5.

BLOOM – WEEK 2 I mixed off with FaSilitor, Bloom-Boost (amino acids, sugars, microelements, natural vitamins and hormones), and Peak-Boost (amino acids, phosphorous). For the next 5 days they continued to grow quickly and bush out. Now my little babies have completely filled the trays and have a thick, full canopy. I realize I can easily cut my veg time down and save a lot of work and costs.

BLOOM – WEEK 3 Early in Week 3, buds are forming nicely (they look about 4-5 days further along than usual). I’m even getting some distinct aromas and trichomes, signs that terpenes and oils are already forming.

Other growers I’ve talked to who are running this test have reported that their plants developed faster, and some even cut off days from their harvest.

I added Mass-Boost (amino acids, calcium, magnesium). My usual feed schedule calls for CaMg every feeding, but as it turns out, excess calcium can “push” phosphorous away, starving a flowering plant. So, Aptus balances the levels so that all the nutrients are available. The rest of the feed schedule stays the same (only increasing PPM to about 1400 by Week 4). The plants are monsters and I can see that I should have installed trellises. Oops!

Two days after adding Finale-Boost, I walked into my room and immediately saw a massive surge in growth. I’ve never seen a growth response like this, so I asked the Aptus guys. As it turns, my “custom” recipe includes too much potassium (K) during early flower when the plant doesn’t really need it. With Aptus, I can essentially starve the plant until it needs (K). Suddenly the plant gets a readily available dose of potassium and responds like grandpa on the blue pill.

Three other growers I’ve talked to saw the exact same surge. Visible change in just two days like this is very exciting! Towards the end of the week, the beautiful white hairs are already starting to turn reddish brown. Master Kush is a spot on 8-week finisher, but this is a bit early, even for her.

BLOOM – WEEK 6 The recipe is basically the same as Week 5 (no Mass-Boost). I see some early signs of spider mites on a couple of plants; probably brought in by my inexperienced helper. And with the heat, they are starting to breed. A couple of neem oil treatments slowed them down considerably. At this stage, I hate treating with anything because of the risk of bud damage.

BLOOM – WEEK 7 Now here was the tricky part. I had to leave town during the entire week. I was friggin’ nervous leaving my doofus helper in charge, especially with mites on about 5 plants. I treated them right before I left, then crossed my fingers and clenched my butt cheeks. My room will probably be destroyed.

BLOOM – WEEK 8 When I came back, those 5 plants were draped like a bloody circus. Colonies of mites were building their towers of destruction everywhere. BUT, that was it. The strength of the remaining plants kept the mites isolated to those five plants despite being crammed together on the tables and even touching across the aisles.

Based on my past experience with those temperatures, the plant density, and no treatments for an entire week, the entire room would be infested. I’m really starting to believe the Aptus guys!

I came back just in time to mix off the final flushing res; just water and Ecozym (enzymes, sugars, microelements). I sprayed some Doktor Doom, pulled off the webs where the mites were worst, and decided to just wait it out. They mostly went away and the buds were still in great shape.

HARVEST We finished three days earlier than usual with this strain. All in all, the total dry weight was 14% greater than the previous cut in the same room, with the same strain, same everything, except nutrients. And it was the highest quality: appearance, aroma, and effectiveness of any medicine I’ve grown – at least that’s what my patients report. Plus, I dig that it’s organic and cost less overall.

I did just about everything wrong in this room, partly because I had a lot of other things going on and because I wanted to see if the Dutchmen could back up what they say. I’ve realized why they don’t need to hype their product or make outrageous claims. True plant science doesn’t lie. I was a skeptic. Now, I’m a believer.

By: Mel the Bumbling Gardener | Part 4 “Are you Growing Yet?” Hello to all my loyal NUG readers and hydro friends in San Diego. It has now been 1 year of “Growing with Mel the Bumbling Gardner” and I have to tell you, I’ve had a blast with this project and feel very lucky to have been able to sample so many great but very different “turn-key” growing chambers (The Spinner, Phototron, and Quick Grow Q-9). I wonder how many other gardeners in the world got a chance like this…Thank you NUG! If you remember last month’s NUG, I had just cut and trimmed “Row 1” of a 50-day grow using Heavy 16 nutrients…Really only 50 days from 7-inch clone to finished bud. You should also understand that I am not trying to grow a record harvest. What I am trying to do is find a way to plant, grow, and harvest each and every month all year long. What I am looking for is a gravy train of meds that never stops. Isn’t that what we are all looking for? – I’m just saying.

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Now that my “Row 1” harvest was all cut and trimmed, it was time to dry things out. Question; How do you “dry” your crop? I’ll bet many of you will answer, “I hang it up to dry.” Some of you will say, “I put it in the toaster oven because I can’t wait. It just takes too long for it to hang dry; it just takes too much time.” Now go on, I know you’ve used that little oven. Don’t try to fool old Mel, I’ve been there and done that myself. If you remember last month, I let you know I had found another box with my pro-model Q-9 from Quick Grow.

I have to tell you, the guys at Quick Grow really had the grower in mind when they put this package together because they send a very complete growing unit; remember, all you have to do is add water, nutrients, and the crop you like and the Q-9 will do the rest.

I was surprised at first when I opened that box. What I found inside was a “Flower & Herb Dryer.” What I thought was just a big box turned out to be a well thought-out air-dryer. No one tried to reinvent the wheel; they just put all the best parts together to make a very handy accessory tool that you will use after every harvest. Quick Grow’s Herb Dryer is the perfect addition to your list of must have tools. Drying time is decreased (2-6 days is normal depending on your drying room air temp) while the air flow is handled by a 3” ball bearing

fan. The matching coco carbon filter air system gently moves fresh air through the box while effectively killing all odors and growing smells. The dryer bin has 2 removable mesh shelves that will hold ample amounts of flowers and herbs. All you have to do is plug it in, lay your crop on one of the mesh shelves, snap the lid down, and away you go to dry herb town.

I gave it the old “smell” test: I let it run in a closed garage all day, brought the wife in and asked her what she thought about the new herb dryer.

She said, “It looks great, but does it work?” All I had to do was pop off the lid…Yea, it really works.

So here I am, just about where I wanted to be. I think I’ve found a way to clone, veg, and flower all at the same time while still enjoying a great harvest every 30 days or so. For those of you who haven’t read along last year, I think a quick review might help. First up, The Spinner…If what you are looking for is a system that eats new clones for every grow, and you want that 12 plant at a time kind of harvest, then the Spinner is hard to beat. With its 600W bulb and never-ending spinning approach to growing, it’s a real performer. With a footprint less than 45 inches, this circle-shaped chamber is easy on the eye until you open the doors and let the full force of the Spinner hit you in the face.

If what you are looking for is smaller, less expensive, and easy on the pocketbook to run each month, then the Phototron just might be for you.

After selling over 150 thousand units worldwide in the last 20 years, you know it is a product that works. If growing 3 plants at a time (3 feet tall) will make you happy, or if space is a problem, then a Phototron should be the perfect unit to fill your needs. You will be amazed at how much you can produce with this veteran grow chamber. I bought my first Phototron in the mid ‘80s; ya I’m that old. You get a 3-plant harvest of very close spaced buds every 90 days. Everyone can grow good herbs in a Phototron. So, did I save the best for last? I can’t really say one system is any better than the other. Each one has its place and will do a great job. But for the way I wanted to grow, the Quick Grow Q-9 rang all my bells. The Q-9 greenhouse with its “Dual Chamber” growing system was my answer to that harvest every month, all year long lifestyle I was looking for.

After all is said and done, what I wanted to do was help control the cost, quality, and availability of my meds. Now instead of looking for that next kind of overpriced top shelf strain, I find myself looking for that exotic new clone, or a friend from the past that I can bring back to life with my new growing skills. Ask any contractor; ask your mechanic or plumber; it’s the tools that make the job so easy. With the right growing tools, you too can grow your own. Yes, it has been a year. What have you grown?

Or did you just sit on the fence. I still say, “Get off that fence, it’s time to grow!”

Hopper’s workload was a little heavier this month as we had five strains for him to sample. I thought he was happy the first time we gave him four strains to review, but it’s true, the quickest way to The Chronisseur’s heart is through his lungs.

“This bud is draped in tons of red hairs with light green leaves shinning through. The hairs are as close to solid red as I have ever seen. Its aroma definitely lives up to its name; it actually does smell like a bunch of bananas! Although it smells like bananas, it doesn’t have the same taste. I wouldn’t describe it as ‘fruity’, but more of an earthy flavor with a slight hint of berry. The hit was easy on the lungs and offered a really great head high. This strain would be a good choice for patients with limited lung capacity who are looking for a natural relaxant.”

