PUBLISHER’SLETTER JAN 2010 VOL. 2 ISSUE #1 NUG Magazine Staff: Publisher: Ben G. Rowin Associate Publisher: Brandon Lee Editor: Dion Markgraaff Associate Editor: M.J. Smith Copy Editor: Hashley Events Editor: Cletus “KRON” Greathouse Music Editors: Ras Mike, Oscar Castillo Fashion Editor: Ready Rube Photographer: William West Calendar Editor: Courtney P. Contributors: “The Guru”, Pat Hegarty, Terry Martinez, Dion Markgraaff, Fred Gardner, Mike DeBartolo, Kim Twolan, Darcy Stoddard, Terrie Best, William West, Eugene Davidovich, Donna Lambert, James Dean Stacy, Colby Benham, Ava Madison, Scott Whytsell Green Reefer Comic by. Joshua Boulet Sales Director: Ben G. Rowin Advertising Sales Reps: Dion Markgraaff, Cletus Greathouse, Amelia Amore, Eugene Davidovich, Brom Richey, James Dean Stacy Art Director: Ian Rie
master Kush grown in canna coco Here it is, a brand new year! 2009 was a very exciting time for the cannabis community. There has been a lot of progress in the movement to educate people on the values of the cannabis plant, more so than I have witnessed in my lifetime. As we step out of one year and into the next, we must remember to keep pushing forward. The possibilities of 2010 being the year for MAJOR change is real! We are on the cusp of a new day, where propaganda put in place in the 1930’s gives way to real information, as we continue to pull back the curtain that has been placed over our eyes keeping us from real truth. Our January issue marks change for us here at NUG as well. We will now be producing this publication on a monthly basis, which means twice as much news. We are excited to be a part of the change here in San Diego and will continue to bring you up to date information on our community. We have increased our print run to a minimum of 20,000 copies per month and have started offering subscription services for our readers out of town, or for those who would rather have the magazine delivered to their front door each month. We are also excited to announce our partnership with Cannabis Planet TV. They will be launching a San Diego version in January that will air on COX Cable, Friday and Saturday nights at 11pm on channel 14. Look for the NUG Magazine commercial! All of us at NUG want to wish everyone a happy New Year! www.nugmag.com Log on!
-Ben G. Rowin
Finance Manager: M.J. Smith
Distribution/Subscriptions: Beau’s Distribution Service info@beausdistribution.com
CONTENTS
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: dion@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. 2009
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\\:ADD NEWS
\\:MAKING CENTS
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\\:ACTIVISM
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\\:READER SUBMISSIONS
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\\:NUG TIMES
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\\:MMJ TASKFORCE
\\:LEGAL
\\:HEMP HOMES
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\\:COOKING
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\\:GROW
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\\:SCIENCE & HEALTH
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\\:GREEN REEFER
\\:MUSIC
\\:RESTAURANTS
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\\:TRAVEL
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\\:PRODUCT REVIEWS
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\\:MEDICUP COVERAGE
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\\:EVENTS
medical doctors from cannabis plants grown at the University of Mississippi in a test location and prepared for consumption in the research triangle area of North Carolina. Irv will consume his number one hundred and fifteen thousand “joint” or marijuana cigarette sometime on November 20, 2009.
DMV Ordered to Pay $69,400 in Attorneys Fees for Medical Marijuana Case
Merced Superior Court found that plaintiffs forced “substantial change” to DMV policy – excerpt of story by www.safeaccessnow.org
World Record Set by United States Cannabis Patient Excerpt of story by Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director
On November 20, 2009 Irvin Rosenfeld, a Florida stockbroker, will set the world record for the consumption of cannabis cigarettes. The United States federal government has supplied Rosenfeld and three other US citizens for decades with a smokable cannabis medicine. Irv Rosenfeld has received his medicine for 27 years and is the longest known cannabis patient. One of four patients intensely tested in 2001 by Patients Out of Time as part of the “Missoula Study” Irv was found to be in excellent health for a man of his age. All physiological systems were examined by neutral investigators since the US federal government had never required or requested such a complete overview to discover the efficacy of the plant product they were medically administering under the “Compassionate New Drug Program” of the FDA. All 115,000 cigarettes have been prescribed by US federally approved
The Merced Superior Court ruled late last week that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must pay $69,400 in attorney’s fees to Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the nation’s largest medical marijuana advocacy organization. The fees award stems from a lawsuit brought by ASA in November 2008 against the DMV for its policy of unjustly revoking drivers’ licenses of qualified medical marijuana patients. The suit was filed on behalf of Rose Johnson, a 53-year-old medical marijuana patient from Atwater, whose license was revoked by the DMV because of her status as a patient. The DMV established a formal policy February 2009 to treat medical marijuana like any other prescription drug.
Police raid pot advocate’s home
excerpt of story by thechronicleherald.ca The Amherst-area man who believes marijuana cures cancer says he is seeking political refuge in Europe. In a video on his Phoenix Tears website, Rick Simpson said police raided his home Nov. 25 and will charge him in connection with items they seized.
California: Marijuana Plants Seized
excerpt of story by The Associated Press The authorities are reporting a staggering jump in the number of plants seized in California’s annual marijuana eradication effort. Law enforcement officials said that the state’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, seized 4.4 million plants in 2009. The total was a 50 percent increase over the 2.9 million plants seized in 2008 and almost 10 times the number seized in 2003. A spokeswoman for the State Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, Michelle Gregory, attributed the increase to both larger marijuana gardens and better eradication strategies. The eradication campaign started in 1983 and focuses on eradicating marijuana grown on public lands.
Federal COST OF MEDICAL CANNABIS PROSECUTIONS of San Diego Dispensaries – $1,288,092* figures provided by Americans for Safe Access
Despite requests from Congress, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) refuse to account for the money being spent on medical cannabis raids and prosecutions. *Based on averages and budget reports, ASA estimates the costs as follows: On December 12, 2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration raided at least 13 medical marijuana dispensaries throughout San Diego, seizing patient records, computers, files, and medical marijuana. The six federal arrests connected to the San Diego dispensary raids all resulted in plea bargains.
JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 11
MAKING CENTS
Tobacco-Related Health Costs: $800; Booze-Related Health Costs: $165; Pot-Related Health Costs: $20 -Any Questions? Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML Writing in the book Marijuana Is Safer: So
Why Are We Driving People to Drink?, I argue that it is irrational for our society to condone, if not encourage, the use of alcohol -- an intoxicant that directly contributes to tens of thousands of deaths annually and countless social problems -- while simultaneously stigmatizing and criminalizing the use of cannabis, a substance that is incapable of causing lethal overdose and is associated with far fewer societal costs. Well now a new study, authored by researchers from the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia at the University of Victoria and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse at the University of Ottawa has directly compared the societal costs of marijuana and alcohol, as well as tobacco, and the final tally isn’t pretty.
The study concludes: The harms, risks and social costs of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco vary greatly. A lot has to do with how the substances are handled legally. Alcohol and tobacco are legal substances, which explains their low enforcement costs relative to cannabis. On the other hand, the health costs per user of tobacco and alcohol are much higher than for cannabis. This may indicate that cannabis use involves fewer health risks than alcohol or tobacco. These variations in risk, harms and cost need to be taken into account as we think about further efforts to deal with the use of these three substances. ... Efforts to reduce social costs related to cannabis, for example, will likely involve shifting its legal status by decriminalizing casual use, to reduce the high enforcement costs. Such a shift may be warranted given the apparent lower health risk associated with most cannabis use. In other words: Do the math; end marijuana prohibition!
Health-related costs per user are eight times higher for drinkers than they are for those who use cannabis, and are more than 40 times higher for tobacco smokers, according to the report, published in the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal. It states, “In terms of [health-related] costs per user: tobacco-related health costs are over $800 per user, alcohol-related health costs are much lower at $165 per user, and cannabis-related health costs are the lowest at $20 per user.” The study further reported that “94 percent of social costs for cannabis are linked to [law] enforcement.” Hmm, perhaps that explains why law enforcement consistently speak out against marijuana law reform; pot prohibition equals job security. JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 13
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Grassroots Activism By Ava Madison
Grassroots (plural noun/adj) \gras-rüts, -ru̇ts\ Ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization’s membership
Friends,
Activism (noun) \ak-ti-vi-zəm\ The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change
as a medicine but also as food, fiber, fuel, recreation, and more! The time for change is However, in the 1930’s with new undoubtedly upon us. Our prisons technological and media resourcare overcrowded with non-violent es, the U.S. Government wanted to eradicate cannabis from the offenders, poor people who couldn’t afford lawyers, and drug Mexican importers, criminalize offenders whose issues should be what Black-American musicians were using, and stunt the emergthat of the Health Department, ing hemp industry in the U.S. in not the Criminal Courts. Fear order to boost other industries. campaigns devour our society and our young people’s minds as These other industries: cotton, paper, oil, pharmaceutical...Why on we limit knowledge, truth, and Earth would they want to prohibit understanding. The “think about the children” cry and “marijuana an annually self-renewing flower? Now, some 70 plus makes you stupid” claim has led years later, the prison and judicial to government propagandists industries boom as well. Private criminalizing and prohibiting prisons receive payment per marijuana instead of celebrating prisoner, and lobby for harsher it as the industrial, economical, medicinal, and spiritual plant that sentencing and criminal laws. A chain reaction is set into motion it is. to keep certain pockets filled, oth Cannabis Sativa or Hemp, as marijuana was original- ers empty, strip citizens of basic human rights, and fund private ly called, has been used in variinterests by powerful politicians ous cultures and societies since and corporation owners. the beginning of time; mostly
As Americans, we must unite to make a difference for humanity, equality, common sense, and the sake of our future. Let’s look back to our nation’s forefathers who fought for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Marijuana activists’ compassion, intelligence, and valor are paying off. Marijuana reform is the closest it’s been since the plant’s ‘illegalization’ in 1937! Marijuana stereotypes of laziness, clumsiness, and outright disregard for common sense have “The time is now near at hand which been challenged consistently must probably determine whether since the Reefer Madness propaAmericans are to be freemen or ganda that first came out blaring slaves; whether they are to have any against cannabis using musicians, property they can call their own; actors, athletes, professionals, and whether their houses and farms are others. to be pillaged and destroyed, and Mary Jane, the most themselves consigned to a state of misunderstood gal, has stood wretchedness from which no human against the machine that the U.S. efforts will deliver them. The fate of Government has become. unborn millions will now depend, un- Still, we must continue to conder God, on the courage and conduct centrate and focus our resources of this army. Our cruel and unrelent- and strengths. The following is ing enemy leaves us only the choice a step-by-step action guide for of brave resistance, or the most abject the unstoppable cannabis reform submission. We have, therefore, to movement. resolve to conquer or die.”-George Thank you for fighting Washington’s Address to the Continental the good fight and continuing to Army before the Battle of Long Island do so. JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 17
You are an extremely valuable and indispensable being. You can help in more ways than you know; but the most important thing for you to do is NEVER STOP LEARNING. Only as we educate ourselves can we grow as people, friends, families, and nations. “Ignorance, the root and the stem of every evil.”- Plato
VOLUNTEER to feel needed • to share a skill • to get to know a community • to demonstrate commitment to a cause/ belief • to gain leadership skills • to act out a fantasy • to do your civic duty • to gain satisfaction from accomplishment • to keep busy • for recognition • to donate your professional skills • because you’d be good at it • to have an impact • to learn something new • to help a friend or relative • for escape • to become an “insider” • to be challenged • to be a watchdog • to feel proud • to make new friends • to explore a career
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• to help someone • as therapy • to do something different from your job • for fun! • for religious reasons • to earn academic credit • to keep skills alive • to have an excuse to do what you love • to ensure progress • to feel good • to be part of a team • to test yourself • to build your resume • to be an agent of change • because of personal experience with the problem, illness, or cause • to stand up and be counted.
