OR A NG E COUNT Y
THE NEW NORMAL
3.2018
surf school the basics of boarding
natural
HIGH
Into the Great Wide Open S P E C I A L R EP O R T
CBD 101 {PLUS } Breakfast in the Boonies Whale Watching Sparrows on a Mission
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ADVOCACY.
EDUCATION.
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ISSUE 3 // VOLUME 1 // 3.2018
contents.
32
22
FEATURES 22
Mile High Rules Don’t Apply
Why I failed my first California assignment … and did we really burn on the bus with Sean Paul?
28
SPECIAL REPORT
The Allure of Cannabidiol
It seems that everyone is asking about CBD and its healing properties. What is it, how does it work, and could it be good for you?
10
18 surf ’sup!
GET OUTSIDE!
Can cannabis intensify your relationship with the outdoors?
EVERY ISSUE 5 Editor’s Note 6 The Buzz 10 CrossRoads
INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN
Sensi Orange County is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
14 TasteBuds OUTPOST KITCHEN 18 AroundTown
SURF SCHOOL
32 {SoOC}
WHALE WEEK
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 3
sensi magazine ISSUE 3 VOLUME 1
3.2018
EXECUTIVE
FOLLOW US
Ron Kolb
CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP
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PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP
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GENERAL MANAGER
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SoCAL EDITOR
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SENIOR EDITOR
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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
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Hector Irizarry 4 Orange County MA RCH 2018
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March Into the
editor’s
LIGHT
NOTE
MARCH IS MY FAVORITE MONTH — NOT JUST BECAUSE IT ’S THE MONTH I WAS BORN IN, BUT ALSO BECAUSE IT’S THE MONTH THAT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF SPRING, THE SEASON OF REBIRTH. THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SPRING IS THE VERNAL EQUINOX— A TIME OF PERFECT BALANCE BET WEEN DAY AND NIGHT WHEN THE FORCES OF THE YIN AND YANG ARE AT A STALEMATE; THAT PRECISE MOMENT AFTER WHICH YOU KNOW THAT THE DARKNESS NOW IS WANING AND THE LIGHT IS GROWING STRONGER. Looking around at what’s going on in our country
help inspire new generations of artists, musicians, poets,
and our world lately, it sure feels like things are out of
and scientists. It will transform the way people think, and
balance —like the dark side is winning. But as the old
the way they view themselves, their fellow man, and their
saying goes, it’s always darkest before the dawn. We
environment.
mustn’t forget that ever ything in nature happens in
Yes, once cannabis is truly legal, once the stigma final-
cycles — that eventually, the darkness ebbs, the light
ly falls away and mainstream American society is under
returns, and balance is restored.
the influence (ok, that one was intended), it will engen-
So what does all this have to do with cannabis? Well,
der a more mellow mindset, a more compassionate cul-
interestingly enough, balance is also the purpose of our
ture. I believe that from these dark ages, a new renais-
endocannabinoid system. That’s what it does—it keeps
sance will emerge —a rebirth of the American spirit that
the various systems inside our bodies in balance. And
cannabis will help inspire. Until then, we’ll just keep on
politically speaking, cannabis is one of the brightest
marching toward the light.
lights in our socioeconomic landscape. Despite some significant bumps in the road, legalization is marching
Highest regards,
forward at a rapid pace. Once federal prohibition falls —and it will— cannabis will undoubtedly transform our nation for the better. It will create millions of green jobs (no pun intended) and generate billions in tax revenues that can be used to fund education, infrastructure, and medical research. It will incite activism and outreach
Bobby Black
and free thousands of those unjustly imprisoned. It will
@ BOBBYBL ACK
SoCAL EDITOR
A D V I S O RY B OA R D 55 Hydroponics // HYDROPONICS
Fiddler’s Green // CBD TINCTURES
MJS // WHOLE PL ANT THERAPY
American Mechanical // HVAC
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My Bud Vase // N/A
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Granny B Goods // EDIBLES
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The Right Dosage // PACKAGING
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sensimag.com MARCH 2018 5
THE NE W N O R M A L
the
buzz
decadent
DESTINATION
Of all of the decadent delectables one might indulge in, WINE AND CHOCOLATE are unquestionably two of the most tempting. That bittersweet bite of a dark cacao washed down with a sip of a deep, dry red is absolute heaven. Now, you can enjoy both of these luscious delights in one gloriously gourmet weekend at Pechanga’s 10th Annual Chocolate Decadence and Wine Festival. Rated one of the top 10 casinos in the country by USA Today readers, Pechanga Resort & Casino is in SoCal’s Temecula Valley wine country—a little over an hour-long drive from OC around or through the Cleveland National Forest. Beyond the slot machines and poker tables, Pechanga is home to some first-class restaurants, clubs, and convention halls—the CHOCOLATE DECADENCE FESTIVAL When: Fri., March 9 | 7 p.m.–10 p.m. most impressive of which is its new Where: Pechanga Resort & 40,000-square-foot event center, Casino, Temecula Pechanga Summit. For two days this Tickets: $60, VIP $80 month, the Summit will be transformed into a sensational showcase PECHANGA WINE FESTIVAL of scrumptious sweet and savory When: Sat., March 10 | 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Where: Pechanga Resort & treats. Casino, Temecula First, on Friday, March 9, the Tickets: $65, VIP $90 Chocolate Decadence expo will feature over 50,000 different Combo Tickets (Fri. & Sat.): chocolate candies and confections, $100, VIP $140 paired with over 30 varieties of PECHANGA.COM/ENTERTAIN vino. Then, on Saturday, the chocolate melts away and the wines take over. The Wine Festival will offer hundreds of selections from a multitude of vineyards from around the world for guests to sip and sample. Admission on both days includes tastings, live music, a silent auction, and a souvenir wine glass. The VIP ticket gets you an even fancier glass, hors d’oeuvres, and early entry. Sweet bonus: there’s no need to feel guilty for indulging in these pleasures. Proceeds go to Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley’s program to provide housing and home repairs for needy and disabled seniors. — BOBBY BLACK 6 Orange County MA RCH 2018
headSPIN A monthly recommendation for musical medication from JON PACELLA, a sales specialist at the iconic Amoeba Music in Hollywood. ALBUM: No Time For Dreaming (2011) ARTIST: Charles Bradley FAVORITE TRACK: “The World (Is Going Up In Flames)” Another year wrought with loss in the entertainment world, 2017 saw one especially sad departure—the passing of the “Screaming Eagle of Soul,” singer Charles Bradley. Bradley was the product of a hard knock life that showed him little mercy over the years. But like the great bluesmen of yore, this humble artist persevered—channeling his sadness, struggles, joy, and pain into something tangible, until finally gaining mainstream recognition after he was 50 years old. Alongside his Menahan Street Band, Bradley stripped soul music down to its very essence and laid it bare. There’s no sadder lament for humanity than “The World (Is Going Up In Flames).” When he wails, “Why is it so hard to make it in America?” (in the song of the same name), you feel every bit of his despair. And much like the late Johnny Cash, when Bradley covered another artist’s song, he took it in and made it his own: Whether it was the mellow R&B vibes on Neil Young’s classic “Heart of Gold,” the funky groove of Nirvana’s “Stay Away,” or the masterful reworking of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” Bradley and the band twisted the songs through a musical prism, bending them until they shone through in a beautifully different way. I highly recommend not only listening to his music but also watching the documentary about his life, Charles Bradley: Soul of America, to learn about this remarkable, inspirational man.