“The little nugget seems to have been grown well. Its lighter shade of green is complimented by a few reddish hairs and lots of trichomes. It is just a little bit ‘wispy’, but that could be due to genetics, not grower error. It smells like a Skywalker OG cross to me; a very sweet aroma with a nice OG overtone.

I’m looking forward to sampling this one! Just like the aroma, the flavor is also very sweet. The hit settles in nicely. It is not at all harsh. It gives a good cough, no choke. Great for a patient in need of relaxation and stress relief; and it would also be a perfect strain for tension headaches.”

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“I have never heard of this strain, but it does appear to have been nicely grown. The dark green colored leaves set off the bright red hairs. Overall, a really good-looking bud. It smells much like an OG or from the Chem Dawg family.

The hit was excellent with really great flavor. It gave me a pleasant cough, but it wasn’t a choker. The flavor coats the tongue and sticks around for awhile. It is somewhat spicy on the palette, but by spicy, I mean flavorful, not uncomfortable. It also has a hint of a hash-like flavor. The high has a sedating effect. This is an ideal strain for patients suffering from moderate to severe pain or in need of bed rest due to injury or illness.”

“This bright green little nug, although small, is a beautiful specimen accented by many different shades of green.

The red hairs shine through, so do the many trichomes. Its aroma is just like a nice OG, a really nice OG. This sample was obviously grown with care and expertise; I can’t wait to give it a try! Serious expansion in the hit, it gave me quite a cough. It has a very strong OG flavor that coats the tongue even after the hit and the cough. An almost instant high, both head and body. Nearly any patient would benefit from this strain; it eases pain in the body and mind. To the grower – great job!”

“Although this sample doesn’t seem to have much purpling, it is still a nice, tight little bud covered with slightly red hairs. Actually, they are more orange than red. The aroma is not very strong; it has a sweet overtone and no Kushlike smell. It’s a little on the floral side. Maybe it was crossed with Purple Urkle. The hit was fairly pleasant; it took another BIG hit just to get a slight cough. Sorry to say that the flavor just isn’t what I have come to expect from the Purple Kush. It’s earthier with somewhat of a nutty undertone. Due to its mild expansion, this sample would be a good choice for a patient who is new to medical cannabis.”

Hopper has been hinting at it for awhile and now the time has finally come. Although it will remain a private patient care center, The GDC, San Diego’s original Green Door Collective, is now open to new members. Of course, all patients must have a valid California ID, a current doctor’s recommendation, and be at least 21 years old. To all of his long-term patients, Hopper says, “We will still have the highest quality and the same personalized oneon-one service as always, so don’t worry about being treated like a number. Patient care is our number one priority and you have my word that it will not change. Our patients have become like family members to us over the years; we’re just expanding the family!” Stop by 3021 Adams Avenue and let The Chronisseur budtend for you! For more information and to see The GDC’s first ever print ad, take Bob Seger’s advice and “turn the page.”

By: Aaron Evans Some people can’t resist pushing buttons. Call them rebel rousers. Punk rockers. Outcasts.

Call them devil’s advocates dancing with a double-edged sword. Call them the spoon stirring the pot of life, preventing a dull film of homogenous existence from forming over the surface. Call them what you will, but please call them heroes. These brave souls adamantly battle an ongoing war, attempting to save us from a world where we all walk on eggshells in constant worry of someone crying over a little spilled milk.

October’s feature for Perpetual Motion, Josh Opdenaker, a.k.a. JOP, is one such button pusher: an enigmatic puzzle undaunted by what is considered socially acceptable. He splices his soul into his art with recluse abandonment while showing no concern for others’ comfort zones. Sculpting “think pieces,” he dares his audience to, “See what they want to see, but also see something inside themselves they may not have known was there.” JOP’s art makes no apologies and asks for no forgiveness. You know what? I’m glad it doesn’t. For that my friends, is art in its true form.

Sometimes in life when you find a good watering hole and pull a prize catch, the best thing you can do is reload your bait and drop your line right back in the same spot. That’s just what I’ve done. Two months ago, I told you about J.A.G. and his fabulous new digs here in San Diego, and it turns out JOP is the co64 | NUGMAG.COM

founder of “The Glass Palace” as I’ve come to call it. In fact, he mans 3 of the 7 torches with a fulltime assistant and part-time intern who help him manage his blossoming career. I returned to their lair in P.B.; as I began to interview this rebellious spirit, I was surprised to hear that he had attained his B.F.A. from the University of Arts Philadelphia almost ten years ago. Staring at his tattoos and taking in his deviant smile, I didn’t assume this madman (it takes one to know one) would have come from a traditional education. But what I found even more unexpected was that his studies were in stone carving. After all, here I was chatting with an artisan who works in perhaps the most delicate medium known to man, and his formal upbringing in sculpting was from the polar opposite of the spectrum. That’s pretty dope.

JOP told me that the biggest problem with carving stone is that you spend 6 months on one piece, and when priced appropriately, it ends up with a $60,000 price tag once in gallery. Being that he was young and without an established name in the art world, this proved to be a difficult road. Still, he told me that the struggle all artists face is one of the things that he loves most about art. Art must come from the heart, and those without heart wither and fade into shadow over time. Looking for a new medium, he was drawn to glass because of its fragility, its finiteness. Referring to it as a, “Strength not a weakness.” It all adds up to me. After learning the craft of sculpting by creating pieces that will live forever, why not explore a new world where the art is bound to a definitive end? If life is about balance, then perhaps it’s best we’re all a bit bi-polar.

I’ve touched on the progressive glassblowing scene in Philadelphia, but I’ve also highlighted how volatile it was from a legal angle in the early 2000’s. This reality was by no means lost on Josh; for the first 5 years that he blew glass, he never made a pipe and chose to focus instead on refining and perfecting his technique and style while creating non-functional glass. Intricate and ornate goblets, vases and candle holders were shown at world class art shows such as SOFA (Sculpture Objects and Functional Art) in N.Y. and Chicago. During this period of his career, he also created jewelry and sculptures that look as if harvested from pristine, prehistoric coral reefs, and preserved forever in glass casing. Still, the world of non-functional glass presented many of the same challenges he encountered while being a stone carver. Seeing his peers beginning to establish solid careers from pipe-making, he finally decided to jump into the ring. I really enjoyed the manner in which he spoke of functional glass versus non-functional glass. See… a piece of art, no matter how loved, is often only observed, untouched and even stored as an investment at times. But, the relationship a patient has to their pipe is completely unparalleled. People do truly bond with their pieces, and being that glass is a finite object, one must appreciate the time they spend with the art before its inevitable demise.

Now when it comes to JOP’s pipes, I would say without question that what sets him apart is how much of his everyday emotion and feeling is instilled in each piece. If it happens to be a day where he feels the world is absurd, he makes pieces with his signature play-on rubber chickens. Sometimes it’s a rubber chicken slide; sometimes it’s a rubber chicken bubbler, but if that’s how he feels about the world that day, then chickens it is. These things are so popular that he’s had impostors from Texas to India trying to replicate his anti-pop style.

Other days, it’s bi-polar bears, a line featuring furry friends of the forest partaking in some very unfriendly activities. Some of the pieces in this line make me absolutely uncomfortable, and I’m completely confident that was the effect he was going for on these days. I won’t try to explain someone else’s darkness, but it’s obvious that on some days, glassblowing is a very needed psychological outlet for JOP, as it is for most artists. The difference is that most artists aren’t this upfront and honest with themselves or others about it as he is, and I admire that attribute in his work, even if it does make me a bit uneasy.

Another ongoing theme is his “crucifixion art,” which depicts Ganesha, the 6-armed Hindu Goddess, nailed to a cross with 3 crossbars and a nail in each hand. This line truly captures the essence of a “think piece,” having almost endless possible definitions depending on the individual observer. To some, it could be a statement that all religions are interchangeable. To others, it could speak on how we still don’t fully accept other worldly beliefs in a country still controlled with the conservative right wing agenda. No matter what they say, they speak volumes by remaining undefined. Josh explained to me that sometimes he likes to leave things more open, so as to not dictate the direction with an individual title attached to a piece.

Yet, after years of creating masterpiece upon masterpiece, Josh was still waiting for all the stars to align, and at this year’s CHAMPS spring show, the universe finally found it time to grant him his wish. His struggle and sacrifice has finally come full circle. Introducing his new line, “Designer Drugs,” featuring syringes airbrushed and painted with a take on the Louis Vuitton step-down print on top, people lost their minds. At least one could be seen on every dealer and shop’s table, and when he returned home to S.D., his orders had finally increased to the point where he could recruit the help previously mentioned. Once again, this line fell under the category of a think piece; though for him, this line is a personal reflection and commentary about a lifetime of being pricked with needles due to multiple ongoing health issues. Still, he was hesitant to push any set definition about the overall statement behind “Designer Drugs,” wanting it to touch on multiple points. It could be a take on our culture’s addiction to shopping, or it could be a statement about addiction in general. It could be anything really, and that’s just how he likes it. One thing’s for sure, it pushes a button, and that’s what button pushers like to do most.

