SAN D I EG O
THE NEW NORMAL
high
4.2018
ON THE
HIGHWAY 420 BUS TOURS cannabis
VILLAGE
Returns to EarthFair
dear Bradley Tribute to Late Sublime Singer
Bradley Nowell
ICONOGR A PHY of the FAN
LEAF
from Counterculture Symbol to Marketing Cliché
420 Events Listing Setting Sun Sake + More
ISSUE 4 // VOLUME 1 // 04.2018
contents
FEATURES 16
Iconography of the Fan Leaf
22
It Takes a Village
26
Dear Bradley
The pointy cannabis leaf, once a badge of the counterculture, may be in danger of becoming an overused marketing tool and cringe-worthy cliché in legal states.
Advocacy exhibition Cannabis Village returns for its second year at San Diego’s acclaimed eco-fest EarthFair.
An open letter to late Sublime singer Bradley Nowell from his former manager and friend Jon Phillips on what would have been his 50th birthday.
10
R.I.P. DENNIS Remembering Cali's cannabis crusader.
12
ISSUE
EVERY 5 Editor’s Note 6 TheBuzz 8 AroundTown 420 BUS TOUR
1 2 HighSpirits
SET TING SUN SAKE
3 2 {SoSD}
WALK OF ART
Sensi San Diego is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 3
sensi magazine ISSUE 4 VOLUME 1
4.2018
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4 San Diego A P R I L 2018
FOREFATHERS of
editor’s
420
NOTE
OTHER THAN IT’S ICONIC SEVEN-POINTED LEAF, THERE’S NO MORE UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED SYMBOL OF CANNABIS—AND THE CULTURE THAT SURROUNDS IT—THAN THE NUMBER 420.
Despite early confusion regarding its origin, the
nabis Buyer’s Club—the nation’s first cannabis col-
term 420 has been traced back over 40 years to a
lective, providing free medicine to those in need. It
group of teenagers known as The Waldos who would
was there that Peron, along with a cadre of patients,
meet each day after school at 4:20 to get high and
providers, politicos, and protestors drafted the his-
go hunting for a secret cannabis garden. This meet-
toric initiative called Proposition 215. In November
ing time quickly morphed into their secret code for
1996, after years of tireless effort by Peron and grass-
all things reefer-related. Over time, 420 was adopt-
roots organizations throughout the state, Prop 215
ed and propagated first by the Deadhead commu-
was voted into law—beginning the era of medical
nity and then High Times magazine, until eventually,
marijuana in America.
it evolved beyond the stoner subculture and into the
Sadly, Peron passed away earlier this year—mere
mainstream mindscape. That’s why, each year on April
weeks after the legalization that his dedication and
20, millions of cannabis enthusiasts around the world
sacrifices paved the way for went into effect. So regard
gather together to toke up, speak out and get down.
less of how you choose to celebrate the high holiday,
Yes, believe it or not, it all began at a high school in
I hope you’ll join me in a moment of silence at 2 :15
San Rafael, California back in 1971.
p.m. to honor the memory of our community’s fallen
Meanwhile, around the same time as The Waldos were inadvertently birthing the greatest marijuana meme of all time, a gay Vietnam veteran named Dennis Peron was restarting his life as a hippie pot
founding father. Happy 4/20 everyone.
Highest regards,
dealer just across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Peron transformed his apartment into a sort of cannabis commune, where like-minded people could socialize, organize, cop a lid and get high. That space served as the inspiration for what would two decades later become the San Francisco Can-
Bobby Black
SoCAL EDITOR @ BOBBYBL ACK
A D V I S O RY B OA R D FlowerKist by Steph // TOPICALS
Pot Drive (Kush Kandy) // MEDIA & ADVERTISING TECHNOLOGY
LINX Card // MERCHANT SERVICES
Therapy Tonics & Provisions // EDIBLES
Greenstar Solar // SOLAR ENERGY
Thrive CBD // CBD TINCTURES
Mighty Meds Vape // VAPE
Webjoint // POINT OF SALE SOFTWARE
Outco // CULTIVATION & DELIVERY
Yobi (Silver State Software) // STORE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 5
THE NE W N O R M A L
the
buzz
Originally located in the heart of North Park, Finest Social Club is the hybrid that resulted when veteran tattoo artist and owner of Finest Tattoo Company Pete Large opened the doors of his shop to the Kutthroat Barbers in September 2017. By combining their talents and resources into one space, the artists and stylists at Finest Social Club offer a much more elaborate and unique cannabis-friendly
at the
experience. During regular business hours, customers can just walk in and get award-winning haircuts, shaves, and ink (though appointments are recommended). After hours, however, the experience expands: clients can have a drink, take a dab, or smoke a blunt while waiting for a haircut or some fresh ink. Interestingly, the building used to be a church in the early 2000s. These days, instead of pews and an altar, the space is filled with lounge-style couches, a 60" flatscreen, and a pool table. And rather than
TATTOO AND BARBER SHOP COMBINATIONS (USUALLY REFERRED TO AS “CHOP SHOPS”) ARE NOTHING NEW, NOR IS OFFERING THEIR PATRONS V.I.P. SERVICES LIKE DRINKS, SNACKS, FREE WIFI. WHAT SETS FINEST SOCIAL CLUB IN CITY HEIGHTS APART FROM THE REST OF SAN DIEGO’S CHOP SHOPS IS THAT IT’S 420-FRIENDLY.
HIGH HOLIDAY
stained glass and frescos, its walls are covered in flash art and barber competition trophies. The shop’s unique history and 125-person capacity allow it to double as a venue, hosting not only barber battles and tattoo exhibitions but also various private events and functions, such as bachelor and CD release parties, art installations, comedy shows, and, yes, even cannabis events. Regardless of whether you come in for an event, some body art, or just a trim, you're guaranteed to have a fun time and walk out looking sharp and feeling great. Make your way down to the Finest Social Club and find out for yourself. Finest Social Club, 4239 University Ave. // FINESTSOCIALCLUB.COM —BENJI GARCIAREYES
4/20
festivities
What began with a nerdy group of San Rafael teenagers calling themselves The Waldos meeting to search for a lost pot garden after school back in 1971 has since evolved into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Today, the number 420 has become synonymous with cannabis, making 4:20 the preferred time of day to toke up and April 20 (4/20) the official day of education and celebration for cannabis lovers everywhere. As the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis has continued to expand, so too have the 4/20 celebrations. The secret seshes of the past have fast been replaced by huge, sophisticated and legally permitted events filled with music, food, seminars, and, of course, designated smoking areas. And while each of these gatherings is different, there’s one aspect they all share: a countdown to that magical moment at precisely 4:20 p.m. when the cheers of revelers and billowy clouds of smoke fill the air. What follows is a rundown of some of the more prominent gatherings taking place to mark the high holiday here in California, as well as in the rest of the country and the world. Regardless of where you decide to spend your 4/20 this year, we wish you a safe and stony good time. –KEIKO BEATIE 6 San Diego A P R I L 2018
The High Times Cannabis Cup
WHERE: National Orange Show Fair Grounds // San
Bernardino
WHAT: High Times’ flagship event is back in Bernardino with A-List musical guests, a multitude of vendors and a celebratory 420 countdown at 4:20 pm each day.
