Sensi Magazine - Las Vegas (March 2018 - LAUNCH ISSUE)

PR

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IS

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E L AS V E G A S

THE NEW NORMAL

3.2018

S P E C I A L R EP OR T

The Cannabis Conundrum

GET OUT

connecting with the great outdoors

TAKE CONTROL

expert tips to banish the munchies

{ PLUS }

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ISSUE 1 // VOLUME 1 // 3.2018

contents.

18

32

FEATURES 26

Hack the Munchies

Dealing with cravings—plus healthy snack alternatives.

32

SPECIAL REPORT

High Rollers

Can Sin City handle one more legal vice?

10

26 snack

GET OUTSIDE!

Can cannabis intensify your relationship with the outdoors?

smart !

EVERY ISSUE 5 Editor’s Note 6 The Buzz 10 CrossRoads

18 AroundTown

WIDE OPEN

4 8 {soLV}

INTO THE GREAT

14 TasteBuds

THE KITCHEN AT ATOMIC

OFF THE STRIP

22 HighProfile

MAT T MORGAN

SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS

AND ATOMIC LIQUORS

Sensi Las Vegas is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 3

sensi magazine ISSUE 1 VOLUME 1

3.2018

FOLLOW US

EXECUTIVE Ron Kolb

CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

RON.KOLB @ SENSIMAG.COM

Tae Darnell

PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

TAE.DARNELL @ SENSIMAG.COM

Alex Martinez

GENERAL MANAGER

ALEX.MARTINEZ @ SENSIMAG.COM

EDITORIAL sensimediagroup

Stephanie Wilson

EDITOR IN CHIEF

STEPHANIE.WILSON @ SENSIMAG.COM

Debbie Hall

MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI LAS VEGAS

DEBBIE.HALL @ SENSIMAG.COM

Leland Rucker

SENIOR EDITOR

LELAND.RUCKER @ SENSIMAG.COM

Ricardo Baca, Christina Davis Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

sensimagazine

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DESIGN DIRECTOR

JENNIFER.TYSON @ SENSIMAG.COM

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M E DI A PA RT N E RS Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy 4 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

WELCOME to the first issue of

editor’s

Sensi Las Vegas!

NOTE

AS A RESIDENT OF NEVADA FOR MOST OF MY LIFE, IT IS AMAZING TO WITNESS THE MANY POSITIVE CHANGES IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. WITH OUR GROWING AND VERY DIVERSE POPULATION, L AS VEGAS EMBRACES AN UPSCALE LIFESTYLE AND PART OF ITS NEW NORMAL IS CANNABIS. NEVADA IS NOW THE FIF TH STATE WHERE ADULTS CAN LEGALLY PURCHASE AND ENJOY CANNABIS.

Las Vegas is becoming a medical destination and the introduction of cannabis for medical use is an important aspect. In fact, there is no difference between medical and recreational cannabis with the exception of the cost.

The landscape is dramatically changing. Sensi Las Vegas brings in-depth coverage of issues affecting the cannabis industry and the other infrastructures such as gaming, tourism and the over 2 million people who call Southern Nevada home.

This is more than a magazine about cannabis. Sensi Las Vegas covers the city and its lifestyle including things to do off the Strip and great places to dine. We profile influential locals in the HighProfile department and explore unique places and share breaking news in the Buzz. Las Vegas is so different than any other city and {soLV} showcases and celebrates what makes Nevada so different.

While embracing a pro-cannabis stance, Sensi is part of the mainstream and reaches out to those who are active and committed to creating a better community. Thank you for selecting and reading Sensi, either in print or digitally and we look forward to continuing our relationship with you, our readers.

Yours in the new normal,

Debbie Hall

MANAGING EDI TOR SENSI L AS VEGAS

A D V I S O RY B OA R D American Cannabis Company // CONSULTING

Hot Mess Kushmetics // CBD TOPICALS

CannaPunch // INFUSED CANDIES & JUICES

Libra Wellness // INFUSED GOURMET CHOCOLATES

Cohen Medical Centers // MEDICAL CENTERS

Nevada Powders // POWDER PROCESSING FOR EDIBLES

Emerald Harvest // NUTRIENTS

NLVO // LAS VEGAS LUXURY CANNABIS

Evergreen Organix // PREMIUM BAKED GOODS

Oasis Cannabis // DISPENSARY

FlowerKist // TOPICALS

Spiked Soil // SOIL

Greenhouse Payment Solutions //

Strip Side Solutions // MARKETING

PAYMENT PROCESSING

Grow Generation // HYDROPONICS

Toast // MINDFUL CONSUMPTION Undoo // OVERCONSUMPTION RELIEF

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 5

THE NE W N O R M A L

WRECK

room offers a

smashing good time

with destruction experience

the

buzz

For everyone who has had a bad day or nasty confrontation, here is the chance to release some steam in a healthy way.

Las Vegas entrepreneur Corey Holtam recently opened the Wreck Room, a 30-minute “smashing good time” in a controlled hassle-free environment.

Holtam was working construction and, to his boss’s chagrin, couldn’t resist breaking windows into pieces, which were being thrown away. His joy of busting the glass gave him an epiphany to create a business. Holtam studied, researched, and then visited destruction experiences in California, Texas, and Georgia to develop his plan.

Wreck Room offers four separate rooms, and participants are provided items to be pulverized along with a full suit, facemask, gloves, bootie protection, and wrecking weapon.

Groups up to six people can combine frustrations for a devastating good time.

Wreck Room is located in Chinatown at 4090 Schiff Drive. For more info, visit WRECKVEGAS.COM or call

702-405-6407.

6 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

Nevada with DIGIPATH Digipath, Inc., a service-oriented independent cannabis testing laboratory and media firm focused on the developing cannabis market, is now able to resume cannabis testing operations. It was announced that the lab received reinstatement of the Medical Marijuana Registration Certificate and Marijuana Testing Facility License held by its wholly owned subsidiary, Digipath Labs. The company’s lab facilities was audited by the Nevada Department of Taxation, Marijuana Enforcement Division, and the Department approved the Plan of Correction submitted by Digipath Labs. Digipath Labs also received its Clark County Business License allowing full operation in the county and the state.

Digipath’s President and COO Todd Denkin commented in a press release, “We are obvi­ously pleased with the decision by Nevada’s Department of Taxation to reinstate our lab testing licenses, and thank the team of inspectors for the focus and speed with which they worked with us. We are also very grateful to all of our clients who have been so supportive of us during this process and we already have a full schedule of samples coming in. We look forward to resuming testing services for all cannabis products made here in Nevada.”

Experiential and Interactive

world due to open in

Las Vegas MID -2019 The economy in Las Vegas is back on the upswing with the development of AREA15 west of Interstate 15. The unique concept is a wholly reimagined world weaving together immersive experiences, themed events, art installations, restaurants. and bars. The entertainment, retail, dining, and nightlife complex is due to open in mid-2019. The complex will appeal to a variety of clientele, including gamers, comic-con and sci-fi enthusiasts, © RONDA CHURCHILL

artists, music and festival lovers, and anyone looking for an immersive and unique experience. Meow Wolf, a multi-media production company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has signed on as the anchor tenant. Meow Wolf creates immersive, inter­ active experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantas­ tic realms of story and exploration. Game of Thrones author and fellow Santa Fe resident George RR Martin is one of Meow Wolf’s biggest investors.

AREA15 will offer up to 126,000 square feet of customized tenant space for a curated collection of experiential and retail businesses; 68,000 square feet of leasable ground floor space and up to 58,000 square feet of mezzanine space. A 40,000square-foot indoor and outdoor event space will be created to feature live music concerts, festivals, corporate events, and e-sport tournaments adjacent to the retail and dining options.

AREA15 will also offer over 900 complimentary parking spaces.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 7

EMBRACE

yoga

inner ZEN with

Forget New Year’s resolutions. Spring is the time of new beginnings and the perfect opportunity to create Zen, balance and overall

wellness practicing yoga. XENXEN Las Vegas, created by yoga enthusiast Dray Gardner, is a sanctuary combining overall wellness with yoga. More than just helping aspiring yogis achieve the perfect downward dog pose; XENXEN helps transform the body, spirit, and mind. Gardner explains, “If you don’t love yourself, a thousand yoga classes won’t change your life. We work on self-love.”