I’ve been puffing on one of the syringes all week, and it’s kind of emotionally surreal. I have a junkie brother, so it hits pretty close to home. I’ve never had a piece that caters to my dark side and it’s strangely comforting to me. In fact, I even named it after my brother. I’m not exactly sure why yet. I need to think about it some more and I’d be willing to bet that it will bring a smile to JOP’s face. His objective has been met once again. From a functional standpoint, this piece is exceptional. Smooth as jazz in autumn; still fierce as a brawler in a streetlight. The craftsmanship is pristine and clean with precise attention paid to detail. Another month of Perpetual Motion and another master is in the book.

Make sure to check out more of JOP’s captivating work online at www.jopglass.com, and drop by Da Glassworks in P.B. to see his work with your own two eyes. ‘Til next time; keep the fires burning, you know I will.

By: Marco Alvarez Hailing from Philadelphia, alternative rock/reggae band Three Legged Fox has just recently released their third and long-anticipated album, Always Anyway. August 16th saw the unveiling of 12 completely new tracks that address a wide range of both personal and social subjects, from love and relationships all the way to the 2008 Wall Street bailout and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. After 2 years of writing and producing the album, it was well worth the wait!

Three Legged Fox is: Kyle Wareham (Vocals & Guitar), Mark Carson (Bass), Tommy Mosca (Lead Guitar), and Kory Kochersperger (Drums).

“If someone who has never heard of us could only hear one of our albums, I would no doubt give them this one!”

Wareham says. I got the inside take on 3LF and their new album for all our NUG readers from frontman singer and guitarist Kyle Wareham himself: Three Legged Fox is a very unique band name. What does it signify?

The name itself is pretty arbitrary. We entered a battle of the bands back in ‘06 and we needed a name. I had recently told the guys about this three legged fox that used to roam the woods behind my parents’ house in Pennsylvania. I remembered one of us noting that Three Legged Fox would be a good band name; so I went with it!

We ended up winning the battle of the bands and decided the name should stick.

When and how exactly did you all originally meet and come together as a band?

The original lineup met down in Newark, DE. A friend of mine named Carter Perry was going to school there and asked if I’d like to start a band with him, so I started commuting down from Philly every week playing with different Let You Down is the first single on Always Anyway. It’s a dudes. We met Eric Weisenstein, our original bass player, who introduced us to his roommate Mike Brody, who song that anybody can identify with because we all have became our guitar player. After we won the battle, I decided it was time to beef up the rhythm section, so I called let down someone we love at some point. The music video my long-time friend Kory Kochersperger who jumped at the chance to sit behind the drum kit again. After a few for this song was released in August and is the first single years of playing locally, it was clear that the band needed to start touring to increase our reach. Going from a local for which they have made a video. Always Anyway maxed band to a national touring band is an immense commitment and requires a lot of sacrifice. At that point, we had at #2 on the iTunes Top Reggae Album Charts, just under to say goodbye to Eric and Brody and try to fill the big space that they would leave. Luckily, Philly is loaded with Bob Marley’s Legend (Remastered). local talent and it didn’t take long to recruit our current bass player, Mark Carson, and our current guitarist, Tommy Mosca. As we began to rebuild the band and the songs/show, we decided to add a keyboardist; there was only Quite impressive is the band’s self-reliance as this album one guy in Philly I wanted for the job. I called my good friend Jon Duxbury, knowing well he had a good job and was self-produced. It’s rare to see a band with such dedi- asked if there was any chance he’d put it on hold to come on tour with us. I don’t think I finished the proposition cation and discipline to create their music. They fully stand before he showed up at our studio, keyboard in tow! We knew from the limited traveling we had done in our earlier behind their work regardless of whether it will lead to huge years that we couldn’t manage ourselves out on the road. There is so much involved with touring outside of the success or not, and this integrity is the core of real artistry actual show. Our tour manager is our 6th member. Brandon Pescrille completes the 3LF family. and musicianship.

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What is it about alternative rock and reggae do you think helps them mix well together in your sound?

As we’ve developed, I think we’ve blended away a lot of the overt reggae themes (both lyrically and musically) in our material. The biggest influence from our collective love of reggae music is that of one’s ability to deliver a message through music. Reggae has historically been a vehicle of hope, love, political and social discourse. We try to use our voice to really communicate with fans so that our songs carry significant meaning. We also love the bass-heavy, high-hat-driven rhythms of reggae music. We’ll never lose our reggae backbeat. We’re also 5 white guys raised in the suburbs, which explains the alt-rock influence. Artists like Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Black Crowes, State Radio, Citizen Cope, and Ray LaMontagne are frequently playing in our van. Our love for rock guitars and vocals keeps us from sounding like a straight reggae band.

Did you guys struggle with the idea of making music for a living rather than have a job that people tend to consider more practical for paying the bills?

That’s definitely one of the big sacrifices that you make when you’re in an independent touring band. While we do make enough money to support ourselves on the road and to pay for small expenses like cell phone bills, we can’t yet afford to live normal home lives. Some of us have given up apartments and cars to be able to do what we do. When we’re off the road, we either stay with our parents or crash at friends’ places. We’re fortunate that everyone’s lives are compatible with this lifestyle and we know that we’re making an investment; and should it pay off, then it will allow us to make a decent living from our passion. We’re aware of this small window of our lives that affords us this opportunity, and we all agree that we can’t wait for our next lives to go for it!

Have your families always been supportive of your musical pursuits?

Always. Our families are very supportive of all of us and believe in what we do. My family has been like a second family to the other guys. When we need a place to stay or a meal, they’re always quick to oblige. My family has been the single most important reason why I’m able to do this. Without them, I don’t know if there would be a Three Legged Fox. What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

My house was always full of music growing up. My dad played guitar in a few bands as did my uncle, so it wasn’t uncommon for live music to be happening in our living room on a Saturday night. My dad was usually playing old blues albums through the stereo, so I listened to a lot of Albert King, Muddy Waters, and Edgar Winter. He also often played Grateful Dead and Bob Marley. I actually came across an old music video of myself singing “When the Lights Go Down in the City” when I was about 10, so I guess there was some Journey thrown in from time to time!

What’s the music scene like around Philadelphia and on the East Coast? Has it been a nurturing or somewhat difficult starting point as far as establishing a base there?

Philadelphia is an incredible music town. There’s so much musical history here from Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia Records label to the many classic songs that have been written about Philly. New venues are popping up all the time and there’s always some great original music to see. Everyone who is involved in the Philly music scene is extremely supportive of one another. It’s really been a great place to grow from. Geographically, it’s centrally located to many major cities including New York, Baltimore, Boston, and DC. This makes hitting major markets logistically easy.

When will 3LF be coming to play on the West Coast, and in California? Do you have a show scheduled for San Diego sometime in the future by any chance?

We’re looking at a tentative November tour out West. San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the country, so I’d be hard-pressed to pass up a SD date!

What can you tell me about your thoughts on the legalization of cannabis? Do you feel it should be legalized simply for medicinal use, or should it be completely legal?

It should absolutely be legalized for medicinal use; any opposition to that is borderline inhumane. As far as complete legalization, I tend to go back and forth. I think that the U.S. could benefit from legalizing and taxing one of our biggest cash-crops. I’d love to be able to buy a pack of joints at the corner store. However, I have friends who make their living growing and selling cannabis, so legalization could potentially put them out of business. I think the most important thing we could do for society would be to drastically decriminalize marijuana. No one should have to serve jail time for a substance that isn’t physically addictive and is historically much safer to use than alcohol. Our nation’s prisons are overpopulated because the government classifies marijuana with serious, life-ending narcotics like cocaine and heroin.

Does cannabis have any sort of influence or role in your music-making?

I smoke on a regular basis. Marijuana has always helped open my mind to inspiration. It makes music sound better, and it makes me more creative. Our keyboardist actually blows glass for a company out here called Illadelph, who supplied us with a custom 3LF tube that never leaves my side in the studio! The only downside is the effect it has on my voice, so I try not to smoke before a show.

The name for the new album, Always Anyway, what does it mean?

Always Anyway is derived from a line in the song Let You Down. We went back and forth on a few different album titles but ultimately decided that this one was the most powerful. It’s vague enough that people can attach to it whatever meaning they want, but it also offers an essence of hope; a promise of sorts, to oneself or another. It also sounds pretty cool!

Is there a personal favorite song of yours on it?