WHEN: April 20–22 CANNABISCUP.COM
Her Royal Highness
WHERE: Queen Mary // Long Beach WHAT: The historic ship hosts a 420 party for the
first time, with education, food, vendors, and music. Sponsored by OC NORML.
WHEN: April 20, 12 p.m.–11:30 p.m. FB.COM/HERROYALHIGHNESS420
Cannabis Village
WHERE: EarthFair // Balboa Park, San Diego WHAT: CannaVillage at EarthFair 2018 is one of the
largest cannabis events in San Diego. Note: this is a non-consumption event. If you plan to medicate, do so discretely and respectfully.
WHEN: April 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. CANNABISPROFESSIONALS.ORG/CANNABISVILLAGE
Cannabis CRUSADERS Until very recently, the NFL, NBA, and MLB have all considered marijuana to be in the same league as hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and steroids. But due to mounting pressure from players, as well as growing evidence of cannabis’ therapeutic benefits, the stigmas and fears surrounding cannabis are changing, and some professional sports entities have finally begun to “look into it.” One organization that’s been ahead of the curve on the issue, however, is San Diego’s professional indoor football team the California Crusaders. The Crusaders are part of the Super 8 Football League—a professional indoor football league formed in November 2010 by 1NN Entertainment, an organization that’s been promoting sporting events throughout Southern California since 1989. Neither Super 8 Football League nor their parent company, are opposed the use of medical cannabis by their athletes for treatment of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) among other injuries associated with the sport. Quite the opposite, in fact: the team’s management has made it clear that they are intent on using all resources available to make their team champions. Not only have they informed players that they’re free to use cannabis products, but they’ve also requested feedback about any specific products the players find effective in rehab or recuperation and are even seeking to bring on a medical marijuana training staff. Now if we could only get the NFL to follow their example… — BENJI GARCIAREYES
The Palm Springs Cannabis Film Festival & Summit WHERE: Camelot Theatres // 2300 East
Baristo Rd., Palm Springs
420 in the Park
WHERE: Hippy Hill // Golden Gate Park,
San Francisco
WHAT: Sharon Meadows—a.k.a. Hippy
WHAT: This new film festival seeks to
Hill—is the traditional site for one of
erode stereotypes and clichés around
California’s longest running public
cannabis and promote positive discussion.
gatherings celebrating 4/20. Food vendors,
The lineup features screenings of feature,
bathrooms, security, and emergency
short, and documentary films, social
medical personnel will be there. There’s
gatherings, and educational panels and
also a Hippie Hill concert by rapper Berner
speakers—including a keynote address by
happening at the nearby Bill Braham Civic
California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control
Auditorium.
chief, Lori Ajax.
WHEN: April 20–22 PSCFF.JACKALYST.COM
VIP CannaSexual Couples’ Intimacy Weekend
WHEN: April 20, 9 a.m.–Dusk 420HIPPIEHILL.COM
Hempcon
WHERE: Cow Palace // San Francisco WHAT: One of Cali’s biggest, most popular
WHERE: Sacramento WHAT: Presented by Dr. Shameless and
cannabis festivals returns to the Bay Area
CannaSexual Ashley Manta, this cannabis-
course a medicating section.
with vendors, performers, seminars, and of
filled sensual weekend will include two
WHEN: April 20–22, Hours vary
nights in a historic bed and breakfast, an
HEMPCON.COM/2018-420
infused dinner, and intimacy building activities, workshops, and exercises.
WHEN: April 20–22 ELEVATEDINTIMACY.COM
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 7
{aroundtown} by A.J. HERRINGTON
BUS TOUR: HIGH HOLIDAY ON THE HIGHWAY Celebrate 4/20 in style with a limo bus tour of San Diego’s burgeoning cannabis industry. It’s April, and that means that 4/20 is once again right
ingly comfortable seat. The lighting in the bus morphs
around the corner—forcing all of us cannabis enthusiasts
from purple to red to yellow as my fellow cannabis ad-
to face the difficult decision of where and how to cele-
venturers, and I introduce ourselves and exchange pleas-
brate our high holiday. Do we spend a bunch of money
antries. Many of us are locals, but some are visiting from
to fly off to some pot-friendly destination? Drive an hour
the Bay Area, and others are even from out of state.
or more to some crowded corporate cannabis event? Or
Soon we’re welcomed by Todd Green, the owner of
just sit around on the sofa at home and blaze a blunt for
West Coast Cannabis Tours, and encouraged to light up.
the all-day Cheech and Chong marathon? Well, allow
Vape pens quickly appear and are shared generously. A
me to offer another alternative—a cannabis bus tour.
joint is soon circulating, and red and green laser beams
Cannabis tours are a great way to step up your April
emitting from concealed fixtures become evident, pierc-
20th celebration—getting you lifted while giving you a
ing the cloud of smoke that quickly fills the bus. A Ran-
lift around town for a behind-the-scenes adventure in
cho San Diego resident named D.J. balances a black
the cannabis industry. As legalization continues to take
plastic Pelican case on his knees and unpacks a glass
hold across the state, more cannabis companies are step-
dab rig and torch. It looks like we’ll be in for quite the ride.
ping out of the shadows, now proudly part of the new
Before the haze gets too thick, I ask Green about how
normal. They want to meet new and existing customers
West Coast Cannabis Tours got started. He tells me that
face to face and get a chance to show what they have to
he’d heard about similar tours in Colorado and saw
offer. These opportunities to bring businesses and the
founding West Coast Cannabis Tours as a way to get
public together are quickly being recognized by shrewd
into the cannabis industry while avoiding some of its no-
entrepreneurs, who host various themed bus tours sev-
torious pitfalls (such as dealing exclusively in cash). The
eral days a week—each with something special to make
company began conducting tours of San Diego area
it stand out. To see what they had to offer, I signed up
medical marijuana businesses to patients in May 2017,
for a tour with SoCal’s first licensed and insured canna-
and since the passage of Prop 64, has expanded its of-
bis tour operator, West Coast Cannabis Tours.
ferings to accommodate adult-use patrons. Green
My fellow passengers and I are picked up at a rendez-
views being a newcomer to the cannabis sector as an
vous point outside an office building in Sorrento Valley
advantage, as it allowed him to build his business from
around 11:30 a.m. Reggae pumps from the sound sys-
scratch without any preconceived notions.
tem as I board the limo bus and settle into the surpris8 San Diego A P R I L 2018
“I like to figure stuff out myself,” he says with a smirk.
West Coast Cannabis Tours
High Minded Tours
MJ Tours
WESTCOASTCANNABISTOURS.COM
HIGHMINDEDLIVING.COM
MJTOURSCALIFORNIA.COM
(844) 768-8687
PHOTOGRAPHS © A.J. HERRINGTON
(800) 295-WCCT
(833) MJ-TOURS
Urbn Leaf, Golden Hill.
Cheba Hut, Pacific Beach.
