SAN D IE G O
THE NEW NORMAL
3.2018
the San Diego
Zoo
an evolutionary tale
natural HIGH Into the Great Wide Open
PASSING the TEST
SoCal’s Cannabis Labs
{ PLUS } Raging Cider Carlsbad’s Flower Fields + More!
ISSUE 3 // VOLUME 1 // 3.2018
contents.
32
FEATURES
26
26 Mile High Rules Don’t Apply Why I failed my first California assignment … and did we really burn on the bus with Sean Paul?
10 GET OUTSIDE!
Can cannabis intensify your relationship with the outdoors?
thezoo! EVERY ISSUE 5 Editor’s Note 6 The Buzz 10 NewsFeed L AB TESTING
14 CrossRoads
INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN
Sensi San Diego is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
22
18 HighSpirits
R AGING CIDER BREWERY
22 AroundTown
SAN DIEGO ZOO
32 {SoSD}
FLOWER FIELDS
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 3
sensi magazine ISSUE 3 VOLUME 1
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3.2018
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 FlowerKist by Steph // TOPICALS
Pot Drive // MEDIA & ADVERTISING TECHNOLOGY
LINX Card // MERCHANT SERVICES
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Mighty Meds Vape // VAPE
Webjoint // POINT OF SALE SOFTWARE
Outco // CULTIVATION & DELIVERY
Yobi (Silver State Software) // STORE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 5
THE NE W N O R M A L
the
buzz
RHYTHM &
shoes
The Off-Broadway smash Stomp brings its percussive performance to the Balboa Theater.
Typically speaking, if you were to encounter a group of people loudly banging a bunch of random objects together, you’d probably find it annoying and walk away—or worse, report them for disturbing the peace. When those people are doing that banging on stage as part of the hit show Stomp, however, it’s an altogether different matter. Described as eccentric, entertaining, energetic, exhilarating, and even explosive, Stomp is a unique percussive performance that incorporates rhythm, dance, and humor to entertain audiences using a variety
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. As detailed in Charles Bradley: Soul of America, 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.
of everyday objects as musical instruments. Using small, personal items like matchboxes and lighters, household staples from broomsticks to trash cans, and street junk like bottles, hubcaps, and shopping carts, Stomp’s eight-member troupe molds melody from cacophony using their feet, hands, and even heads—but absolutely no words. Created in England in 1991, the show has since expanded to include wildly successful productions at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, where it’s fast approaching the 25th year of its run. It was even performed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. as part of
America’s
Alongside his Menahan Street Band, Bradley stripped soul music down to its very essence
Millennium celebration in 1999. Now the
and laid it bare. There’s no sadder lament for humanity than “The World (Is Going Up In Flames).”
smash-bang sound spectacle is on tour
When he wails, “Why is it so hard to make it in America?” (in the song of the same name),
and coming to SoCal for just a few limited
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.
6 San Diego MA RCH 2018
dates: fresh off its recent run in Riverside, it's playing only three nights early this month at the Balboa Theater before heading back east. For more info, visit STOMPONLINE.COM . {Where} Balboa Theater {When} March 2-4
© 2018 STOMP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRODUCTION PHOTOS BY STEVE MCNICHOLAS.
you feel every bit of his despair. And much like the late Johnny Cash, when Bradley covered
Sensi concert CALENDAR A brief listing of some of the top shows in and around San Diego this month.
CANNABIS
class
It’s clear that cannabis is finally entering mainstream culture when local community colleges start offering classes about “cannabis as both a plant and an indus-
3/1
3/14
Flogging Molly
try.” That’s what’s happening this month at San Diego
– Belly Up Tavern
– Observatory North Park
Community College, which is offering an “Introduction
3/1
3/15
to Cannabis” class through the San Diego Continuing
3/2
3/16
They Might Be Giants Suicide Girls – The Music Box Langhorne Slim – The Music Box
A$AP Ferg – House of Blues Los Lobos – Poway Center for the
3/2
Performing Arts
3/3
San Diego Music Awards
Earthless – The Casbah
3/19
Education program. Instructor Christine Fallon reached out to San Diego’s cannabis community to develop the curriculum for the course. She says the goal of the class is to “break into almost every aspect of cannabis—going from horticul-
Gogol Bordello
– House of Blues
ture to pharmacology to policy.” Each of those three
3/21-22
Queens of the Stone Age
topics will be covered by a weekly, three-hour class,
3/3
3/3-4
3/22-23
– Observatory North Park
Earthless – The Casbah CRSSD Festival Feat. Empire of the Sun – Waterfront Park
– Observatory North Park
Phillip Phillips – Belly Up Tavern
each of which will include guest speakers to help give students deeper insight into the material. The horticulture class will cover basic plant care and
3/23
physiology and will feature agriculturalist Nathan Lou, who will discuss organics and technological trends in
Boyz II Men
Tribal Theory – House of Blues 3/23
cultivation.