I honestly love each song on the album for different reasons. Recording and producing an album yourself has a weird way of pulling you out of the song itself though, which makes it hard to hear the tracks the way an objective listener would. Now, when I listen to the record, all I can hear are levels and highs, mids, and lows.

My favorite song to play live right now is High Time For Arrival. It has this really cool go-go inspired breakdown and I get to rock the cowbell!

The album cover interestingly blends all of your faces together onto one body. Who came up with that cool idea?

Thanks! That was Kory’s idea. When he presented it to me, I wasn’t sure exactly what it’d look like, but I always trust his judgment. When the first proof came back I was sold!

Any shout-outs or anyone you’d like to thank?

We’d like to thank our sponsors: CAD Audio, Aguilar Amplification, Silver Surfer Vaporizers, Illadelph Glass, Axion Footwear, Fucluk Creations. And our friends: The Pier, Music Bailout, Branch Out Music, Persona PR. BIG THANKS TO NUG MAGAZINE! Hope to see you guys out West!

To further satisfy your appetite on Three Legged Fox, visit their official website @ www. threeleggedfoxlive.com & their press website @ www.threeleggedfoxpress.com for some insightful interviews on the making of the album as well as some bonus tracks!

By: Pamela Jayne You all know him as the badass bassist from Unwritten Law, Sprung Monkey, Black President, and now Thousand Watt Stare. On the night we caught up with Pat Kim, he was deep into his other latest gig as a tattoo artist at Adora Tattoo Studio in San Diego. Talk about coming full circle, he was blasting some ink on NUG Magazine’s very own Chronisseur, a design that was actually a Pat Kim original from nearly 20 years ago when Sprung Monkey was just getting started.

The piece he inked on Hopper is the logo from that first label they worked together on, Black Cat Do Records. As the tattoo gun was buzzing away, we chilled and had a chat with Pat about his new band, Thousand Watt Stare.

How long has Thousand Watt Stare been together? Did you set out to form a band or were you just informally jamming in the beginning?

Thousand Watt Stare has been together for a little over a year now. Basically, TWS happened because our singer Christian and I jammed together for a minute when I was doing a project called Black President.

We did some shows with Bad Brains and Suicidal Tendencies. It was a really good time, and Christian and I got along very well, but I had to step away to continue on with Unwritten Law stuff. One day Christian called me up just to jam, so I called in Dylan from Unwritten Law and we just did some impromptu jams. Christian already had a bunch of songs written and ready to go.

We started as a three piece and ended up recording at our friend Ken Seaton’s studio in Hermosa Beach; he actually built that studio with Fletcher from Pennywise.

We ended up busting out six songs in one session and it sounded so good we were like, ‘Holy crap, we’re pretty decent, let’s keep going; and Ken was like, ‘this sounds really good, let me just put it out.’ So that’s ba-

sically how we formed. Being in Thousand Watt Stare has also given me a renewed vigor and joy for playing music. It’s fun not having to deal with egos and all of that. It’s just nice to get together, jam, and have fun.

That’s something I haven’t had in awhile.

out of college to pursue music. It’s cool to see it all come full circle; Sprung Monkey is doing some new stuff and we look forward to doing some shows with them.

What is the origin of the name, Thousand Watt Stare?

Christian is a massive horror movie buff. The name comes from an old actor from the black and white movie era named Dwight Frye. He was in Dracula, Frankenstein, etc., and was known as ‘the man with the thousand watt stare.’ Alice Cooper even wrote a song about him called ‘The Ballad of Dwight Frye.’

When Christian brought up the idea, we all dug it, so You’ve played in bands alongside brothers that’s how it came about. before, right?

Yeah, yeah. With Steve and Mike in Sprung Monkey. Who writes your material?

Like them, the Howard kids are just really good guys – Christian had already written most of the songs when it all came together really naturally. we formed. I wrote the title track ‘Silver Dimes.’ Once we get in the studio and start tracking, is when it all reTell us a little bit about each member and ally comes together. what it is that they bring to the band as a whole.

Do you have a release date set for Silver Our singer, Christian, has a history. He was in The Dimes?

Chelsea Smiles and also before Black President when Yeah, October 18th is the official release date.

I had just met him, he had been playing with Dee Dee Ramone for like four years in the Dee Dee Ramone Do you have a favorite song or lyric on Silver Band until Dee Dee passed away. Christian was up Dimes? there singing and playing Ramone’s songs. And what That’s one of those things that always changes for me. can you say about that, except that they’re the fuckin’ This album is on the heavier side. There are songs Ramones. That’s punk history! Dylan was the drummer that are much heavier than those on the EP. I love for Unwritten Law; he quit that, so he’s straight Thou- the heavy stuff and we have really heavy songs like sand Watt Stare now. Trevor is Dylan’s brother and he “Messenger,” but I can’t say I have a favorite because played in a band called The Glory Stompers back in it changes all the time.

LA. I played bass in Sprung Monkey, Black President, Unwritten Law, and now Thousand Watt Stare. I moved Do you have plans to tour anytime in the down here from LA to go to San Diego State, and that’s near future? how I met all of those guys. After three years I dropped NUGMAG.COM | 71 Why did you decide to become a four piece?

The four piece just happened recently, about a month ago. We realized, playing live, that we were missing that heavier element of the second guitar. Dylan’s brother Trevor is a young little ripper on the guitar, so we had him come in and we were all like, ‘this is it, we need two guitars.’

Right now we’re doing mostly local and weekend shows. We all have jobs and Christian and I both have kids, so we’re not in the position where we want to jump in a van for months on end.

You’ve been touring for a long time. Do you look forward to going on the road? How is it different now that you have a family?

It is much different now. I have to be way more selective. It’s all good though, I do weekend gigs wherever we can get to – most are local. We do a bunch of LA shows and we’ve been doing a lot more San Diego shows as well, that’s been really cool.

What label is Thousand Watt Stare on?

Hardline Entertainment. It’s run by our friend Ken Seaton.

Which bands, from the past and/or the present, would you compare Thousand Watt Stare to?

From the present, The Jim Jones Revue, which is a band I really dig right now. Thousand Watt Stare is like if you were to put together AC/DC, Motörhead, and Lords of the New Church with a dash of Hanoi Rocks.

It’s that traditional, straight up rock and roll vibe, like old Aerosmith with some creepiness in there too.

Have your past experiences in the music industry influenced how you approach Thousand Watt Stare?

Because everyone in the band has been on a major label at some point, we’re all a lot more laid back about it. We’re not out chasing a dream to be rock stars. We’re not searching for anything but to record and play music and have fun. Also, I have basically done a full career change now. I’ve been playing music for over 15 years as my main job, so now tattoo-

ing seems like a natural progression for me. I am so excited to be here at Adora Tattoo Studio with Glen Sluder teaching me. It’s cool to be in an environment like this. Even after we close, we hang out and paint or just shoot the shit. It’s important to be around someone I have respect for and learn from everyday.

meth, really blues driven rock and roll; it’s really intense.

You are also known for your artwork. Did you do the artwork for Silver Dimes?

Yes, I did work on it with a couple of other artists. Dylan and Trevor have another brother who is an amazing artist; he’s actually working on the new Mastodon cover as well. We traded it off every couple of days. I also brought it in here (Adora Tattoo Studio) and had Glen tag it up as well. It’s cool to have other artists to be creative with.

What is in store for Thousand Watt Stare in the near future?

Well, ‘Silver Dimes’ is being released on October 18th, and we have video and photo shoots planned. We’re playing at the Whiskey coming up in October with Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks. We have a Troubadour show opening for D Generation, and we’re also doing another show with D Generation at The Casbah here in San Diego at the end of this month. Also, we’ll be playing with Sprung Monkey on November 12th at Brick by Brick in San Diego.

Who is your target audience? Who do you think will dig Thousand Watt Stare the most?

Rock and Roll traditionalists…People who want unpretentious music.

What’s it like to play live with Thousand Watt Stare?

Well, I’m used to playing with Dylan in Unwritten Law; he is a terrific drummer. Christian is just a beast on guitar. Trevor is a ripper, too. I truly love playing in this band; that is something you can’t fake. It’s cool to know that at the end of the day, you can still throw down with the best of the best.

Who are you a fan of, musically?

I’ll always have a love for metal. You know, when you guys walked in here today, I was blasting Iron Maiden. I listen to Slayer, and like I said before, I’m really into The Jim Jones Revue. It’s like Chuck Berry on

What sets Thousand Watt Stare apart from other bands out now?

We’re really honest in what we are doing, but it’s not like we’re trying to reinvent the wheel or anything. We’re just doing what we enjoy and I think people can see that.

Anything else you want to tell NUG readers?

I hope you guys dig Thousand Watt Stare; hope to see you out at one of our shows, and if you’re looking for some ink, come see me at Adora Tattoo Studio in San Diego.