Peter Yousif of Urbn Leaf assists a customer. Welcome to your purple paradise.
West Coast Cannabis Tours’ Limo Bus
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 9
The first stop on the tour is a dispensary in Golden Hill
has a chance to easily show off their finds. Once we’re
called Urbn Leaf, so those who aren’t yet holding can get
back on the road, samples are eagerly shared around as
their provisions for the journey. Upon arrival, check-in is
we head toward the next stop.
quick and efficient, especially considering our group
A quick drive down the 5 brings us to the National City
numbers close to 30 people. Billing itself as a “feel good
studio of glass artist John Whelan. Whelan started blow-
drug boutique,” the dispensary is bright and attractively
ing glass back in the 1980s—creating lab apparatus for
designed, with multiple stations for the knowledgeable
biotech giants like Pfizer and the Salk Institute before
staff to assist customers with the vast selection of
going into business for himself in 1991 under the moni-
flower, concentrates, edibles, and more.
ker of Sour Glass. We’re all entranced as we watch him
Peter Yousif, the Operating Manager at Urbn Leaf,
craft a bong (or should I say functional glass art piece)
says tours help his business by bringing a steady flow of
right before our eyes, using a variety of propane and ox-
new, first-time customers to the shop. He says many
ygen torches and a lathe to fuse and shape the molten
are pleasantly surprised by the look and feel of the dis-
glass. Whelan informs me that he has different tour groups
pensary, which was designed to look like a high-end
visiting the shop three days a week and that they’re a
clothing store.
great way to get his business’s name out. They also al-
“These tours are great to help open the eyes of newer smokers and allow us to show off the up and coming industry,” Yousif tells me.
low him to drum up extra sales by offering his creations to guests at a steep discount off the usual retail prices. Charlene Dunn, a recent visitor, professes that the
Once everyone is finished shopping we return to the
stop at Sour Glass was her favorite part of the tour. “The
bus. With seats situated around the inside perimeter of
glassblowing blew my mind,” she said. “I didn’t know all
the bus rather than all in a row facing the front, everyone
those things were handmade.”
10 San Diego A P R I L 2018
The third and final stop on the trip is at cultivation sup-
dropping down to La Jolla Shores and on to Pacific
plier Miramar Hydroponics. There, a rosin press demon-
Beach. This tour also includes a munchie break at Cheba
stration gives us the chance to process our flowers into
Hut, the weed-themed sandwich shop, and a stop at
dabs with the pull of a lever. We’re also treated to a home
Madison, a bar in University Heights with a CBD signa-
cooking class by Josh Wooden of the edible company
ture cocktail. Some tours by High Minded even include a
Brown Bag Bakery, who whips up a delicious, un-medi-
visit to a cultivation site on the itinerary.
cated chicken stir-fry. Finally, the tour is concluded by rep-
Yet another new cannabus tour company is MJ Tours,
resentatives from cannabis genetics company Seed Vault
which offers some specialized schedules in addition to
of California, who encourage us all to give home growing a
its introductory tours: For those who like to blend their
try. The ride back to our cars in Sorrento Valley puts the
buzz, craft beer, wine, or cocktail tours are available, as
total duration of the tour at just over four hours.
are “Girls Night Out” and customized VIP outings. Most
Of course, West Coast Cannabis Tours isn’t the only
of these San Diego cannabis tours start at around $99
game in town. High Minded Tours is a new operator that
per person, but discount deals are often offered. In fact,
just began offering cannabis excursions in San Diego as
one couple from Houston on my trip even told me they’d
of February of this year. Similar to Green, High Minded’s
purchased a Groupon for the tour while planning their
partners Blythe Goodwin and Martin Schulz were in-
Cali vacation.
spired to start the company after taking a similar excur-
So if you haven’t made your plans for 4/20 yet, con-
sion in Colorado. And like West Coast, their five-hour
sider a cannabis industry bus tour. You’ll not only make
tour begins with Urbn Leaf and Sour Glass, but then
new friends and connections, and enjoy an educational,
takes a more scenic turn, driving north to offer coastal
entertaining afternoon, you’ll also get to sit back, par-
views from the Coronado Bridge to Mt. Soledad then
take and party while someone else does the driving.
ALL-IN-ONE CANNABIS SOFTWARE Effortless Compliance + POS + Marketing Tools Servicing 200+ clients in California, schedule a demo today!
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sensimag.com APR I L 2018 11
{highspirits} by DAVID RUISE
SETTING SUN SAKE: FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE Setting Sun Sake infuses a traditional Japanese spirit with modern SoCal style.
With all of the breweries and wineries continuing to
Josh Hembree and Keldon Premud, the superior qual-
pop up across San Diego County, it can be difficult for
ity of their sakes is a natural result of their individual
a newer brewer to stand out from the pack. But when
drives toward excellence every step of the way.
it comes to Setting Sun Sake, you need look no further than the name to realize what makes them unique.
Prior to opening Setting Sun in August 2016, both men had racked up years of experience in the craft
When you say the word “sake,” most people think
brew industry while working at Stone Brewing. Hem-
of sipping the hot Japanese rice wine from a tiny cup
bree says that from day one, his goal was to open his
while chowing down on some sushi or teriyaki. But
own place eventually. He knew that there was no-
Setting Sun Sake is out to change that image: the
where he’d rather be than in a brewery, but he wanted
owners are not trying to create the best Japa-
to do something a little more challenging than beer—
nese-style sake; rather, they’re on a mission to be the
something that no one expected.
best American craft sake. At the tasting room in Mira
“Don’t get me wrong—I come from the beer indus-
Mesa, Setting Sun offers a constantly evolving bottle
try, and I love it,” says Hembree. “Beer laid the foun-
list of what they refer to as “happy sakes with big bold
dation for me. I’ve been hands-on in the trenches, and
flavors” (e.g., pomegranate, hibiscus, and green tea)
I have the utmost respect and gratitude for my friends
that includes both cloudy and clear varieties, as well
and mentors I’ve met along the way. But I fell in love
as specialty monthly and seasonal brews—all of
with how hard sake was to brew.”
which are made using locally sourced ingredients and
When they originally set out on this entrepreneurial
a house blend of yeast. For the brewery’s founders,
venture in 2014, Hembree knew nothing about mak-
12 San Diego A P R I L 2018
SAKE
S
SAKE
SETTING SUN SAKE {Where} 8680 Miralani Dr., Suite 120 {Hours} Monday–Thursday, 1 p.m.–9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. {Phone} (951) 757-1393 SETTINGSUNSAKE.COM
SAKE
SAKE
SAKE
SAKE
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 13
ing sake—he just knew that he wanted to prove him-
known as “koji” (rice containing a special type of mold
self and create something great. So he bought a book
called Aspergillus oryzae). Next, this mixture is placed
on sake brewing and his first rice steamer and began
in a large tank to sit and ferment for about three to
blazing his own trail.