Gardner discovered yoga in 2006 after a doctor recommended back surgery. Wanting to avoid such a radical procedure despite his pain, he did some research and signed up for a 30-day yoga challenge. After 20 days, he stopped using his cane and signed up for another challenge. Today, yoga is a vital part of his life.

XENXEN’s classes are designed for every level, from beginner to expert enthusiast, with heated and non-heated options running from 60 to 90 minutes. Yoga by Candlelight invites participants to enter a deep, restorative, and freeing state. Yin Yoga is a slow-paced form of practice that consists of postures or asana held for longer periods of time. Guided meditation and workshops are also part of the self-exploration landscape, and the space also features a retail store full of fashionable statement pieces.

XENXEN is located in Boca Park at 750 S. Rampart Blvd. For more information, please visit XENXENLV.COM or call 702-489-6099.

8 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

the

buzz

PHOTO OF XENXEN © JOE DURKIN

THE NE W N O R M A L

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 9

{crossroads}

by RICARDO BACA

INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN How cannabis has intensified my relationship with the outdoors.

With winter almost behind us, it’s time to start wean-

stress, improve focus, diminish depression, and restore

ing from the Netflix binges, cover those unfinished DIY

us physically and mentally. It’s also true that, submerged

home projects with a big sheet, and call the hot chocolate-

in the natural world, things are simplified but also am-

by-the-fire-fueled #relationshipgoals good and met.

plified — and because cannabis is an amplifier as well,

Throwing open the windows to let in the crisp spring air always gets me psyched to put the plans in motion for

the inherent beauty and giddy sense of discovery are magnified on a grand scale.

some warm-weather diversions paired with cannabis.

In addition, it’s still entirely possible to continue con-

While some people find that they’re most comfortable

trolling some aspects —you can bring along your favor-

consuming in a confined and tightly controlled space,

ite beverage in a bota bag, or settle into the tent with the

many of us prefer to explore our natural substances—be

rain fly open to the cooling night sky. It does make sense

it cannabis or psilocybin —while also exploring nature,

to consider the setting and adjust your consumption ac-

believing that the experience is very much enhanced by

cordingly. For instance, where others might overcon-

being immersed in an organic environment.

sume alcohol and get silly, if I’m camping and know that

Don’t get me wrong: Getting high indoors is great.

we’re sedentary for the night — our tent is set up and

You decide what the temperature will be, steep that

we’ve lost track of our car keys, so we’re not going any-

mug of hot tea whenever it’s convenient, wrap your-

where —I might have more cannabis than I normally do,

self in a snuggy blankie, and settle in knowing that all

maybe a solid indica-based edible in the hopes that I

is well in your little self-made world.

sleep better that night on the cold, hard ground.

But getting high in the outdoors can be truly life-­ changing. It’s not just that nature is good for us: Study

In fact, consuming cannabis al fresco has led me to some truly extraordinary adventures.

after scientific study has proven that spending time

Of course, I will always remember fondly my first time

surrounded by red rock, relaxing on a beach, walking

combining open air and edibles: Some friends and I were

through the woods, or paddling down a river can relieve

rafting the Lower Colorado River between Loma (Colo-

10 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

RICARDO BACA is a veteran journalist and the founder and original editor-in-chief of The Cannabist.

His content agency Grasslands works primarily with businesses and individuals in the cannabis and hemp industries on thought leadership and messaging via thoughtful and personalized content campaigns.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 11

rado) and Westwater (Utah), and we had brought along some chocolate mint cookies to share at the campsite.

These were the early days, and so we were a little un-

I WA S WITH MY L ADY,

OUTSIDE IN THE FRESH, WARM AIR AND

certain about dosage. I wound up getting so high and

WATER, RELEASED FROM MY DAY-TO-DAY

so absorbed in the campfire-heightened ambiance and

OBLIGATIONS, AND THERE WAS NO PLACE

the often hilarious and sometimes deeply contempla-

IN THE WOR L D T HAT I W O UL D R AT HE R

tive conversation that I completely forgot the river was rushing along beside us — and when it hit me, it was a

HAVE BEEN AT THAT MOMENT.

joyous realization all over again.

In the months that followed that fun, I was able to

us rent bikes, and then took us all around the area, from

nail down my own tolerance and began to better ingest

busy streets lined with amazing public art to the rural

within my limits, which wound up being helpful during a

area where our friend was raised. That’s when we ped-

trip to Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Not far from Am-

aled onto this mind-blowing path, which at dusk was

sterdam — where space cake-selling coffeeshops are

just beginning to release the sunrays it had been ab-

in abundance — Eindhoven is home to the famous Van

sorbing all day. We already had been gently lifted earli-

Gogh-Roosegaarde bike path, which beckoned with its

er from pieces of space cake, and that helped to elevate

twinkly, solar-charged lights embedded in stone, meant

this to the otherworldly, with these multicolored lights

to evoke the artist’s trippy and surreal painting The

like stars springing up from the pebbles as we mean-

Starry Night.

dered along, past windmills from other Van Gogh paint-

My wife and I told our host we wanted to check it out, so he walked us over to the train station and helped

12 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

ings and through tree-lined open spaces.

Along a more reflective vein, many would argue that

isolated section of stream and waited for the trout to find my dry fly. I got a couple on but never landed anything, but it was still such a special and meaningful day: I was with my lady, outside in the fresh, warm air and water, released from my day-to-day obligations, and there was no place in the world that I would rather have been at that moment.

Of course, as when ingesting any psychoactive substance, safety is essential. In the Netherlands, I felt fishing is somewhat of a meditative sport, and cannabis

completely comfortable with my dosage, and having a

is a meditative medicine— and so when combining the

guide along was key. And while I don’t smoke flower,

two, it’s no surprise that it can be an enchanting experi-

most cannabis consumers do, and so always be hyper-

ence. Patience is obviously a top requirement (that’s why

aware of where that roach winds up and that fires are

they call it fishing and not catching), and it’s that requi-

completely out. Of course having a designated driver

site steadfastness and dedication that appeals to me

picked out before you imbibe is a must.

— which brings me to the time my wife and I had a day

Also, as legalization spreads across the country, it’s

off, and I heard Colorado’s Clear Creek calling our names.

worth noting that consumption of any and all kinds is

She graciously offered to be designated driver, and

still very much illegal on federal lands—which includes

so armed with a bottle of wine, a 10 mg edible and a

national parks, national forests and designated wilder-

couple of fly rods, we headed out. As I became pleas-

ness areas. But otherwise, enjoy that sun-grown un-

antly elevated, I waded out into the middle of this

derneath the sun.

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sensimag.com MARCH 2018 13

{tastebuds}

by DEBBIE HALL

© ALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE KITCHEN AT ATOMIC

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Kitchen at Atomic’s Cigar City sandwich; View of the dining room; Classic American burger

14 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

EXTINQUISH YOUR APPETITE Tastes explode at The Kitchen at Atomic and are thirsts quenched at Atomic Liquors.

The 21st century blends with Las Vegas history at

coffee-cured half chicken coated with wild rice flour, then

the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas and the new

roasted and served with grilled radicchio bourbon demi

restaurant next door. Atomic Liquors holds the city’s

glacé. Love bar food? Try the Kingsley’s Fried Wing, a

first package liquor license and off-sales permit: #00007.

whole chicken wing seasoned with rice flour, fried, and

The Kitchen at Atomic, headed by Chef Justin Kingsley

coated with Kingsley’s sauce. For a healthy option, order

Hall, opened about a year ago in the space next door, a

the Rapini sub—sautéed broccoli rabe, braised onions,

1947 building that used to house Doc’s Automotive.

and greens with mixed herbs and aioli served on a

There might have been tons of grease during its auto

brioche bun. Supper with Friends includes Hot Pig in

shop days but this place is now known for its New

Winter, a pork shank presented on the bone, slow cooked

American fair. Fun is the message on the menu, with

in an afghan style stew with hot peppers, garlic, spinach,

dishes embracing the comfort food factor with a gour­

cilantro, and onions and served with a side of warm

met twist. “The way I cook at The Kitchen at Atomic is

breads. Farmer selections embrace the vegetarian/

to create a menu that brings people together around a

vegan with Harissa carrots (wood chip roasted), Dandy

table and continue that gathering,” explains Hall.

of a Pie (braised dandelion greens and kale), and Black

Formerly of Sparrow + Wolf, the chef joined the influx

Caesar salad. A side of fries is always available because

of new pioneers and moved downtown five years ago. “I

what is comfort food without this American staple.

love watching life happen and the evolution of an area.