3/4
3/24
of cannabis on the mind and body, as well as sub-
– Observatory North Park
3/25
3/3-4
– Pechanga Resort & Casino
Stone Temple Pilots
RJD2 – Music Box Chick Corea – Jacobs Music Center
The pharmacology class will delve into the effects jects like dosing, extractions, and other methods of in-
Umphrey’s McGee
gestion such as vape pens and edibles.
3/6
3/27
focuses on cannabis policy, starting with the history
3/7
3/27-28
at the current era of legalization and advocacy. Fea-
3/5-6 311 – House of Blues
Psychedelic Furs – Belly Up Tavern Herbie Hancock – Balboa Theater
– Observatory North Park
Quinn XCII – Observatory North Park Aaron Lewis
3/7
– Sycuan Live & Up Close Theatre
3/7
George Clinton – House of Blues
Of Mice and Men – Soma
3/28
Kenny Wayne Sheppard
3/29
3/8
3/29
– Belly Up Tavern
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
– Belly Up Tavern 3/8
Chris Botti
– California Center for the Arts 3/9
Fozzy – House of Blues 3/9
Talib Kweli – The Music Box
Declan McKenna – Music Box
For the third and final week of the course, the study of prohibition and criminalization followed by a look tured speakers include activist Terrie Best, San Diego chapter chair of Americans for Safe Access. If you’re new to the whole cannabis scene and seeking to learn more, this beginner’s course might be just the thing for you. — A.J. HERRINGTON
Missio – House of Blues 3/29
Galactic – Belly Up Tavern
3/29
J Boog - Observatory North Park 3/29-30
The Commodores - Sycuan Live & Up
Close Theatre 3/30
{ What} Introduction to Cannabis { Where} Room 103 — San Diego Continuing Education, Cesar Chavez Campus 1901 Main St., San Diego { When} Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 6 p.m.–9 p.m. { Price} $90
Doyle – Brick by Brick
San Diego Beatles Fair - Queen
Bee’s Art & Cultural Center
{ More Info} (619) 388–1910
3/10-11
3/31
COMMUNITYED.SDCE.EDU
3/10
G. Love & Special Sauce – Belly Up Tavern
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) - House of Blues
{ To register} SDCCD.AUGUSOFT.NET
3/12
Buddy Guy – California Center for the Arts sensimag.com MARCH 2018 7
THE NE W N O R M A L
taco TAKEDOWN
the
buzz
The nachos aren’t the only thing that’s cheesy at this gaudy gourmet taco spot.
BY SARAH A. NEWTON
I first heard of this hot little taco heaven when my husband texted an old buddy asking where the best lunch spot was near the airport. Almost immediately, he responded: “Lucha Libre Taco Shop!” Sure enough, after just one visit to this infamous taqueria, it became our new favorite post-airport lunch spot. Lucha Libre, as the name would suggest, is decked out with a vibrant Mexican wrestling decor that’s true to the our southern neighbor’s favorite form of entertainment (next to telenovelas, of course). This small space has a huge personality, with hot pink walls, televisions playing classic wrestling matches, and a coveted Gold Champion’s Booth— reserved exclusively for luchador winners, or anyone else who makes a reservation a day or more in advance. If the campy decor doesn't win you over, then the phenomenal food definitely will. Voted Best Cheap Eats by San Diego magazine in 2009, Lucha Libre features an eclectic menu filled with a mix of gourmet fan favorites with funny names, like the “Undefeated Seafood Burrito,” “Tap Me Out Tacos,” “Knockout Fries,” the “Smackdown Quesadilla,” and the famous “TJ Dog”— a beef hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with ketchup, mustard, mayo and fajita-style grilled vegetables. There’s also a delicious fresh-made salsa bar with homemade chips, an amazing array of vegan and vegetarian options, and even a kids meal for the little luchadors in training. Plus, if you come in wearing a Lucha mask, you’ll get the Luchador Discount. Tacos, beer, and Mexican wrestling, all right around the corner from the San Diego Airport. What more could you ask for in a dining experience? LUCHA LIBRE TACO SHOP 1810 W. Washington St. // Mission Hills Fresh Hot Spot Alert: New Location Now Open 3016 University Ave. // North Park TACOSMACKDOWN.COM 8 San Diego MA RCH 2018
decadent DES T I N AT I ON
Of all of the decadent delectables one might indulge in, wine and chocolate are unquestionably two of the most tempting. That bittersweet bite of 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. Just over an hour’s ride around (or through) the Cleveland National Forest in SoCal’s wine capital Temecula, Pechanga Resort and Casino has been rated the top casino in the country by USA Today. But beyond all of the slot machines and poker tables, Pechanga is home to some first-class restaurants, clubs and convention halls— the most impressive of which is its new 40,000-square-foot event center, Pechanga Summit. For two days this month, the Summit will be transformed into a sensational showcase of scrumptious sweet and savory treats. First, on Friday, March 9, the Chocolate Decadence expo features over 50,000 different chocolate candies and confections, paired with more than 30 varieties of vino. On Saturday, the chocolate melts away, and the wines take over— offering hundreds of selections to sip and sample from a multitude of vineyards from around the world. Admission on both days includes tastings, live music, a silent auction and even a souvenir wine glass. Spring for the VIP ticket, and you'll get an even fancier glass, as well as hors d'oeuvres and early entry. Plus, there’s no need to feel guilty for indulging in these guilty pleasures, as proceeds from both events will be donated to Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley’s program to provide housing and home repairs for needy and disabled seniors. – BB