BEERFESTIVAL
Some archeologists have theorized that the brewing of beer may have been the impetus behind the invention of agriculture—and possibly even civilization itself. (Ironic, considering how uncivilized some people tend to act when they’ve had too much.) Whether you view the libation as a pillar of society or just a refreshing way to kick back after a hard day’s work, if hops make you happy, there’s an event this month you’ll want to check out: the OC Beer Festival. Now in its 10th year, the OC Beer Festival brings together 50 different breweries—local, domestic, and international—to offer attendees the chance to try over 100 different kinds of brews. From IPAs and ambers to pilsners and porters, from stouts to lagers, whatever your favorite style of suds, you’ll find it here. While you’re pounding down those pints, you’ll get the chance to enjoy some great live music and a multitude of munchies from some of the country’s best food trucks (if you still have room for food after all those suds). And since proceeds from the event are being donated to Noah’s Bark to
5
WAYS
orange county
CANNABIS
CAN HELP YOU LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
Contrary to past propaganda, most modern research indicates that responsible cannabis use can improve your overall health rather than damage it. Here are five ways cannabinoids— the chemical compounds found in cannabis— can enhance your physical well-being: 1. WORKOUT MOTIVATOR
Break a sweat and strengthen your high. Exercise stimulates the release THC stored in your fat cells, and it kicks up the production of your body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids. A 2013 study published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence Journal found that during moderate exercise, THC levels in the blood increased by 15 percent and returned to normal two hours later.
2. NATURAL PAIN RELIEVER
The increase in endocannabinoids during exercise can do more than make you feel that proverbial runner’s high; it can also help ease aches and pains that follow a workout. If you’re feeling sore after a strenuous session, just fire up the vape, snack on a healthy edible, or use a topical such as a balm, lotion, or bath soak.
3. SLEEP ENHANCER
According to the American Sleep Association, 30 percent of American adults suffer from some form of insomnia, and over 35 percent are dealing with sleep deprivation. Cannabis provides an excellent, all-natural sleep aid that won’t leave you as groggy the next morning as some pharmaceuticals. For maximum relief, go for an indica strain over a sativa, or opt for an edible, which offers longer-lasting effects than other consumption methods.
help rescue and care for shelter animals, you’ll know that that warm, fuzzy feeling inside you isn’t just from the alcohol. Three notes of caution: First, last year's festival apparently sold out, so if you want to go, don’t put off buying your ticket. Second: the general admission ticket only gets you three hours at the event. If you want an extra hour of drinking time—plus access to some special pours not offered to the GA crowd—you’ll want to fork over the extra cash for a VIP ticket. Third, and all joking aside: drunk driving kills. If you intend to tie one on, please, hop on a bus, order a Lyft, or bring along a designated driver. THE 10TH ANNUAL OC BEER FEST WHERE: The Phoenix Club 1340 South Sanderson Ave., Anaheim WHEN: March 10 | 1p.m.–4 p.m. (VIP: 12 p.m.–4 p.m.) PRICE: $40 General Admission, $55 VIP
— BB
4. WEIGHT-LOSS INDUCER
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that, despite cannabis’s ability to induce the munchies in some people, obesity rates for marijuana users are about one-third lower than the rates of people who abstain, even after taking external factors into account. So your cannabis use might be helping you maintain a healthy body weight.
5. HEALTHY INFUSION
No rule says THC-infused edibles must be sugar-laden brownies or cookies. In our newly legal world, options abound. Look for granola or other healthy choices at the dispensary, or make your own infused oil to use as a salad dressing or marinade for chicken, seafood, or steamed veggies. It’s a natural, healthy, and versatile way to ingest cannabis. Just mix one part vinegar with two to three parts infused oil, add some flavorings (garlic, ginger, mustard, citrus zest, etc.), season with salt, pepper, and herbs, shake, and serve. — CHERI SICARD sensimag.com MARCH 2018 7
THE NE W N O R M A L
the
buzz
© FH HOME STORE
HOME SWEET HOPE
Always on the hunt for cool furniture and curios to add to my home, I happened upon FH Home Store one day while wandering around Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach. This discount decor depot is a go-to gem for interior designers and domestic deal hunters alike. From hip, modern statement pieces and objets d’art to basic staples like tables, sofas, and pillows, everything in the store is donated from well-known furniture vendors and sold at just a fraction of the typical retail cost. (I scored a $200 Bassett Mirror for only $39.) And you know what feels even better than saving a bunch of money? Knowing that the money you do spend is going to assist those in need. The “FH” in FH Home stands for “Furnishing Hope,” which is the non-profit organization that operates the store. Its mission is to assist women and children transitioning out of homelessness and shelters, as well as wounded veterans and their families, by donating 100% of the store’s proceeds to help them furnish their homes from top to bottom free of charge. Giving back and getting a great deal? Now that’s what I call a win-win.