Sweets? Whiskey bread pudding blends the flavors of

One day something may be an eye sore, the next it’s a

smoked sea salt caramel, cardamom, and whipped cream.

thriving business or work of art,” he says.

Food trends in 2018, which the chef is watching, in­

He has created a menu to match the local clientele,

clude more flavors coming from the Middle East and

offer­ing more than one dining experience. One guest can

Africa. The Atomic menu is fluid and Hall updates it to re­

enjoy a fast, casual meal while others feel comfortable

flect the palate of the guests as well as changing culinary

dining on several courses, lingering over conversation.

scene.

It is a good barometer to check out a date; if he or she

A full bar is part of the experience, with specialty

likes The Kitchen, then there is a good chance that

cock­tails, an innovative wine list, and delectable brews on

person will fit in with the cool downtown vibe.

offer. Even diners following a plant-based diet can indulge

One menu specialty, Hen Gone Wild, is a vanilla and

with the Chasing Basil, made with aquavit, pepper

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 15

medley, elderflower, lime, and basil leaf. The Garden State com­bines honey gin with goat cheese, a beet, arugula, egg whites, and quince—great way to eat

The Kitchen at Atomic’s Foie Gras Toast

those veg­gies while enjoying an adult beverage. On the Grain menu, whiskeys include American, French, Jap­ © THE KITCHEN AT ATOMIC

anese, and Scotch. The Grape menu features brandy, cognac, armagnac, grappa, and sherry.

“I’ve always enjoyed where Atomic Liquors is located downtown, not surrounded by Fremont Street Exper­ ience or casinos with an insane amount of flashing lights.

It’s a neighborhood corner. It feels like it’s in a community,

SEPARATE FROM

the KITCHEN at ATOMIC ,

ATOMIC L IQUORS WAS NAMED FOR THE CUSTOMERS THAT WATCHED ATOMIC BL ASTS FROM THE ROOF IN THE 1950s.

Back in the day, REGUL AR PATRONS

INCLUDED T H E R AT PACK , S MOT HE RS BROT H E R S ,

C L INT E ASTWOOD, AND BA RBR A STREISA ND .

not a business district,” Hall says. “The Kitchen at

to gather, whether it was locals watching the bomb

Atomic is located next to Atomic Liquors and the exterior

testing in the desert or cowboys in town for Hell­dor­

is simple but unique. The interior emulates classic old

ado,” says Hall.

Vegas with leather and wood, staying true to its roots

As the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas, Atomic

and the former Doc’s Auto space.” The wooden garage

Liquors boasts a robust beer program headed by general

door has been replaced by an expansive garage door

manager and Cicerone Rose Signor with 20 rotating taps

made of windows that open to the patio for a seam­less

and one of the largest bomber selections in town—

indoor/outdoor experience. The windows that offer a

over 160 selections. The cocktail program is just as im­

view into the kitchen have also been preserved from the

pressive as the beer lineup, with syrups made in-house

original structure.

using fresh and seasonal ingredients, created by mix­

Separate from The Kitchen at Atomic, Atomic Liquors

ologist Andrew Smith. The team at Atomic Liquors also

was named for the customers that watched atomic blasts

creates one-of-a-kind beer festival experiences, including

from the roof in the 1950s. Back in the day, regular patrons

its annual Sour Saturday. An equally impressive cocktail

included The Rat Pack, Smothers Brothers, Clint East­

program includes a selection of high-end scotch and

wood, and Barbra Streisand. A place this cool begs to be

whiskey, and features house-made syrups using fresh

featured in movies and television and it has been captured

and seasonal ingredients.

in films and TV shows including Casino, The Twilight Zone, The Hangover, and Pawn Stars.

“Atomic Liquors has always been a place for people

16 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

Atomic Liquors is located at 917 Fremont Street; The Kitchen at Atomic is at 927 Fremont Street. Visit ATOMIC.VEGAS for more info.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 17

{aroundtown}

by CHRISTINA DAVIES & DEBBIE HALL

OUTSIDE THE STRIP More than glitz and glam, Las Vegas blends rugged outdoors with family friendly attractions.

Las Vegas is defined by more than the 4.5-mile stretch

ranked the city of Henderson, east of Las Vegas in Clark

of Las Vegas Boulevard known around the world as

County, as one of the safest cities to live. Southern Ne-

simply the Strip. The tourist side of Las Vegas is only a

vada is an attractive home for all generations, with mil-

part of Southern Nevada with a permanent population

lenials and baby boomers making up the largest portion

of 2 million and growing every day.

of the local population. More and more of these profes-

Along with the hospitality industry, Las Vegas has

sionals are living and playing downtown, and, as a re-

welcomed the growing tech and cannabis industries and

sult, the birthplace of Las Vegas is being revitalized. Off

is becoming a medical destination as well. With the open-

the Strip, there is so much to explore.

ing of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine, and the transforma-

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

tion of the surrounding neighborhoods, Southern Nevada

Fremont Street, the heart of Las Vegas, is where much

boasts of a diverse population of professionals. The FBI

of Vegas history happened including its first hotel, tele-

18 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

­ the experience on the SlotZilla zip line past the lights.

Two stages offer free entertainment with upcoming concerts of favorite bands from the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

Carl “Safe Sax” Ferris has performed all original jazz music on Fremont Street for over 18 years, earning him a big global following.

THE NEON MUSEUM IN DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS The history of Las Vegas can be chronicled through a collection of glittering signs that at one time brightened the skyline at the Neon Museum.

Bringing inanimate objects to life, Brilliant! is an audiovisual immersion experience that just debuted. Presented after dark in the North Gallery, Brilliant! showcases

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEON MUSEUM

The Lost Neon Signs Of Las Vegas, Resurrected

unrestored, non-working and, in some cases, broken signs coming to life accompanied by music from some of the entertainment industry’s most iconic performers. Forty of the museum’s vintage signs are reanimated as part of the modern 360-degree audiovisual experience, comphone, paved street, gaming license, traffic light, eleva-

plete with 24 3D-sound speakers and eight projectors

tor, and high rise. Today, it is the Fremont Street Experi-

emitting a total of 80,000 lumens of light.

ence, a pedestrian walkway lined with casinos, shops,

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is dedicated to

and dozens of restaurants with a canopy overhead.

collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las

Overhead is Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen

Vegas signs. On its 2.27-acre campus, the Neon Muse-

at 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide, suspended 90

um houses the Neon Boneyard, North Gallery, Boule-

feet above the crowds. The free light shows dazzle with

vard Gallery, and visitors’ center, located inside the for-

high-resolution imagery booming with state-of-the-

mer La Concha Motel lobby. The museum collection also

art, 550,000-watt, concert-quality sound. It takes 12.5

includes nine restored signs installed as public art

million energy-efficient LED lamps to create the high-

throughout downtown Las Vegas and one restored sign

tech screen shining down and enveloping people and

on view at the outdoor Fashion Show Plaza on the Las

surrounding casinos. Tourists and guests fly through

Vegas Strip.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 19

THE MOB MUSEUM IN

with insights from forensic science experts. Each station

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

instructs about scientific techniques used to conduct

From Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel to Frank Rosenthal,

death investigation, DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis,

The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized

crime scene investigation, and firearms examination.