four weeks—a process known as “shikomi.” After “With beer, you start with
that, the mash is pressed and filtered, then aged for
premalted grains. With
around six months. Of course, Hembree—who is also
sake, though, every
a long time jiu-jitsu student—adds his own mysteri-
time you touch the
ous, zen flair to the traditional process. Though he
rice it matters,” he ex-
wouldn’t disclose any details about his proprietary
plains. “When I learned
brewing method, he did offer a glimpse into the mys-
that about sake, it reso-
tical inspiration behind it: Hembree says he views the
nated with me. It’s a con-
Fibonacci sequence—the mathematical algorithm
stant challenge, and chal-
wherein each consecutive number is the sum of the
lenges make us better at our
two preceding it—as a metaphor for how he brews
craft, our business, and ulti-
his sake, in the sense of building exponentially on
mately, our lives.”
what came previously every step along the way. He
If you’re looking for a chal-
also times all of their new releases with the solstices
lenging pursuit, sake brewing cer-
and equinoxes. For him, it’s all about harmony, disci-
tainly fits the bill: first, the rice has
pline, and attention to detail. This level of devotion is
to be milled, washed, and steamed,
integral to both the business and the personal lives of
then blended with yeast and something
both men. Hembree says that he partnered with
Software should make your job easier... ...not just be another headache Easily export data Pre-packaged optimized No long-term contracts
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retail cannabis. simplified.
Premud because, quite simply, he was the smartest
to 300-gallon batches. Plus, in addition to the tasting
person he knew.
room in Mira Mesa, Setting Sun sakes can now be
“I like to be around people who inspire and chal-
found at all of the best bottle shops and a growing
lenge me,” he says. “Keldon is a polymath…a Renais-
number of bistros and gastropubs all across the city.
sance man.”
Yes, word is certainly getting out about these “deli-
The two friends have come a long way from their
ciously offensive and offensively delicious” sakes.
days working multiple jobs, boiling rice on the stove-
“It’s amazing to be out and about and see people
top at home, and fermenting it in the garage. In No-
I’ve never met before wearing Setting Sun Sake
vember 2016, after close to two years of experiment-
t-shirts,” Josh beams. “I know I’m doing the right thing.
ing and honing his sake skills, Hembree finally quit his
Being the best person I can be translates to building
other jobs and dove headlong into his dream. He’s a
the best business I can, and I’ve got a partner who
devout follower of the “10,000 Hour Rule” from au-
shares my vision.”
thor Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, which states
As you might suspect, that vision entails some am-
that the key to success in any field is simply a matter
bitious expansion in the coming years: the partners
of practicing a specific task for 20 hours per week for
plan to open a bigger brewery, a restaurant, botanical
10 years—a benchmark in brewing which he and
gardens, a test kitchen, and even their own distribu-
Premud have since met and exceeded. Today, Setting
tion company. The future is indeed looking bright for
Sun experiences capacity crowds on a regular basis,
Setting Sun Sake, and us San Diegans are fortunate to
causing production demands to skyrocket. Over the
be able to partake in this unique brewery’s success
past year, they’ve gone from being open two days a
firsthand. So stop in for a glass, a flight, or a growler,
week to seven and from brewing five-gallon batches
and taste these bodacious beverages for yourself.
FOLLOW US @POTDRIVE sensimag.com APR I L 2018 15
16 San Diego A P R I L 2018
iconogr a phy OF THE FAN LEAF: FAN
Leaf?
NOT A
OF THE
by ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE
The pointy cannabis leaf, ONCE A BADGE OF THE COUNTERCULTURE, MAY BE IN DANGER OF BECOMING AN OVERUSED MARKETING TOOL AND CRINGE-WORTHY CLICHÉ IN LEGAL STATES—BUT IT’S OUR ICON, AND WE’RE STUCK WITH IT. LET’S LEAD WITH TASTE AND RESPECT.
I own two pieces of clothing with cannabis leaves
When I visit my family and friends in the conserva-
on them: warm, fuzzy socks that were a gift from a
tive Midwestern state where I grew up, I leave those
dear friend and a three-year-old Women Grow t-shirt,
items at home. I’m a sissy rebel—or maybe no rebel at
vintage in this young industry and soft from many
all—because I wear them only in legal states, where
washings. I love wearing both in Colorado and Califor-
cannabis leaves are a networking tool, not a counter-
nia, where they spark good conversation.
cultural icon. They’re so ubiquitous in Colorado and sensimag.com APR I L 2018 17
California these days, in fact, that I might not wear my
Jacquie Aiche Sweet Leaf jewelry and clutches featur-
socks and shirt to industry events because I’m slightly
ing that leaf.
embarrassed about what a cliché that pointy leaf has become.
But let’s face it: Mara and Margot weren’t breaking new ground. They’re all following Gram Parson, who
If you’ve been in the cannabis industry for a minute
had suits with cannabis leaves embroidered on them
or two, you can’t help but catch the yawn. It’s been
made for him and his Flying Burritos Brothers band-
three years since Mara Hoffman dressed her New
mates to wear on the cover of their first album in 1968.
York Fashion Week models in dresses and pants wo-
The mainstream fashion world may still get a little
ven with green cannabis leaves and two years since
titillated by the leaf’s countercultural edge—*so* Che
Alexander Wang worked them into a black leather
Guevara—but in the cannabis industry, we’ve all seen
skirt that Margot Robbie wore on Saturday Night Live.
that guy wearing a suit plastered with leaves at a few
We’ve all gotten used to seeing celebrities flash their
too many events. (Just because you can doesn’t mean
RESPECT: eat your leaves Fan leaves, still considered a waste product by industrial and home growers because they deliver very minimal THC, are coming into their own as a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse, largely thanks to the work of Dr. William Courtney. The physician 4credits cannabis leaf juice with putting his domestic partner into remission from lupus, interstitial cystitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As food and medicine, the non-psychoactive leaves are finally getting the respect they deserve. If you don’t or can’t grow your own cannabis, fresh fan leaves can be a hard-to-come-by delicacy. Here’s to seeing that change. If you do grow your own, stop composting fan leaves when you remove them. Wash them in water and vinegar, then blend them into juices and smoothies, toss them into salads, sprinkle them into soups and over fish, and add them to pesto and tabbouleh. They add an earthy, slightly bitter taste and deliver vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
you should.) We’re classing up this industry, and as a friend recently pointed out, you don’t see people walking around wine festivals wearing leggings covered in grapes or earrings shaped like grapevines. Our ennui is a problem of privilege—albeit one that should be a right for all—and I do know how lucky we are that we can display cannabis leaves as a universal symbol of pride, solidarity, and advocacy without fear of persecution. Because in the end, though there are more subtle ways of letting the world know we’re pro-cannabis—jewelry shaped like THC and CBD molecules make great gifts for friends in the Midwest— nothing says “I love weed” like the leaf. It’s our icon, and we’re stuck with it. Let’s try to be tasteful.