— AMBER MEYER
FH Homes Westcliff Plaza // 1100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach FURNISHINGHOPE.ORG/FH-HOME
Twitter: @FHHomeStore
sensi concert calendar
A brief listing of some of the top shows in and around Orange County this month. 3/2 – The Observatory
Gogol Bordello
3/2 – The Coach House
Burger–a–Go–Go Female Music Festival
3/9 – Constellation Room @ The Observatory
Big Wreck
Kenny Wayne Sheppard 3/4 – The Coach House Keiko Matsui Band 3/8 – The Observatory 3/2 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium Smoke DZA, Ghostface Molotov Killah
3/10 – The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim
3/3 – The Coach House
3/11 – Constellation Room @ The Observatory
Squirrel Nut Zippers 8 Orange County MA RCH 2018
3/3–4 – Alex’s Bar
3/8 – Constellation Room @ The Observatory
The Naked and Famous
Iced Earth
3/10 – House of Blues at Anaheim
Walk Off the Earth Norma Jean
swallows
ON A MISSION
Every year, thousands of tiny swallows migrate 6,000 miles from Goya, Argentina, to the historic village of San Juan Capistrano, California, an awe-inspiring occurrence that’s cause for celebation. Each year around St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), massive flocks of the small-statured birds descend on the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic chapel and museum. The birds, drawn by the landmark building’s stature, use mud from nearby streams to build nests where they can hatch their chicks and raise them until they’re ready to fly back to South America. Visitors arrive from around the globe every year to help welcome the birds back to the Southern California community, and the annual return has been met with official fanfare since the 1930s. After generations of human development had diminished the swallows’ habitat, the numbers had waned. So in 2010, the community began to do something about it. The Mission launched a serious effort to bring the swallows back, luring them in with food and birdcalls. One of the tall brick walls at the Mission was fitted with prefabricated nests to make the space more attractive to the birds. The hard work paid off: Today, large flocks of swallows are returning to the town. On March 19, the annual Return of the Swallows Celebration will include the ringing of the historic bells, live mariachi music, flamenco performances, and people singing the 1940s ballad, “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.” On March 24, the 60th-annual Swallows Day Parade and Fiesta takes the party to the streets surrounding the Mission. For more information, visit MISSIONSJC.COM . — KEIKO BEATIE
Chx & Blnz is a full-service accounting and business consulting grop focused on assisting cannabis companies with book-keeping/Accounting, tax services, audits, compliance, first-time business set-up for start-ups, product/service consulting and financial analysis software to give business operators the information they need to make decisions with confidence and manage with success. Our staff include licensed CPAs, professionals with advanced degrees in Masters of Business Taxation from USC, Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Project Management.
© MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
WHAT: Return of the Swallows Celebration WHEN: Monday, March 19, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. WHERE: Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano TICKETS: Adults: $12, Children (Ages 4–11): $8, Seniors & Veterans (with military ID): $11 WHAT: 60th Annual Swallows Day Parade & Fiesta WHEN: March 24, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. WHERE: Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano COST: Free
3/11 – Saint Rocke
3/24 – The Observatory
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy
Mako
3/14 – House of Blues at Anaheim
The Blasters
Flans
3/15 – Fox Performing Arts Center
Flans
3/17 – House of Blues at Anaheim
A$AP Ferg
3/24 – Alex’s Bar
Quinn Xcii, Chelsea Cutler
3/25 – The Coach House
The Tubes
Martin Sexton
3/30 – The Observatory
3/27 – The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim
J Boog
3/30 – House of Blues at Anaheim
Missio
3/29 – Constellation Room @ 3/22 – House of Blues at Anaheim The Observatory
Ministry, Chelsea Wolfe 3/23 – The Observatory
Insane Clown Posse 3/24 – House of Blues at Anaheim
Tribal Theory, Eli–Mac
3/29 – The Observatory
Ella Vos
3/29 – The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim
Whiskey Myers
3/30 – The Coach House
Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark (OMD) 3/31– The Coach House
Missing Persons
3/31 – The Observatory
Clean Bandit
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 Orange County 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 A IR 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
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BELLA TOKA 12 Orange County 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.
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 13
{tastebuds} by AMBERLEE MEYER
14 Orange County MA RCH 2018
Outpost Kitchen 1792 MONROVIA AVE., COSTA MESA (949) 873-5123 OUTPOSTKITCHEN.COM
HOURS
Monday–Saturday: 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Breakfast all day; Lunch from 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Breakfast Only
BREAKFAST IN THE BOONIES Outpost Kitchen’s vibe is as fresh as its ingredients, and as young and hip as its skate-culture clientele. As a resident of Westside Costa Mesa, I can lovingly
By arriving at Outpost just an hour or so before clos-
attest that it’s sort of an industrial wasteland. What
ing one day, I successfully avoid the early rush but am
it’s mostly known for is being the headquarters of surf
just in time, it seems, for the skater crowd. As I walk
and skate giants like Volcom, Hurley, and RVCA. What
through the front entrance, I watch one kid ollie up onto
it is not known for are upscale eateries. Nevertheless,
the front steps; another rolls in through the back door
hidden inside an unassuming industrial building in this
just a few moments later. We’re all greeted by the
most unlikely of places is right where you’ll find the ar-
funky beats of Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
ea’s hottest new restaurant: Outpost Kitchen.
emanating from the record player—yes, record play-
Created by culinary couple Elizabeth and Jay Lewis, Outpost Kitchen is a casual, 70s-inspired beach café.
er—on the counter in the corner. The owner Jay is a big vinyl fan, it seems.
The Lewises opened the eatery with the primary goal
The decor of the space is eclectic and inviting, fea-
of meeting the area’s dining needs by offering break-
turing a mishmash of artistic anachronisms, from the
fast all day (well, technically not all day, since the restau-
black and white photographs that occupy the main
rant closes at 3 p.m.) brunch, and lunch to nearby resi-
wall to the warped, SpongeBob-meets-Ratfink carica-
dents and workers from local businesses. Basically, it’s
ture canvases by artist Madsteez that fill the opposing
a hot spot serving the local community quality food in
back one. Interactive seating consisting of long bar ta-
a cool environment.