Crime and Law Enforcement) continues to offers a pro­ vocative, contemporary look at the biggest influences

GOLDWELL

in Nevada history. Housed in the restored 1933 former

OPEN AIR MUSEUM

courthouse and post office where the Kefavuer hear-

Travel Time: About two hours north of Vegas

ings on organized crime were held, the museum features a number of intriguing exhibits.

The evocative landscape of the Amargosa Desert along the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park is

The experience is an interactive journey featuring ar-

a barren and lonely part of the world—and it’s just a

tifacts, personal stories, exhibitions, and educational

short drive away from the sensory overload of the Strip.

speakers. Opened on Feb. 14, 2012 in honor of the St.

There’s a striking beauty here, and this is what led

Valentine’s Day Massacre—a notorious event detailed

to the creation of the “un-museum” just outside Rhy-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOB MUSEUM

olite, Nevada, a spectacular ghost town off the road leading to Death Valley, California. It’s a short distance west of Beatty off State Route 374, basically in the middle of a literal nowhere.

Which is part of its intrigue. The monumental and somewhat eerie sculptures scattered across the landscape are the other part. The artworks almost demand that you question their origin: who created them, and The Kefauver Hearings at the Mob Museum

why? And, more importantly, why here?

It started in 1984 when the late Belgian artist Albert

in various exhibitions and artifacts at the museum—

Szukalski began this self-described “art situation” with

the Vegas institution is planning a $9 million upgrade.

the creation and installation of “The Last Supper,” a ma-

In 2018, new exhibitions include Organized Crime To-

jor sculpture featuring life-sized ghost figures posed

day, exploring active crime groups such as outlaw mo-

as Christ and his Disciples as depicted by the Da Vinci

torcycle gangs, Yakuza, Mexican cartels, Eastern Euro-

painting. In the subsequent decades, other prominent

pean mafias, and MS-13 as well as international law enforcement agencies. Featuring artifacts, graphics, and an interactive, 17-foot-wide touchscreen wall, present

The Goldwell Open Air Museum’s Ghost Rider

day crime is exposed with continual updates. © CHARLES ALBERT SZUKALSKI

The Use of Force Training Experience showcases law enforcement methods of identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting criminals. Ready to fight crime? This intensive training session uses both digital and live roleplaying scenarios that demonstrate the speed and complexity of use of force decisions.

Loved CSI ? The Crime Lab offers guests a hands-on,

Belgian artists joined Szukalski in the desert and creat-

interactive exploration of five different forensic science

ed the colossal on-site sculptures you’ll find within the

topics during the facilitated experience guided by a

vast upper Mojave desert.

museum educator. It also features original multimedia

20 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

Today, the 15-acre outdoor sculpture park is open

the public 24/7, and Goldwell remains a place for those

The striking scenery has inspired people for millen-

who are seeking adventure in their art making in a

nia. Throughout the park—throughout all of Nevada, in

spectacular and challenging landscape, according to its

fact—2,000-year-old rock art petroglyphs are still vis-

mission statement.

ible. One of the most striking examples is found near the beginning of the Mouse’s Tank trailhead in this park.

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

According to experts, this example is one of the only to

Travel Time: About an hour northeast of Vegas

showcase human interaction. The figures depicted ap-

Springtime is the best time to plan a trip to Valley of

pear to be holding hands.

Fire State Park with colorful, blooming wildflowers such

The oldest state park in Nevada, Valley of Fire earned

as desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow as

its designation in 1935. Today, it covers about 40,000

well as a variety of cacti. Vibrant yellow, orange, red,

acres, and the Nevada Scenic Byway, Valley of Fire Road,

white, and purple hues against the flaming sandstone

allows you to explore them by car.

create a spectacular view to truly embrace nature.

There are also many intriguing trails throughout the

Want to see some ancient artwork? The park is also

park enticing hikers to get moving. For info on the best

famous for its striking landscape and prehistoric rem-

day hikes, stop by the visitor’s center. While you’re there,

nants. Named for the bright red Aztec sandstone for-

peruse the exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory,

mations created by shifting sand dunes 150 million

and history of a region that may be best known for being

years ago, the rocky outcrops appear to be aflame when

adjacent to Las Vegas but is so much more than that.

the sun hits them just right.

Red sandstone formations at the Valley of Fire State Park

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 21

{highprofile}

by DEBBIE HALL

22 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

THIS L AND IS HIS LAND From farm boy to cannabis CEO to global entrepreneur Matthew Morgan is flourishing.

The land has been very good to Matthew Morgan.

a new opportunity presented itself, Morgan left Bloom

Today, at the age of 32, Morgan has years of experience

and formed Tryke Companies/Reef Dispen­saries with

buy­ing and selling land—and the plants it produces—

a private investor in 2014. Tryke Companies became a

to create an influential corporation and enjoy enormous

network in Arizona and Nevada of 10 licenses for the cult­

suc­cess. With 2018 as the year of the upswing, with a

ivation, production, and retail sale of medical and re­

recovering economy and more states legalizing medical

creational cannabis. Morgan became its CEO.

and recreational cannabis, Morgan still loves the land

“It was crazy to start something from scratch with

and the plants it produces. He is ready to move on to try

just an idea and bring it to fruition, especially a large

to triumph in other countries, including Canada.

cannabis enterprise in such a short period,” Morgan

It all began on his family’s sixth-generation farm in

says. “We started a business that only included me and

Montana, where Morgan would ride a tractor to cultivate

my partner to a corporation that employs over 420 peo­

the fields. He was a typical teenage boy who ran track

ple, and we did this in just over three years.”

and played bas­ketball in school but never planned to go

The company grew to six retail locations, two man­

into professional sports. He didn’t know what he wanted

ufacturing sites, and two laboratories. “Of course, this

to be when he grew up.

happened because of brainstorming, hard work, and

As an adult, after a few false starts, Morgan discovered

lots of hours to execute our plan,” Morgan says. “This is

real estate. He switched from living off the land to selling

the best education I could have received, and I would not

it, along with the buildings on it, of course.

change this experience at all. I learned so much from

But land can be fickle, and the real estate market crashed in the 2008 financial crisis. But Morgan was

building Tryke and Reef. I would not trade the past four years for an MBA from Harvard.”

hooked on earning from ground up, and he entered the

He shares that the day Reef Dispensaries opened in

medical cannabis industry in Montana as the market

Arizona in 2015 was one of the most interesting points

exploded. As quickly as the industry expanded, it collapsed

in his life. The business was located in an isolated area in

when the state reversed its policy on medical cannabis

the south­east region in Phoenix known as Queen Creek.

in 2010. While his Montana-based company remained in

“I didn’t know what to expect,” he says. “I had never

business for a few more months operated by his father,

opened a dispensary so far from a city. But it became

Morgan realized he needed a new direction.

very successful. I saw that we created a great brand

Cannabis was in his blood, or at least his business

and developed a loyal following.”

model, so Morgan relocated to Arizona to seek out a more

Through this experience, Morgan understood the

friendly terrain. His moxie and drive connected him with

power of branding and witnessed tremendous success

an Arizona state senator, and the two developed Bloom

with the opening of Reef Dispensaries located next to

Dispensaries in 2012. The business thrived, but when

Trump Tower in Las Vegas. sensimag.com MARCH 2018 23

When recreational cannabis was legalized in the state

“Cannabis is powerful for medical care, and this is why

of Nevada, the change astounded him. “Every news or­

I became such a believer in it as an alternative to opioids

ganization wanted to talk to us, and there were about

and pharmaceuticals. I am a huge advocate.”

1,200 people waiting to buy recreational sales product.

Morgan admits to growing up quite a bit to accept

It felt so surreal with so many people standing in line at

responsibility and thrive in stressful and high-pressure

midnight. I couldn’t be­lieve we pulled this off.”

situations. He has developed tremendously as a person

PHOTOGRAPHY © MATTHEW MORGAN

But, as he told the news organizations at the time,

as well as an entrepreneur.

his biggest concern was that the demand would be much

To accomplish his goals, Morgan makes health a big

higher than the supply. “Most were surprised and baffled

focus, working out five to six times a week with re­

when I predicted this, and then six months later, good

sistance training and Crossfit. To relax, he shoots hoops

Matthew Morgan: global entrepreneur

with his friends. “Getting to the gym helps me keep my sanity and prepares me for the day,” he explains. Another important aspect is his daily med­­­itation.