Enemies of Society, Waiting for Our Emoji The cannabis leaf has history. The oldest depiction found so far dates to the Neolithic era (10,000–5,000 BC) and was painted on a cave wall on the coast of Kyushu, Japan. Many believe the pointy leaf often shown above the head of the ancient Egyptian idol Seshat, goddess of architecture, astronomy, astrology, and mathematics, was a cannabis leaf. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, when cannabis was a common ingredient in over-the-counter elixirs, the leaf could be spotted on medicine bottle labels— though it wasn’t nearly as ubiquitous as it is on cannabis products today. It went underground with the advent of prohibition in 1937, largely forgotten until it re-emerged, along with tie-dye and peace signs, in the 1960s. Jerry Rubin, the flamboyant radical who told hippies never to trust anyone over 30, anointed the leaf when he said: “Smoking pot makes you a criminal and a revolutionary. As soon as you take your first puff, you are an enemy of society.” In 1966, the Saturday Evening Post described college students who used marijuana as fitting into “a
18 San Diego A P R I L 2018
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 19
general pattern of rebellion against society’s values.”
with animals (54.6 percent) and basketball teams with
The very fact that marijuana was illegal, according to
basketballs (52.6 percent) scored higher—and it’s not
a 1967 Life magazine article, was part of its appeal for
just about pictures. Think about how many cannabis
PEACE OUT
A HANDFUL OF YEARS BEFORE THE CANNABIS LEAF EMERGED AND BECAME FOREVER INTERTWINED WITH IT AS SYMBOLS OF REBELLIOUS TIMES, THE PEACE SIGN WAS INVENTED AS A BADGE FOR THE CAMPAIGN FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT. THE COLD WAR WAS ESCALATING WHEN BRITISH DESIGNER GERALD HORTON CREATED THE PEACE SYMBOL FOR A 1958 ANTI-NUCLEAR MARCH IN LONDON. HE BASED THE DESIGN ON HIS OWN PERSONAL DESPAIR, REPRESENTING AN INDIVIDUAL WITH HANDS STRETCHED DOWNWARD AND OUTWARD LIKE SPANISH PAINTER FRANCISCO GOYA’S DEPICTION OF TERRIFIED PEASANTS BEFORE THE FIRING SQUAD DURING THE SPANISH RESISTANCE TO NAPOLEON’S ARMIES IN 1808. HORTON’S ORIGINAL DESIGN LOOKED MORE LIKE A PERSON, WITH THE LINES WIDENING TO MEET THE CIRCLE WHERE FEET, HANDS AND A HEAD WOULD BE, BUT THE LINES WERE STRAIGHTENED AND SLIMMED DOWN IN THE 1960S UNTIL HIS DESIGN BECAME THE BOLD, UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED ICON WE KNOW AND LOVE TODAY.
companies you know with the word “leaf” in the name.
the empty, materialistic striving of their parents, they
We could talk all day about the irony of baby boom-
turn the whole pot scene into a protest tool which they
ers exploiting the freedom leaf to make money as part
use to mock a middle-class culture they disdain,” the
of the very middle-class culture they once disdained—
article stated.
but let’s save that for a sesh.
We all know what happened next. Hippies became
The fan leaf is our icon, and
yuppies, Nancy Reagan told us to “just say no,” and can-
we’re stuck with it. Let’s try to
nabis leaves disappeared even from rolling paper la-
be respectful of its defiance.
bels and dorm room posters as the plant was forced
Those of us who get to experi-
deep underground. When Adidas attempted to unearth
ence the normalization of a
it by replacing its corporate logo with a cannabis leaf
symbol that once sparked con-
to market hemp sports shoes in 1998, US drug czar Lee
flict and controversy need to
P. Brown slammed the company for attempting to “cap-
keep working toward universal
italize on the drug culture” and implying that drugs are
acceptance, even as we fold it
associated with the “magic” of sporting achievement.
into our marketing materials.
Prohibition is ending. Despite Attorney General Jeff Sessions, attitudes are changing, and the leaf has nev-
We’ve come far, but we’re not there yet.
er been more popular. In 2016, a survey found that 44
We will have arrived when
percent of logos registered as trademarks for canna-
our phones come equipped
bis businesses included leaves—only veterinarians
with cannabis leaf emojis.
20 San Diego A P R I L 2018
Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook author Robyn Griggs Lawrence recently launched a company, Cannabis Kitchen Events, that includes a tiny turquoise cannabis leaf in the logo.
PHOTOGRAPHS © POVY KENDAL ATCHISON
young people. “Seeing themselves in rebellion against
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village
it takes a
by JARED SCL AR
Climate change ... SOL AR ENERGY … WATER CONSERVATION … WILDLIFE P R E S E R V A T I O N … O R G A N I C FA R M I N G … T H E S E A R E B U T A F E W O F T H E M A N Y I M P O R T A N T
I S S U E S T H A T T H E H O L I D A Y K N O W N A S E A R T H D A Y WA S C R E A T E D TO C A L L A T T E N T I O N T O . SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO THESE COMPLEX CHALLENGES IS THE PURPOSE OF EVENTS LIKE SAN D I E G O ’S E A R T H F A I R, N O W C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 29T H Y E A R A T H I S T O R I C B A L B O A P A R K T H I S APRIL 22. PRODUCED BY ECO-ADVOCACY GROUP SAN DIEGO E ARTHWORKS, THE EVENT EXPECTS AROUND 400 VOLUNTEERS, 300 EXHIBITORS, AND OVER 60,000 AT TENDEES—EARNING IT THE S U P E R L A T I V E T I T L E O F “L A R G E S T F R E E A N N U A L E N V I R O N M E N T A L F A I R I N T H E W O R L D.” AMONG THE MANY EXHIBITIONS YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO FIND AT THIS SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS FESTIVAL (SUCH AS THE EARTH ART GALLERY, EHOME PAVILION, AND CLEANER CAR CONCOURSE), THERE’S AN EXCITING NEW AREA THAT, UNTIL RECENTLY, WOULD’VE BEEN UNTHINKABLE AT A “FAMILY-FRIENDLY” EVENT LIKE THIS : CANNABIS VILLAGE. Making its debut just last year, Cannabis Village is
Markgraaff felt the best way to further integrate canna-
an expansive educational exposition that seeks to unite
bis into mainstream culture is by facilitating an all-in-
the cannabis community and educate the general pub-
clusive showcase, or “village,” where the cannabis com-
lic about the many positive social, economic, and en-
munity can come out and physically show their
vironmental benefits of cannabis and hemp. The in-
fellow San Diegans the myriad benefits that legal
augural event was a huge success, drawing larger
cannabis brings to the community at large—with a
than expected crowds as activists came out of the wood-
particular focus on the environment.
work to support the cannabis community. Being a
“We are going to emphasize hemp’s great potential
non-consumption, non-display environment not only
for solutions to the many environmental problems we
ensures that Cannabis Village is 100 percent legally
face, including climate change and fire danger,” he
compliant but also that it provides a safe and welcom-
declares.
ing space for families to gather and learn about the im-
For example, many people know cannabis is a cash
portant contributions the industry is making to San
crop, but most don't know about the sustainability
Diego’s culture and economy. This was precisely the
advantages that building with hemp can provide, or
vision of Cannabis Village’s founder, longtime canna-
about how effective a substitute for plastic hemp
bis activist and entrepreneur Dion Markgraaff.
can often be. To demonstrate ideas such as these, an
Markgraaff’s bona fides are impressive: back in 1993,
entire section of Cannabis Village will be dedicated to
he opened Europe’s first hemp store, Cannabis in
the environmental benefits of building with hemp.