Chocolate Decadence Festival When: Fri., Mar. 9 // 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Where: Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula Tickets: $60 // VIP $80
NOW LICENSED FOR BOTH MEDICAL & ADULT-USE OPEN 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M. EVERY DAY
Pechanga Wine Festival When: Sat., Mar. 10 // 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Where: Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula Tickets: $65 // VIP $90
Combo tickets (both days): $100, VIP $140
PECHANGA.COM/ENTERTAIN
march MOVIE MADNESS
If you’re a cinephile in San Diego, then this is your lucky month, because March 2 marks the start of the second-annual San Diego Film Week—a cinematic celebration of local filmmakers and their works. The lineup at the10-day-long event features a number of panels, exhibitions, workshops, and parties, as well as screenings of over 100 films culled from over a dozen local festivals—including San Diego's International, Latino, and Asian film festivals. The screenings are held at the Museum of Photographic Arts plus a few other locations across San Diego County. It all kicks off on the evening of March 2 with an opening night Red Carpet Gala. A highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the nominees for the Fifth-Annual San Diego Film Awards, taking place at Humphrey’s By the Bay on April 8. For more info, visit SDFILMWEEK.COM and MOPA.ORG . { WHAT } Second Annual San Diego Film Week { WHERE } Museum of Photographic Arts 1649 El Prado (Balboa Park) and other venues { WHEN } March 2–11, 2017 { PRICE } $8 – $250
7128 Miramar Rd. Suite 10 (Upstairs) San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 247-0953 mankindcoop.com We Accept Credit Cards
Discounts for Veterans, Seniors & Disability sensimag.com MARCH 2018 9
{newsfeed} by A. J. HERRINGTON
LEARN MORE CannaSafe Analytics CSALABS.COM
Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs INFINITECAL.COM
PharmLabs
SDPHARMLABS.COM
PHOTOGRAPH © A. J. HERRINGTON
Greg Magdoff, PharmLabs CEO
10 San Diego MA RCH 2018
PASSING THE TEST Mandatory analytic laboratory testing for all cannabis products sold in California’s new adult use market is good news for both the consumer and the cannabis testing industry. As California transitions from its medical marijuana model into the fully legalized adult-use cannabis
tabase to allow transparency into the inventories and sales of all cannabis in the state.
market authorized by the Adult Use of Marijuana Act
The purpose of most of the tests necessary for com-
(AUMA), the Wild West guidelines of the past are now
pliance is to ensure that products are free from chemi-
being replaced by strict new regulations for business-
cal or biological contamination. Biological contaminants
es and products. One of the primary goals of these
such as mites or other insects, as well as bacterial and
new rules is to inform consumers about precisely what
fungal pathogens, can be harmful if ingested through
they’re ingesting, and ensure that whatever it is, it’s
the lungs via smoking, vaping, or aerosol products—
safe for consumption. To that end, analytical laborato-
particularly for those with an immune system compro-
ry testing of all cannabis products—be it flower, con-
mised by disease or autoimmune therapies. To prevent
centrate, edible or otherwise—is now required.
consumers from possibly contracting such microbial
According to 2017’s Medicinal and Adult-Use Can-
pathogens, all cannabis products must be tested for
nabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), all canna-
Salmonella and E. coli. And any goods intended to be
bis and cannabis products harvested or manufactured
used via inhalation—i.e., smoking and vaping—must
on or after January 1 must be tested according to the
also be checked for Aspergillus, which can lead to dan-
specifications spelled out in title 16, section 5715 of
gerous infections of the lungs.
the California Code of Regulations. However, although
Other potential contaminants the labs are looking
these new regulations technically went into effect at
for include fertilizers and pesticides often used during
the beginning of the year, any untested products that
cultivation, many of which are not safe for human
were already in the retail pipeline before January 1 are
consumption, especially if combusted during smoking.