For additional photos, tour dates and songs: www.thousandwattstare.com; www.reverbnation.com/thousandwattstare; www.facebook. com/thousandwattstare; www.hardlineent. com; www.facebook.com/HardlineEntertainment

To book an appointment with Pat or Glen: http://www.adoratattoo.com 7151 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115 (619) 461-3300

Through The Roots and Here To Stay By: SD Liz

San Diego’s very own Through The Roots is rising up. In addition to their national Spring tour with one of SD’s favorite reggae bands, Tribal Seeds, the boys of Through The Roots are currently on another national tour with Iration and Tomorrows Bad Seeds. They also recently came out with an EP called Here To Stay, which tells us, these boys are “here to stay.”

Through The Roots played with another San Diego favorite, Stranger, whose CD Release Party we mentioned in August. This party took place in July, the same month that the Through The Roots EP came out. Most people were at the House of Blues in Downtown for Stranger, but when Through The Roots came on, one couldn’t help but turn their ears and eyes toward these five young guys.

Through The Roots pumped rockin’ reggae music into the crowd with classic reggae riffs and noticeable rock tones. Evan Hawkins, the singer, spits good vocals and lyrics which relate to youthful things. The band, which consists of Evan, Bryan, Taylor, Chris, and Brady, performed also at the official Shoreline Jam After-Party held at The Gaslamp in Downtown Long Beach. The event took place during Labor Day weekend with some of the most popular reggaerock groups in the scene, including SOJA, Iration, and Pepper. The band got a good reaction from the after-party crowd while playing such songs as, “Weekend,” “Through The Roots,” “Here To Stay,” and “Paradise.” The guys also dubbed instrumental solos.

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With the release of their EP, Here To Stay, two national tours, and a growing fan base, Through The Roots has been accomplishing a lot since their debut in 2008. According to their website, their EP reached number 2 on the iTunes Reggae charts, and remains part of the Top 200. NUG Magazine caught up with the band at the Shoreline Jam After-Party to discuss how quickly their roots are growing, and how long they plan to stay: Tell us about the past tour with Tribal Seeds and your excitement about the upcoming tour with Iration and Tomorrows Bad Seeds.

The tour starts September 24th in Arizona. We’re ready to get on the road and get out there again. We saw a lot of places in our first tour with Tribal Seeds, and it’s always exciting to do stuff like that.

Yeah, what do you think about the music scene?

The California Reggae scene is on the rise and we are humbled to contribute to its success.

All the bands we have performed with in this genre have collectively worked hard to promote the scene and spread the lifestyle and vision that we all enjoy. We suggest that people just cruise out to the shows and enjoy the scene.

What genre do you consider yourselves?

Rock Reggae, but we like to keep our music open to influences from all genres.

How did you guys form?

Evan: I started playing guitar during high school, and I realized I wanted to be in a reggae band. The music is just inspirational, so I started jamming it. I played with Taylor’s good friend, Ross, but one day I met Taylor at Guitar Center, so we started playing together too, and it turns out we went to the same high school together; we were just a year apart. So, me and Taylor were like, ‘let’s do this.’ Ross went back to school, and we ended up needing a bass player, so we found Bryan through a mutual friend named Chris. We found our buddy Shane through someone in college, and he was our old keyboard player. He had things going on for him, so we found Brady through Craigslist, and that’s one of the best things that happened to us because he brings a lot of character to the band. We’re stoked to have him.

Chris, the guitar player, I met in high school, and I envied how he played guitar, so I checked up on him, and eventually he joined the band.

Taylor: The chemistry just built quickly and everybody gets along, so we just work well together.

Who are your biggest influences?

Bob Marley is one of the pioneers of reggae and easily one of our biggest influences. We are also influenced by artists such as Incubus, Dave Matthews Band, Groundation, Santana, Ooklah The Moc, and UB40. We all come from different backgrounds and have different tastes in music, so our list of influences could go on for miles.

We are a cannabis magazine. So, tell us your stance on the whole issue…

The issue right now in California is that Prop.

215 exists, and we didn’t like Prop. 19, where the government was allowed to control the way we sell it, and the quality of it. We’re all for how it is right now with obtaining a medical card and getting your stuff. We’re for it whether it is legal or not, but we are for safe access. We’d love it to be legalized, but not the way that it was going. It definitely needs to be decriminalized federally.

What inspired your latest EP, Here To Stay?

Our inspiration is everyday life experience. We wanted to capture all aspects of these experiences, which range from topics like work and relationships to our drive and living out our dreams.

The title track “Here to Stay” is about making that commitment to turn dreams into reality. We hope that the lasting message for our listeners is to stay motivated and focus on your goals. Do not let any person or any obstacle knock you off your path.

You guys have a pretty big fan base already! How did that happen? Any wise words on how your music spread so fast?

Well, first, we are blessed and grateful to have a fan base at such an early stage of our career. It encourages us to continue making music and share our experiences. And honestly, we owe it to all the bands that have taken us out on the road and helped us spread our music. They have showed us the ropes and given us nothing but love and encouragement. We feel a sense of unity with all the bands in this genre, and we hope this translates to our audience. Life is a lot easier to manage with help from good friends.

Any plans after the Fall tour?

Once we are done with the Lei’d Back Tour with Iration and Tomorrows Bad Seeds, we plan on getting back in the studio. We will be playing shows in the meantime, but we are eager to begin working on our next project.

Lastly, in one sentence, tell our readers what you want them to know about your music.

Our lives influence the music we create, so we hope that our listeners can connect with it, and in turn, connect with us.

The Lei’d Back Tour will stop in San Diego twice on November 4th and 5th at the House of Blues in Downtown. For more information, visit www.throughtheroots. com, and find the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace.

PARAMORE

THE WORD ALIVE

THE EXPENDABLES

GYM CLASS HEROES

OF MICE & MEN

PHOTOS BY: JENNIFER MARTINEZ

Artist Spotlight: Brad “SLAG” Sluder By: Jed Sanders A long time ago, before the days of digital cameras and photography, it was common for an artist’s role in society to be to illustrate and paint portraits of the historic icons of their day. In Europe, the most skilled artists were chosen to be the “royal painters” of the kingdoms in which they lived. It was a high honor to be an artist in this position as many of them were often treated like royalty, regardless of their financial and/or birth status. In return, the Royal Painter would be responsible for painting the portraits of the noblemen and noblewomen. In many cases, these paintings would be sent off on horseback to a nearby monarchy, in order to find a potential suitor for the eligible royal figure. Of course, being born a Prince or a Princess does not always guarantee one good looks. It was then the responsibility of the artist to bring out the better qualities in the subject’s portrait. In some cases, artists would risk their lives over an “ugly” portrait of an unruly tyrant.

Thank goodness those days are behind us! In this new dawn and era, we all have digital cameras and email addresses. Celebrity icons seem to be looked upon as the modern-day kings and queens of our time. Today you are more likely to see an artist paint a Hollywood actor, musician, or famous celebrity rather than any type of royal figure. The days of the traditional royal painter are long gone, but perhaps not the spirit...

It would be safe to say that Brad Sluder paints the royalty of our time. His portraits capture the iconic characters of the human spirit in some of their most rudimentary and raw forms. Born and raised in San Diego, amongst a family of artists and creative types, Brad “SLAG” Sluder is quite the prolific artist. His paintings are bold in contrast and full of extreme emotion. They don’t just talk to their audience. They freakin’ jump off the wall and scream at you.

We had the chance to catch up to Brad and ask him a few questions after discovering his paintings on display at Hopper’s Green Door Collective. (Something we wish we would see more dispensaries do!)

So... why the name SLAG? As far as the nickname, it came about in high school. My best friend’s older brother tried to be funny and mix my last name with my first name. So from that day on, I was known as SLAG in that ring of friends, and it just stuck.

How long have you been making your art?

I was exposed to art from the get-go. My father Keith Sluder is a very talented man. As a kid I always loved watching him paint…He is a master. He showed me what it was to be a man trying to make a living doing what he loved: art. It often times is very hard. I myself have been doing art professionally for about 8 years.

How would you describe your art for the public if they have never seen it before?

I would describe my work as a hybrid of Cult art and Pop art. I tend to do a lot of portraits because I love the face. The energy of an expression can be a powerful thing. I do, however, like to paint abstracts and landscapes as well.

Do you find cannabis to be helpful or does it work against you when making art?

It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I feel cannabis helps me let go of my inhibition, and

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focus on the magic of just creating without thinking like a child would.

What is your favorite strain?

Well, just about any of the wonderful strains my good friend Hopper has at the Green Door Collective. He knows what he is doing, and I can always count on him to steer me in the right direction. He has a green thumb, literally.

Are you available for commission work?