of your local newspapers. Many now include their email addresses under their picture or somewhere in the paper. Urge them to do a piece on Prohibition, tying it to their area of expertise. Know who your politicians are, their email addresses and phone numbers. Write to them; call them as often as needed. Remember, federal officials don’t read your mail, their aides do. Also, contact federal officials in their district home office as well as their DC office. Whenever your elected official speaks publicly you can attend and ask reform questions. Use zingy one liners. Plant ideas into DONATE & the heads of their aides and make CONTRIBUTE to the com- them think. Inform your clergy, urge them to devote a sermon on munity in any way that you can. the need to end the war on drugs. Make a monetary contribution Talk Radio: Know which stations TODAY! Every little bit counts. have talk shows and share that in100% of the money donated to formation with fellow reformers non-profit or advocacy groups in your area. Let everyone know such as SanDiegoMarijuana. when the topic of drugs is coming com, Americans for Safe Access up so they can call in also. Think and NORML goes directly back into sustaining their goals. Don’t of and distribute great sound bites for talk shows, i.e. “Prohibition just take my word for it though; guarantees the existence of drug be conscientious of where your dealers.” “Prohibition hasn’t money is going. Check out other organizations and see how they’re worked since Adam & Eve bit on the apple.” “Studies show that helping defend marijuana rights. Think of where your money goes every drug dealer arrested, shot or when you eat, get gas, and go out killed has been quickly replaced. How can arresting more drug after work. Change can happen dealers help keep drug dealers due to spending habits! and drugs away from my kids?” an extra copy of an especialTAKE ACTION Speak up Buy ly good reform book and donate against prohibition and the war it to a local public school, church, on drugs. When discussing other or library. If they refuse to accept social problems, show how they it, alert the media. are connected to our failed drug policy - e.g., no money for educa“Let us not be satisfied with tion – the US spends more on just giving money. Money is not prison building than on college enough, money can be got, but building and hires more prison they need your hearts to love guards than teachers. Write letters them. So, spread your love everyto the editor. Send them to your where you go.” local newspapers, national maga- Mother Teresa zines, the student paper at your alma mater, etc. Even if it isn’t “Wisdom is better than silver & published, the editors will start to gold” - Bob Marley, Zion Train get a sense of what is important to the people. If someone outside your organization writes a good letter, find out their phone number, call them and let them know your group exists and that they can join. Write to the columnists
READER SUBMISSIONS
No! I said Marinol man. I was just recently hospitalized with a tri-orbital fracture at a local San Diego hospital. When I went into the emergency room they wanted to give me pain medication. I refused it and informed them I am a Medical Marijuana patient. The “ha ha” joke went around the ER, “not another one” they said. The ER doctor questioned the reasoning for my recommendation. I informed her that it was for cervicitis, subligation of spinal discs and muscle spasms. I also expressed that I self medicate for anxiety and ADHD. I have no diagnosis from a primary care physician but I feel I function and get the best results from Medical Marijuana. I continuously refused the pain medication time and time again. I requested Marinol for my anxiety and restlessness. The reply was, “No you can’t have that there are plenty of medications that work better and that we prescribe regularly, like Ambien CR and Xanax.” My reply was again, “No thanks, I prefer natural remedies that are not constructed in a lab for profit, tested for a few years and then released with known side effect warnings, because of all the bribes that were paid to the FDA, and to be pushed on consumers.” The cannabis perspective in California is swaying and trying to force into law that no compassionate caregiver can make a profit. Why should the pharmaceutical companies receive profits for the same act? Also, why should the cannabis presumptions of the state prevent profits for people who provide real relief for those suffering?
Photo By. Dan Green
In my opinion, this confusion and controversy is because California doesn’t receive kick backs from the Medical Marijuana industry. If Medical Marijuana Companies were to pay government officials like pharmaceutical companies did, and we would share our hard earned profits with these greedy gluttons, then we would not have to be nonprofit organizations. My surgery consisted of installing two titanium plates and four screws into the upper right zygomatic arch of my face. The doctors gave me a pain sedative immediately out of surgery. When I stabilized after surgery they moved me upstairs for recovery. There they gave me 2mg of morphine, and in two hours I received 2 more mg of morphine. We then discussed further pain medication...... As we discussed my “pain management” they offered NORCO, Percaset and Vicodin. I said no again and refused all further pain medication, just 5 hours after surgery. I preferred to be released or provided with a sleeping aid. They said, “The only thing they can give me is pain medicine, as much as I need, but no sleeping aids.” I became angry and exclaimed, “Why don’t you give me a needle, a spoon and a ride to the nearest back alley drug dealer?” The Nurse stated, “I didn’t need to be angry or upset.” So I replied, “Is it not the side effect of the drugs you have been giving me? This is the detox that drugs cause, this is the reason I don’t want them. This is just one of the copious amounts of reasons they are bad for you.” I then requested to be released and finally, 8 hours later, they got around to it. The doctors prescribed me antibiotics (which after surgery you should never refuse), Hydrocodone and generic Vicodin for pain, and Temazepam for sleep, which is the generic form of Restoril. I filled the prescriptions but they remain in my cabinet. I have not taken one. I used Cannabis Soda and Tincture. It works great and there have been no side effects or harmful long term addictions. I want to let people know, and I cannot emphasize this enough, you recover faster without your body having to process unnecessary chemicals. It is my perspective that the body has a finite amount of energy we will call (x). The body processing the pharmaceuticals will require energy called (y). The healing process prescribed by most doctors after surgery, referred to as (Z). Now, if u do the math x-y=z, would you heal faster with or without (y)? - Anonymous Submission
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Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle - Staff photographer nc times
__________________________________________ FALLBROOK: ‘Mother Earth’ medical marijuana dispensary joins Chamber By MORGAN COOK - nctimes.com
Mother Earth’s Alternative Healing Cooperative Inc. co-founders Bob Riedel and Brenda Perez have joined the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle - Staff photographer) The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce has an unlikely new member ---- a licensed medical marijuana dispensary. Bob Riedel, co-founder of Mother Earth’s Alternative Healing Cooperative Inc., said last week he joined the chamber for the same reasons other members join: It’s a good way to get involved in the community and to network. The co-op has already signed up as one of the sponsors for Fallbrook’s Dec. 5 Christmas parade, for example. “We wanted to get involved with the community and to let people know who we are,” Riedel said of his decision to apply for chamber membership. “We have an actual retail license. We are completely by the book.” Chamber directors said there wasn’t any reason to deny the co-op membership, especially given that it’s a state-sanctioned business. Chamber Executive Director David Bergeson said the board voted unanimously at its Nov. 3 meeting to grant the dispensary membership. The board typically does not vote on membership requests ---- businesses turn in an application and pay an annual membership fee and they’re in ----- but the co-op was a special case, Bergeson said. “When the check and application came in, we all sat around with our mouths hanging open, like, ‘What do we do?’” Bergeson said. “It was the first time the chamber has ever been confronted with what could be considered a controversial applicant.” The chamber’s decision to admit the dispensary appears to be unprecedented in North County. Representatives at chambers in Vista, Oceanside, Escondido and San Marcos said they have no medical marijuana dispensaries as members. Without guidance from other chambers, Fallbrook Chamber directors said they put aside personal opinions and based their decision on whether the business was legitimate and legal. “I don’t believe in it, but it’s like I didn’t believe in acupuncture until I found out it works,” Bergeson said. “So I’m not the judge. We had no logical reason that we could come up with to reject their application. “They are a legitimate business recognized by the state. Even though they may not be liked by everybody, they’re still a legitimate business.” The co-op kicked off its membership with a $500 donation to the
chamber for the Christmas parade. Representatives from the dispensary will ride in a car, although Riedel said he has not decided yet whether he’ll mark the car with the co-op’s name. “We want to be really careful with that,” Riedel said. “Children are going to be there and we don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea or promote anything other than the natural healing side of things.” The nonprofit co-op dispenses marijuana to medical patients with a doctor’s prescription. Some doctors prescribe marijuana to help patients suffering from pain, to increase the appetites of patients going through chemotherapy, and to relieve eye pressure for people with glaucoma, among other things. The co-op has nearly 600 members ---- 80 percent of them between the ages of 50 and 80 ---- does not advertise, and does not allow anyone younger than 21 inside. State attorney general guidelines say all marijuana dispensed by the co-op must be grown by members, so the dispensary offers free hydroponic marijuana growing classes. Members cultivate the plant privately for their own use and donate what they can’t use to the dispensary, which sells or donates it to patients who can’t grow their own. Free marijuana cooking classes are available for members who need or want marijuana’s medical benefits but can’t or don’t want to smoke it, Riedel said. The dispensary also produces Cannabinoid lotions that can be rubbed into skin to ease pain from illnesses such as arthritis. California voters legalized marijuana for medical use in 1996 when they passed the Compassionate Use Act. The measure makes no mention of how or where the drug can be sold, but California Attorney General Jerry Brown has ruled that formal cooperatives registered under the state’s Food and Agricultural Code, and even those organized as less formal “collectives,” are legal under California law. The county fought the state’s medical marijuana law for years until the case hit a legal dead-end in May, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from San Diego and San Bernardino counties. Many marijuana dispensaries in the county have been raided since the decision, but his co-op has not, Riedel said. Riedel said the chamber’s acceptance is just one more example of the warmth and tolerance Fallbrook offers newcomers. “Fallbrook is just an amazing town,” Riedel said. “The people there are warm, friendly, understanding. I think Fallbrook is a diamond in San Diego that nobody knows about.” _______________________________________________________________
BREAKING NEWS: Obama and Dumanis named in federal ‘Marijuanagate’ scandal Contributed by BonnieDAMantis
Stand back Whitewater, move over Watergate, look out J. Edgar Hover... Here comes Bonnie Dumanis with a federal scandal that has earned the name, “Marijuanagate”. On December 22, 2009 news of the alleged federal marijuana scandal was released by the press and involves such high-profile names as President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore and appears to originate with San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. The allegations stem from the 09/09/09 raids on 14 medical marijuana safe access storefronts by the San Diego Regional Narcotics Task Force in a dubious sting operation commonly referred to as Operation Green Rx. The story surfaced in an article posted on the San Diego CityBeat website and was reported by Dave Maass, investigative reporter with CityBeat. With the County DA’s 2010 reelection campaign on the horizon, the last thing Bonnie Dumanis needs is another major blemish to deal with, not to mention the diversion from the national health care agenda push for President Obama. Both Dumanis and Obama have declined to comment about the allegations.
JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 23
Reporting from the City of San Diego Medical Marijuana (MMJ) Task Force Kim Twolan – Task Force MMJ Collective Director Representative On October 6, 2009, the San Diego City Council voted to establish a Medical Marijuana Task Force to advise the City Council on: (1) Guidelines for medical marijuana patients and primary caregivers. (2) Guidelines for the structure and operation of medical marijuana cooperatives and collectives. (3) Guidelines for police department protocol regarding medical marijuana.