Still, Morgan does indulge in the occasional sweets such as snickerdoodle cookies and Ben and Jerry ice cream. But he sticks mostly with vegetables, fruits, and seafood, avoiding dairy and gluten. When it comes to cannabis, he is a huge fan of certain strains including Mimosa from the Jungle Boys, Sherbet, and Paris OG. For a dream vacation, Morgan would love to go to a tropical island with sandy beaches, blue waters, and colorful fish with no cell phone coverage.

buds were hard to find.” Morgan predicts that California

A big change in his life happened in 2017 when he

will suffer the same growing pains as Nevada with the

resigned as CEO for Tryke and Reef and began looking

changes in state law legalizing recreational sales on Jan.

toward impacting the global economy with cannabis.

1, 2018.

But Morgan’s tenure at various companies has prepared

As for the CBD market, Morgan predicts that it will expand faster than cannabis in the coming five years.

him for this moment in time, especially his experience at Tryke and Reef.

He also believes current scientific studies of the canna­

He has a certain entrepreneurial wow factor. First,

binoid—one of the main chemical compounds found

he developed and launched over 20 companies in less

in cannabis plants—will reveal even more of CBD’s

than a decade—quite an accomplishment. Then he

many health benefits. He personally takes CBD every

created and developed Tryke and Reef from conceptual

day for his health.

inception to full-blown corporation, a feat that holds a

A big part of the high demand for cannabis is by

special place in his heart. While leaving the companies

veterans who prefer using cannabis over opioids to

is bittersweet, Morgan is ready to conquer other frontiers

relieve their pain and PTSD. In fact, Morgan lost one

and reach for bigger horizons.

of his best friends to an opioid overdose, which still

Morgan plans on joining a new company, Green Axis,

affects him. Many of his close friends entered the

and taking it public in Canada. This new venture is on a

military to fight in the Iraqi War around 2004. So many

much larger scale than his previous endeavors. “This is

came home addicted to pharmaceutical pills. He has

an un­charted frontier, and I am so excited,” he says. “I

witnessed how cannabis can help his friends and other

love the cannabis industry and I am living the dream

veterans give up pharmaceuticals and regain their lives.

every day. I am very fortunate and very blessed.”

24 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

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sensimag.com MARCH 2018 25

How to DEAL with the CRAVINGS — plus HEALTHY SNACK alternatives.

26 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

hack

by ROBYN GRIGGS L AWRENCE

IF YOU’VE EVER SMOKED A STRONG

indica , YOU KNOW THE MUNCHIES. THEY’VE

BEEN A THING SINCE HUMANS FIRST BEGAN USING CANNABIS. IN FACT, PEOPLE IN ANCIENT C H I N A A ND I N D I A D R A N K C A N N A B I S T E A A S A N A P P E T I T E S T I M U L A N T, A N D T H I S REMEDY SHOWS UP MANY TIMES IN MEDIC AL AND PHARMACEUTICAL TEXTS THROUGHOUT THE AGES.

We’ve known for thousands of years that ingesting

The only thing we can control is how we react to

cannabis can inspire hunger. Only recently, though,

this phenomenon, a welcome effect for people who

have we begun to understand why—and it comes

have lost their appetite to wasting disease or chemo-

down to THC, the cannabinoid (chemical compound)

therapy but a scourge of varying degrees for those

found in cannabis plants responsible for the psycho-

watching our waists and our wellness (most of us).

active properties. T HC stimulates dopamine pro-

First, be informed. THCV, a close cousin to THC, is

duction, making eating more pleasurable. Scientists

an up-and-coming cannabinoid because scientists

have also found that T HC acts on receptors in the

have discovered it has appetite-suppression capa-

hypothalamus to produce the hunger-stimulating hor-

bilities. Real Housewives star Bethenny Frankel is

mone ghrelin. In a 2014 study published in Neurosci-

using that information to develop Skinnygirl diet-

ence Nature, researchers found that THC fit into the

conscious cannabis (announced in 2015 but still not

olfactory bulb of mice’s brains, enhancing the smell—

launched), and GW Pharmaceuticals has filed a pat-

and therefore taste—of food, causing the rodents to

ent to use THCV to control insulin levels.

eat more.

To prevent the munchies, find cannabis with the

So, we can take heart. It’s not our fault when we

highest THCV content you can (strain suggestions on

devour an entire bag of Paqui Spicy Queso chips with

page 28). Appetite-suppressing T HCV is most abun-

queso dip, a package of Milano double-milk chocolate

dant in landrace African sativas, but cannabinoid

cookies, a carton of Häagen-Dazs chocolate peanut

content varies from grower to grower and harvest to

butter ice cream, two Diet Cokes, and a box of gluten-

harvest. To ensure THCV-rich cannabis, seek out strains

free cheddar cheese crackers ( because they were the

that have been lab tested.

only things left). We can’t control the THC that’s controlling our brains.

Second, be prepared. When the munchies hit, there is nothing more heavenly than a visit to 7-Eleven, sensimag.com MARCH 2018 27

with its gleaming cases of high fructose corn syrup and pizza rolls, shelves stuffed with pork rinds and Hot Tamales. The snack-filled store would be paradise if it weren’t for the inconvenient truth that the food there makes you fat and sick. Keep yourself out of the aisles of temptation by cleansing and restocking your kitchen.

{ MUNCHIE - FREE } strains BL ACK B E AU T Y This sativa-dominant hybrid with a pineapple-like aroma has a 2 : 1 ratio of THCA :THCV and produces a fast-acting, euphoric high.

DOUG’S VA R I N The first strain bred to contain massive amounts of THCV, this rare sativa with a piney-citrus aroma has a THCA : THCV ratio of 5 : 4, with a whopping 15 percent THCV and a significant amount of myrcene, the terpene that rushes concentrated THC and THCV to the brain.

DURBA N POIS ON The THCV content in this pure African sativa with a spicy-sweet aroma ranges between 0.2 and 1.8 percent, fueling productivity and focus.

M OBY DIC K THCV is present in this strong sativa with a sweet-citrus aroma that delivers a powerfully uplifting high.

JACK T HE RIPPER THCV is present in this lemon-scented sativa that makes you feel talkative and invigorated.

PINE A PPL E PURPS The THCA : THCV content in this sativa-dominant strain with a sweet pineapple aroma can be as high as 3:1, giving it a THCV content of more than 4 percent. Grab this euphoric strain when you can; it isn’t easy to find.

POWER PL AN T THCV is present in this African sativa with a spicy aroma that inspires and uplifts.

RED C ONGOL ES E THCV is present in this African sativa with a sweet floral aroma that energizes and uplifts. (It’s been called “the cocaine of cannabis.”)

Anton Chekhov said if there’s a pistol in the first act, it will be fired in the second. It’s the same in your kitchen. If there are Hot Pockets in the freezer, you will eat them when you’re high. Stock up instead on healthy whole-food snacks that satisfy 7-Eleven-caliber cravings without the sweet-salty pistol whip of guilt.

28 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

Healthy Snacks YOU WON’T H ATE AIR -POPPED P OP CORN

Eating popcorn keeps your hand moving and your mouth chewing with a lot fewer calories than a bag of chips. Skip the butter and spritz with a little olive or sesame oil instead, then keep it interesting with creative seasonings: chili or curry powder, garam masala, dill weed and lemon zest, cinnamon, Sriracha and lime zest, truffle oil, malt vinegar, bullion powder, white vinegar and sea salt, Mexican hot chocolate mix, or matcha green tea powder.

CEL ERY

The vegetable is fun to crunch, great for cotton mouth, high in fiber and vitamins C, A, and K—and has six calories per stalk. Celery’s a great vessel for all sorts of delicious dips and toppings. Peanut butter is the classic, as long as you don’t mind its 16 grams of fat per serving. Try these alternatives instead: toasted

beat the { MUNCHIES } GET B USY >> Practice yoga, climb a rock wall, knit, play a video game or the piano. With your head and hands busy, you’ll think less about food.