bles and stools fosters a sense of community, politely sensimag.com MARCH 2018 15
forcing separate groups of diners to share their space with each other. Since Outpost’s menu offers an extensive selection and everything sounds amazing, I find it difficult to decide which dishes to order. I ask chef and kitchen manager John Lopez for his recommendations. On his urging, I opt for a few of restaurant’s top sellers: the smoked salmon with poached eggs, the date mate salad, and the Bad Billy banh mi sandwich. To drink, I ask for the Donkey Kong smoothie: a mixture of banana, coffee, cocoa nibs, and yogurt. When it arrives, it tastes more like an iced mocha with a hint of banana than the menu description, but it’s nonetheless refreshing and satisfying. While I wait for my food, I chat with Lopez about what brought him to the team. “I came to Outpost Kitchen about a year ago on a tip from the barber shop next door,” he tells me. “I originally got into cooking just as a way to get fulltime work. I had friends who were professional chefs, and I loved cooking as a hobby, so I thought I’d give it a shot.” From culinary newbie to kitchen manager in just a year? Clearly, Lopez must have been doing something right to have earned such confidence from the owners. “As the kitchen manager, I combine Jay’s vision with my logistics to make something happen, to create what people want to eat,” he says. Jay and Elizabeth’s vision, according to Lopez, is for a holistic, cooperative approach to restaurant management—not only with the dishes themselves (Outpost only sources fresh, seasonal, local produce and ingredients) but also in the duties of the staff. “We all try to help whenever possible,” he explains. “Us in the back will step up and bus tables if needed, and the front of the house will make smoothies if we were busy cooking.” 16 Orange County MA RCH 2018
Even the kitchen operates using a committee system: though Lopez is technically the kitchen manager, there’s no head chef, per se. The cooking is all a collaborative effort, giving each aspiring culinary artist on staff an opportunity to shine. “Every day, we have a breakfast special called ‘The Mongrel,’ where we get to showcase our unique creations for the public to try,” explains Lopez. “That allows each individual in the kitchen to explore his or her creative outlets and provide something unique and special to our menu. For example, one of our chefs, Arnold, is currently in culinary school, and he can take what he learns in class today and bring it to the menu tomorrow.” Soon enough, it’s time for Lopez to return to the kitchen and for me to eat. First up is the smoked salmon with poached eggs. It’s beautifully plated, with thick pieces of fresh, house-smoked salmon—none of those cold, thin slices you find at chain bagel shops. The smokiness of the fish melds well with the creamy avocado and the eggs, which are poached to perfection. Kale acts as a sound base to this rich dish while roasted walnuts add an appreciated crunch. A red beet puree brings the whole plate together, adding a subtle sweetness that makes all the flavors shine. Next comes the date mate salad: baby kale, heirloom tomatoes, and thyme-roasted chicken topped with pecans, dates, warm goat cheese, and a lemon pepper dressing. It’s a mouth-watering mélange with just the right amount of spice layered into bites of sweetness and cream with a nutty aftertaste. I finish my meal with the hous- favorite Bad Billy banh mi, a delightful take on the traditional Vietnamese sandwich. Toasted flatbread from Irvine’s Crema Artisan Bakery is slathered in a tasty ginger-soy marinade and stuffed with roasted chicken, pickled radish, carrot, jalapeño, watercress, cilantro, and onions. On the side, a healthy serving of baby spinach and arugula is lightly dressed in a simple yet sumptuous house dressing of cilantro, grape seed oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, all served on a wooden cutting block. I love every bite. As a Westside local who has long lamented the lack of restaurant options in the neighborhood, I’m ecstatic to see such quality food for such a reasonable price so nearby. Outpost Kitchen easily rivals any restaurant on the Eastside of Costa Mesa, and I hope that more eateries like this will set up shop here. sensimag.com MARCH 2018 17
{aroundtown} by KIEKO BEATIE
SURF SCHOOL If you’ve always wanted to surf but never learned how, now’s the perfect time to dive in and take a class before the summer crowds hit. Spring is here, which means that surf season is right
ion, and lifestyle surrounding the modern surf expe-
around the corner. Who knows, by the end of the sum-
rience, which began to flourish and evolve in the early
mer, you might be barreling with the best of them.
20th century—particularly in the 1950s and ‘60s, and
As the home of prime breaks, historic tales, and
principally in Hawaii, California, and Australia.
iconic brands, Orange County just may be the epicen-
Today, Southern California is home to more surfers
ter of surf culture on the West Coast. If you’re among
per capita than possibly anywhere else on the planet.
those who have never had the pleasure of riding a
But back in the late 1950s, there were fewer than a
wave, now is as good a time as any to overcome your
thousand surfers on the entire West Coast. That start-
apprehensions, muster up your inner Moondoggie, and
ed to change in in 1957, when novelist and screenwrit-
hit the Pacific for a real OC surf experience.
er Frederick Kohner wrote a book inspired by his spunky
The origin of surfing is rooted in Polynesian culture.
and adventurous teenage daughter Kathy, who had be-
The first boards were carved and shaped from koa
come captivated by the waves—and by the group of
wood by craftsmen who approached their art with a
cool dudes in Malibu who taught her to ride them. She
spiritual reverence, honoring the tree that gave its life
was tiny and she was female, which led the surf tribe
to bestow upon them the gift of wave riding. Around
to nickname her Gidget, a politically incorrect combi-
400 AD, the practice was brought over to the islands
nation of “girl” and “midget. Kohner’s book, Gidget, The
now known as Hawaii and quickly became an en-
Little Girl With Big Ideas, quickly caught the attention
trenched part of island life, where royalty was the first
of Hollywood studios, and in 1959 was made into the
allowed to ride the pristine swells along on the shores.
feature film Gidget starring actress Sandra Dee. More
That original Polynesian wave-riding culture has
books, films, and eventually a television show starring
profoundly influenced the language, music, art, fash-
Sally Field followed and the sport gained quite a follow-
18 Orange County MA RCH 2018
All of this
amazing surf culture and history was created, and continues to exist, right here
in our own backyard.
© LA VIDA LAGUNA
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 19
ing. Within just a few years, the number of surfers in
ly, on unpredictable weather events that affect the
SoCal was in the tens of thousands and rising.
ocean’s surface. Orange County, is fortunate to have
Soon, surf culture was in the mainstream spotlight,
some of the best breaks available to surf, from up at
and Orange County was right at the heart of it all. Surf-
Seal Beach Pier down to San Clemente—and all the se-
er and aspiring filmmaker John Severson began shoot-
cret spots in between. Every July, the Huntington Beach
ing surfing videos, then screening his films at school
Pier hosts the US Open of Surfing—the largest such
auditoriums all along the coast. To promote his work,
contest in the country, drawing some 300,000 specta-
he created Surfer magazine, which before long was the
tors to the region.
world’s leading publication on the subject.