The resolution establishing the Task Force further provided that the Task Force was to report back to the City Council by the end of 2009 with recommendations on Phase 1, regarding land use and zoning issues. I would like to express extreme gratitude to Council member Emerald on behalf of the medical marijuana community for having the courage to initiate the creation of the City of San Diego Medical Marijuana Task Force. Interestingly enough, I believe that most of us had preconceived notions of the other Task Force members’ position on MMJ. I can say I am truly privileged to be
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working with a dedicated team of professionals who volunteer and take their civic oath and duty conscientiously for a 1 year term. I can truly say that each member of the Task Force takes the task of providing safe access to medical marijuana patients and operational guidelines and regulations for co-ops and collectives very seriously. Each and every member was able to put their feelings aside and look at the laws and true intent of MMJ. It also became very apparent that the general public is uneducated about the facts of medical marijuana. It astounds me when I hear the general public speaking with such conviction on
the unfounded propaganda about medical marijuana. It became clear that our medical marijuana community needs to do a more diligent job of educating the general public regarding the benefits of MMJ. It also astounded me to find out that the HARM group is a local County funded ‘pothibition’ organization paid with our tax dollars to fight medical marijuana. The Task Force met five times over the course of five weeks to discuss Phase 1: recommendations for land use and zoning of medical marijuana collectives and cooperatives within the City of San Diego. The meetings were conducted pursuant to the Brown Act and open to the public.
On December 8, 2009 at the San Diego City Council meeting, the San Diego Medical Marijuana Task Force presented its recommendations to the Council. The Medical Marijuana Task Force makes the following recommendations for Dispensing Collectives and Cooperatives (DCCs): Permitting through Processes 2 and 3: That DCCs with less than 100 members be required to obtain a use permit through a Process 2 as described in the San Diego Municipal Code and DCCs with 100 or more members obtain a use permit through a Process 3. The Task Force further recommends that
permit renewals follow the current City of San Diego Municipal Code guidelines found in Chapter 12, Article 6, Division 3.
radius of other DCCs.
Distance Limitations: That DCCs shall not be located: (a) within a 1,000-foot radius of schools, playgrounds, libraries, child care facilities, and youth facilities, including but not limited to youth hostels, youth camps, youth clubs, etc., and other similar uses; and shall not be located (b) within a 500-foot
Security: That DCCs be required to have an adequate and operable security system that includes security cameras and alarms and for a licensed security guard to be present at the cooperative or collective at all times during business hours.
Not-for-Profit Operation: That DCCs be required to submit, in applying for a conditional use permit, evidence that they are incorporated as Zoning: That DCCs be statutory cooperatives or allowed by permit in the folbona fide nonprofit corporalowing zones: CR, CO, CC, tions, or documentation CN, CV, IP, IL, and IH. The outlining their plans for Task Force recommends including uses similar to the operating in a not-for-profit recommended base zones in manner, as contemplated Planned District Ordinances by the Attorney General’s guidelines. (PDOs).
Lighting: That DCCs be
required to provide for adequate lighting as detailed below.
The Item was moved to the January 4, 2010 agenda for the City Council’s vote. The MMJ Task Force will reconHours of Operation: That vene Thursday January 21, the hours of operation for 2010 from 9 to 11 am to DCCs be limited to 7:00 A.M. continue the next phase of to 9:00 P.M. seven days a our progress towards safe week. access in the City of San Diego. I would like to sincerely Signage: That certain thank the MMJ community signage restrictions and for all the support shown to requirements be adopted date. I strongly encourage for DCCs as detailed below. everyone to participate. Get out and support the City Councilmember Emerald’s Council and the efforts of the recommendation was to MMJ Task Force. We need adopt the following resoluto continue to stand together tion as recommended by and get our message out the Medical Marijuana Task about the benefits and needs Force: (R-2010-393) of safe access to medical Accepting the Medical Mari- marijuana. juana Task Force Report to Council No. 09-165 and referring the matter to the Land Use and Housing Committee.
JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 25
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Biggest Victory in the History Of Medical Marijuana in San Diego
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, local medical marijuana patient provider Jovan Jackson emerged triumphant over San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ illegal scheme of persecuting the heroes who provide patients with safe access to their medicine.
Jovan Jackson NOT GUILTY
By. Dion Markgraaff
Seemingly so blinded by her prejudice and ignorance that she will not follow the plain intent of the medical marijuana laws, Dumanis has used her unchecked power in increasingly barbaric ways. Instead of helping sick people, Dumanis has been happily standing in the doorway blocking their access to medicine and going all out against those like Mr. Jackson who want to assist people with safe access to medical cannabis. But, despite the DA’s best attempts to convict Mr. Jackson and close Answerdam Alternative Care Collective, the patient collective he manages, a brave jury of our peers declared Mr. Jackson INNOCENT of all marijuana charges and Answerdam Collective LEGAL.
false representations to Dr. Donald Clark of qualifying illnesses, and fill out the paperwork to become one of the 1600 members of Answerdam.
Surprisingly, the Police and According to juror Berry Right, Dumanis thought this was a good “What we saw there was that use of their resources and time, everyone who was a member of in spite of the job killing budget Answerdam was making at least deficits that plague our City and a monetary contribution, and that County. It turns out that they we felt the law was vague on could have saved a lot of taxpayer whether that monetary contribumoney if they had started their tion that ultimately goes toward witch hunt in Dumanis’ own ofcultivation is considered coopera- fice. Evidence at the trial revealed tive effort or not and because we that Dumanis’ staff member, SD had no definition of cooperative District Attorney James Pitts, is a effort. It was not defined in the member of Answerdam collective. law that a cooperative effort needs Pitts has yet to be charged. to be literally raising and growing the plants.” Mr. Jackson beat the SD District Not only did the jury find the laws vague, they also saw through the San Diego Narcotics Departments entrapment scam. Using false claims of citizen complaints as justification, they had undercover officer Scott Henderson procure a California Drivers License using the alias Jamie Conlan, obtain a valid recommendation by making 28 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
fight anyone who wants to fight me,” he said humbly. Over the twisted course of his criminal case, his mettle was proved. Mr. Jackson’s legal odyssey began when he was arrested in the summer of 2008, when Answerdam was raided because of the ‘cop acting like a sick person in need with a valid medical marijuana recommendation scam’.
Attorney’s office, but it was a tough battle fought against foes that have that dangerous combination of endless resources coupled with an absence of common sense and shame. The eight years he spent in the Navy protecting our country and his two wartime deployments helped hone Mr. But his real story of helping and Jackson into the courageous and service starts much earlier. Mr. principled man he is, “I want to Jackson became involved in the
medical marijuana community when he was diagnosed with TMJ syndrome in 2006. He noted the difficultly patients were having acquiring their medicine after all the dispensaries were shut down in the raids of Dec 2005 and July 2006. Opening Answerdam Alternative Care Collective was the dream of the then homeless veteran, who lost his mother to MS when he was young. So, despite the threat of great personal risk, using a re-enlistment bonus earned while serving in the Navy, Mr. Jackson formed Answerdam, a place where patients can collectively help each other obtain their medicine. After his arrest, Mr. Jackson hired attorney Michael Cindrich and paid him a retainer. But after the preliminary hearing, Mr. Cindrich asked the court to remove him from the case because Mr. Jackson could not immediately afford to pay him more money. It was then that Mr. Jackson was appointed a Public Defender. Mr. Jackson was offended by what he perceived as a complete lack of medical marijuana law knowl-
edge and curiosity in his public defender Frank Birchak. Frustrated by the feeling that everyone, including his attorney, was just trying to get him to plead guilty, Mr. Jackson began going to the Courthouse and asking questions and filing motions. The Navy veteran who fiercely defended his country was determined to learn as much as he could in order to fight for his own freedom. Apparently, the Court clerks don’t like proactive defendants that want to be in charge of their own case. Amazingly, Mr. Jackson was arrested at the Courthouse and thrown into jail for trespassing after requesting a copy of his criminal complaint. After this arrest, Mr. Jackson went before Judge Melinda Lasater on September 8, 2009 seeking to fire Birchak and gain permission to be his own attorney. But after a chambers conference between the judge and attorneys, Mr. Jackson was instead thrown into jail without bail for 22 days pending a 1368 psychological evaluation to see if he was competent to act as his own attorney. The right to be one’s own attorney is a fundamental human right which dates back to the Magna Carta of 1215, but even this was denied Mr. Jackson by Dumanis. Mr. Jackson feels that DA Chris Lindberg told the Judge and Birchak about the planned raids of Answerdam and other dispensaries happening the next day, and that this information was the real reason he was jailed. This medieval tactic is a continuing pattern used by Dumanis’ office to jail medical cannabis providers – until they capitulate and plead guilty– like in the case of Cletus Greathouse and others. While in jail for the 22 days, Mr. Jackson became friends with an inmate who recommended the attorneys at Turner Law Group. Mr. Jackson called and was placed in
Jovan Jackson Trial day
contact with Lance Rogers, who drove out to the jail to talk to him for several hours even before Mr. Jackson had paid him anything. Mr. Rogers took the case and began to fight hard. At trial, Prosecutor Lindberg tried to draw a picture of a man who was selling marijuana only for profit. Lindberg introduced into evidence a $100,000 check that Mr. Jackson had allegedly sent to a financial broker, and began his prosecution by bringing up three undercover officers: Scott Henderson aka Jamie Conlan (see picture of recommendation), Officer Mark Carlson, and DEA terror specialist
Officer Sean Turpe. Each officer testified that they had received only about 1 hour of training on medical marijuana, that they could not remember what they had learned from that training, and that they had never seen a legal collective. Evidence in court has shown that undercover officer Scott Henderson had never read the medical cannabis law. Confusion over the law has its source at the Prosecutor’s office. DA Lindberg reportedly argued the meaning of the law in Court 180 degrees differently than in another medical cannabis case. In Mr. Jackson’s case, Lindberg cor-
San Diego Ass. District Attorney Chris Lindberg tries to explain his court loss to the media
rectly said the term ‘collective’, as it is used in the law, is a verb not a noun. In another famous medical cannabis case with Eugene Davidovich, the same prosecutor said the term ‘collective’, as used in the same law, is a noun not a verb– all in an ethically questionable effort seemingly designed to manipulate the law and the Court in an attempt to “win” at all costs. Defense Attorney Rogers called cannabis expert Bill Britt, Dr. Clark, SD District Attorney and Answerdam member James Pitts, and a couple of other collective members to the stand. The testimony from patients was powerful, including one who said she went to Answerdam based on her “1950’s” value system of simple honesty. Through these testimonies the defense was able to establish that Mr. Jackson is a patient who manages a collective. Although, according to prop 215 patients are allowed to collectively associate and are exempt from prosecution, Mr. Jackson and his lawyer had to fight to prove his patient status. Luckily, he and “Jamie Conlan” had the same physician, Dr. Donald Clark. Despite the upfront nature of JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 29
collectives, the police investigations were poor. There was no basis for investigation – an Officer Carlson revealed there were no complaints from anyone. The undocumented complaint seemed to come from the cops discussing how “easy” it was to get a recommendation at a certain doctor’s office. The cops never saw Mr. Jackson at Answerdam, he never personally provided medicine to any government official, there was no evidence that the $100,000 check had been cashed or that it was even real – other than physically blowing up a dummy copy to 6 feet to try to sway the jury. A key to Mr. Jackson’s defense was that 20 of the collective members had been labeled as a ‘grower’ on their collective application, thus successfully answering the ever present patient to plants issue often referred to as the closed loop theory. The discredited closed loop theory of the Health and Safety code 11362.5, under which it is presumed that patients can only legally get medical cannabis by growing it themselves, is another example of the San Diego District Attorney’s flagrant misinterpretation of the law.