DRI NK WAT E R >> You need to do this anyway.

Keep your water bottle with you at all times. Flavor it with chunks of fruit or sip on seltzer.

DRI NK C OF F EE OR GREEN TEA >> Caffeine dulls appetite, and you can keep yourself amused trying all the different varietals and varieties of coffee and tea now available. You can add a little honey to shore up your blood sugar—but a white chocolate mocha, even with skim milk and no whip, defeats the purpose.

C H E W G UM >> Sometimes your mouth just wants to be busy. Chew sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural corn alcohol that won’t spike blood sugar.

Y E A H , N O F R I E S >> Researchers have found that one taste of fatty food signals the brain and gut to want more. You really can’t have just one.

sesame oil and sesame seeds, olive oil and capers,

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 29

Frozen Greek Yogurt with Nuts and Berries { SERVES 4 – 6 } This is great when you really want a carton of Chubby Hubby. Greek yogurt is creamier, has a quarter of the carbs, and twice the protein of regular yogurt. You can use any variety and combination of yogurt, nut butter, fruits, and nuts. If you use plain yogurt, you might want to mix in a couple tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. You could even sprinkle in some mini dark chocolate chips, but that’s kind of cheating.

* 2 cups Greek yogurt, any flavor * 1/ 2 tablespoon sesame oil * 1/ 2 tablespoon nut butter ( ALMOND, CASHEW, PEANUT ) * Pinch of sea salt OPTIONAL :

* 1/ 2 cup berries or fruit ( BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, MANGO) * 1/4 cup toasted nuts ( HAZELNUTS, ALMONDS, PECANS ) · Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or waxed

paper. Chop fruit and nuts into small pieces. · Spoon yogurt onto baking sheet. Spread

evenly into a quarter-inch layer. · In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil

and nut butter. Drizzle over yogurt. · Sprinkle remaining optional ingredients

over yogurt and finish with sea salt. · Freeze 5 to 6 hours or until firm.

To eat, break into pieces.

horseradish and lemon zest, feta and mint, hummus, baba ghanouj, miso paste, tapenade, bean dip, or salsa.

F ROZ EN GR APES

The ultimate natural popsicle, frozen grapes are simple to make and fun to pop in your mouth. Remove the stems, place grapes on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or aluminum foil, and freeze for four to five hours. One cup has 100 calories.

VEGGIE CHIPS

Get your veggies and a salt fix, too. You can pay a fortune for low-calorie, low-carb potato chip alternatives at Whole Foods, or you can make them yourself in minutes. Toss two handfuls of chopped kale, spinach,

Dip It Good { MAKES 3 CUPS }

cabbage, ultra-thin radish slices, or another slivered

Let’s be honest. Even when we call them crudités, vegetables are pretty boring. That’s why we serve them with buttermilk ranch dip at parties. That secret sauce is a fat trap, though— you might as well be eating ice cream. Try dipping carrots, celery, peppers, snap peas, broccoli, and cauliflower in this low-fat vegan version instead. (You need to soak the almonds overnight and let the dip thicken for two hours or more in the refrigerator, so plan ahead.)

pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum

* 1 1/ 2 cup unsweetened almond milk * 1 1/ 2 cup cashews * 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar * 2 cloves garlic * 2 tablespoons fresh parsley * 2 teaspoons onion powder * 2 teaspoons salt * Ground black pepper to taste

· Place cashews in a small bowl and cover with

almond milk. Cover bowl and refrigerate overnight. · Combine cashews and almond milk with remaining

ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. · Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

30 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

vegetable (go wild!) with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and foil and bake at 300˚ F for 20 minutes.

GREEK YO GURT

Low-calorie, high-protein Greek yogurt has a thick, creamy texture and is a great source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, B vitamins, and probiotics. You can also use it in place of sour cream and mayonnaise.

NUTS

Nuts are way better for you than chips, and they provide heart-healthy fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—but you won’t lose weight if you down a bag every night. Eat nuts judiciously. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are lowest in calories. Macadamias and pecans are high in fat and low in protein.

Nuts roasted in oil may contain hydrogenated fats and fewer nutrients.

ROBYN GRIGGS L AWRENCE is the author of The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 31

by LELAND RUCKER

REPORT 32 Las Denver Vegas //Boulder MA RCH NOVEMBER 2018 2017

Can SIN CITY handle one more LEGAL VICE?

SPECIAL

OVER THE DEC ADES,

Las Vegas HAS

BEEN A MODEL FOR REGULATING INIQUITY AND TRANSGRESSION. GAMING? WE HAVE IT COVERED. PROSTITUTION? WE KNOW HOW TO REGULATE IT. VICE? ARE YOU KIDDING? NOW THERE IS ANOTHER. FOR MORE THAN EIGHT MONTHS, ADULTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LEGALLY POSSESS AND PURCHASE CANNABIS, WHICH HAS LINGERED AROUND THE EDGES OF THE CITY OVER THE DECADES? SO HOW ARE WE DOING? “I hate to brag, but things are going pretty well,” says Democratic state Senator Tick Sederblom, who supported legalization in Nevada and works with regulators and businesses to get things right as the state refines its rules and regulations. “If you look at all the states that have passed recreational marijuana, most took longer than they planned to get open,” he says. “We actually opened up six months earlier than planned and went full bore.”

Recreational shops opened July 1, 2017. And in this case, what happens here is not staying here.

Entrepreneurs are placing their bets on the many tourists from around the world flying into McCarran International Airport in search of Vegas’ limelight and lightly regulated iniquities.

Leslie Bocskor is CEO of Electrum Partners, a consulting firm for cannabis businesses. “The difference between Nevada and the other states is that we have the opportunity to show 45 million international tourists from all over the world what a legal, well-regulated market looks like. That’s why we’ve been diligent.”

sensimag.com sensimag.com NOVEMBER MARCH 201 2018 7 33

The biggest single unsolved problem is one that has vexed every legal state so far. The only legal places to use cannabis are private homes and hotels/B&Bs that allow it. It’s prohibited on the Strip and in or around casinos. “It leaves tourists in a tough position, left with no place to consume,” admits Heather Azzi of the Marijuana Policy Project, who helped write and pass Question 2.

“We need clubs, lounges and smoking areas at festivals, rodeos, carnivals, Burning Man,” Bocskor says. “There are places to go to smoke cigarettes and drink beer, and there should be a place for people to use it.” He adds, only half joking, “If we have more people smoking pot at these events, we will have fewer incidents of violence, better managed events, and participants will eat more food.”

Gov. Brian Sandoval has come out publicly against any kind of consumption lounges, at least for now, arguing that allowing them might attract federal attention and possible intervention. When the state attorney general’s office declined to offer an opinion, the Legislative Counsel Bureau decided in September that nothing in the language of Question

2 disallows public consumption, and that individual counties should be left to decide whether to allow it and what the rules would be.

“We need to move to the next level when it comes to lounges, events, and some kind of interactive public consumption,” says Soderblom, adding that Las Vegas was ready to apply and then backed off after Sessions started making waves.

Smoking is prohibited in most hotel rooms, yet the smell of cannabis often lingers around casinos and outside hotels. Sean Luze, CEO of NuLeaf, which operates dispensaries in Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, says all budtenders advise people about the rules and restrictions on public consumption. Still, he says, it’s not like millions of people haven’t learned how to use cannabis without attracting attention. “People have spent decades to find places to consume,” he adds, “and that will continue.”

Since they emit vapor rather than smoke, vaporizers have become popular items, and the edibles market is booming and expected to continue since it’s the most discrete way to use cannabis without bothering anybody else. “At the end of the day, people will find a way around it, just like they always have,” says Jamie Schau of the Brightfield Group, 34 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

which does market research and analysis.

Derek Peterson, CEO of Terra Tech Corp, a cannabis-­ focused cultivator, says that allowing counties to create their own regulations helped the state move quickly and efficiently from the start. “The way we operate in Vegas and the way we operate down the road is entirely different,” he says. The state also limited permits to medical businesses already in operation to help ease conversion to recreational sales. “Nevada does a good job of regulating and being friendly to entrepreneurs.