If all this info has whet your appetite for waves,
In the early 1960s, California native Dale Velzy—
now’s the time to dive in. The water’s nice, the beach
the late legendary surfboard designer and manufac-
is beckoning, and there’s no time like the present to
turer who opened the first US surf shop and became
learn how to surf. The first step? Find a responsible,
the world’s leading surfboard shaper and retailer with-
experienced surf coach to show you the basics, from
in the decade—befriended a young photographer/
the safest times to enter the water to how to spot a
surfer by the name of Bruce Brown. Velzy gave Brown
ridable swell. Learning to surf is challenging. It requires
$5,000 to make a surfing documentary, a move that
a bit of guidance and a ton of practice, but the basic
ultimately launched a whole new genre of surf films
concepts are straightforward: When you’re first start-
and led to 1964’s Endless Summer, still lauded as the
ing out, stick to shallow water and be prepared to get
ultimate classic by legions of worldwide surfing enthu-
tossed around—a lot. Stay calm and never turn your
siasts. The films created a tidal wave of global interest
back on the sea. Feel the waves and the flow of the
in the sport and its surrounding culture.
water—reading the swell and the tide is the key to
As surfing’s popularity grew, the demand for surf-
understanding how to capture a ride. Some of the best
boards, wetsuits, and all of the other accouterments
spots for beginners include San Onofre State Beach
of the lifestyle created a booming industry. Many am-
and T-Street Beach in San Clemente, Doheny State
bitious SoCal surfers launched apparel and accessory
Beach and Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, and Bolsa
companies, some of which have grown into the most
Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach—all of which
significant surf brands in the world. Hurley, Oakley,
usually have mellower waves and fewer boarders than
Vans, and Rusty are all headquartered here in Orange
the more high-profile areas.
County, as are Australian transplants Billabong and
Some days are not going to be good days to ride,
Quiksilver. As a result, the SoCal community has in-
and that’s okay—just stay out of the water and en-
fluenced beachwear fashion trends everywhere, from
joy the sight and sound of the crashing waves. Over
landlocked Kansas to Bali and back again.
time, with enough practice, you’ll start to pick up on
Orange County is home to the Surfing Heritage and
the rhythm of the swells. Once you get the hang of it,
Cultural Center, an organization dedicated to preserv-
you’ll find that surfing can be an incredibly fun and re-
ing and perpetuating the appreciation of surfing and its
warding experience that delivers a sense of freedom
cultural impact. The facility houses one of the world’s
akin to walking on water. It leads to a deepening con-
most extensive collections of classic surfboards, many
nection with the natural environment and an elevated
of which originated in our backyard.
appreciation of the ocean as a vital resource that has
Surfers are always seeking best possible waves to ride, making them dependent on nature—specifical-
20 Orange County MA RCH 2018
supported life on the planet since the start. Waves are poetry in motion. Go catch one.
Courtesy Of La Vida Laguna
Surfing { 101 } If you do decide to answer the SIREN’S
CALL OF THE SURF , here are some
pointers to keep in mind before heading out onto the water.
PICK A SURFBOARD that is big enough to float your body weight. The length of your board should be around one and a half times your height.
Surf { LESSONS }
body before any activity.
READY TO DIVE IN? Here are a few highly reputable
Start out in SHALLOW WATER at a beach
schools in the area that can help get you started. Surfboards and wetsuits provided.
BANZAI SURF SCHOOL // HUNTINGTON BEACH
STRETCH OUT AND LOOSEN UP your
with calm waves.
NEVER go out ALONE —always have someone else with you.
Owner Jaz is a lifelong surfer who has been in business for about a decade. With his experience and great sense of
Keep your FEET PLANTED shoulder
humor, he should be able to get you standing up on a wave in
width apart.
no time. Where: 22355 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach Cost: One-hour class, $85. Two-hour class, $149 // Group class, $79 per person BANZAISURFSCHOOL.COM
LA VIDA LAGUNA // LAGUNA BEACH Instructor Billy makes his sessions fun and exciting while imparting info about the beautiful coastline and natural habitats to his students. Where: 1257 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach Cost: Two-hour class, $149 // Group class, call for pricing
Remember to BEND your KNEES . Lean, rotate, and shift your WEIGHT to steer.
NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE SEA . Look back over your shoulder at the wave. Be prepared to get TOSSED
AROUND —a lot.
LAVIDALAGUNA.COM
GIRL IN THE CURL SURF SHOP // DOHENY BEACH An original member of the San Onofre Surf Club, surfer girl Mary has years of experience teaching hundreds of ocean lovers how to ride the waves. Where: 34116 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point Cost: $125.00 for the first hour, $100.00 for each additional hour GIRLINTHECURL.COM sensimag.com MARCH 2018 21
IN
by ROBYN GRIGGS L AWRENCE
DISTILLATE
&ROLLED KEEF IN
22 Orange County MA RCH 2018
Why I FAILED my first CALIFORNIA ASSIGNMENT … and did we really burn on the bus with SEAN PAUL?
I haven’ t seen MY FRIEND SALLY (NAME CHANGED TO PROTECT A CANADIAN)
SINCE THE THANKSGIVING IN BOULDER BEFORE SHE MOVED BACK TO SAN DIEGO IN 2010. WE MEET ON A SATURDAY IN JANUARY AT OB NOODLE HOUSE IN OCEAN BEACH. I ROLLED INTO SAN DIEGO ON MY AIRSTREAM’S MAIDEN VOYAGE ABOUT A WEEK AGO, HERE TO OBSERVE AND PAR-
TAKE IN THIS HUGE NEW PART Y, TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE LEGAL CANNABIS SCENE IN CALIFORNIA TO WHAT WE’VE BUILT IN COLORADO.
CALIFORNIA
IS A LEGAL STATE!
BRING. IT. ON.
Four years ago, you could get beers at OB Noodle for
$1. Not anymore. Lunch is going to cost more than expected, but that’s on meme, pretty much how it’s gone since I crossed the border into California and started paying $1 more per gallon (or more) for gas. We order fried rice, chicken lettuce wraps, and $6 Goose Island IPAs that our server says come with a shot of peanut butter Jameson or a shot of sake. He recommends the peanut butter Jameson, a secret recipe, but whiskey worries me so I have sake. Sally has only the IPA because she’s the designated driver for our visit to Urbn Leaf, a cannabis store a half mile away, later this afternoon. After lunch, we walk along Ocean Beach, enjoying sunshine and brisk breezes. People wrap themselves tightly in their sweaters and fleeces as they stare into what the radio announcer called sizable but trashy surf. The pier is closed, and everyone we ask has a different reason why.