Court Support Changing entrenched ideas is not an easy feat, especially since the DA, Police, and the Courts make most of their money off the backs of the victims of the drug wars. This is a landmark case, and up until now people charged have been forced to take plea bargains and are prosecuted harder than those selling marijuana on the street. Although this has become a victory for the cannabis community, let us not forget the continuing battle of Mr. Jackson and the many others who have been charged. Our community has been struggling for the last fourteen years on the front lines against the County of San Diego and the anti-cannabis forces they fund. There have been many challenges and many losses, but now we are on the brink of the ultimate win. In order for more victories to come, the community needs to come together more than ever. Support the members at their trials. Newly appointed ASA director Eugene Davidovich’s trial begins in January and Donna Lambert goes to trial in February. James Stacey of Movement in Action is facing Federal charges stemming from the last round of raids. Strides have been made, a trial has been won, and legalization is near; but do not let this fight slip through our fingers as it has since the 1970’s…. and remember the numbers count!
Mr. Jackson’s case was not just about medical cannabis. Mr. Jackson was found guilty of possession of a few pills of ecstasy and Xanax which were at his house when it was raided in August 2008. These facts further underscore the scope of this medical cannabis victory since any future medical cannabis collective provider’s case would rarely have these damaging facts (i.e. check for $100,000 and illegal drugs). The jury took just a couple hours to come back with its unanimous decision. The question now is – what’s next? For Mr. Jackson his focus is back on helping the community’s sick people and fighting the continuing persecution by the government. His court ordeal continues in January, as he is the only person who was charged in State Court from the 9-9-09 raids. San Diego will be forever in debt to Mr. Jackson, but this hero can never be fully compensated for what he has endured. For Chris Lindberg and Bonnie Dumanis, is it back to their reign of terror on the sick and dying people of San Diego? Or with the District Attorney’s re-election in June, will her office learn from their mistakes of undermining society by not respecting the law and the will of the people? If they cannot, then one can only hope Dumanis and her cronies are paid back with a similar energy. 30 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
Plants to patients – To satisfy the prosecution’s main theory of what makes a collective legal, the patients must take part in cultivating the collective’s plants. Every collective member must be clear about their participation in the collective growing effort. To help prove in court that your collective members are aware that they are a part of a collective grow operation and distribution; Put a check box on membership forms that they understand this concept of collective action. Every collective must have at least a few plants growing in the distribution location. Have everyone – especially new members - water some plants (they could be small and in their early stages, even clones.)
Quality education in the medical marijuana industry no longer requires a trek to Los Angeles or the Bay Area. San Diego’s own Legal Cannabis Institute has opened its doors to provide classes on the law, use and cultivation of medical cannabis each Saturday. “We are always expanding our curriculum to respond to student needs,” said Nicole Scott, the founder and president of LCI. “In addition to all the legal issues and collective courses taught by experienced lawyers and the beginning-to-master grow classes and workshops, we’ve added courses on cooking with cannabis and classes for caregivers such as dosing taught by medical professionals.” LCI also plans to add accredited courses for both attorneys and nurses seeking continuing education on MMJ subjects. Though of recent origin, LCI is rising quickly as a center of ideas and information for the local community. “I am so surprised by the Medical Marijuana Law class I took. I feel safe knowing that I am within the law and protecting myself from 32 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
potential problems,” said student Jason F. of LCI’s basic law course which covers the politics, laws and court decisions that are shaping the industry and current guidelines for collective/cooperative cultivation, possession consumption and distribution.
the grow classes to arm growers with knowledge to protect themselves. “I was not looking forward to this but it has been the best hundred bucks I have ever spent. Marijuana laws are confusing. I understand clearly how it all works now. Whew!” said student Randy L.
Alex S. was able to launch Nicole Scott explains San Dihis grow career after attend- ego’s need for its own medicinal ing LCI’s entry-level growing cannabis school this way, “Today, California is like the Wild West without clear laws or guidelines for the flood that is the ‘Green Rush.’ We offer the answers many are looking for.” To ensure the relevancy of its teaching and the accuracy of its answers, LCI has assembled talented local practitioners, growers and activists. “As California’s fifth medicinal marijuana school – and the only one in San Diego class, “[t]hanks for the informa- County -- LCI has incorporated tive workshop on Growing with all the best practices to form a Hydroponics. I just got start- curriculum that is unsurpassed. ed and will be back for more Attorneys, master growers, classes next month.” In easily nurses, collective founders and understood terms the student others with extensive cannabis is guided step-by-step through education all teach classes for the basics of growing as well as LCI” said Scott. advanced systems and developing techniques to achieve the “Who knew a legal issues class highest medical-quality yields. could be so much fun? … I am The legal classes dovetail with prepared if I have a police en-
counter. ‘Highly’ recommended.” said student Janet B of LCI’s Legal Issues 201, a class that forearms students with the knowledge to assert and protect their rights during law enforcement encounters. Courtney M. was able to use the practical knowledge he gained immediately, “I was pulled over this morning and am happy to report, received a verbal warning to come to a complete stop at stop signs. I remembered everything I learned at school to handle this uncomfortable situation. I will be back to learn how to cook with cannabis.” Of the school’s offering courses as diverse as law and cooking, Janet B. spoke for many of her fellow students, “I guess when you are interested in the topic – medical marijuana – you want to know everything.” Scott, the LCI founder, has endured attacks on marijuana’s legitimacy as medicine and has heard all the jokes about bringing “higher” education to San Diego. “Yes, we can have fun with it,” she said, “but this is a dead serious issue to patients whose access to medicine is continually under threat. Our long-term vision really
sums it up: We envision a world in which Cannabis is readily accessible and socially supported. Also, legally protected and regulated in a manner that is consistent with the highest standard of care. Those who use, produce and distribute medical marijuana will be free from prosecution. We will each take responsibility for our individual health while honoring the diversity in each other.” Student by student, class by class, until its is reality, LCI clearly intends to work with passion and purpose to achieve its vision, and – judging from comments like those of recent graduate Stacy O. – appears to be succeeding: “Loved the medical marijuana classes. Ready to start my collective. Feel empowered. Thank you!” “That’s exactly why we’re here,” said Leslie Warner, a registered nurse and LCI instructor, “passing on that feeling of empowerment is what this school is all about.” Visit LCI’s website at http://www.legalcannabisinstitute.com/ for details on class offerings and enrollment. ©2010 Roger D. Brown, Esq. as
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Hemp Houses will save the world, and maybe your life: Southern Californian’s Best Fire Solution By Dion Markgraaff
In so many industries, nothing can compete with cannabis and more proof is being documented every day. Cannabis hemp, the 2nd fastest growing plant in the world and the most beneficial plant known to man, has been harnessed to create a revolutionary fireproof building material, with truly amazing environmental benefits. The First Modern Hemp Homes in America Commercially known as hempcrete, this versatile hemp based product has been used in Europe for 15 years to construct
hundreds of fireproof multi-story homes and commercial buildings. On December 2 in Ashville, NC., the Nauhaus Company started to build the first permitted hemp houses in the United States using hempcrete. However, credit for the first modern hemp structure in the US goes to the Lakota Nation for constructing a hemp based community recreation center on the Pine Ridge Reservation with US federal redevelopment money a decade ago. The center is made with hemp and adobe bricks, hemp insulation, and experimental hemp fiber reinforced
cement board. What is Hempcrete? Hempcrete is made from the woody core of the cannabis plant (hemp hurds) and lime made from heated calcium carbonate which, when combined, creates a chemical reaction binding the mixture together. Hemp hurds have historically been viewed as a waste byproduct once the valuable fiber was extracted. Lightweight and easy to work with, hempcrete can be mixed on site like concrete and is used to build non-load bearing walls on JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 35
timber or steel framed construction projects, and for floor and roof insulation. Hempcrete can be sprayed on, set into molds which cure in 6-24 hours, or purchased in pre fabricated blocks.
ing them perfect for bars, bands, and noisy neighbors.
Hemp Houses last Forever and ‘Breathe’
Seven times stronger than concrete The inherent plasticity of hemp construction materials makes them highly flexible when
Hemp building products have amazing longevity due to their vapor permeability and inherent plasticity. Over time, a hemp house becomes a virtually indestructible self-insulating and waterproof structure, anticipated to last 700 yrs. They are naturally resistant to fire, rot, pests, mold, and fungus. The vapor permeability of hemp houses allows them to ‘breathe’, thereby eliminating destructive moisture which causes structural damage and the dangerous mold problems experienced in conventional drywall homes. Single skinned and cavity-less, they do not require additional insulation as the vapor transfer makes hemp walls passive self-regulators of temperature, reducing the need for expensive heating and air conditioning. And hemp walls absorb up to 90% of airborne sound, mak-
set, allowing a hemp building to handle normal deformations caused by load settling, eliminating the need to install expensive movement joints. Buildings made with hempcrete are up to seven times stronger than those made of concrete, weigh 50% less, and are three times as elastic. The superior strength and flexibility make hemp homes resistant to stress-induced cracking and breaking, even in earthquakeprone areas like Southern California. Hemp structures get better, harder, and stronger every day while maintaining their flexibility. Eventually, the hemp/lime mixture fossilizes, making it as strong as stone. Advanced Fire Protection for San Diego The fire protection offered by hemp homes is unmatched. They are the answer for fire prone
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areas like San Diego and the rest of California where there is constant risk of raging, home destroying fires. Hemp houses have incredible fire stopping capabilities due to the lime binders in the hempcrete. The lime fuses into the hemp, making the final product fireproof. Lime does not in-
Above: Building Proccess, Below: The Lakota Nations Pine Ridge Hemp House
tegrate into conventional building materials, and will not stop fire in them. Fire resistance testing of hempcrete block walls showed
they withstand 1000 ° heat applied for 1hr and 40 minutes, with the tests ending only when the mortar joints holding the blocks failed. The hempcrete did not burn. Based on these tests, hempcrete has been approved for one hour fire walls. Hemp Houses are Good for the Environment Growing cannabis hemp removes deadly carbon dioxide (CO2) from the environment and replaces it with oxygen. It takes 1.84 tons of CO2 to make 1 ton
of dry hemp. The CO2 is locked inside the planet, and then inside the walls of the home. Each ton of hempcrete has 330kg of CO2 trapped in it. The materials needed to build the average conventional home creates 10 tons of CO2, while each hemp home uses and saves up to 50 tons of CO2 emissions.
Also, hemp building products are very forgiving in application. If a mistake is made, the dried hempcrete can be ground up on site and reused, or it can be spread on land as fertilizer as it is solvent and agrochemical free. Hemp Houses are Affordable: 2.5 acres of hemp = 1,500 sq foot house Presently, the price for building a hemp home is about 10% - 25% more than the cost of a conventionally constructed home. The costs in Europe per square meter (British Pound) are – hemp 526 vs. conventional 478. Many of the financial benefits from a hemp home, besides the house not burning down, are realized after it is built, in savings on electricity bills, maintenance and insurance costs. As more hemp houses are built, more hemp will be grown which will lower the production and transportation costs of hempcrete. A 1,500 sq foot hemp home can be built with the amount of hemp grown on 2.5 acres in 90 days. Using just 1% of the agriculture land in Britain to grow hemp would produce 18,000 homes per year. And when agricultural powerhouse California finally allows her farmers to grow hemp, fireproof hemp building materials will be readily available and af-
fordable (almost free) to fire terrorized Southern Californians. For more information, get the book “Building with Hemp” by Steve Allin or visit INTERNATIONAL HEMP BUILDING ASSOCIATION whose mission statement says “The aims of this association are to develop, promote and support the production and use of all hemp based construction materials and their byproducts in a sustainable and bioregional manner for the benefit of the ecology and communities of all regions of the world.”