still permitted to be sold until July 1—provided that a
Most reputable labs can test for up to 50 different pes-
label disclaiming that the product is untested is affixed
ticides. Josh Swider, co-owner of San Diego’s Infinite
to the package prior to its distribution or sale. After
Chemical Analysis Labs, relates that the allowable lev-
this six-month grace period, all cannabis retailers and
els of some chemicals are so low that some farmers
delivery services will be required to sell only products
who’ve never used pesticides can unwittingly end up
that have been tested, and that have been purchased
failing tests due to their use by other growers nearby,
from licensed distributors. (It’s these distributors, not
or even sometimes less apparent sources like pets on
the retailers, who will bear the responsibility and ex-
property. “Make sure you don’t have flea-collared an-
pense of testing.) Compliance with these requirements
imals running around in your grow,” Swider cautions.
will be enforced by the Bureau of Cannabis Control
In the case of concentrates, or any products infused
(BCC) using a “seed to sale” tracking system known as
with concentrates, labs are required to test for any re-
Metrc, in which all plants and products are tagged with
sidual chemical solvents (such as butane or propane)
a unique RFID identifier and entered into the online da-
that may have been used during the extraction prosensimag.com MARCH 2018 11
cesses—which, in high enough concentrations, can be
On top of the operating costs involved in running a
toxic as well. (Though, its worth noting that despite the
lab, there are also the considerable compliance costs
scare tactics employed in some mainstream report-
to take into account. Matt Haskin, the owner of Can-
ing on the topic, even a poorly purged concentrate is
naSafe Analytics, elaborates: “The state charges a
highly unlikely to contain enough parts-per-million of
$1000 application fee, as well as an annual license fee
these solvents to cause any noticeable effect or harm
which varies anywhere from $20,000 to $90,000 de-
to the consumer).
pending on revenue. In addition, each local jurisdiction
Another factor involved in cannabis testing is a
also has its own fee structure and taxes. Then there
sample’s cannabinoid composition. Potency tests to
are the legal costs, which also vary depending on how
determine cannabinoid levels have been popular for
much a lab relies on their legal team. Some attorneys
years, as growers and dispensary owners have found
are charging as much as $50,000 to process a license
great marketing value in being able to advertise the
application for their clients. And finally, there’s the cost
strength of various strains or formulations. The infor-
associated with becoming accredited by ISO (the Inter-
mation is also useful for cannabis patients in helping
national Organization for Standardization), which is re-
them determine proper dosing. The new state regu-
quired by the state. Again, this cost can vary depend-
lations require testing for levels of THC, CBD, and four
ing on how much a lab relies on consultants to assist
other cannabinoids. In the case of edibles and tinc-
them in the process, but I’d say the average is about
tures, tests for homogeneity—or consistency of dose
$10,000 to $30,000 to obtain accreditation, and then
from serving to serving—are also prescribed.
another $15,000 annually to maintain it.”
The BCC plans to roll out more mandatory tests
That’s a pretty hefty bill of startup expenses to have
over the course of the year. Starting on July 1, labs will
to recoup. As a result, a typical Southern California lab
also be required to perform tests for additional pesti-
charges anywhere from $350 to $500 per sample for
cides and solvents not previously included, as well as a
the full array of tests needed for compliance. However,
“filth and foreign material” inspection for environmen-
since only one panel of tests is necessary for a crop of up
tal contaminants such as rat hairs, bug poop, and the
to 50 pounds of material, businesses can mitigate some
like. Tests for mycotoxins (poisons created by fungi),
of that cost by pre-purchasing multiple tests in advance
heavy metals, and terpenes are also expected to be
or by producing large batches to be tested at once.
added to the list by the end of this year. Officials de-
All of this begs the question: exactly how much of
cided to institute these requirements in phases rather
these exorbitant costs are passed on to the consum-
than all at once to give businesses a fair chance to get
er? Apparently, not a whole lot according to Ebon
up to speed.
Johnson, co-owner of San Diego’s Mankind Collective.