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 23
But how cool is this? We’re walking right toward a
Sean Paul on the Bus
big, gleaming black party bus that says Urbn Leaf!
The Urbn Leaf lady leans in and whispers, Sean Paul
The guy wearing a black golf shirt with Urbn Leaf
is on the bus. Oh, hey, I say. That’s all I’ve got. I’ve had
stitched on it says we can ride to the store for free and
a lot of churro. I want to see if it’s really Sean Paul, if
smoke whatever we buy during the ride back to OB.
I’d even know, but I don’t want to look like a groupie.
It’s a miracle! We just have to remember where we
I’m dancing in my seat. I try not to do that again.
parked, Sally says.
Churros on the Bus
We pull up to Urbn Leaf’s superstore. It looks massive. That might be the churro working. A hellacious line snakes out from the front doors,
We get on and take seats in the back with two other
down the sidewalk, into the parking lot. People wait,
ladies who seem not too sure but not too worried about
used to this, a part of the California lifestyle, like every-
this. The one with the pink weave looks up from her
thing being expensive and the freeway turning into a
phone and smiles when Sally makes a few moves on
parking lot, and the Maps lady saying traffic is getting
the stripper pole.
heavier but you are still on the fastest route. Which is
We wait a while. An entourage boards and fills up the
always the goddamn freeway.
front. Suddenly the bus is busy, loud, and we’re taking
People here need cannabis like they need the free-
off. A guy is walking up and down the aisle taking videos.
ways. Waiting in this line, with sour-lemon faces, is a
A young woman wearing an Urbn Leaf t-shirt is passing
price they pay to live in a legal state with palm trees.
A HEL L AC I O U S L I N E S N A K E S O U T F R O M T H E F R O N T D O O R S , D OW N T H E S I D E WA L K , I N TO T H E PA R K I N G L OT. P E O P L E WA I T, U S E D TO T HIS, A PART OF THE CALIFORNIA LIFEST YLE, L I K E E V ERY T H I N G B E I N G E X P E N S I V E A N D T HE FREEWAY TURNING IN TO A PARKING LOT. around something called a churro, an Urbn Leaf specialty, 3.5 grams of flower dipped in distillate and rolled in keef (we’re pretty sure there’s another step involved, but neither Sally or I can remember later). The churro is the fattest blunt I’ve ever seen, with a plastic mouthpiece so it smokes low and slow. It’s tasty. I take hits every time she brings it around.
Feeling Sad at the Feel Good Drug Boutique Maybe we get to skip that line because we’re with Sean Paul, I say to Sally and the other ladies. And we do! The bus handlers lead us to a side door. We got on the right bus! Then Sean Paul and his people are gone, and so is our Fastpass.
Sally doesn’t, because she’ll be the driver again after
The bus handlers drop us at the first in a long row
this bus ride is over, and she’s nervous. The bus isn’t
of check-in booths. Sally won’t submit her ID for reg-
going to the address Maps gave us for Urbn Leaf.
istry, but I give mine up and then beg my friend to sit
I think there’s more than one Urbn Leaf, I try to re-
with me in the waiting room. I’m a little too churroed
assure her, but she’s afraid that being on a cannabis
to be alone in that bright space full of unhappy people
registry could jeopardize her Canadian citizenship,
flipping through magazines, staring at their phones
which is pretty crazy considering that Canada’s legal-
and out the glass walls into the parking lot.
izing, but this is the world we live in. She doesn’t want anything to mess with that citizenship—and who would, given this world we live in?
A couple sits, arms crossed, under the words “A Feel Good Drug Boutique” painted on the wall. No one except me has had any feel-good drugs recently, it seems. I’m out of my homegrown-in-Colorado element. The churro keeps on giving.
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The security guy opens the door to the inner boutique and says the next four people can go in. Six people rush the door. After sharp words, two sit back down.
perience my first legal purchase, I bust out the door hoping to avoid anyone from the bus. The lovely young woman with the churro is right
I catch a glimpse inside, lines of people zigzagging
there, of course, waiting to see what we bought for the
like DIA security or Disneyland during spring break.
ride home. We tell her we didn’t buy anything. I feel
No one looks excited like my relatives from the Mid-
bad, after that ride with Sean Paul and all.
west when they buy legal cannabis in Colorado. People have their because-the-freeway’s-stuck-for-whateverfucking-reason faces on. In the waiting room, everyone’s grabbing the next
I tell her I couldn’t do that last line. She seems annoyed as we slink away to grab an Uber. Do you think we should tell her she oversampled me? I ask Sally.
seat over. A lady from the check-in kiosks slides into
I think she got that, Sally says.
the chair to my left. I think that’s supposed to be my
Do you think that was really Sean Paul? I say.
chair, but I’m pretty happy where I am, and I never liked musical chairs anyway. I tell her she should buy a chur-
Happy on the Trolley
ro when she gets inside. She’s not interested in chat-
We have rollicking fun telling our driver Kris about
ting, which is a relief because I’m not quite sure what
people standing in line for legal weed like it’s Space
else I might say.
Mountain or merging onto the I-5 at 5. We pass the bus
I want to buy a churro to take home, but I might not have enough cash. In Colorado, $100 is a pretty safe
as it rolls toward the beach to pick up another load of people to stand in line at Urbn Leaf.
bet, but California is a whole new expensive world. I’m
Kris drops us off at the People’s Coop, where we buy
worried I haven’t accounted for the headline-making
carob macaroons. The churro keeps on giving as we
California cannabis taxes.
walk on the reopened pier, watch the sunset, then
I keep wanting to call this the Happy Place Drug Boutique, I tell Sally. But look at everyone.
huddle under heaters to eat tacos on the patio at Carnitas’ Snack Shack. The day feels magical.
The joyless couple under the words glares at me,
The good vibes linger, even during my trolley ride
and that cracks me up. This is the most hilarious scene
home—perhaps the day’s biggest miracle because
ever. I start laughing and laugh like I haven’t laughed
no one’s ever happy on the trolley.
since I tried to hang on the porch at the after-party for
I do wish I’d bought a churro. I imagine slowly puff-
a psychedelic conference in Vancouver. (I definitely
ing it with friends over a long, lingering evening, in a
need to get out of Colorado more.)
safe place, away from people who haven’t had their
We have to get out of here. Let’s get an Uber, I say to Sally.