The Foundation of our Future is Cannabis The future is now when the subject is about saving our homes and environment. Nothing can compete with cannabis and our hemp homes will literally be the foundation of our future. Good sources for information about hemp construction: www.internationalhempbuilding.org www.thenauhaus.com www.cannabric.com www.eiha.org www.ecomasonry.com www.americanlimetec.com
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Written by Kim Twolan, Mother Earth Co-op & Collective serving San Diego patients since 2005
Let’s all start off the New Year with an awesome joint resolution for 2010, by agreeing to practice various random acts of kindness and to bring more peace and understanding to each other and to our community! Let’s acknowledge that we are moving forward and we are all doing what we can, and avoid criticizing others because they are not doing what we would do or because they are different than us. As the medical marijuana community is under a microscope and continues to be unfairly targeted, it is imperative that we stand together. Let’s celebrate a time of peace, and appreciate everything that each and every one of us is doing to assist and educate the public on the benefits of medical cannabis. After the holidays, numerous patients are looking for medicinal recipes that assist with the leftover holiday food and perhaps a cure for their over indulgences. Using an excellent quality refreshing tea, that is also a diuretic, acts like a cleanser for the digestive system and helps promote overall better health. The most recent medical research is discovering potential healing powers in this ancient brew, and the benefits of tea consumption may extend throughout the body. Using tinctures is another method of medicating. Tinctures are a folklore medicine from the 1800’s that were also used by medicinal doctors. They can be used topically (on the skin) or sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures delivered sublingually take effect within minutes as opposed to through the digestive system which can take up to an hour for the full effects. 42 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
The following recipes are taken from Mother Earth Co-op’s “Special Medicinal Recipes – A Medical Cannabis Cookbook.” MEDICINE MAN’S TEA (Beverages) 6 cups watermelon 1/4 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp cannabis (very finely ground) 1 cup mint leaves 1 cup water 1/2 cup milk Cut watermelon in 1 inch cubes and spread on cookie sheet with wax paper. Place in freezer until frozen, about 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, place mint leaves in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover and let steep 10 minutes. Drain mint leaves and place reserved liquid in refrigerator to chill. Discard leaves. Place frozen watermelon cubes in blender with cool mint liquid, cinnamon, cannabis and milk. Blend on highest speed till smooth, about 15 seconds. Serve in tall glasses garnished with skewered watermelon balls or wedges. Makes 2 curative servings. Note: For an unusual garnish try watermelon balls on skewers, or watermelon wedges with the tips dipped in finely minced fresh mint. This curative beverage is a tremendous help for hydration, nausea and cramps.
TRIBAL VISION TEA (Beverages) 1 qt water 8 cinnamon sticks (broken up) 8 Earl Grey tea bags 8 lemon wedges 8 pc cardamom pods (crushed) 8 orange wedges 1/2 tsp black peppercorns (crushed) 8 cinnamon sticks (whole) 2 tbsp coriander seeds 3 tbsp honey 2 tsp anise seeds 1 tsp kief 2 tsp allspice Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the tea bags, remove from the heat and let steep for 20 minutes; discard the tea bags. Reheat the tea and pour it into a heatproof bowl. Add all of the spices, cover and let steep overnight. Strain the tea into a medium saucepan. Reheat the tea and stir in the kief and honey; let cool. Makes 8 curative servings. Note: For each curative drink, pour the spiced tea over cracked ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, an orange slice and a cinnamon stick and serve. Nice relaxing beverage that helps with nausea and pain.
SWEET GANJA BABE’S QUICHE (Appetizers) 1 pie large crust 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 large Portobello mushroom (chopped) 1 medium egg (8-oz.) white mushrooms (chopped) 1/4 tsp onion salt 3 tbsp cannabutter 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded) 1/2 tsp kief 1 cup of cooked turkey or ham Let pie crusts stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, then gently roll out to 12” circles. Wipe mushrooms with damp cloth and chop in food processor or with chef’s knife. Place cannabutter and olive oil in a medium skillet and cook mushrooms over medium heat until all liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are brown and tender. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 2 dozen 1 3/4” muffin cups. Using 3” cookie cutter, cut 24 circles from pie crust (12 from each crust), re rolling crusts if needed. Press into prepared muffin cups. Divide mushrooms and cooked turkey or ham evenly among lined cups. In small bowl, combine kief, egg, cream, salt and cayenne pepper and beat well. Pour egg mixture over mushrooms and meat; about 2 tsp. per each
muffin cup. Sprinkle each with grated cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until center of quiches is set. To serve warm, cool 5 minutes before removing from pans. To freeze, cool on wire rack and freeze in single layer until solid. Place in air tight freezer container in single layer. To reheat, place frozen quiche on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes until hot. Makes 24 small delights. Note: These little special quiches are fantastic served as appetizers or as an entree for the small appetite. You can make these unique quiches ahead of time and freeze since they reheat wonderfully. TINCTURES There have been several inquiries on how to make tinctures. A tincture, as defined in the McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine, is a medicinal preparation, often of herbal origin in which the ground substrate–example, bark, root, nuts, or seeds is soaked in alcohol to extract oils or other substances of interest. This is a re-creation of an old remedy from the 1800’s. It involves suspending the cannabinoids in sugar syrup in what is known as a micellized solution. This is a very easy process, similar to making candy, but one should use care when evaporating alcohol (a distillation device makes this part much easier). Before starting to make any tinctures, it is important
to understand some basics about alcohol. Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is the form of alcohol that can be safely consumed by humans. The proof listed on commercial alcohol refers to the percentage of ethanol that the beverage contains. The proof is twice the percentage, so 80 “proof” means that the mixture contains 40% ethanol. The higher the alcohol content used, the better the extraction will work. In some parts of the country where “Everclear” is available, people use this alcohol because it has no taste and is 190 proof or 95% ethanol. Another choice, 151 proof rum, a light amber liquid that is 75% ethanol and has a sweet taste. Korbel is a popular brandy to use in tinctures because of its pleasant taste. Others prefer to use fine vodka. These “normal” distilled spirits are 40% to 50% ethanol. Some patients find that the higher proof ethanols like Everclear and 151 Rum may burn too much under the tongue. If burning or sensitivity is a concern, consider using a high quality 90 -100 proof Vodka. This basic recipe can be used to create an elixir from any tincture, and the basic cannabis elixir can be modified for specific ailments. For example, adding syrup of elderberry makes this, without a doubt, the most effective treatment for influenza that exists. Kava can be added for greater pain control and sedation. With a little study of herbal medicine you can customize the blend for specific ailments. Selection of cannabis strains (sativa or indica) will address certain illness or conditions, for example using a sativa for
depression and an indica for a sleeping aid. There are countless uses for this syrup; some have come to rely on it as a treatment for colds and flu when made with elderberry and cats claw. CANNABIS TINCTURES (Beverages) 1 bottle alcohol (190 proof - 40 oz) 1 oz. cannabis (medical grade)
1 qt. honey
Grind the cannabis to almost a powder and then cover with alcohol and place in a paper bag. Store mixture for at least three weeks in a dark and cool place. Strain the alcohol from the herb and discard the herb. Place the tincture in a double boiler over heat until the volume is reduced in half. Add ½ the remaining volume of tincture in honey or some other syrup and 4-6 vitamin E caps (e.g.: if you have 2 quarts of tincture after reducing you would add 1 quart of honey). This is when you can add other herb tinctures and flavors. Continue to reduce the volume with constant stirring until you have nearly boiled it down to the original volume of syrup that you began with. Let this cool and bottle in dark glass, then store in the refrigerator. Tincture should be stored in airtight dark glass containers kept at room temperature or below. Avoid plastic containers as the ethanol in the tincture may solubilize some of the free vinyls in the plastic. Depending on the original strength of the herb, the dosage should be between a teaspoon and a tablespoon for most patients. Store in a cool dark place for up to a year. * Cannabutter recipe, please refer to the first edition of NUG Magazine * Kief recipe, please refer to the third edition of NUG Magazine * Past issues of NUG Magazine are available online at www.NugMag.com Wishing you a happy journey to a healthier you. Peace & Love, Kim JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 43
GROW: BY. THE GURU
Hydroponics V.S. Soil Growing People are always asking me, what’s better to grow in, hydroponics or soil? I never have enough time when someone asks this question to give them a complete answer. The truth is it all depends on the grower’s skills and the situation, like are you growing inside or outside? All forms and methods of growing are essentially just different tools for the job. The art of growing plants without soil came from first understanding and using soil. Hydroponics is derived from the methods of growing plants in soil. You could call it a technological break thru or advancement in growing. What’s best all depends on how you use each method and if you know how to use them properly. It also depends on the situation or location. One may not have much water around in his area, or may not have access to good organic soil, or the ability to get heavy bags of soil and the amount of water needed to the location of the garden. Hauling lots of heavy bags of soil up 3 stories to your apartment grow room is not very fun or efficient. Also, some plants seem to grow better and easier in either soil or hydroponics. To figure out which method is best suited for you to grow in, you must first understand hydroponics and organics to make an educated decision. Only 2 different dictionaries I found describe hydroponics as a science. “The science of growing or the production of in nutrient – rich solution…” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, 1999), and “the science of growing plants without soil” (The World Book Encyclopedia, 1996). Most other dictionaries and encyclopedias define hydroponics as “the cultivation, process or practice of growing plants without soil, all suggesting that hydroponics is a procedure of growing plants, not a science on how plants grow without soil.” There are several variables and slightly different definitions of hydroponics so it really depends on how you define hydroponics. Most of us know or define hydroponics as “the art of growing plants without soil”. Let’s look at some of the different types or methods of hydroponics systems and how they vary. Some of them include NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), Aeroponics, DWC (Deep Water Culture), Ebb N’ Flow, Fogging Mister Systems, and Drip Systems. Different hydroponic media are used within each system. Some of these media including hydroton grow rocks, rockwool, perlite, and vermiculite, are inert and contain no natural nutrients or food. On the other hand, some hydroponic media consist of coco coir, peat moss, mineral rocks, compost, bark, coco chips, and other
ingredients that are organic, but consist of no soil. NFT systems work well with lettuce, basil, and other green leaf herbs as long as you keep the water temperature under 68-70 degrees and your oxygen levels in the channels do not get too depleted. Aeroponics works well on plants with smaller root systems because when the root systems get too big the sprayers or misters are not always getting at the root system evenly. The roots can block and even clog the sprayers and misters. Water temperature is critical here as well as is keeping the water quality clean and free of pathogens. DWC systems are basically roots hanging from a net basket with a small amount of airy media such as hydroton grow rocks or perlite, not retaining much water. The roots grow out of the rocks and basket and down into the water or nutrient supply, which is also the reservoir in most cases. Air pumps supply oxygen to the nutrient solution where the roots are bathing and hanging. Problems here occur when the nutrient solution gets warmer than 70 degrees, and/or the oxygen supply is not high enough. Remember, most pathogens and diseases develop best in standing water. Ebb N’ Flow systems work by plants sitting in containers with well drained bottoms. A pump floods the table with an inch or two of water, a couple of times per day, and then it drain backs into the reservoir. Some problems can occur here with pathogens and diseases when water conditions are not ideal. Fogging or misting systems are very technical. Since it is literally a fog or fine mist spraying the roots everything has to be perfect. It is probably one of the hardest systems to grow with and learn to master, and requires the most maintenance and time. The roots can actually get too big to where they block the spray or mist from wetting the entire root system. Drip systems are probably one of the easiest, most natural hydroponic systems you can grow with. It also allows the option for multiple different media to be used, but your watering cycles will vary with different media and systems. When you know how to use these systems properly and choose the right system for the right plants, just about anything can be grown in hydroponics. To compare hydroponics to soil you must first understand soil. In hydroponics, we are simply mimicking how plants grow in soil, so understanding soil growing will give great insight to growing hydroponically. Soil is a living micro-ecosystem that works totally different than hydroponic media. An example of an organic garden or ecosystem is the Amazon Rain Forest, a perfect microbial eco-system, organic and thriving. In soil, plant’s roots grow out wide and deep to search out and find nutrients and minerals. About 70% of a plant’s energy goes into root production and about 30%