Commission work seems to be what I do the most. I am always willing to bring to life a client’s request. I let the client decide how much they want to spend, and I create the best piece of work that I can. It can be a fun and exciting collaboration; I love getting people involved in the creative process. I also have a website, SLAGART.com, where you can buy and see more of my work.

How do you like to spend time when you’re not working on your paintings?

I go to school, and I also cut hair at Ralph’s Hair Place. I have always found it to be very creative. If I’m not working, I am probably hanging out with my wife Ashley and our dog. We spend a lot of time at the beach. I have always had a deep relationship with the ocean. You can learn a lot from water.

What does your family think of your art? Are they supportive of it?

My family has never been anything other than extremely supportive of my work, especially my wife Ashley. She’s my muse. They have always told me they liked what I was

doing, and how I was trying to bring my vision to life.

I always value their opinions because they are all artists as well, and every artist sees it all a little differently, and that is what drives art in the first place.

I am very lucky to have them in my corner. Without them I would be less.

Does anyone else in your family carry similar artistic or creative interests? How have they influenced you?

God, where do I begin, I come from a long line of creative people. My grandfather Charles Strackbine was an amazing trumpet and sax player who made his living playing in a big band. His daughter Charlis, my mom, is a very talented painter in her own right.

Her brother, my uncle Brad who I was named after, was a fantastic singer and songwriter. He is responsible for my love of the guitar and singing. My mom married my dad, Keith Sluder, who has always been an artist. They had three kids: me, my big brother Troy who is a kick-ass drummer. He plays from the heart. Pure rhythm runs in his veins. Then, there is my younger brother Glen, who is an amazing tattoo artist. He just opened his own tattoo parlor called Adora Tattoo. Look him up. He’s as cool as they come, and just as talented.

How would you define success?

Well, I have always felt that if you have your health, love, and support of friends and family, then you’re rich in life. If on top of all that I can somehow make a living doing what makes me happy, well then I’m doing all right.

If you could show with another artist, either dead or alive, who would you choose?

Wow, that’s a tough one! I love so many artists for

different reasons. Everyone brings something different to the table, and collectively we call it art. Everyone plays a role in the big picture you know. If I had to choose, I think it would be awesome to show with someone like Andy Warhol or Stan Lee. If you had the opportunity to change something about the San Diego art scene, what would it be?

I would like to see more opportunities for up-and-coming artists to show their work. But really, San Diego is becoming a pretty good place to be seen. There are lots of businesses willing to show local art, and that is always welcomed. The Internet has changed everything as far as getting your name out there. So in all, I think the San Diego art scene keeps getting better and better.

What are your thoughts on how to get the public to support the arts and to attend art events?

We need to stop cutting the funding to the arts programs. I think if we kept the art programs in school, it would help a great deal. As children, we have the ideal open mind to create art. I remember doing all the little art projects as a child, and it sort of got my juices flowing so to speak. I loved it! Without it, who knows how things may have worked out? Remember, little artists grow up to be big artists.

What is your worst fear?

You mean, besides having my nuts smashed with a sledgehammer by a short, sweaty man dressed like a clown... it would have to be regret, hands down. I do not want to squander opportunities I have been given in this life. I have a saying: “Potential is the birth of regret.” If you know you want something, and you also

know you are doing nothing to reach that goal, you will surely have regret. So I try to be proactive in my own success.

Where would you like to see yourself within the next five to ten years as an artist?

I hope to become better known for my work, which in turn would bring more opportunities to me and my family. I look forward to growing as an artist, and getting better at my craft. I hope to do art for many years to come, and have fun doing it.

Thank you so much for spending the time with us for the interview. We wish you the best of success, and hope to see more of your artwork around!

To see more of SLAG’s artwork, check out www.SLAGART.com.

Article By: Robert Stinson Photos By: Jennifer Martinez Thousands of people were lined up alongside University Ave. in Hillcrest as NUG Magazine took to the streets decked out in style complete with a banner, and a contingency full of colorful personalities who helped to make our first appearance at San Diego Gay Pride off the hook! The parade grabbed national headlines, including a spot on CNN and the Fox News Network with the inclusion of the active military contingency, which was the first time members of the armed services openly participated in the annual event. Zeke Stokes, a spokesman for the Service Member’s Legal Defense Fund, said that openly gay service members risk discharge should the courts grant an Obama administration request to temporarily reinstate Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. That’s So Gay Live and Rompe Corazones’ float was there amongst all the glitter and fanfare; right alongside them was Isaac Siqueiros, the zany host of Out of the Closet, California’s first and only gay themed radio show.

Isaac invited us to his brand new headquarters at Slang Studios in Chula Vista where we made a VIP appearance on his live broadcast, which is streamed to audiences all over the globe. Isaac and his pair of wacky on-air sidekicks, Cris Tian and Karla O, had a bevy of questions for us that threw us for a loop and kept us dying of laughter in our seats. After his show, Isaac opened up about his humble beginnings and the creation of Out of the Closet.

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People on both sides of the border have been enjoying your show for some time now. Could you tell us a little about the genesis of Out of the Closet?

It all started in December of 2010. I had a friend who had her own radio show so I thought, why don’t I do a gay radio show? I did my research and found out that nothing like that had ever been done before. I sent an e-mail to the owner of the radio station my friend worked for and told him my idea for a show, and he had me come in and audition. They usually make people do five auditions, but I only ended having to do three because my ratings were so high. By the time I was finished with the last try-out, I had over 17,710 viewers.

From there the show kind of took off. What I like about it is that all the broadcasts are in Spanglish so my friends in Mexico and San Diego can enjoy it.

So what country do most of your fans live in?

To be honest I have fans all over the place. It started out that people were mainly watching in San Diego and Baja California, but as things progressed, more and more viewers were added including people in Africa, The UK and Argentina to name just a few. I get fan mail from all over the place.

The LGBT community as a whole has made so many leaps and bounds just within the last few months, especially with gay marriage passing in NY. How does it feel to be an activist during such a critical time in our civil rights movement?

I feel very honored to be in a position to touch people’s lives, especially those who are going through a hard time dealing with their sexuality. Now that a lot of states are legalizing gay marriage, it feels good to be in the middle of it all.

You’ve had quite a few personalities on Out of the Closet since you first started broadcasting.

We’ve had so many personalities on the show; one of my favorites is Rompe Corazones whom you’ve featured in your column. This week we’re going to have Chico’s Angels, which is a group of three drag queens from LA that have their own comedy act. I also feature a lot of musicians on my show; basically, we are trying to showcase as much local talent as possible who are members or allies of the LGBT community.

As you know, NUG has been knee-deep in issues pertaining to the legalization of medical marijuana. What is your feeling about the subject?

What the hell? What’s the big issue about it anyways? In the end it’s not a big deal, I mean marijuana comes from the ground and is natural and people What is your feeling about the are going to do it anyways, so why not legalize it? whole immigration issue that has been a hot button in the I couldn’t agree more. 20 years from now, we’ll look back on this time and ask ourpolitical arena?

This is a topic that is really important to selves, why did Americans think that gay Being a little older, I can remember all the me because my parents and most of marriage and safe access was such a bullying that was happening in the halls of my family were immigrants. When they threat to the nation’s security, especialmy high school. Do you feel that it has pro- first came to the United States, things ly when there are more vexing domestic gressively worsened over the years or is it were not easy for them. Can you imag- issues such as the failing economy and just more publicized now? ine a day without Mexicans? Nothing our inability to provide healthcare to citiI think it is just more publicized now. Fortunately I’ve would get done (laughing). zens? never been bullied myself; you could say that I had the perfect coming out experience. The only thing I Tell our readers about your new So what’s next for Out of the Closet and can think of that even compares is that people made association with Slang Radio? how can people get involved? fun of my eyelashes in high school. They were like, I’m totally diggin’ the new for- I am also involved in like three other projects at the you know you curl your eyelashes and I was like, no mat. moment. I am working alongside some production they’re natural, I swear!

Oh my God, I am so grateful and hon- companies in trying to bring Hillcrest to downtown. ored that they reached out to me and I mean, why do we always have to be there? Out On your show you ask all of your guests to asked me to join their family of very of the Closet is coming full force, so expect to see tell their coming out stories, now it’s your talented on-air personalities. It’s a very great performances by talented musicians and perturn. professional environment, and unlike formers. We stream live on Slang Radio twice a When I came out to my family three years ago, I had where I was before, they have a con- week and we’re completely interactive, so be sure their full support so I feel very blessed. I think the troller in the studio making sure every- to tune in and call us when we’re on the air! generations who came before us made things a little thing runs smoothly. easier for us because they were the ones who really You can stream Out of the Closet’s weekly shows at http://www.slangmediagroup. com or on their Facebook page. had to struggle against oppression and overcome adversity. That’s what I always wanted to do with my show: make things a little easier for young people who are coming to terms with their sexuality.