Most everyone agrees that mandated lab testing
Johnson, who’s collective has already been testing all
will help consumers make more informed decisions
of its products since last year, insists that lab costs are
and ensure safer product. But the question then be-
responsible for only a negligible increase in retail. “It
comes, what is it going to cost us? Professional anal-
doesn’t have a huge impact on the price because of the
ysis isn’t cheap—the equipment alone for a lab can
quantity being tested,” he claims. “Maybe 50 cents or
run upwards of a million dollars or more and must be
so is added to the price per eighth.”
operated by highly trained, and thus well paid, per-
David Marelius, co-owner of Infinite Chemical Anal-
sonnel. Plus, BCC regulations require that all samples
ysis, concurs—pointing out that paying the govern-
for testing also be collected and delivered by a trained
ment its share will add far more to the bottom line
employee of the lab as opposed to allowing third-party
than lab costs: “I don’t think the testing is going to raise
couriers—a policy that would require hiring and train-
it much, it’s the taxes that are going to increase prices.”
ing more staff, and one that seems to have caught the
But costs aren’t the only factor that will affect retail
testing industry off-guard. 12 San Diego MA RCH 2018
prices—there’s also the matter of availability. Since
AUMA gives local municipalities the final say over
that’s been converted into a massive cannabis business
what types of cannabis business if any they will per-
and cultivation complex, which also includes packaging
mit to operate, many areas have not yet authorized
and distribution companies as well as nearly 300 square
labs—and some might never. The cities of San Diego,
feet of canopy. (Because the facility is located on tribal
Long Beach, Coachella, Lake Elsinore and Irvine have
land, it’s exempt from the ban on cannabis businesses
all passed ordinances permitting labs, but LA is still
imposed on San Diego County’s other unincorporated
working on their legislation, and San Diego County has
areas.) And just a couple of months ago, they opened
outlawed any form of commercial cannabis activity in
their latest and largest facility in Van Nuys, which has
its unincorporated areas, and that includes labs.
five times the processing capacity as their previous lo-
As this issue goes to press, only 20 temporary
cations (around 500 samples a day).
lab-testing licenses have been issued by the BCC state-
Also expanding their operations here in Southern
wide. With so few licensed labs in place to process the
California is PharmLabs. PharmLabs opened its first
impending tidal wave of cannabis that will require test-
laboratory in San Diego’s pot culture mecca, Ocean
ing, fears of a possible backlog are legitimate. When
Beach back in 2011. In 2016, they added new facilities
lab-testing laws went into effect in Oregon in 2016,
in Hawaii and Coachella. Now, expanding to accom-
within three months, the shortage of accredited lab ca-
modate the growing market created by regulation,
pacity caused a bottleneck in the supply chain. This delay
CEO Greg Magdoff has added a brand new Long Beach
in supply led to price increases of 25-50% in more than a
location to their roster.
third of the state’s dispensaries, and the lost sales creat-
But Magdoff isn’t only relying on more space to in-
ed by lack of product led to layoffs and failed businesses.
crease production—he’s also embracing technolog-
While acknowledging that turnaround times for test
ical innovations. Partnering with 42+0 Technologies,
results might increase slightly, Haskin doesn’t believe
Magdoff has created a proprietary new app called
that too few labs will necessarily lead to shortages in
PharmWare—a cloud-based information manage-
cannabis supply. “Assuming that a majority of the ex-
ment system that streamlines lab processes and gives
isting labs get licensed within a reasonable amount of
customers access to results in real time. He’s also
time, I don’t think there will be much of a bottleneck,”
teamed up with robotics engineering firm Obotics to
he predicts.
create a customized, automated testing system called
Nevertheless, in hopes of preventing a situation like
the CannaDeck that can analyze 100 samples in eight
the one in Oregon from occurring here, a lot of new
hours, faster and with greater precision than human
players are stepping in to fill the vacuum—companies
lab technicians. Magdoff envisions operating at least
like San Diego’s Infinite Chemical Analysis, which is
ten PharmLabs labs serving California within the next
willing to do whatever it takes to gain new custom-
several years, and eventually up to 50 locations na-
ers and grow the business. “We’re prepared to pick up
tionwide as legalization continues to spread.
any number of samples, anywhere from LA all the way
Like just about every other type of business that falls
down to the Mexican border,” says owner Josh Swider.
under the big green umbrella known as the cannabis
“If somebody has 50 to 100 samples to pick up, I’ll get
industry, testing laboratories face a daunting gamut of
there tomorrow—and every week after that.”
financial and legal hurdles. But despite the significant
Many established labs are also rising to the occa-
costs and challenges involved, it’s more than worth it
sion—ramping up production and building new facilities.
for them, as they stand to reap huge profits. And its
For example, CannaSafe began in 2011 as a relatively
worth it for us, because in the end, mandated labora-
small operation in Murrieta. In 2014, they opened a sec-
tory testing is essential to ensuring that California’s
ond facility up in Washington state. Then last year, they
legal cannabis industry is held to a high standard and
opened another location inside the Santa Ysabel Botan-
that consumers will get only the cleanest, safest, most
ical Enterprise Facility—a former Iipay Nation casino
effective products possible. sensimag.com MARCH 2018 13
{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 lifechanging. 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
14 San Diego 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 15
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
ings and through tree-lined open spaces. Along a more reflective vein, many would argue that
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16 San Diego MA RCH 2018
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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.