goes into foliage or fruit production. In hydroponics it is the exact opposite, with 30% energy going to the roots and 70% going to the foliage and fruit production. The roots spread out like an army of feeder roots absorbing the essential elements from the soil solution, which is in fact a very dilute solution. The soil is both mineral and organic in nature with many physical and complex properties. Thru the process of solubilization and equilibrium chemistry, the elements removed by root absorption and up taken by the plant are replenished by this process naturally. In hydroponics you are giving a plant all the nutrients it needs so it does not have to work as hard to search for nutrients and elements, therefore having more energy to produce heavier, bigger fruits. Normally, one might judge the health of a plant by the size of its root system. A large mass of fibrous white roots would be considered the ideal situation for a healthy strong plant. That may not be the case in hydroponics. It has been demonstrated in studies that a single root is enough to supply a corn plant with phosphorous from early stage to maturity. The larger root mass in hydro could be a negative in some situations. In the case of an NFT, a plant with a root system too large, it could actually clog up the drain lines and stop all water and oxygen from flowing down the channels to the other plants and they could die. On the other side, if minimal root mass is needed to supply the plants, a smaller root system would provide enough nutrients to the plant and allow for better oxygen levels in the nutrient solution and better flow of the solution in the channels. Smaller root systems in hydroponics could lead to better plant development and heavier fruit set and size. When using media such as coco coir, rockwool and hydroton the media develops complex properties similar to those in soil and creates soil like conditions, due to the accumulation of precipitates. When calcium and phosphates (whose surfaces absorb other elements such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc) build up in the media the precipitated elements accumulated are not removable by leaching. The EC levels can rise over time as well. All of this creates conditions similar to soil like properties in the media. Since you are controlling what elements go into your nutrients, you can control what happens and what conditions grow and develop in the media and the plant. This is one of the benefits of hydroponics. Having ideal growing conditions and ideal nutrient solutions is what makes a perfect, healthy plant. In hydroponics you can adjust by adding or subtracting JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 45
different minerals, nutrients, or elements into the solution to make the plant grow a certain way, creating a perfectly balanced nutrient solution. You can also flush or clean out a plant much quicker than in soil which is a major benefit if you need to flush the plant out in case of a nutrient problem. Soil would hold the elements much longer than in hydro. The opposite is true in hydro in that the nutrient uptake by the plant is much faster and due to that comes the accelerated growth. Almost 90% of the insects and diseases in your garden are soil born insects. By starting with a soilless hydroponic media you eliminate that 90%, and have a 90% less chance of having or getting bugs or diseases. Growing inside with hydroponics is cleaner, not as messy as soil and less work than to carry all of those bags of soil into the house. Can you imagine NASA taking tons of soil on the shuttle up to the space station to grow their produce for the astronauts? This could not be done in space without hydroponics. By controlling the nutrient solution and uptake to the plant, one can fine tune their garden and plants. Plants can also grow up to 10 times faster in hydroponics. This does not mean you will harvest quicker or flowering will be faster. The vegetative growth is faster but the flowering time is the same genetically. It means you can trigger certain critical developments in the plant and fruit by adding or subtracting nutrients and other elements from the nutrient solution, and you have the ability to flush it within a very short amount of time.
Another benefit of hydroponics are the fact that it uses about 1/10th the amount of water per plant compared to soil grown plants, especially in the field or in uncontrolled environments. 1 acre of hydroponics is equal to about 10 acres of soil grown crops, and with 80%-90% less water needed and much less labor, it is the better choice in many situations. As far as our Mother Earth is concerned, we’re losing about 38 Billion metric tons of top soil per year due to several factors involving traditional field soil growing. Just
the dust alone from the tractors tilling the fields takes away a lot of top soil in to the air, turning it into dust. Mining, erosion, cutting down our forests and the many other harmful things being done to Mother Earth has all contributed to 38 billion tons of erosion annually. With hydroponics you are not watering pesticides or toxins into the ground due to the fact that hydropon-
ics can be controlled. Also, you are not washing away your topsoil. Often times large hydroponic operations are small compared to field farms, are all recalculating systems, and have little to no waste in the ground. Are you sure you’re a dirt farmer? Most of us think we’re buying plants in soil from our nursery or Home Depot. The truth is most of these plants are grown in a soilless media such as perlite mixed with coco coir, peat moss, bark and other similar medias. They do this because of the plants’ ability with a smaller root mass to produce larger foliage and fruit growth. When you’re buying a plant this is usually what you’re looking at. The stores selling them do this, as it also saves them room and allows for more plants to be displayed for sale. Many of us think we’re growing in soil when actually there is no soil at all and it’s a good chance that it is a soilless hydroponics media. There is no right or wrong answer to which is better, soil or hydro. There are benefits to each. You should first understand soil to better understand and grow successfully with hydroponics. The same results can be achieved in both systems, if done properly. There are more things to control and maintain in hydroponics to achieve the same success, but the same can be said for growing in soil. They are both tools and once you learn them and know them, you will find both easy to grow in. Many consider hydroponics a very valuable growing method that can achieve superior results without the use of heavy organic soils. As long as the growing conditions, environment, nutrient solution and everything else is ideal then anything will grow well in either media. But remember, one or the other may have benefits or advantages for your specific situation and growing needs. END.
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by. The Guru
Ever get new clones for your garden and end up with patches of white fluffy stuff on your plants or leaves a few weeks into flower? Well that my friends is a species of fungi, a disease known as powdery mildew. You can thank your dispensary, club, or friends for giving you a horrible disease. This results from not following proper gardening procedures. Powdery mildew (PM) is a nasty fungus that damages and weakens your garden, even causing it to die off in some cases. You will notice PM by the white powdery spots or blotches on the surface of the leaves. Often times starting in the lower, back corner of the room where circulation and ventilation is poor. You can be infected with PM for a while before you see signs of it. PM consists of fungal mycelium and some of the smallest reproductive spores. Most diseases and pathogens infect their host in standing water at temperatures above 68 – 70 degrees. PM does not host in standing water, but rather likes mid to high humidity and lower light levels. PM also must have a host plant to live. This means there are several different strains of PM; not all strains affect all plants. Many cannabis plants are susceptible to PM but some are more resistant than others. It is usually noticed on the lower parts of the plants first. Overcrowded plants that have not been pruned and have leaves rubbing against each other are a perfect place to host PM. Don’t overcrowd your plants and always prune up your plants, especially the bottom 8 – 12 inches. The reproductive spores of fungal mycelium can reproduce rapidly in just a few days once the environmental conditions are just right. Often the grower will get clones and vegetate them for weeks with no signs of PM at all. Usually early to mid flower, the white pow48 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
dery patches start appearing, over night it seems. Many times the actual grower is not the one who created the PM, they just gave it the right conditions to set up shop and explode. You were likely carrying it from the time you got your new clones and it had already infected the plant before you received them. Understand that since prop 215, especially in the past few years, the demand for clones has grown by probably 1000%. As clones are more in demand, suppliers clone and sell more and more. Now we basically have a serious white powdery mildew epidemic in California! Why? It’s simple. Those who are making more and more clones mostly are doing it for the almighty dollar and don’t care what you get or end up with as long as they get paid. The more they do, the lazier they get, and the less thorough they are with their gardening practices. Those doing clones, commercial or personal, should always keep a sterile grow room. Each tray and dome should be sterilized after each batch or set of clones. Often people neglect the basics in the cloning room. Clones need the right environment to be healthy and more importantly so does the stock plant or mother plant’s growing conditions. Just as it’s important for our mothers to be healthy when having or carrying us, it’s just as important for our mother or stock plants to be healthy and growing in the right environment. You should actually put MORE effort into your stock plants, your clones, and your veg, as it is the beginning foundation and structure of your plant’s life. These stages have a big role in how your plants perform, turn out, and yield. Keep your room clean and sterile with good ventilation, circulation and adequate Co2 levels. If you do get clones from anyone, even if god himself gave
you clones, you should always quarantine them in another room for a week or two. Use preventive measures such as keeping your room clean, establishing the correct environment, using foliar spray with seaweed liquid to build the immune system and a fungicide to treat any possible diseases, spores, or bugs that may be present. Using Neem Oil as a foliar spray also helps prevent diseases and PM. Azamax or Azatrol (same product) is one of my favorites. It is the same active ingredient as Neem Oil but about 12 times the strength. It can be used as a drench, taking care of bug larvae in the media and getting systemic into the plants vascular system. Also used as a foliar spray, both of these help treat and prevent pests and diseases, including PM. So what do you do if you have PM? Start by understanding the fungi and how it thrives. Understand how many spores there actually are in your room and that it only takes one spore to start a colony of billions to destroy your garden. If you took a toothpick and touched a white patch of PM on your plants you would have over 2 million spores on the tip of that toothpick! It is one of the finest spores in the world. Once you have the slightest amount of PM in your garden your fans are simply spreading the spores throughout the entire grow room. Not only is it on your plants, it is everywhere! In your fans, carpet if you have any, on your walls and every other surface in the grow room. Once you go into another room with plants you most likely just spread it and infect everything you touch. Once you understand it, you can prevent it. Healthy plants start with healthy clones from a healthy stock plant. Foliar spraying with liquid seaweed or kelp has many anti fungal and
immune system building properties. Nitrozyme is an awesome, high quality liquid seaweed extract, and should be used periodically with clones and veg. Beneficial bacteria should always be used, especially in the clone and veg stages. Products like Canna’s Rhizotonic, Great White Shark Trichoderma, and RTI’s Mycos are all natural, organic, beneficial bacteria that build extremely strong, healthy plants, with strong immune systems capable of fending off PM, molds, diseases, and pests. Just like your body, if you have a strong immune system and you’re healthy, then you’re a lot less susceptible and likely to catch a cold, virus, or disease. Diseases, molds, and bugs thrive in bad environments and weak immune systems. Once you have PM or are infected you must treat it and kill it off. It cannot thrive or live in an alkalide high PH (PH value of the leaf not the reservoir). Foliar fungicide sprays such as Organicide, Serenade and Mildew Cure can be sprayed on the leaves. What about the spores all over your room, in your fans, ducting and on every other surface? It is
impossible for someone to spray every square inch of a room successfully so a sulphur burner is one of the best and only choices. A sulphur burner heats up a can of sulphur with an electric heating element at temps between 144 – 159 degrees. Burning sulphur at temperatures higher than 159 degrees changes the physical structure of the sulphur and releases unwanted oxides of sulphur which can be harmful to crops. By burning sulphur it vaporizes and covers every sq. inch of the grow room. Every surface of the room needs to be vaporized with sulphur every night, for 6-8 hours per night, for as long as it takes; it may take up to a few weeks. Don’t stop when it’s not visible on the plant anymore, it’s still there and intact for a couple weeks after it’s not visible. You should not foliar spray anything on plants in flowering past the third week to avoid getting any fruit rot. A sulphur burner is by far one of the best choices to treat PM, when in flowering especially, and works well in veg also. You should run this into the next grow as well to make sure you get
rid of it completely. Once you don’t see it anymore, or for preventative treatment you can lessen the length of time and frequency of burning the sulphur. Preventative treatment is 3-4 hours per night, maybe a few nights a week. Once you have white patches of PM you need to cure or treat the disease. You need to run the burner for 7-8 hours each night then taper down the time gradually to 3-4 hours every few nights. Remember to quarantine and treat your new clones with fungicides, seaweed, and Azatrol and use your beneficial bacteria to build strong healthy plants able to resist and fend off bugs and diseases. Don’t waste your time with sprays if fully infected in mid flower. Get a sulphur burner, do it right, and kill it off. Be clean, sterile and take the proper preventative measures and you will have happy, healthy strong, bug and disease resistant plants.