Sitting down at the long table by the window, these people were not strangers – they were my community. We are all in this together; there is no separation between us. It helped that we recognized each other from Facebook, and that the pitchers of beer kept on coming…

Walking home, I stopped in front of Adams Avenue Liquor where several people were gathered around a parked car, listening to news coverage. We stood in comfortable silence, hearing that Chula Vista and Oceanside had both restored power. The power in Uptown San Diego came on around midnight. It had been just under 8 and a half hours total.

The next day, I was struck by the magic of last night’s experience. Walls had vanished; everyone had been fully present and connected. Like a true 21st century digital boy, I automatically went on Facebook, and posted on my wall:

The Blackout Community

By: Jon Block I was driving downtown to pay off two parking tickets when I had the simultaneous experience of Rock 105.3 going static and the traffic light going dead. When I made it back to my University Heights home two hours later, I’d recognized this was a blackout, and some thoughts took over: Batteries. Flashlights. Candles. I have no idea where any of these objects are in my house. The food is going to go bad.

Should I eat it all first?

How do I arm myself against breaking and entering? Baseball bat? Steak knife? Am I being paranoid and cynical for even wondering that?

The only thing that worked on my Blackberry was Facebook. I had been thinking about Facebook lately and the role it played in my life. As an event promoter, I saw it as something obligatory, like loading in sound equipment or staging. It did offer some fun and human connection, but it was the lame kind, sort of like reality TV. And there was definitely no sense of community.

My cell phone was nearly out of juice, so I went to Adams Avenue to get ice. Speaking of communities, I did know Normal Heights pretty well. Having co-produced the event, Art Around Adams, in 2008 and 2009, I knew this to be an arts community that was quirky, fun, and well-intentioned. It was also fair to say they did not embrace the bigger-is-better approach, something I discovered while producing a Coachella-inspired music & arts festival at the Normal Heights baseball field, the centerpiece of the 2009 Art Around Adams.

The production was criticized for being loud, obtrusive, and was generally unwelcome. My aftermath had become feelings of being frustrated, irritated, and unappreciated. In the two years that had passed, I had limited interaction with anyone on the Avenue.

It was surprisingly active. Darkness had not yet fully set in; people were out walking dogs. Kadan had a very strong crowd, and I ran into my artist friend Chanel and her new boyfriend.

Around Rosey O’Gradys, I ran into Anita from the tax agency.

I hadn’t seen her since the 2009 event, and among the people with whom I’d had clashed views, our conflict was one of the strongest. Yet we hugged instantly and naturally, and talked.

“You were a real asshole,” she said. “I like you much more now.”

At Blind Lady, I ordered a beer and wine. The total was thirteen dollars and I tipped the server five, and thanked her for being here on this night.

Jon: Anyone else have a great blackout experience? I walked Adams Avenue where there were tons of locals hanging out, ran into friends I hadn’t seen in a couple years. Hung out in Blind Lady, which was like community camping with beer. Fun times like these make me very proud to be a San Diegan.

And I was pleasantly surprised as the responses came in...

Emily: We had a great night too! Jammed with our acoustic instruments in candlelight in our neighborhood.

Bonnie: Yes! I had the same kind of experience. Loved it! :) Matthew: Free cake from Heaven Sent Desserts!

Marc: Did you get the free ice cream from the new sushi place on Adams too? I did ;) John: I had the wind-up radio and took a walk in the hood. Bassam’s was lit from candles and we had conversations, wine and cake. We should have blackouts more often...

Chet: We were all jamming and partying at Art Lab right down the street.

Amber: Totally had an impromptu blackout party with all my coworkers at my boss’ house nearby, great time!

Carol: Everyone in my apartment building got together for a little outdoor dinner on the barbie. Great fun!

Marisa: Hung out at the pool to stay cool, met lots of neighbors, grilled dinner by candlelight!

Jenni: All my neighbors gathered in someone’s apt. and we barbecued and helped each other with gathering disaster supplies. We talked and bonded! It was amazing.

Alecia: Yep. Free cantaloupes from Henry’s, impromptu steak dinner by candlelight with people I hadn’t known before last night, chimney s’mores and red wine in a driveway with another crew. After my initial self-check for sufficient preparedness, a very sweet night. I’d do it again and again.

Tom: Got home on gas fumes after a chillin’ bbq in Rancho Santa Fe. Goin’ into the candle business.

Gina: Walked through my So. Park neighborhood... the grocery store at 30th & Grape was letting people in to buy essentials, the Mariscos truck had a nice long line, many of the restaurants on 30th were open & full! I went to the ice cream shop at 30th & Juniper and helped them get rid of some of their stock, yum! It was a great experience.

Stephanie: The moon did its job well shining over the bldg. courtyard, where unexpected neighborhood bonding occurred over grilling veggies and other shared food & drinks. Undramatic joy-filled night that could have been dark, offered lots of laughs, new conversations and appreciation of people, alone, and just as we are. I think we deserved it.

This is community today – on the streets and online. And I’m just fine with that.

Jon Block is the founder of Here & Now, a business consulting & public relations company. Here & Now produces innovative and entertaining workshops such as, “The Social Entrepreneur” and a major annual conference called “Here & Now.” Their powerful events and services all ascribe to the belief of, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

By: Medicinal Michael Boris Photos By: Shelly Boris, Justin Rivera, and Tha Izz Hello my friends, this is Medicinal Mike of the NUGLife Crew. We all survived the San Diego blackout and the summer is at an end. We are starting to put away our swim clothes to get ready for a chilling autumn. Here at NUGLife, we were invited to another great celebrity smoke-out, courtesy of Soulstyce Fest 2011 in Los Angeles. This month’s superstar stoner is Reginald “Reggie” Noble, better known by his stage name, Red Man of the Wu-Tang Clan; his work with Method Man; and his work on the movies “How High” and the “Seed of Chucky.” He announced to the NUG community that he was very excited to start working on “How High 2,” a much anticipated sequel to the still popular cult classic.

We smoked out on a Blueberry Kush that he picked over a super tangy Fire OG. When he was passed the pipe, he exclaimed to the world and to this shocked smoker that he has a strict, “blunt only” smoking habit, and wouldn’t be caught dead with a glass piece. And still no word on my honorary Wu-Tang membership.

I also ran into a very familiar face from the past during my stage time at the Soulstyce Fest 2011. I instantly recognized this popular iconic ‘90s star as David Faustino, of the still re-running hit “Married with Children,” in which he played the character Bud Bundy. He was super excited to make sure I knew that he was a big fan of NUG Magazine, and that he supports anything that allows people to express their own personal freedoms to the fullest capacity. He was also performing that night. David is a very talented and accomplished DJ.

The NUGLife comedian of the month is Hollywood’s Eric Shantz. Eric has performed in audiences as large as 5000. Eric was kind enough to visit the NUGLife/ SlangRadio studios and he brought a barrel of laughs with his live, in-studio comedic performance complete with a burning bowl. He looked pleased as punch to do a comedy set while smoking the ganja. You can catch Eric Shantz headlining the SLO Festival, which is a comedy festival that he created to celebrate laughter.

Don’t forget the Halloweed Gathering on October 29th! You will meet all your favorite NUG celebs and much more. For more information, go to: www.Halloweedcup.com. You can also check out all the local SD stages to see your favorite NUGLife comedians, Medicinal Mike, Tommy “The Roach” Lucero, Matt Cook Live, or Erik “the Joint” Martin performing all over San Diego and Los Angeles.

Eric Shantz

David Faustino

www.nugliferadioshow.com www.slangradio.tv Medicinal Mike says: Pot is a great reward for doing a good deed…but hugs are better.

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Redman

Do you guys have day jobs? Or what were your jobs like before your career change?

We have done it all, most likely. All of us have worked in the service industry and we all had to start from somewhere. And yes, we still keep it true. All of us still have day jobs…gotta pay the rent, bills and food. We never ask for a dime from our fans. We know they would, so we always say “Support Hemp Beach by supporting our Sponsors.” And we believe in a strong economy and it goes in a full circle.

What were your lives like back then?

Ha! We still live like Clark Kent, even though once a week we turn into the characters you see on the show: Skunk, Freshman, and Max…even though we’re still the same in real life.

In order to successfully make a name for yourself on the web, you Why did you decide to start Hemp Beach TV? have to rethink the existing elements to come up with something creative enough to survive, something people can really get into, Because there was nothing like it on TV or the Internet; plus, the conversations we were having were crazy and we thought it would be a good like Hemp Beach TV. Originally founded in 2003 by “Skunk” and idea to put a camera up and record something. It worked out, so we G_Mon_420, Hemp Beach started out as a social community for decided to put it online and the rest is history. stoners in a virtual world on the web; a place where likeminded

people could come together to speak on the subject and share What were your hopes and goals for the show when you common interests. In the following years, the community grew. got started?