Couldn’t Do That Last Line This is how I fail at my first attempt to report on adult use in California. Instead of entering the third inner chamber to ex26 Orange County MA RCH 2018
feel-good medicine. I think I’ll go back to Urbn Leaf and buy a few churros after the newly legal crowds have died down— and we know in Colorado that they do, at least until 4/20 rolls around. Oh, but wait. Did I learn nothing from this escapade? This is California. Colorado rules don’t apply.
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sensimag.com MARCH 2018 27
A
CANN
T HE
U L L
F O E R
I O D I L B A
by LELAND RUCKER
28 Orange County MA RCH 2018
It seems that everyone is asking about CBD and its HEALING PROPERTIES. What is it, how does it work, and could it be GOOD FOR YOU?
Most of us A R E S T I L L U S I N G C A N N A B I S J U S T F O R E N J O Y M E N T A N D R E L A X A T I O N , BUT A GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE TURNING TO ITS MEDICAL PROPERTIES. IT’S BEING UTILIZED FOR MANAGEMENT OF SEIZURES AND SPASMS, PAIN, ANXIETY, INSOMNIA, INFLAMMATION, DIABETES, SYMPTOMS OF CROHN’S AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE, AND AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES. NINE IN TEN AMERICANS TODAY A P P R O V E O F I T S U S E , A N D 29 S T A T E S A L L O W I T U N D E R C E R T A I N C O N D I T I O N S . Why all this excitement? It’s mostly because of
taken transdermally through the skin via a patch, or
what science is learning about cannabidiol, or CBD,
applied topically in salves and ointments. It can also
as it’s better known. CBD is the cannabinoid, or
be infused into “cannabutter” and added to food. The
chemical compound, found in the cannabis plant
options are nearly as endless as the search results
that is the key to medical marijuana’s benefits. When
you get if you google “buy CBD.” The phrase returns
you see a video of a child having a seizure calmed af-
nearly 9 million results in less than a half-second.
ter ingesting drops of cannabis oil, you’re witnessing
How much time do you have to find a dose and meth-
CBD at work. Almost everyone knows someone who
od that’s right for you?
is trying cannabidiol for one reason or another these
The most basic thing to understand is that, despite
days, especially since the discovery of CBD-rich can-
the miracle stories, cannabidiol, like any substance
nabis strains in 2009 started to make headlines and
or drug we put in our bodies, affects each person dif-
more people became aware of its medical properties.
ferently. So be ready to experiment. What might be
What makes this cannabinoid attractive to some
a perfect dose for one person might not even regis-
people who are otherwise adverse to cannabis is that
ter with somebody else. Everyone’s body process-
CBD doesn’t get you “elevated” like the more well-
es things in different ways. “Some people can have
known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC,
one drink of alcohol and get drunk. Some people can
the best-known cannabinoid, and research contin-
drink all night,” says Josh Whitaker, founder of Team
ues to suggest that CBD helps counter those psycho-
Maryjane, a Denver-based marketing firm that works
active effects. And while it might not work for every-
with top CBD companies around the globe. “Some
one, case studies show it to be benign, with no real
people only get drunk on tequila. Some indicas make
side effects and no possibility of overdose.
people lively. Unless you get a DNA test, all you can
Humans have been using cannabis as medi-
do is have a broad guess how it’ll work for you.”
cine for centuries, but we haven’t understood why
Though CBD products aren’t yet sold by big retail-
it works. That’s changing quickly. Scientists have
ers like Amazon and Target, they are showing up in
identified THC and CBD as the most prominent of
health-food and vitamin markets in legal states. As
more than a hundred cannabinoids produced by can-
more people become aware of its uses, demand con-
nabis and hemp plants. Cannabidiol extracted from
tinues to rise.
those plants is infused oil used to make a variety
On January 1, the International Olympic Commit-
of delivery systems. It can be swallowed as gelcaps
tee took CBD off its list of banned substances, which
and pills, ingested sublingually via tincture or spray,
allows athletes around the world to use it for pain sensimag.com MARCH 2018 29
management and as part of their training regimes.
use of CBD are governed by a tangle of state laws that
With ultramarathoners and elite athletes touting its
differ greatly from state to state. Lawyer Jeff Gard,
benefits, it’s no surprise that personal trainers and
who works with CBD patients and businesses, de-
yoga instructors are using it in their classes, sharing
scribes the legal landscape as much like the 11-year
info about the cannabinoid with their communities.
“Wild West” period in Colorado between 2001, when
Sharing is caring, after all.
medical marijuana was passed by voters and a qua-
Still, there’s a lot of information out there—as well as a lot of misinformation. It’s hard for a novice to
si-legal “caretaker” system emerged, and 2012, when the state finally implemented rules and regulations.
know where to start if you’re interested in trying it.
Lawyer and cannabis advocate Rachel Gillette adds
Jennifer Berger, a young woman in Denver who suc-
that certain states, like Texas, have really strict laws,
cessfully treated her chronic health issues with CBD,
and she suggests consumers be aware of what their
now sells cannabidiol products through Kannaway, a
own state allows before moving forward. (The Nation-
multi-level marketing business. Even she admits it’s
al Conference of State Legislatures is a good website
hard to get reliable information. “The more I’ve been
to start.) “It’s a patchwork of laws as to whether you
involved in the CBD world, the more I realize it is dif-
can sell it or possess it,” she says. “But it’s not a high
ficult to know exactly what’s going on.”
risk from a possession standpoint for the average
At least part of that reason is that if you use medical
consumer.”
marijuana and CBD these days, you’re automatically
WHITE LABELING
a kind of guinea pig in the medical marijuana experiment. “It’s early in the game,” says Zev Paiss, a hemp
More than a thousand businesses are selling CBD
consultant and founding executive director of the Na-
merchandise, and the number is growing. To add
tional Hemp Association. “Anybody who tries it has to
to the confusion, some companies buy white-label
understand that they are part of the research team.”
products and then slap their own label on them. Which means you might be getting the exact same
THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT Some CBD is extracted from hemp plants, which
bottle of CBD gelcaps, for instance, at different prices from two or more different companies.