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Using marijuana to fight substance abuse behavioralhealthcentral.com
Substituting marijuana for more harmful drugs may be a winning strategy in the fight against substance abuse, a U.S. researcher says. A study, published in the Harm Reduction Journal, of 350 marijuana users indicates 40 percent used marijuana to control their alcohol cravings, 66 percent as a replacement for prescription drugs and 26 percent for other, more potent, illegal drugs.
“Substituting cannabis for alcohol has been described as a radical alcohol treatment protocol,” Reiman said in a statement. “This approach could be used to address heavy alcohol use in the British Isles -- people might substitute cannabis, a potentially safer drug than alcohol with less negative side-effects, if it were socially acceptable and available.” Sixty-five percent of people reported using marijuana as a substitute because it has fewer adverse side effects than alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs, 34 percent because it has fewer withdrawal potential and 57.4 percent because marijuana provides better symptom management, the study says.
Amanda Reiman of the University of California, Berkeley, conducted the study at a medical marijuana dispensary.
Cannabis effective against spasticity in MS patients, study confirms
nursingtimes.net
Cannabis can reduce spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, a study has found A systematic review, published in the open access journal BMC Neurology, found that five out six randomised controlled trials reported a reduction in spasticity and an improvement in mobility. Lakhan concludes, “The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in MS is comprehensive and should be given considerable attention”. 50 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
Israeli Hospital Accommodates Medical Marijuana Patients by Mike Meno – blog.mpp.org
While many American authorities continue to drag their feet on medical marijuana issues, one of our closest overseas allies is taking another step to help patients for whom marijuana is a safe and reliable treatment. Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer recently became the first hospital in Israel to administer medical marijuana to qualified patients. After a successful pilot program, the new hospital policy allows medical marijuana patients to use
their medication either in smoking rooms or in private rooms with an open window. To further accommodate these patients’ needs, the Israeli Association for the Advancement of Medical Cannabis is now raising money to purchase vaporizers—five of which are already in use at the hospital. This is just the latest example of Israel and other countries outpacing the United States when it comes to providing seriously ill patients with safe and reliable access to medical marijuana.
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Cannabis Planet Television to
Orbit San Diego
Cannabis Planet Television is a weekly 30 minute television show dedicated to the merits of the Cannabis Plant.
monials, celebrity interviews, The show premiers in and musical guests are all San Diego on Cox Cable part of the lineup. Channel 14 at 11:00 pm on Cannabis Planet is co-hostFriday night January 8th. ed by Ngaio Bealum, (West Cannabis Planet Television Coast Cannabis Magawill air every Friday and zine Publisher) and Sarah Saturday night at 11:00 pm Diesel (Oaksterdam UniChef Michael and will feature the industri- versity). al, agricultural and medicinal Delao brings gourmet canuses of Cannabis. Cannabis nabis cuisine to the show, Planet Television may tem- featuring delectable dishes porarily be listed as ‘Paid infused with cannabis oils. Programming’ on the guide, Horticultural legend, Ed so tune in and set your Tivo Rosenthal, brings his years to record Channel 14 at of expertise and insight to 11:00 pm every Friday and the show with his weekly Saturday night. growing tips. The Shakedown serves as the house band for News and information, col- Cannabis Planet Television, lective profiles, cannabis bringing an eclectic jam band cooking, cultivation tips with sound influenced by the Ed Rosenthal, patient testi- Grateful Dead. 52 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
Weekly episodes also include hemp history, industrial uses, and powerfully poignant patient testimonials. “Our goal is to educate and inform everyone about this wonderful plant...” stated Brad Lane, Executive Producer of the show. “We want to open up peoples’ eyes to the potential of Cannabis beyond its well known recreational properties.” added Lane.
Bruce Mirken (MPP), Allen St. Pierre (NORML), Dr. Lester Grinspoon (Harvard), Scot Mendelson (world’s strongest man), Marc Emery (Prince of Pot), and many others. Hard-hitting patient and doctor testimonials discussing the medicinal properties of the plant will also be featured.
Cannabis Planet Television is also looking for local San Diego stories to cover. Do Segments scheduled to you have a compelling story air in the coming weeks to share? include: Charles C. Lynch trial, Jovan Jackson trial, If so, contact Cannabis the L.A City council saga Planet at: over medical cannabis 877-420 SHOW (7469) dispensaries, interviews with or visit them online at www.CannabisPlanet.TV Don Duncan (ASA),
Ganja Soul is one of several unique, free spirited lines of custom purses designed and created By Jacky. This particular water resistant camo design contains 21 pockets – 7 of which are hidden for your
private packages, including a detachable keychain. All By Jacky bags are double or triple stitched for extra security and a purse bag is typically included to protect your purse when you are not using it. Though each product differs, innovation, creativity, and Jacky’s own
personal fire are consistent ingredients in each one of these special concoctions. Designed through Jacky’s eyes, all custom work is a personal interpretation of each client’s needs. Special occasions, particular events, gifts, or something for yourself, Jacky has a
sack for you. Prices vary depending on style, intricacy and depth of the design. So, what do you require on that crazy trip called life? Let Jacky make that purse for your journey.
Forbidden leaf hemp seed oil lotion and soap company is a home grown business based in the Southern California desert mountains of Warner Springs. They use the finest moisturizing ingredients that nature has to offer... Hemp seed oil, olive oil, grape seed oil, aloe vera, shea butter, sweet almond oil, chamomile, japanese green tea and vitamin E. Their hemp seed oil and olive oil is made from the highest grade oils and is “cold pressed” to retain all of it’s skin nourishing vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Hemp seed oil has many extraordinary benefits for the skin, internally as well as externally. It is one of the world’s richest sources of poly-unsaturated fats. Including both of the essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) and gla (gamma linolenic acid), enzymes and vitamins a, d & e... These are all natural and work to condition, moisturize and replenish the skin. Their hemp seed oil lotion penetrates, moisturizes and absorbs deep into skin, without leaving a greasy after feel. It is especially great for after tanning and tattoos... Leaving skin silky soft and ashy tattoos bright, moisturized and refreshed. Thanks Dana for sending us a sampling of some of these great products! To learn more about the Forbidden Leaf products visit them online at www.forbiddenleaf.com JANUARY 10 | NUGMAG.COM 53 JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 53
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Interviewed by RAS MIKE-NUG MUSIC EDITOR
It’s not too often that you encounter a band that has both
the musicianship and the mindset to really make an impact on the music scene; not just locally, but nationally on a mainstream level. With Out Papers is just that kind of band. NUG Mag recently sat down with them to hear their story. Their determination to make really good music for the masses immediately shines through in a positive light. The foundation of WithOut Papers is four East County guys, making music that has a message,
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while combining all of their musical styles.
NUG: How did WithOut Papers come about? WithOut Papers: Sha-T Shane and I (Jarrod) met in 7th grade and started 4-DUB. Years later, we hooked up with old friends Rem and Bongo, formed an instant connection and started WithOut Papers in 2008. After some complications, we had to find a new drummer the night of our first show. Luckily, Sha-T Shane knew a drummer, Jonathan “J-Sticks”, who played metal music. He came in that night, killed it on the drums, and WithOut Papers was born. NUG: What are some of the group’s influences? WithOut Papers: Queen, Bob Marley, Journey, Sublime, Sprung Monkey, Jack Johnson and KRS-ONE. Just good music, music with a meaning, that really makes you feel. It’s hard to say because we all come from different musical backgrounds. J-Sticks is into gospel and blues, Rem and Sha-T Shane are into rock and metal, and I like reggae and hip-hop. So, we really can’t say one style specifically defines us. Each one of us has a wide diversity of musicianship styles and respect for the art.
NUG: What are some of the shows you have done? WithOut Papers: The two shows that come to mind are the KROQ Halos ‘N Horns Fest with KoRn and Shwayze in Orange County, and performing with the legendary singer Junior Reid. Easily the best two shows outside of Laurapalooza. NUG: With over 105,000 plays on your MySpace page, tell me about the song “Angry Solider”. WithOut Papers: Nice! Rem wrote that song. We have a really close friend whose 18 year old boyfriend joined the Army and was sent to Iraq, where he served and died. Also, an old family friend went crazy from Agent Orange. I just wanted to remember them. NUG: As you may know, I have a 13 year old daughter named Sabrina who helps me pick music on MySpace and such, and she would kill me if I didn’t ask one of her questions. So, what kind of cake do you like?
WithOut Papers: Carrot cake or chocolate ice cream cake. NUG: What’s the one thing that NUG readers should know about WithOut Papers? WithOut Papers: Not to blow our own horn but, originality and listenability. We’re music fans who have sat through some really shitty bands, and we don’t ever want to ruin it for anyone. We try to make everyone feel good at our shows. Known for their rock-reggae-pop sound that can only be found in their hometown of San Diego, WithOut Papers will rock your socks off and then dip your toes in the sand. They can make you dance and fall in love in a single jam. You can find the band on www.redination.com, www.myspace.com/sdwithoutpapers and other social networking sites. Without Papers: Jarrod Pellegrini - Vocals Remington Ross - Bass Jonathan “J-Sticks” Rolfson - Drums Sha-T Shane - Guitar
NUG: I noticed that your sound is very comparable to Sublime and the Long Beach Dub Allstars, both So-Cal groups that have made huge impacts on the local music scene. Was that by design, or is that just how it worked out? How do you respond to those who say you are trying to sound like Bradley Nowell? WithOut Papers: Our sound is just that, our sound. When I was a kid, the Sublime CD’s were like the Holy Grail, you know what I mean? I didn’t know I had a voice besides Bradley’s, and that was the way I sang for a long time, just like Brad. It took me some time to find my own voice, but no doubt he played a huge part in my vocal delivery.