But when Skunk and G_Mon_420 found out their virtual world would be folding, it inspired Skunk to extend their brainchild onto We just hoped that people would like it, so we could get feedback and be interactive. It was like if you were home alone with no one to smoke with; the open web with Hemp Beach TV in 2008. we would always be there for you…and we still are to this day.

HBTV is unlike anything you are used to watching on the internet.

What have been some obstacles for you guys?

It’s a refuge where stoners can get the latest in 420 entertainJust the regular trials and tribulations of any start-up. We have done ment, news, events, and product reviews. It isn’t some low-end everything you see ourselves: website, editing, marketing, so on and so site and show that covers limited aspects of our community; it truly focuses on the values and norms of the culture and the poli- forth. tics we’re facing with legalization. And with the likes of Freshman McFresh, Max Toker, and some special guests, Hemp Beach is a If you could sum up your motivation in one sentence, what would it be? refreshing step forward for curious minds, cannabis junkies and activists that spotlights the creative, talented, and compassionate TO BOLDLY SMOKE WEED WHERE NO ONE HAS SMOKED WEED BEFORE... side of the cannabis community. It represents everything hemp

and the growing support behind it.

What do you want watchers and fans to take away from your show?

Regardless of their busy schedule, Skunk, Freshman McFresh and Max Toker were able to make a little time for some Q&A with Any news, information or resources they can while being entertained at the same time. And to know that they will always have someone to smoke NUG Magazine. with on Hemp Beach!

How would you guys describe yourselves?

What has the feedback been like for HBTV? The “Bill & Tedd” or “Wayne’s World” for our stoner generation.

99% are the best things anyone can say about another person. The 1% is what we consider haters, and we love you too! But for the most part, it has been awesome!

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By George Alberts Telecommunications have come a long way since the development of the television in the 1920s. Over the decades, it has become an integral part of our lives and something we can’t seem to step away from; but when we do, we now find ourselves glued to our computers because of the internet. Since its commercialization in the mid-90s, the internet has reshaped and redefined the way we communicate and entertain ourselves. Laptops and computers have become the new TV and people use them for everything: entertainment, news, and information. We have combined technologies and satisfied a generation. It adds a new dimension to our way of thinking and the way we live.

What is it you enjoy most about your job?

The fact that we get to give back to the cannabis community and hang out with our friends like usual while making new ones all over the world. And we get the messages from half way around the world telling us they love everything we do and stand for.

That is just amazing and we are so grateful to be making any kind impact like that. It just means that we are doing our job and having fun at the same time.

What is your most memorable episode?

I would have to say Hempisode 118, where we went to our very first dispensaries in San Diego, One on One PA and The Green Door Collective, with one of our best friends and sponsor Jonny B with The Digger One Hitter. We got to hang out and see what was up and everything in between.

We made some new friends, like Hopper, Kandyman, and Kron Greathouse. After that, we hauled ass over to Vegas for the CHAMPS Trade Show last February, where we were also a sponsor at our other friend/ sponsor’s event, Philly Blunts from Glass Gripper. We rented out the Hugh Hefner Playboy penthouse suite for the night and held our ‘High Society’ party. CHAMPS was sick as hell as usual, so that Hempisode was almost 2 hours long. Our longest Hempisode so far.

You guys always have some badass glass or sick products in your Hempisodes, what kind of smoking utensil(s) do you guys prefer?

Skunk: Bongs Freshman: Joints Max: Bong\Bowl\blunts

When it comes to weed, what is it that you guys look for or crave in a strain?

Skunk: I usually go for a good Indica or a 60-40% mix.

Freshman: Sativa Max: Sativa or a nice mix; more Sativa than Indica.

Where is HBTV headed in the near future and beyond? Any new formats or segments you guys plan on running?

We plan to add shows as we go along and grow our network. We have Hemp Beach TV, The Rotation, and we just added the show ‘Munchie Minute,’ which is a quick ‘munchie fix’ show where people can submit their stoner munchie recipes that we make on the show. Those episodes are released every Thursday on www.HempBeach. com. And we have messed with a stoner gaming show ‘Chronic Gaming Review’ and are working on bringing it back in full force again soon.

What is next for you guys?

Expand, grow and get bigger. We are looking at some new things in the future, but we will keep that under wraps for now. But our fans should know that we are working on some of their biggest requests and will be implementing them very soon.

If you have yet to check out Hemp Beach TV, go to www.hempbeach.com and enjoy yourself; there’s something for every patient and enthusiast.

Product Reviews By: Ben G. Rowin

Abscent:

We were sent some samples of the Abscent bag for review this month. Abscent is a manufacturer of bags designed to absorb odors. They are based out of LA and put in three years of research and development prior to launching. The sizes we received were the “Banker,” which looks much like a bank bag. With ample space at 6” x 11”, this bag can hold enough stinky product to get you through a week on vacation. This is the one that I put to the test. I loaded one up and as soon as I zipped it up, all smells were contained. It worked great!

All their bags are equipped with a proprietary inner liner and a water resistant nylon exterior.

The materials used to make them remind me of the carbon filters used in grow rooms to contain smells. If the “Banker” is too small for what you are carrying, no worries; they offer other sizes as well, including the “Vendor,” which is a HUGE 28” x 24” bag that can fit a few pounds of the smelliest product you can find!

These bags are priced very reasonably for any budget and are available for both retail and wholesale. Check them out online at: www.abscentdesign.com

If you would like your product reviewed, email us at info@nugmag.com

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1.

Pacific BeachFest Feat. Vokab Kompany & Sunny Rude At PB Boardwalk @ 11am We Love Bass Feat. Total Science & Knight Riderz At Spin Nightclub @ 9

5.

Andre Nickatina At House of Blues @ 8

The Loons, Hargo, Mashtis & The Joint Effort At The Ruby Room @ 9

11.

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

Yellowman At Belly Up @ 9

8.

Reason To Rebel (CD Release) w/ guests Mean Dino & Thousand Watt Stare At Beach Club @ 9

12.

Polynesian Underground Presents The Green w/ Stranger At Belly Up @ 9

6.

Blink 182 & My Chemical Romance At Cricket Wireless @ 7

So Cal Vibes & Mystic Roots 7.

At 710 Beach Club @ 9 Chris Taylor At Soda Bar @ 8 Never Shout Never At SOMA @ 6 Journey At Cricket Wireless @ 7 Bamboo & Gloc-9 At 4th & B @ 7 OB Oktoberfest At 710 Beach Club @ 4 3.

Electric Waste Band Trusting Havoc & The At Winstons @ 9 Calfaction At Brick by Brick @ 8 The Misfits At House of Blues @ 8

OB Oktoberfest At 710 Beach Club @ 10am Common Sense w/ Shoreline Rootz At Belly Up @ 9 Slaughter At 4th & B @ 9 9.

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime At House of Blues @ 8 10.

Project: Out of Bounds At Gallagher’s Pub @ 9

Dropkick Murphys & Swingin’ Utters At House of Blues @ 8 13.

Ballyhoo!

At House of Blues @ 8 South Bay ASA Meeting At 1233 Palm Ave @ 6 Tech N9ne At House of Blues @ 8 14.

Pato Banton At Brick by Brick @ 7

15.

Stone Senses & Bad Neighborz At The Beachside Grill @ 5 The Concrete Project At Winstons @ 9 The Aggronauts At Shakedown Bar @ 8 17.

Awolnation At Belly Up @ 8 Foo Fighters At SDSU Viejas Arena @ 7 19.

Foster the People At SOMA @ 7 20.

The Ambassador & The Chosen Few At Gallagher’s Pub @ 9

The Game At 4th & B @ 8 Sunny Rude At RT’s Longboard @ 10 Taylor Swift At Valley View Casino @ 8 21.

Brujeria, Under the Stone & Downspell At Brick by Brick @ 7 24.

ROCK 105.3 Presents Anthrax, Testament & Death Angel At House of Blues @ 7 Gavin DeGraw & David Cook At Humphrey’s by the Bay @ 7 25.

North County ASA Meeting At The Fish Joint @ 7

26.

PacTour Presents Manchester Orchestra, Little Hurricane & More At House of Blues @ 7 28.

Collie Buddz At House of Blues @ 8 29.

1st Annual Halloweed Gathering Feat. Mike Snow, Without Papers & More Info at www.halloweedcup.com Passafire At Winstons @ 9 31.

Vokab Kompany At The Keating Hotel @ 9 To add your events to our monthly calendar listings send us an email to submit@nugmag.com.

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