They listened to the industry and let people make suggestions.”

The state’s successful history of controlling otherwise suspect activities is a big part of the cannabis gamble, says Mark Zobrist of Friday Night Inc., a licensed cultivator and CBD infused-product company in the city. “It is used to regulating industries that

need control, and it applied the same philosophy to cannabis. The state has been a model for inspections, control, and regulations. That’s different from most other states that don’t have a regulatory background.

It’s organized and able to do it.”

The recreational industry is overseen by the Nevada Department of Taxation; the medical industry by the Health and Human Services department. “You have politics to deal with, and we’re moving quickly to come up with all the rules,” Schau says. “A lot of states don’t realize the complexity.”

The state also instituted a rigorous testing program for medical and recreational products. “The testing regimen is regarded as just on the acceptable side of draconian, which is what we want,” Bocskor admits. “And as a result, our crops are not contaminated. We’re producing thousands of pounds of the cleanest cannabis in the world, and nobody is having

the STATE’S

SUCCESSFUL

HISTORY of

CONTROLLING

OTHERWISE

SUSPECT ACTIVITIES is a BIG PART

of the VEGAS

CANNABIS

GAMBLE.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 35

a hard time doing it the right way.”

new one that’s still illegal federally.

Though there are many here concerned about the

Casino reaction has been much like larger banks

implications of the attorney general’s action that end-

avoiding dealing with cannabis companies in legal

ed Obama-era, Cole Memo guidelines, there are also

states. The Cole Memo suggested that banks would

those who see a silver lining in his actions. “Conser-

be allowed to do business with cannabis companies

vative senators from states are able to seek legislation

under certain restrictions, but few opted in, with most

and go to their constituencies and say this is about

claiming they were still afraid of prosecution. To end

state’s rights,” says Bocskor. “It‘s given conservative

all discussion, Nevada gaming commissioners in Au-

politicians political cover for doing that.”

gust announced that as long as marijuana remains a

Sederblom says the state is awaiting a Supreme

CANNABIS is

NOT ALLOWED

in CASINOS or HOTELS. RETAIL SHOPS are NOT ALLOWED within

a

THOUSAND FEET

of the STRIP.

Schedule I drug, gaming licensees aren’t allowed to conduct business with any entity that promotes cannabis.

Nobody was willing to speculate on how long it will take, but most say that ultimately will have to change.

“Eventually you will see flower girls with pre-rolls, like bottle service on the Strip,” says Peterson. “It’s just a matter of time, but that’s what Nevada does well. I’ve been around the world, and the best services, from a macro standpoint, are in Vegas. It’s a city built on service, not like other markets.”

Nobody is speculating about the effects of California’s recreational market coming online, but beyond taking away some Nevada business, most see being next door to the sixth largest economy in the world as a positive. “It’s gonna be a game changer,” says Luze.

“But so many people will be able to see how orderly it is and that there are no problems. It will help the support for legalization.”

What I found is that the industry, regulators, and legislators are all betting on Nevada becoming an archetype for other states and countries considering

Court decision on a suit levied by alcohol distributors,

legalization. “Little bumps happen,” says MPP’s Azzi.

who were given exclusive rights to distribute cannabis

“It’s a new market. We haven’t done this before ex-

by Question 2. As retail sales approached, not enough

cept in a handful of states. It’s good that people are

distributors stepped up, forcing the state to adopt

learning from other people.”

emergency measure to ensure distribution. Alcohol dis-

Soderblom says being the best is the point. “That’s

tributors sued, and Sederblom, who calls the whole

been our whole goal, to become the gold standard, to

affair “bogus,” says that the legal ruling will end that

become the model,” he says. “We think we can do the

discussion.

same with marijuana that we did with everything else.”

At this point, and at least for the near future, there

All this talk of tourists made me wonder what reg-

is major separation between casinos and cannabis,

ular Nevadans far from the Strip think of legalization.

even to the point of not letting marijuana conven-

Foster Boone, director of operations for the Apothe-

tions or expos to be held in casinos. Sheldon Adelson,

carium shop in Las Vegas, about a ten- or 15-minute

CEO of the Sands, contributed five million dollars to

drive off the Strip, says about 80 percent of his cus-

defeat Question 2. But the reality is deeper than sim-

tomers are locals. “They like cannabis, too, and there

ple opposition to cannabis. It’s not such a good idea

are plenty of benefits to buying it legally. People like

to mix a closely watched legal industry with a brand-

cannabis no matter where they live.”

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sensimag.com MARCH 2018 37

S P E C I A L A DV I S ORY BOA R D S E C T ION A S T HE C A NN A B I S I N D U S T R Y G R O W S, SO DO T H E N U M B E R OF N I C H 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 MARKETPL ACE 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 THEIRKNOWLEDGE WITH OUR READERS IN THIS DEDICATED SECTION. THIS MONTH, WE H E A R F R O M E X P E RTS AT C O HE N M E D I C A L C E N T E R S. For a full list of Advisory Board Members, turn to the masthead on page 5.

What is the Right Dose for Cannabis?

by Cohen Medical Centers Experts WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICAL CANNABIS, PEOPLE ARE ASKING EXPERTS IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY, “HOW MUCH DO I TAKE AND HOW OFTEN?” THE ANSWER REALLY COMES IN THE FORM OF AS MUCH AS IT TAKES TO GET TO RELIEF AND AS OFTEN AS NEEDED. Think of cannabis as tools in a medical care arsenal.

always extend to CBD and other cannabis products sold

Not everyone needs the jackhammer effects of ingest-

legally. The most reputable producers will always make

ing too much THC when all-day comfort can come from

test results available and accessible.

a balancing act that is known as the entourage effect.

Once a person learns which cannabinoids and ter-

When turning to cannabis in whole as a wellness op-

penoids provide more specific relief to their condition,

tion, steady treatment is suggested similar to taking a

that person can figure out exactly why it’s working so

daily vitamin. Cannabidiol or CBD is a great option for legal, non-psychoactive relief of numerous health conditions when used in whole plant forms taken from industrial hemp. While there can be use for the pure, isolate cannabis products, studies are showing that they have a bell-shaped curve effect often taking longer to start working and reduced efficacy over time. In comparison, products with even small amounts of full-spectrum results can provide healing.

Considering the nonpsychoactive effects of CBD, it is relatively safe to dose up until one begins to feel reliev-

well in other areas. Well-informed decisions on what

ing effects like reduced muscle spasms, inflammation,

to purchase and use can be made with relief in sight.

pain, anxiety, or blood pressure, just to name a few ex-

If you’re interested in learning more about using

amples. In whole-plant and full-spectrum products, it’s

cannabis to treat conditions, you’re in luck. Through

more than just THC or CBD taking into account terpenes

consultation, physicians working with the Nevada De-

known for many health benefits.

partment of Health and Human Services will be able to

In Nevada, while mandatory test results are required on every product sold in the dispensary, this does not

38 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

indicate if cannabis may be of medical benefit and make formal recommendations.

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 39

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

STR IPSI DE M ANAGEM ENT GROUP

The Future is Now EVERY PRODUCT AND EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS AN AUDIENCE AND THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY. STRIPSIDE MANAGEMENT GROUP HAS MADE ITS MARK WITH AN ORIGINAL EVENT, CULTURE & CANNABIS L AS VEGAS. INITIALLY CONCEIVED FOR A FORMER CLIENT, THE REGULAR GATHERING HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONSISTENT CANNABIS -FRIENDLY HAPPENINGS IN LAS VEGAS, WITH AN AUDIENCE READY TO LEARN ABOUT BRANDS IN THE LEGAL CANNABIS SPACE. Marketing cannabis and its products and services

Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. Users

is not different from other businesses, and that is the

are also engaging in other sites such as LinkedIn and

philosophy behind Stripside Management Group. It

Pinterest. According to comScore’s 2017 Future in

is a collective with decades of experience in all aspects

Focus report, 66 percent of that time takes place on

of modern marketing for the cannabis and hospitality

smartphones and 21 percent of social media time

industries. Having worked with every major nightlife

takes place on a desktop.

group on the Las Vegas Strip, Partner JC Coats saw a

Coats and his team—Tre Borders, Leilani Bernar-

need to create sophisticated, reliable client building

do, Mauricio Morales, Chuck Sicuso, Kriss Kass—have

for the many emerging businesses in Las Vegas.

the combined experience from various fields to exe-

Stripside Management combines practical market-

cute for clients, including such prominent operations

ing solutions with cutting-edge creative. The company

as Commonwealth, Park on Fremont, NuLeaf Las Ve-

creates, manages, and synergizes digital marketing

gas and Tahoe, and the Life Is Beautiful festival.

strategies, social media management, influencer

“To us, positioning a brand and then helping that

marketing, SMS and email marketing, event market-

brand find its audience is fun,” Coats says with a smile.

ing, print and outdoor ad design, and data collection.