FOLLOW US @POTDRIVE sensimag.com MARCH 2018 17
spirits} {highspirits
PHOTOGRAPH © COURTESY OF THE RAGING CIDER & MEAD CO.
by DAVID RUISE
BREWIN’ WILD Craft brewery Raging Cider & Mead Co. is the fermented apple of San Diego County’s eye. Boasting nearly 200 licensed breweries, America’s
menting fruits such as apples and pears. As for mead
Finest City is also the nation’s unofficial microbrew
(also known as honey-wine), it’s crafted by fermenting
capital. So naturally, San Diegans are no strangers to
honey and water, and often flavored with the addition
the plethora of tasty brews out there. However, if your
of fruits, flowers and/or spices. Ciders and meads typ-
palate is on the hunt for an alternative to the abun-
ically tend to have a slightly sweeter flavor than the
dance of ales, IPAs, stouts and lagers out there, Raging
previously mentioned alcoholic beverages, making
Cider & Mead Co. might offer just the thing your taste
them an ideal choice for drinkers who may find the
buds are craving.
bitterness of beer or wine distasteful. Raging Ciders’
Unlike beer, which is typically made from fermented
beverages, however, shy away from sugary sweet-
grains like hops and barley, or wine (which we all know
ness—opting instead for a drier flavor. Sugary or not,
is made from grapes), hard ciders are made by fer-
there’s no denying the locals are sweet on this small
18 San Diego MA RCH 2018
craft brewery in San Marcos.
had continued his hobby of home-brew-
“We’ve seen amazing crowds since the day we
ing beer until around nine years ago, when,
opened,” says founder Dave Carr, who’s been pleas-
upon discovering that Kerry suffered
antly surprised by how much momentum Raging Cider
from a gluten intolerance, he immediate-
has built since first opening their doors in November of
ly switched to crafting ciders and meads
last year. “I guess because, like a lot of businesses, this
instead. The couple spent the years that
all came from personal motivation and passion.”
followed having fun and experimenting
Carr’s love of brewing beer dates back over 20 years—a
with their own recipes and methods. That
passion surpassed in length and depth only by that
cider brewing experience, coupled with
for his wife (and Raging Cider co-founder) Kerry. Their
their love of growing and foraging pro-
romance dates back to the 1980s—their “youth gone
duce, ended up landing David a job man-
wild” days when they were a young punk couple sport-
aging orchards in Julian and Descanso—
ing spiked leather jackets, mohawks, and the like. Back
and later, to them purchasing their own
then, their mantra “Let’s rage!” was code for spirited
acreage in Valley Center. It’s the combined
rebellion and good times with like-minded friends.
harvests of these orchards that supply all
Eventually, though, the couple married, settled down,
of the apples and pears used in their cider
and raised a family in rural north San Diego County. Carr
production. Drawing from the 25 apple sensimag.com MARCH 2018 19
and 13 pear varieties grown on these lands, they’ve so
On any given day, Raging Cider has up to 10 differ-
far concocted dozens of different blends. But it wasn’t
ent drinks on tap, including standard offerings—such
until Carr inherited the Crown Steel Manufacturing
as their Black Twig cider containing smoked apples and
business from his father, and decided to transform the
aged in Hungarian Oak, and their Brandon’s Mulberry
backside of the warehouse into a public drinking space,
mead, made with locally-sourced avocado honey and
that their hobby truly became a business.
mulberries—as well as various seasonal brews. Some
Of course, every successful company needs some
of the new spring blends you can expect to find there
solid branding. For theirs, they hearkened back to
starting this month are the Newtown Pippin Blend (tart
those wild punk days of their youth to come up with
& dry, with a hint of oak), Lil’ Sister (a funky, floral, me-
both the name—Raging Cider—and the logo: a car-
dium dry with red wine notes, reminiscent of French
toon of an angry apple in a spiked leather vest. You can
cidres), and Volcan Mountain Perry (a medium-sweet
taste the spirit of that wild youth today in their ciders
blend of cultivated and wild seedling pears with a nice
and meads—all of which are aged in oak barrels us-
body and notes of tartness).
ing the ancient technique of wild fermentation. That
As an added value, the brewery has partnered with
means that unlike mass-produced alcoholic beverag-
several local food trucks and caterers to offer delicious
es that use cultivated, processed yeasts, they use only
snacks and meals for their patrons to enjoy with their
native, “ambient” yeasts—natural, spontaneously oc-
brews, including Phatties Food Truck (which makes Cen-
curring bacteria and microbes from
tral Mexican specialties), and The Carver, Coal, and Bar-
the surrounding environment.