by definition can contain no more than 0.3 percent
“The problem is that there are so many compa-
THC, a tiny amount. It is also extracted from canna-
nies,” says Team Maryjane’s Whitaker. “And a wide
bis plants with higher percentages of THC. Recent
variety will white-label for you in literally seconds.
research, most importantly a 2015 Israeli study, show
The bottle is the same, the ingredients are the same,
that cannabis’ medical benefits seem to be involved
and they’ll shoot you a thousand of them within days.
with a combination of THC and CBD, commonly
It’s so ridiculously easy.”
called the entourage effect, rather than just the CBD itself. Products with varying mixtures of THC and
EXTRACTION METHODS
CBD seem to be more effective in treating symptoms
There are many ways to remove or extract CBD
than those made solely from hemp alone, and there
from the plant, some considered safer than others.
are many products available with varying ratios of
The preferred method is supercritical C02, which uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and ex-
CBD and THC. Paiss cautions that we’re still learning about this.
tremely low temperatures, but the equipment needed
Much CBD marketing pushes the fact that it doesn’t
is expensive enough to be financially out of reach of
get you high. But even that is a misconception, he
most companies right now. Other methods include
says. Just because CBD doesn’t get you elevated
solvents, propane, ethanol, steam distillation and
doesn’t mean you don’t feel its effects. “To say it’s to-
even olive oil to separate cannabidiol from the rest
tally non-psychoactive is not accurate,” he says. “You
of the plant. But without more research, know that at
do feel something.”
this point that it’s impossible to determine their absolute safety.
LEGALITY All cannabis products are illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. So the production and
30 Orange County MA RCH 2018
CBD ISOLATE AND TERPENES CBD isolate is the distillation of pure CBD mole-
supplements. “It becomes part of your regimen,” says
how to take
{ CBD}
There are several popular methods to take cannabidiol, which gives users options. ING E ST IO N : This is swallowing a gelcap or pill, which then passes through the digestive system before being metabolized by the liver. SU B LING U AL: Basically, this is holding CBD oil under the tongue and holding before swallowing. This allows the oil by be absorbed by the mouth’s mucous membrane, which bypasses the digestive system and liver to enter the bloodstream more quickly. T O PICA L: These products are applied to the skin as lotions and salves, which allow faster absorption and can be rubbed directly into inflamed areas.
Kannaway’s Berger. “We’re not a medicine, and we shouldn’t make those kinds of claims.” This daily-use model, i.e. finding your sweet spot and sticking with it, is considered the future. “Research has shown that if we can get people to take CBD daily, it dramatically reduces the need for pharmaceuticals,” says Whitaker. Paiss says he sees a day in the not-so-distant future when CBD will be handled much in the same way as vitamin C is today. “In the next x number of years you’re going to have several versions,” he says. “There will a 25 milligram pill that you get at Walgreen’s and take each day. If you need a higher dose, you go to the doctor and get a prescription for a 1,000 milligram capsule.” People dealing with cancer or other major problems will visit hospitals to get intravenous shots. “There will be options.”
DOING IT YOURSELF So what should you do if you’re interested in trying CBD? Education is the key, and you’re going to have to do your research. A good place to begin is
cules from the plant. The white powder isolate looks much like cocaine, and it can be sprinkled into food or drinks. “Since much of it is coming from outside the country, there are questions of quality and purity and things like that,” says Paiss. “But in the last few years a lot of isolate has been made here in the US, and it seems to be in very ‘high’ demand.” Then there are terpenes, those rich, organic compounds found in all aromatic plants, including cannabis. Basically, what we eat is dictated mostly by what we smell, and terpenes are what makes us want to consume food, why we are attracted to certain perfumes and fragrances and even how we can differentiate between strains of marijuana. “I’m looking forward to the research that will come out in the next couple of decades,” Paiss says, adding that a few companies are now creating “terpsolate” by adding certain terpenes back into CBD isolate to create different flavors and fragrances. “We will see more and more of this. People are wanting to know the terpene profile of things.”
THE NEXT VITAMIN C Increasingly, many people are using CBD on a daily basis, much as they do with other vitamins and
projectcbd.org, which has regularly updated information on what CBD is and what it’s being used for, with links to the latest research. “Read up on the reasons you want to take it,” advises Paiss. “Let’s say you’re having trouble sleeping at night. Search ‘CBD and sleep,’ and see what you find.” Check labels to find out where the product comes from, who produced it and what percentages of THC and CBD it has. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re buying at a dispensary, inquire from budtenders and owners where their products come from and how they are produced. In terms of dosing, it’s best to start low and go slow, just as you would with edibles. “A lot of places will say to start with three or four drops of oil. My experience is that’s nowhere close to enough,” says Paiss, who suggests starting with 10 milligrams a day, upping your dose slowly until you notice a difference. Paiss has witnessed a person having a epileptic seizure settle down just 30 seconds after getting a couple drops of CBD oil. Still, he says, it’s best to ignore the talk of miracle cures and think more about cannabidiol as just another thing to promote everyday wellness. “We just want to be able to add it as an option,” says Paiss. “It doesn’t have to be the end-all. It’s just another tool.”
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 31
{soOC} by BOBBY BL ACK
whale week
Each October, thousands of majestic California Gray Whales leave their feeding grounds in the Arctic waters near the tip of Alaska and venture south along the North American coast toward the warm lagoons of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to mate and birth their young. At over 10,000 miles round trip, it’s one of the longest mammal migrations on earth—and one of the few that’s visible from land, as the pods travel just off the coast. Though they are often seen in SoCal waters during much of the winter, March is the peak spotting season in Orange County, with up to 40 or 50 whale sightings a day—particularly near the coastal community of Dana Point, dubbed the “Whale Capital of the West.” Oceanographers believe the whales return to the area every year for two main reasons: one, it serves as a landmark during their long journey, and, two, it serves up some tasty meals to keep them going on that journey. Deep underwater canyons near the shore team with schools of small fish upon which the whales can feast—kinda like a fishy food court. The Dana Point community has embraced its status as a migratory rest stop for the hungry 35-ton mammals, and operators run whale-watching tours from here year round. But March is when the good stuff happens. The annual Dana Point Festival of the Whales, held over the first two weekends of the month, draws 100,000 visitors to the seaside town for parades, street fairs, environmental exhibits, and more fun. For more info, visit FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM . 32 Orange County MA RCH 2018
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 3
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