Amsterdam; in 1997, he organized San Diego’s first
The centerpiece of this area will be a fully functional
medical marijuana club; and in 2002, he founded the
and mobile hemp house that Markgraaff and his friends
San Diego branch of Americans for Safe Access. To-
paid for and constructed themselves over a three-day
day, he serves as the chancellor of Cannabis Interna-
period last year, then transported safely to the park.
tional University and as a board member of the Associ-
In addition to the aforementioned hemp area, the
ation of Cannabis Professionals—the San Diego-based
Village will contain close to 70 different vendor booths
trade organization that produces Cannabis Village.
showcasing a wide variety of innovations from the can-
22 San Diego A P R I L 2018
Advocacy exhibition CANNABIS VILLAGE returns for its second year at SAN DIEGO’S acclaimed ECO - FEST E ARTHFAIR.
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 23
nabis industry, from edibles to vaporizers to state-
It is just such marginalized communities that have
of-the-art growing equipment and everything else in
been most ravaged by the War on Drugs, which for
between—except for products containing THC, which
decades has been the front lines of America’s ongo-
are unlawful to sell at the fair. There’s also the “Sun
ing civil rights struggle. Decriminalization of canna-
Stage,” which will host the day’s speakers and perform-
bis is not just a medical or recreational issue but a
ers. Last year’s lineup included a performance by reg-
social, criminal, and racial justice issue as well. Only
gae artist and longtime cannabis activist Pato Banton
now are we starting to see jurisdictions like San Fran-
and speeches from several prominent activists such
cisco and San Diego County begin to dismiss or reduce
as Dan Herer—son of the late legalization legend Jack
sentences for prisoners incarcerated for nonviolent
Herer, whose landmark book The Emperor Wears No
cannabis-related crimes, as part of a reluctant acqui-
Clothes first extolled the virtues of hemp ( both ecolog-
escence to cannabis becoming an acceptable part of
ical and otherwise) over three decades ago.
adult society. Though long overdue, this is a huge
This year’s roster will include musical performanc-
and heartening step forward. In fact, since the passage
es by the bands Psydecar and Ironstagewood, as well as
of Prop 64, San Diego has taken several such steps that
addresses from an all-star array of activists and indus-
are worthy of celebration: the city has voted to grant
Cannabis Village at EarthFair 2018
WHEN : Sunday, April 22 // 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE : Balboa Park
ADMISSION : General Admission—Free, VIP (includes food, beverages and access to VIP only area) — $99 NOTE : Cannabis Village is a child-friendly, educational event— consumption and sale of cannabis products are strictly prohibited. In the spirit of the day, guests are encouraged to arrive via bike, foot or public transport rather than car if possible to help reduce the event’s carbon footprint and reduce traffic congestion around the park. PRODUCED BY: The Association of Cannabis Professionals GOLD SPONSORS : The Tree House Balboa, Outliers Collective (OutCo) OTHER SPONSORS : CV Sciences, KB Pure Essentials, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Harbor Collective, Culture Magazine, Sensi Magazine FOR MORE INFO : CANNABISPROFESSIONALS.ORG/CANNABISVILLAGE // EARTHDAYWEB.ORG try leaders: pro-cannabis candidate for San Diego Dis-
adult-use sales permits to retailers, a decision the vast
trict Attorney Genevieve Jones-Wright, pro-cannabis
majority of municipalities in California have not yet
candidate for San Diego Sheriff Commander David My-
had the courage and common sense to make. San Di-
ers, former NFL all-pro lineman Kyle Turley, renowned
ego has also agreed to grant 40 permits for indus-
grow guru Ed Rosenthal, and, perhaps most impres-
trial-sized manufacturing and cultivation operations
sive, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, whose inclu-
within city limits—a move that will significantly
sion has attracted some major media attention.
benefit the local economy by adding thousands of
In the early 1960s, Huerta worked alongside Mexi-
jobs and reducing both costs and carbon footprint
can-American folk hero Cesar Chavez to co-found the
for cannabis retailers. As a result, industry leaders
National Farmworkers Association (which later became
have begun to shift their focus to San Diego, and a
the United Famer Workers union). She is also widely
number of new cannabis startups are being enticed to
credited with coining the populist rallying cry, “Si, se
launch operations right here in America’s Finest City.
puede!” (Spanish for “Yes, it is possible!”), upon which
So, yes, the cannabis community here in San Di-
Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign slogan
ego has a lot to celebrate this year, and Cannabis Vil-
“Yes, we can!” was based. So it’s only poetic justice
lage is an ideal location to do just that. Consider
that in 2012, Obama would award her the Presidential
this your cordial invitation: come out and join in
Medal of Freedom for her devoted advocacy on behalf
the fun this Earth Day, commemorate the end of pro-
of marginalized communities against large, more
hibition in California, and help to make our world a
powerful institutions and corporations.
cleaner, saner place.
24 San Diego A P R I L 2018
Our mission is to create equal access and economic empowerment for cannabis businesses, their patients, and the communities most affected by the war on drugs. DEVELOPING A nationwide network of cannabis business owners within a variety of disciplines, including ancillary businesses ADVOCATING For creation and fair enforcement of sensible, equitable policies ACCELERATING Increased cannabis industry growth by ensuring patient and consumer access to the most people SERVING As a voice for the minority population with programs that foster opportunity, education, and equality
Visit us at MinorityCannabis.org to join the movement today!
memberships@minoritycannabis.org @MinCannBusAssoc
@MinorityCannabis
@MCIA.org sensimag.com APR I L 2018 25
DEAR
BRADLEY SUBLIME
JOSH COFFMAN © JOSHPHOTO.NE T
REMEMBRANCE
26 San Diego A P R I L 2018
An OPEN LETTER to late Sublime singer BRADLEY NOWELL from former manager and friend Jon Phillips.