rel, who sponsor their Cider & BBQ Sundays—a weekly event offering amazing “San Diego” style barbecue (that is, meats smoked over avocado wood and served with cider-based sauces and marinades). They also enjoy participating in other local festivals and events, such as the San Diego Fermentation Festival, which they could be seen slinging cider at just last month. With expectations of producing nearly 3200 gallons of cider this coming year, it seems that big things are on the horizon for this modest little meadery. It’s a lifestyle and level of success that neither David nor Kerry could have imagined back in their days of “raging.” “Who would’ve thought back then that we’d be here now?” says Carr, looking back with amusement. Whether you come to enjoy the cozy tasting room and spacious, dog-friendly patio, or just to fill up a growler to take home, it’s worth paying a visit to this craft brewery that’s sure to be a mainstay in San Diego’s north county for many years to come. For info on upcoming events and current offerings, visit RAGINGCIDERMEAD.COM and FACEBOOK.COM/ RAGINGCIDER.
20 San Diego MA RCH 2018
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{aroundtown}
HAMADRYAS B
by A. J. HERRINGTON
ZOO-OLOGICAL EVOLUTION The San Diego Zoo’s most recent attraction, Africa Rocks, continues to lead the trend of mimicking its inhabitants’ natural environment. Zoos can be amazing places to discover the effect
bys Africa Rocks. The ambitious exhibit replaced the
evolution has had on animal species over the millennia.
eight-acre section of the park formerly known as Dog
Fascinating variations in structure or appearance afford
and Cat Canyon, a holdout from the 1930s that had
creatures competitive advantage, usually in the quest
housed big cats and canine species in large cages and
for either food or sex. Like their tenants, the zoos that
moated grottoes until it’s $68 million redevelopments
display animals for public viewing have also been un-
last year. Today, a wheelchair accessible walkway me-
dergoing a process of evolution, due to pressure from
anders gently down the slope, leading visitors from
visitors uncomfortable with the plight of creatures
one environment to the next. Africa Rocks highlights
confined to sterile cages or other enclosures that are
some of the lesser-known mammals found on the
nothing like their natural environments. Among these
continent; the larger, more popular species—such as
institutions, the San Diego Zoo has been a leader in
elephants, lions, gorillas, and giraffes—can be viewed
bettering the treatment of the animals in their care—
in other areas throughout the park.
going back as far as 1986, when the first “bio-climate”
The descent into the canyon begins with the Ethi-
enclosure, the African Kopje (pronounced “cope-ee”),
opian Highlands, where the stars of the show are the
made its debut. This exhibit features multiple species,
Hamadryas Baboons. Reminiscent of a scene from
such as rock hyrax and dwarf mongoose, living togeth-
Planet of the Apes, a row of motionless sentries sur-
er in an environment that mimics their natural home in
vey the landscape from a ridgeline of manufactured
rocky mounds that rise from South African veld.
rock. Oblivious to their vigilance, the younger monkeys
Thirty years later, the kopje is but one of six distinct
clamber through the treetops in a game of tag. Anoth-
bioclimates in the zoo’s newest attraction, Conrad Pre-
er species hanging out nearby is the gelada—a ba-
22 San Diego MA RCH 2018
WEST AFRICAN DWARF CROCODILE
leopard
M
AFRICA
Africa d Meerkat
BABOON
COQUEREL'S SIFAKA
african penguin
VISITING THE ZOO
The zoo is located in Balboa Park at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego and is open every day of the year. Hours vary seasonally. One-day tickets are $54 for adults and $44 for children. For about the cost of two admissions, annual memberships allow unlimited visits to both the Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido and also include a subscription to ZOONOOZ magazine. Detailed information is available at SANDIEGOZOO.ORG .
HAMADRYAS BABOON
eerkat
WEST AFRICAN DWARF CROCODILE
COQUEREL'S SIFAKA
leopard
african penguin
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 23
boon-like primate with a striking red hourglass shape
all, it might be necessary to look up, as they’re actually
on its chest. The brighter the red, the more sexually
known to climb trees.
desirable the monkey is judged to be by its peers.
At the base of the canyon is Cape Fynbos, a coastal
Continuing down along the path, we enter the Aca-
ecosystem populated by leopard sharks and African
cia Woodland next, where leopards prowl through the
penguins. Follow the ramp in the walkway down from
boughs and branches. The only big cats found in Afri-
here, and at the bottom, you’ll find some of the best
ca Rocks, they’re a delight to watch as they paw and
people watching the zoo has to offer. As visitors turn
chew at palm fronds left in the enclosure by keepers
the corner, expressions of astonishment and wonder
for enrichment. A cautious distance away lay the ver-
fill their faces when they first glimpse the underwater
vets—a species of matriarchal monkeys with black
view of the sharks lazily patrolling the enclosure, while
faces and human-like characteristics.
the swifter penguins gracefully frolic around them.