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San Diego-born power rock trio, Heavy Glow, was formed in August of 2008 by Jared Mullins, vocalist/ multi-instrumentalist, and bassist Joe Brooks after the break-up of their first band, Grin’s Edge. With the addition of drummer Dan Kurtz, the trio set out to record their first EP at Velvet Revolver’s Studio in Los Angeles with legendary producer, Stevie Salas. Their self-titled EP contains six songs that capture the band’s ability to communicate raw, real music. Under the production of Salas, who has worked with such artists as Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, George Clinton, Justin Timberlake and T.I., the EP has sold 2,000 copies and was recommended by San Diego radio station 94.9 KBZT-FM in June. Singles “It’s Too Late” and “Better Line” also receive regular airplay on San Diego stations 105.3 KIOZ-FM and 91.1 XTRA-FM as well as podcast play in Italy, Canada and Germany. The band is often compared to the likes of Cream, The White Stripes and The Black Keys. “Seventies rock swagger and crunchy guitar hooks abound on this rock trio’s polished debut EP,” said San Diego City contributor Adam Gimbel. Heavy Glow recently signed to Australian-based StockXChange Music Group and has played more than 35 shows since February throughout the southwestern portion of the United States. According to Mullins the band strives for “hard-hitting, gritty, infectious and melodic rhythms to create a sound that is both informed by the past and undeniably modern.” The band anticipates a follow-up release due in early 2010 entitled “The Filth and the Fury.” The EP contains 5 new songs all cut with the band playing live in one room over a period of 6 hours. Check them out online at www.myspace.com/heavyglowmusic
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The Southern Oregon based funk/reggae fusion trio Indubious is comprised of Spencer Burton (bass, vocals) his younger brother Evan Burton (keyboards, vocals) and drummer Matthew T. Wells. The Burton brothers, Bay Area transplants, rounded out the distinctive Indubious sound with Ashland native, Wells. Indubious has been building a following in the Northwest over the past few years with positive messages in their music, live shows and community outreach. Indubious is described as powerful, epic, and uplifting in not only sound and lyrics, but in pure energy and spirit in which they disseminate their positive messages. The Indubious sound is a combination of roots reggae, powerful lyrical ability, angelic Crosby, Stills and Nash style harmonies with the clarity and intention reminiscent of The Beatles, backed by a bass player commonly referred to as “the next Les Claypool,” a virtuosic keyboard phenom; and a drummer with an ear for perfection. The Burton brothers have shared a very special bond since birth. Not only are they best friends with the same passion for making music, but they were both born with
Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting their respiratory system. The brothers look upon the disease as a gift, giving rise to a whole new way of thinking and living for them and their faithful fans. “Indubians,” have adopted the unofficial motto of “Live Indubiously,” meaning living life without doubt and fear and a full respect for all things, good and bad. “We are here to share our message with the world and show people that we all write our own story in life and that absolutely anything is possible,” says Evan. “As long as you eliminate the doubt and fear that our society and culture thrives off of.” Spencer and Evan claim the circumstances in their lives have made them who they are today and they would not change anything. “We have always felt that the best outlet for our message would be through music and to see this all materializing for us is more than we ever could have asked for,” says Spencer. “If we could help just one person through our music then it would all be worthwhile but to see the response that we are getting and the potential impact we could have on the world is leaving us amazed and humbled.”
Their ability to transcend boundaries is unparalleled with fans ranging every generation. “Finding Indubious is like finding that great comedian who doesn’t cuss; who you can listen to with your Grandma, and know you will both enjoy it,” says Wells. Check them out online for upcoming shows at www.myspace.com/indubious
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BY. BUD GREENBAUM PHOTO: BONDI
Bondi
333 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 342-0212 www.thebondi.com  Bondi is a great bar to hang out at with friends. It has a great patio in the front, lots of onion-shaped places where you can enjoy intimate chats, great music and a wonderful variety of Aussie beers and wines, some of which are exclusive to Bondi in the U.S. The food is great too! They have everything from Bangers and Mash (sausages and potatoes) to Asian-inspired Pacific Rim dishes. Bondi combines the contemporary flavors, sights and sounds of Australia for an experience unmatched in San Diego. 62 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
Anthology (above image) 1337 India St. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 595-0300 www.anthologysd.com
This is a great place to see a show. Five nights a week, you get the best jazz, blues, world music and rock in a beautiful setting with seriously killer acoustics (the sound is effing awesome). But you may not realize the food is just as good as the music. The ever-changing menu is based on natural seasonal ingredients (many purchased at local farmers’ markets), and is seriously tasty. The wine and beer list is extensive. Although there is a $15 food and drink minimum on top of the tickets, I recommend going on Tuesday nights when there’s only a $5 cover charge, a special bargain menu and great performances by the Anthology House Band, which during a recent performance ran through everything from “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, to some Brazilian bossa nova, and hardcore Chicago blues.
Gaslamp Tavern
868 5th Ave (Between E St & F St) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-3339 www.gaslamptavern.com
East Village Tavern + Bowl 930 Market St San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 677-2695 www.bowlevt.com
A visit to East Village Tavern + Bowl is both a blast from the past and a trip to the future. On one hand, it’s a classic neighborhood tavern that is the perfect spot to hang out with friends to enjoy great grub, cold beers and cocktails. On the other, its home to a state-of-the-art bowling alley and tons of flat-screen TVs displaying the best in sports entertainment. In other words, there are lots of shiny lights that look really cool when you’re baked. Although you can’t partake of your mediweed at EVT, you’ll still feel right at home because East Village Tavern + Bowl is better than home and almost as affordable. Let’s face it: With all the pool tables and game rooms and the 12 bowling lanes, you’re guaranteed more variety than other taverns. That’s why East Village Tavern + Bowl is raising the bar for what all bars should be.
The Gaslamp Tavern is San Diego’s best neighborhood sports bar. Amazingly, it has a beach bar atmosphere even though it’s at least a couple miles from a beach. With an open friendly atmosphere, fun staff, and a beer selection to please any thirst, Gaslamp Tavern attracts a crowd of locals and visitors every night and day of the week. The tavern is the perfect place to experience downtown, especially if you get one of the coveted patio seats that are perfect for people-watching. Besides having tasty bar food and a great drink selection, Gaslamp Tavern has some great music (such as Fish & the Seaweeds) and sporting events. The friendly staff is definitely a plus. Because Gaslamp Tavern is a true neighborhood bar, in San Diego’s most touristy neighborhood, it’s the perfect place to meet friends for a drink and grab a bite to eat in a laid-back atmosphere. Gaslamp Tavern impresses newcomers with its location, but the neighborly attitude is what keeps locals happy and visitors coming back. cont. JAN 2010 | NUGMAG.COM 63
Bleu Boheme
4090 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116 (619) 255-4167 www.bleuboheme.com Bleu Boheme is where I go when I am seriously jonesing for good French food. It’s right in the heart of Kensington, a cool neighborhood with a chill vibe. This quaint French Bistro always seems to be filled with happy people enjoying a glass of wine or one of Bleu Boheme’s signature dishes. Bleu Boheme is the kind of place where you can easily let an afternoon or evening drift by unencumbered by the restraints of time and space. I like the Coq au Vin (chicken in red wine), but the mussels are also delicious. The basil martini almost tastes like something else that’s nice and green... Definitely a great splurge, especially for lovers of French wines. END.
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Escape the cold, the hustle and the bustle…COME TO JAMAICA!
Scott “Scotty B.” Whytsell
Today I was given what I consider
to be the opportunity of a lifetime…to write an article about the place I now call home, the island of Jamaica, for NUG MAGAZINE (San Diego’s Original Cannabis Publication). My mind raced as I composed the thoughts I most wanted to share with the NUG Family of readers…do I talk about the life-changing experiences World travelers such as myself have found in this Caribbean island of lush green forests and warm, crystal clear blue waters; how nearly impossible it is NOT to get lost in the Island’s immeasurable beauty, climate and culture; how the visitors I meet on a daily basis say they wish they never had to leave paradise to go back to the “hustle and bustle” at home; or how rejuvenated one’s mind, body and spirit can be in just one visit to this little island under the sun. Whether you seek a romantic getaway, an action packed vacation filled with surfing, snorkeling, scuba, horseback riding, river rafting, hiking, dancing & drinking or a quiet escape to meditate and soak up the sun and natural beauty, Jamaica has something to offer to everyone looking to enjoy and celebrate life. Tourist season generally starts in October and ends on April 20 (yep...4/20!). In as little as 7 hours you can fly directly from San Diego to either Montego Bay on the Island’s North-Western coast or to the Island’s capital city of Kingston on the SouthEastern coast. Your destination city will depend on your interests, lifestyle and type of adventures you would like to experience. 66 NUGMAG.COM | JAN 2010
PLACES/POINTS OF INTEREST Negril -“Spring Break Capital” located on the island’s Western tip is home to the island’s 7-mile white sandy beach, unforgettable sunsets, barrier reef that offers great snorkeling/scuba, cliff diving/jumping at Rick’s Café and World class entertainment at The Jungle Nightclub and Sports Bar. The birthplace of Reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) is a scenic hour and a half drive to Nine Mile. Treasure Beach is located an hour and a half from Negril on the island’s South coast and is comprised of four coves. Reggae star Peter Tosh’s memorial garden is located here as is the Black river, where one can explore nature from a bamboo raft or river boat tour.
Ocho Rios on the North coast hosts the World-Famous Duns River falls, a zip line ride through the jungle, and the Dolphin Experience where one can swim with dolphins and handfeed sharks. Boston Bay on the Island’s Eastern coast boasts some of the best surfing spots on the island and has Jamaica’s first skate park for those times when the surf is flat. Jamaica’s 8-month surf season is little known and a best kept secret for avid surfers around the World. Ok, on to the information MOST of you are reading this article for…GANJA. Jamaica’s geographic location offers ideal growing condi-
tions thanks to a natural abundance of warm sunlight, fresh clean water and rich, fertile soil. Although grown throughout the island, sung about in countless reg-
gae and dancehall songs and is an instrumental sacrament and aid to meditation by the followers of the Rastafarian religion, the “heal-
ing of the Nation” as Bob Marley praised is officially ILLEGAL (We can thank OUR Federal Government for imposing its political might in this matter). Fortunately for us, across the island are many sympathetic and compassionate business owners/ establishments where one can go to feel safe “from Babylon” and medicate in peace. That being said, herbs of various strains (mostly indicas) and medicinal value are easy to come by and are much cheaper than found in our local co-ops and collectives.
An area just out of Negril called Orange Hill is known for some of the islands best harvests and has been written about in several songs. Edibles such as ganja cake and tea are commonly found in little shops as are Rizzla rolling papers (KING-sized only!) Being a Third World nation, Jamaica offers the American traveler the most value for that hard earned dollar and the lovely locals are more than happy to share their time to show you “home”. Come to Jamaica and see what I mean…you’ll want to come back again and again…
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JAN 1 Raiz Muzik At Beachside Grill @ 9 JAN 2 Project out of Bounds, 40oz of Freedom, And Social Green At Belly Up @ 9 Raiz Muzik At Casino Pauma @ 8 JAN 3 Without Papers At the Metaphor café @ 4 JAN 8 The Devestators At Winston’s @ 10 JAN 9 Tomorrows Bad Seeds And Los Lobos At Belly Up @ 8 Natural Incense At JJ Purty Launders @ 9 JAN 12 San Diego ASA meeting At 6070 Mt. Alifan, Suite 202 @ 7 JAN 13 Weezer, Jack’s Mannequin, And Motion City Soundtrack At UCSD @ 730 JAN 14 The Aggrolites At House of Blues @ 8
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JAN 15 Fortunate Youth Tribal Theory At 710 Beach Club @ 8
If you think your event is NUG worthy, you can add it to our list by emailing us at SUBMIT@NUGMAG.COM
Without Papers At Dream street @ 8 Woven Roots At Winston’s @ 9 North County ASA meeting At 1050 S. Sante Fe Road, Vista @ 7 JAN 16 Steel Foundation At Flying Bridge @ 9 JAN 19 Sinizen At O’Connell’s @ 8 JAN 22 Rasta Nation Posse, Roots Convenant, Danny Dread, Carl Meeks, Carlton Livingston, and Lady Ann At Ruby Room @ 8 The Optimators At Vista Entertainment Center @ 9 JAN 23 Upstream At Barona Casino @ 8 1st annual Dub City Music Fest At shore ultra lounge in Seaport Marina Hotel @ 2
photos by nicolerork.com