Orange County has produced some fantastic musical artists over the years: from 1950s classics like Dick Dale and the Righteous Brothers to modern shredders like Fu Manchu and Avenged Sevenfold and everything in between. But there’s No Doubt (another great OC band, by the way) that one of the most beloved and influential groups to ever emerge from the area is Sublime. Their melodic mixture of ska, punk, reggae, and rock took the country by storm. Surfers, skaters, stoners, frat boys, Rastas, and rockers—everybody loved Sublime. And from early on, they were one of the few bands that weren’t afraid to sing about smoking weed and support legalization in their songs. They were innovative, raw, and tremendously talented—especially their charismatic lead singer Bradley Nowell. With his funky, soulful vocals and boyish good looks, he had the guys swinging and the girls swooning. But sadly, like too many other great artists of the day, Bradley fell victim to the dark allure of addiction. And on May 25, 1996, the world learned it had lost another brilliant artist to heroin. He was just 27—the same age that Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and many other rock stars have prematurely met their ends. On February 22, on what would have been Nowell’s 50th birthday, Jon Phillips—the cofounder and CEO of San Diego’s Silverback Records, and who managed and helped sign Sublime—penned a touching letter to his long departed friend, explaining to him how his life and music have impacted his many friends and fans, and posted it on Facebook. To honor this fallen musical hero of the LBC, we’d like to present an excerpt from that letter. Rest in power, Bradley. —BOBBY BLACK
Dear Bradley,
DAMN DUDE —YOU WOULD’VE BEEN 50
to go check out some vintage vinyl at the famous
YEARS OLD TODAY. HOLY SHIT ... IT’S HARD TO
local record store Albums on The Hill and ended up
BELIEVE THAT NEARLY 25 YEARS HAVE PASSED
walking through a little neighborhood by the campus
SINCE WE FIRST MET. I CAN STILL REMEMBER ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES SEEING SUBLIME P L A Y. Y O U B R O K E O U T “P O O L S H A R K” A T A UCLA FRAT PARTY IN FRONT OF AROUND 50
where, after taking a small toke of a vape pen (I’ll explain what that is later), I heard a loud bass line carrying from down the street. As I got closer, I heard “Don’t Push”—your little ditty from 1992’s 40 Oz. To Free-
dom—coming from a backyard keg party. It’s fucking
PEOPLE, MAYBE A YEAR A F T E R I F I N I S H E D
2018, and the college kids are still blasting Sublime—
COLLEGE THERE. I WAS 23, AND A RECENT
still waking the town, still pushing the envelope. The
COLLEGE GRAD JUST STARTING OUT IN THE
good vibes keep on playing. Fresher than ever, and
MUSIC INDUSTRY. I STOOD ALONGSIDE YOUR TATTERED AMP SHOT-GUNNING KEYSTONE LIGHTS (THE COLLEGIATE BEER OF CHOICE AT THE TIME), AND I CAN STILL REMEMBER
almost 30 years from when you first dropped that shit in the LBC. And I started thinking because I forgot for a second, holy shit—it’s Brad’s 50th birthday this week! That’s why they’re playing Sublime! I started to wonder what gets played more today in
THE FEELING OF MY HAIR STANDING ON END,
college dorms and parties, Sublime or Dave Matthews?
GOOSEBUMPS, WITH THE EERIE REALIZATION
Nirvana, The Grateful Dead, or Lynyrd Skynyrd? Can
THAT THE LYRICS IN YOUR SONG MIGHT
they measure that through Spotify and Pandora and
EVENTUALLY BE PROPHETIC OF YOUR OWN IMMORTALITY. I OFTEN THINK BACK TO THAT MOMENT: WE ALL INNOCENTLY STOOD IN THE PRESENCE OF GREATNESS, AND JUST A FEW O F U S K N E W . T H A T W A S A L M O S T 25 Y E A R S AGO —YOU WERE 26.
iPhones? Wait...what’s Spotify? What’s an iPhone? Oh shit, Brad—didn’t you hear? People are no longer stealing 40 Oz. CDs out of cars. Most people don’t even have CD players. People don’t really buy albums anymore, and they don’t need to steal them. There’s this thing called “streaming” now, and no one really gives a fuck about albums anymore. Bottom line though, Sublime is still being played in every capacity, and it’s
So here we are, old man. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Take a look at your life: do you even know
still the soundtrack for a new generation—still “triple rectifying that son of a bitch.”
what you started? Just last weekend, I happened to
I mentioned that music is free now, but did I tell
be walking down the street in Boulder, Colorado, and
you that weed is LEGAL?!? No shit. In January 2018,
I ended up in the area on the hill by the university on
California became the sixth US state to legalize recre-
a beautifully sunny, rare, 67-degree winter day. I went
ational marijuana sale and usage, and more than half sensimag.com APR I L 2018 27
of the states have “medical” marijuana. Can you believe that? You can now buy herb from the store down the street. I remember when we all went to that little studio off La Brea in Hollywood, and you and Miguel
Sublime's Bradley Nowell with Skunk Records co-founder Miguel Happoldt and band manager Jon Phillips at Nowell's wedding, just one week before his death. COURTESY OF JON PHILLIPS/SILVERBACK MUSIC
and Bud and Eric recorded that version of “Legalize It” for Capricorn Records’ Hempilation album for NORML back in ’94. Well, that day has come. I know you didn’t always love smoking weed, but I think you would be intrigued by the movement this plant has ignited— the political disparity, the science and technology, and how much deeper the culture has become than simply, “Smoke two joints in the morning, smoke two joints at night.” There are medicinal uses starting to prove that this seed and its flower could be a redeeming miracle of nature with many industrial uses and healing properties. I gotta go dig out that version of “Legalize It” you
in our history, in a world that you aren’t here to see. I
did, it’s somewhere in the archive. I can probably just
wonder what you would’ve had to say about all of this.
go to YouTube and find it. Oh yeah, Brad—YouTube,
You were always quite the historian, and I can only
vape pens, iPhones—a lot has changed. If only you
imagine what impact this would’ve had on your worl-
were still around ….
dview and your music. But your music continues to
So in case you’re wondering, I’m still wading in this cesspool (insert Hunter S. Thompson quote here)
inspire us, remaining a positive light in dark times that’s more relevant than ever.
called the music industry. Still putting out records and
The Dub Allstars broke up shortly afterward. Things
managing bands for the music I love. For a few years,
were cool for a while, but eventually everyone went
I had a good run with your boys from the LBC: Bud,
their separate ways, and like all of those Behind the Mu-
Eric, and the Long Beach Dub Allstars. We traveled
sic shows on VH1 (you were on one, by the way), every-
the world, enlisted some of your world-class influenc-
one ended up suing everyone else, and the lawyers and
es (Half Pint, Barrington Levy, and others) and made
record labels made a shit ton of money while everyone
a couple of albums. On May 25, 1998 (the second an-
else got screwed. I don’t want to waste a lot of time on
niversary of your passing), we were in Germany while
the negative; I just wanted to make the point that you
touring internationally for the first time when Opie, in
and Sublime really made the music business worth the
a drunken rage, sucker punched me in the face. It was
fight for me. I tried to fight for you—I originally didn’t
a rough tour, but a rite of passage that I’ll never forget
feel it was right for anyone to use your name posthu-
and always treasure. On that trip, Opie coined me a
mously, so I became outspoken about the attempted
“Silverback” and made me a prototype business card
usage of “Sublime.” I didn’t think any band except one
with his art, and that was the start of what I still do
with Brad Nowell in it should ever be called Sublime.
now—Silverback Music. With all the ups and downs
I mean, there’s no Nirvana without Kurt. So, as a le-
and peaks and valleys of this existence in the music
gal exception, it became “Sublime With Rome.” They,
biz, I’m proud to say it’s mainly because of you that I’m
among others, are still playing those songs for throngs
still in the game and it’s now the 20th anniversary of
of people that tragically will never see the real thing.
Silverback. Thank you, Bradley.