The Madagascar Forest habitat contains many of the animals recognizable from the popular Madagascar
(Worry for the penguins isn’t warranted, as the sharks only feed on crustaceans found on the seafloor.)
animated film franchise—particularly, several spe-
Africa Rocks isn’t the only improvement recently
cies of lemur, as well as their nemesis the fossa. The
unveiled by the Zoo: a new 450-foot-long bridge now
wily honey badger, of nature program (and viral video)
allows access to the Elephant Odyssey while avoiding
fame, can also be found lurking here.
a steep canyon ascent. Savvy visitors may notice that
The “rocks” in Africa Rocks isn’t merely an exclama-
if they look down as they pass over, they just might
tion worthy of fist-pumping bros: as each habitat tran-
catch a glimpse of one of the giant pandas without
sitions to another, geologic features representative of
having to brave the sometimes-substantial wait to get
each area are also depicted. The kopje, for instance,
through their exhibit below.
has (faux) granite outcrops, and the Cape Fynbos (more
Of course, many older areas of the zoo—built over
on this later) is strewn with large, rounded boulders
the years to replicate multi-species habitats—still re-
seemingly worn by waves and time.
main fan favorites. Lucky guests who venture to the
Another structural element is the main attraction in
Tiger Trail often find themselves face to face with these
the West African Forest area, where recirculated wa-
noble predators, separated only by a sheet of glass.
ter cascades 65 feet down Rady Falls. One particular
And at the Orangutan Trail, siamangs playfully romp
footpath that slips behind the waterfall, thus offering
among their more stoic orange cousins.
its pedestrians a slight shower, no doubt provides a
Now in operation for over a hundred years, the San
popular respite from the heat during summertime vis-
Diego Zoo has continued to change with the times, ever
its. The most peculiar animals this forest has to offer
endeavoring to create more natural, livable environ-
may be the West African dwarf crocodiles, which max
ments for its animals. But those efforts have not im-
out at about five feet in length. Though, to spy them
munized it from controversy—a vocal segment of an-
24 San Diego MA RCH 2018
MARCH EVENTS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO { 3/10 } Spring Winemaker Dinner at Albert’s Restaurant { 3/11} Orchid Odyssey { 3/16 } Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey; Spring Event begins (through April 8)
imal lovers still believe that no creature should be kept
ego Zoo project that saved the California condor from the brink of
in captivity for the entertainment of humans. But oth-
extinction are funded by revenue generated from visitors. As zo-
ers point out that zoos help to educate and nurture the
ological parks continue to evolve and provide their charges with
next generation of environmental stewards, and that
more natural and enriching habitats, it’s clear that that evolution
some conservation success stories such as the San Di-
will continue to be led by the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
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sensimag.com MARCH 2018 25
IN
by ROBYN GRIGGS L AWRENCE
DISTILLATE
O &RROLLED KEEF IN
26 San Diego 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. 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 27
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.
28 San Diego MA RCH 2018
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 29
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 ex30 San Diego 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.
sensimag.com MARCH 2018 31
{soSD} by BOBBY BL ACK
FIELDS
color of
SMELL THAT? Spring is in the air, and nowhere in SoCal is that more evident than in the Northern San Diego County town of Carlsbad, where the famous Flowers Fields have begun to bloom. This fabulous floral phenomenon dates back nearly 100 years: in the early 1920’s, horticulturist Luther Gage—an early settler of the area—planted his land with ranunculus flowers using seeds he’d bought from Europe. A member of the buttercup family initially discovered in Asia Minor, the ranunculus flower had previously produced only two colors of petals—red and yellow. But after years of selective breeding by Gage and his neighbor Edwin Frazee, with whom he shared the seeds—they eventually produced a heartier strain of the flower (that Gage dubbed the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus) with around
thirteen different colors variations. When he moved away in 1965, Frazee brought the seeds with him to the current property, which he rented from fellow flower farmer Paul Ecke Jr. These two friends are the ones responsible for creating the fifty-odd acres of gorgeous gardens we see at Carlsbad Ranch today. (In fact, the property is still owned by Ecke’s descendants.) The Ranch offers loads of family-friendly events and activities, the most popular of which seem to be the antique tractor rides, which take you on a guided tour of the grounds. If you’re a lover of nature, the Flower Fields are indeed a sight worth seeing. But don’t put it off—these beauties are only in bloom from March 1 until May 11. — BOBBY BLACK
THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH { When } March 1 – May 14, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. daily { Where} 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad { Cost} Adult– $14 // Seniors (60+)– $13 Children (3-10) // $7 and Babies (2 and under) free 32 San Diego MA RCH 2018
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