“It can be a challenge sometimes, but a fun one.”

One of the top components is social media. According to MediaKix, people spend an average of one hour and 56 minutes daily engaging in the top five social media platforms. The top five include YouTube,

40 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

For more information:

STRIPSIDESOLUTIONS.COM

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 41

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

E V ERGREEN ORGANIX

Signature Line Expanding Nationwide AS MORE STATES JOIN THOSE THAT HAVE LEGALIZED CANNABIS FOR MEDICINAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, MORE BUSINESSES ARE USING THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND NATIONALLY. EVERGREEN ORGANIX, A COMPANY BASED OUT OF L AS VEGAS, HAS ENTERED A MULTI-STATE LICENSING AGREEMENT TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE ITS OWN SIGNATURE LINE OF EDIBLES A N D TOPICALS. PRODUCTS WILL SOON BE ON DISPENSARY SHELVES IN CALIFORNIA AND COLORADO, AVAILABLE TO BOTH RECREATIONAL AND MEDICINAL CONSUMERS AND IN ARIZONA FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS. Evergreen Organix line of cannabis products al-

success. We look forward to the opportunity to serve

ways uses premium cannabis and the finest ingredi-

both medical and recreational markets with our famed

ents to create a wonderful experience. Edibles like

quality and passion for cannabis,” said Jillian Nelson,

double chocolate chunk brownie bites, rice crispy

operations manager.

treats, homemade cannabutter, and new fruit chews,

Ensuring a premium cannabis experience with ev-

are made by a team of talented bakers and chocolat-

ery edible, topical or vaping product, Evergreen Orga-

iers. Cannabis lip balm, menstrual relief oil, intimacy

nix uses a combination of small batches, proactively

oil and cannabis sun screen are among topical prod-

taking measures to insure each product is as potent

ucts created by its expert team of scientists using top-

and safe as expected, including testing each product.

of-the-line equipment in their state-of-the-art facility.

A brand that offers CBD products, vegan-friendly ed-

“We are both honored and excited to soon be ex-

ible options, sugar-free and sweet choices, skin, per-

panding the Evergreen Organix brand to Arizona, Cal-

sonal care and pain relief products; Evergreen Organix

ifornia and Colorado. While we are proudly rooted in

offers an expanding line for medical marijuana pa-

Nevada and have learned so much from this revolu-

tients and adult use consumers.

tionary market, this expansion milestone speaks vol-

For more information:

umes of our team’s efforts and dedication our brand’s

EVERGREENORGANIX.COM

42 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 43

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

UNDOO

Get Clarity After Cannabis Overconsumption THE UNDOO EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENT USES THE BODY’S NATURAL CHEMISTRY TO SWIF TLY PROVIDE CLARIT Y. UNDOO ALSO WORKS VERY WELL WITH DABS. WHETHER IT’S TOO MUCH CONCENTRATE OR EDIBLE OR LEARNING TO TITRATE, UNDOO IS THE ONLY PATENTED PRODUCT TO PROVIDE THIS RELIEF. THIS SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH OFFERS REVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CANNABIS CULTURE AL LOWING PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE ALL TYPES OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS SAFELY AND WITHOUT FEAR. UNDOO helps users achieve a sense of clarity yet still feel the benefits of the THC. After ingesting the soft gels, one will be left clear-headed, calm, cool, and comfortable. The product will ease the intensity, and shorten the duration of the effects. Most importantly, it does not eliminate the feeling of well-being often experienced with THC. For those dealing with leftover consumption issues such as still being elevated or foggy after waking up, one UNDOO soft gel in the morning will effectively work in achieving clarity.

The amount of time for UNDOO to take effect will vary, depending upon the individual, the type, the amount of cannabis consumed, and the ingestion method. Relief can occur in 5 to 20 minutes. However, with strong edibles and concentrates, it could take up to an hour for significant clarity.

The UNDOO emergency supplement is not intend-

Made from a plant extract, one of the active ingre-

ed for use with alcohol since it is formulated for use

dients is Olivetol, which enhances the body’s natural

with cannabis only. Also, it will not help anyone pass

chemistry. The other two natural ingredients are olive

a drug test. UNDOO was designed to work with oth-

oil and vitamin E. UNDOO does not contain any CBD

er areas of the body and cannabis will remain in urine.

or other cannabinoids. Founder and CEO James Car-

AVAIL ABLE IN ALL 50 STATES

berry, while educating people on the use of cannabis, would be asked about products to help if too much was taken or to end the feeling. He realized a need for such a product and developed it.

44 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

For more information:

UNDOO.COM

Empowering the Cannabis Industry Through Education and Commerce

2018 CALENDAR The cannabis industry’s only association-led business-to-business events empowering the industry through education and commerce. NCIA’s Conferences and Trade Shows embody the values of NCIA—education, advocacy, and community—to deliver invaluable insights and best practices to both the novice and experienced cannabis business owner.

NCIA’S

CANNABIS

BUSINESS SUMMIT® & EXPO

FEBRUARY 7 – 8, 2018

CULTIVATING A NEW ERA OF ENTERPRISE

NAVIGATING THE WORLD’S LARGEST ADULT-USE MARKET

JULY 25 – 27, 2018

OCTOBER 22 – 23, 2018

DENVER, CO

SAN JOSE, CA

ANAHEIM, CA

SeedToSaleShow.com | #SeedToSaleShow

CannabisBusinessSummit.com | #CannaBizSummit

CaliforniaCannabisBusiness.com | #CACannaBizCon

Interested in exhibiting?

NCIA’s expo floors are verified to have the highest concentration of legitimate buyers and sellers of any other industry trade show, bringing together serious professionals intending to grow their businesses, network, and build lasting relationships.

Contact James Cross, Exhibit Floor Manager, at james.cross@gsmiweb.com

ADVOCACY.

EDUCATION.

COMMUNITY. sensimag.com MARCH 2018 45

46 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 47

{soLV }

PHOTO BY GIANFRANCO GORGONI /COURTESY OF ART PRODUCTION FUND AND NEVADA MUSEUM OF ART

by CHRISTINA DAVIES

48 Las Vegas MA RCH 2018

SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS

IN THE DESERT

If you’re yearning to escape the Strip for a few moments of respite in a serene space surrounded by nature where you can contemplate the lasting impact of artifice, you don’t have to go very far. Continuing south of the Las Vegas Strip, about 10 miles south of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway, a large-scale public artwork by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone sits just off the Interstate in the desert at a location physically and symbolically between the natural and the artificial, incorporating elements of both. Seven Magic Mountains consists of 33 boulders weighing anywhere from 20,000 pounds to 25 tons, stacked into seven hoodoo-like towers drenched in Day-Glo. The colorful anomaly appears to either blend with the natural landscape or pop against the desert backdrop, depending on the lighting and your perspective, which changes as you approach along Interstate 15.

Feel free to pull over and walk around to fully appreciate the mammoth scale of the gravity-defying balancing act that’s as much an engineering feat as a work of art. The site-specific showcase—one of the largest land-based art installations in the United States in the last 40 years—will be on view through May.

Ugo Rondinone: Seven Magic Mountains, Las Vegas, Nevada

sensimag.com MARCH 2018 3

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