You gave me some gifts as well. The first one was a
LBDAS toured until 2001 and made a second al-
little band from Ocean Beach, San Diego called Slightly
bum called Wonders of the World, which ironically
Stoopid. I remember the first time I met Miles. He was
dropped on 9/11/2001—the day the Twin Towers fell
16 years old. You brought him to my office on Wilshire
in New York City. I went to NY with the “Dubs” a cou-
in Beverly Hills (the Gasoline Alley headquarters), and
ple of weeks after while they attempted to tour the
you said, “Jon, this is Miles from Slightly Stoopid.” I
country in the aftermath of 9/11 (and amongst the
remember feeling the hint—like you were saying, “Hey
stress of their own internal substance abuse issues).
bud—I might not be here forever, so if you want some-
Upon arriving at Ground Zero, you could still smell
one to carry the torch, this guy can do it.” (How did
the stench of darkness. What a crazy, defining time
you know?) And man did he and Kyle do that and then
28 San Diego A P R I L 2018
some. If you ask anyone today, they’ll tell you that
that we will continue to grow old with—is your beau-
Sublime and Stoopid are the real deal. Unfortunately,
tiful son Jakob. I remember when you brought him
you didn’t get to relish in the success of the reaction
to the office as an infant fresh from the hospital. You
to your music, and Stoopid lost their older brother—no
were so proud…and you should be. What a beautiful
big tour to hop on, just the notion and the spirituality
kid and deep soul. We’ve become closer now that he’s
that Bradley and Sublime and Skunk Records had em-
older (he just turned 21 last year) and started to pur-
braced them and dropped some real knowledge their
sue music a little more seriously. He has an uncan-
way. And shit, those two little grommets not even out
ny resemblance to you—good looking, introspective,
of high school whose first notes I saw at Fake Niteclub
well-read, artistic, innocent, and talented. He conveys
(Sublime’s little ’94–96 makeshift studio on Anaheim
your energy and soul but is finding his own identity
Street) with you and Miguel at the boards are now two
musically. He has quite the shoes to fill, but he has a
decades and 10 albums deep into their careers with
bright future. You should be proud. I would do any-
no sign of slowing down. Thanks to you, we all became
thing I can for your kid, man—I owe that to you be-
brothers and partners—including my brother Matt,
cause you and your music have given me so much.
who became their manager. (You met Matt—he actu-
Don’t hold it against me, but I’ve never brought my-
ally smoked his first jay with you at my folks’ place in
self to visit your gravestone. I feel guilty about it, but
San Jose.) You’d be proud of these kids—they’re seri-
honestly, there isn’t a day I don’t think about you or
ous musicians, good dudes, and excellent songwriters.
feel your guidance and presence. I’m not perfect, but
They’ve cultivated a large legion of fans called “Stoop-
I’m passionate about the lineage of this music and the
idheads” and sell out 5,000–10,000 seat amphitheaters
future. Sublime laid the foundation and nothing ever
every summer. They continue to carry that torch with
touched it. Reggae music is still on the loose, and you
much respect and gratitude.
have your own 40 Oz. To Freedom beer now, so I’m
The other gift—aside from all of the indelible memories and timeless songs that will never grow old, but
tipping one of those to you. We are all still, and forever, “under your voodoo.” Happy Birthday, Bradley.
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@thrivecbdinc #thrivecbdinc sensimag.com APR I L 2018 29
S P E C I A L A DV I S ORY BOA R D S E C T ION
AS THE CANNA B I S I ND U S TR Y G R OW S, SO DO T H E N UM BE R OF N I CH E E X P E R T S W I T H I N IT. FROM TOP-TIER DISPENSARIES AND EXTRACTION BRANDS TO EDIBLE MAKERS AND MARKETING SPECIALISTS, THESE COMPANIES ARE INCREDIBLE SOURCES OF INSIDER INFO ABOUT THE TRENDS AND ISSUES DRIVING THIS THRIVING MARKETPLACE FORWARD. THE SENSI ADVISORY BOARD IS COMPRISED OF LE ADERS FROM A VARIETY OF FIELDS WITHIN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY. EACH ISSUE, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS SHARE SOME OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE WITH OUR READERS IN THIS DEDICATED SECTION. THIS MONTH, WE H E A R F R O M E X P E RTS AT T H R I V E C B D For a full list of Advisory Board Members, turn to the masthead on page 5.
Thrive CBD CBD 101: Redefining Wellness by Johnny R, CBD Advisor, Thrive CBD CANNABIDIOL IS ONE OF MORE THAN 113 ACTIVE CANNABINOIDS IDENTIFIED IN CANNABIS. IT’S A MAJOR PHYTOCANNABINOID, ACCOUNTING FOR UP TO 40 PERCENT OF THE PLANT’S EXTRACT. CBD DOESN’T HAVE ANY PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS SUCH AS THOSE CAUSED BY TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC). CBD HAS A DOWN-REGULATING IMPACT ON DISORDERED THINKING. IT CAN ALSO HELP TO MANAGE STRESS AND ANXIETY, EASE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, AND SERVE AS AN EXCELLENT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AS WELL.
There are many forms of CBD—edibles, topicals, capsules, cartridges, and more.
for CBD products:
At Thrive CBD, we have thousands
1. Make sure the product states the total milligrams as
of clients who see the best results
well as the milligrams per dose.
when taking CBD in the form of a tincture or a concentrate. The key is know-
30 San Diego A P R I L 2018
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping
2. Buy products whose labels are easy to understand. 3. Only purchase products that have been lab tested.
ing what milligram dosage works best
4. Stay away from CBD sold on the black market, as the
for you. For example, someone with
products are not regulated and what you buy may be
average stress that keeps them up at
unsanitary.
night should probably start at around
When properly sourced, processed and dosed, can-
10–20 milligrams a day. Someone
nabidiol can be a safe and powerful remedy for a num-
who is treating fibromyalgia or rheu-
ber of physiological and psychological conditions, pro-
matoid arthritis should use a higher
viding calm and comfort with almost no negative side
strength concentrate, more like 25–50
effects. If you do your research and determine the best
milligrams or more a day.
product for your needs, you too can thrive with CBD.
sensimag.com APR I L 2018 31
{soSD} by A.J. HERRINGTON
walk of
Art Now in its 34th year, San Diego’s iconic Mission Federal ArtWalk will once again grace the neighborhood of Little Italy at the end of this month. The theme of this year’s festival is “Connecting Creative Communities,” and that’s exactly what it aims to do—bringing the work of local, national, and international artists to the streets of America’s Finest City for all to see. Paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, drawings, and other works of art will all be available for sale directly from their creators, enabling collectors to form a strong and satisfying relationship with the pieces they purchase. Entertainment is also on the bill, with performances by a number of local musicians, singers, dancers, live painters, and more scheduled throughout the weekend. Aspiring young artists can find inspiration in the family-friendly activities at KidsWalk. New this year will be poetry and spoken word recitals on the Grape Street Stage, as well as interactive art installations in the Piazza della Famiglia—a recently completed community park at Date Street. Plus, the neighborhood’s classic eateries will be augmented with street vendors offering fair-friendly fare to make your art artistic adventure complete. Mission Federal ArtWalk takes place Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ARTWALKSANDIEGO.ORG
32 San Diego A P R I L 2018
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