October Evercannabis - October 2, 2020 by Cowles Publishing

L U F R O L CO IS B A N N CA October 2020

www.evercannabis.com

OF S E HU WER FLO L A TEL RY STO

GET OUT THE VOTE

VOTE

Pot gets political on ballots

TAKE A HIKE Appreciate the great outdoors

BEYOND BROWNIES

Crunchy, salty edibles still niche

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The Spokesman-Review

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene, Idaho

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The Spokesman-Review

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 10

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Tainted treats turn out to be mostly make-believe

Kathleen Coleman DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dan Fritts

MANAGING EDITOR

Joe Butler

HEALTH & CULTURE EDITOR

Theresa Tanner

ART DIRECTOR, MARKETING

Anne Potter

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Chris Soprych

Evercannabis magazine is a monthly supplement of The SpokesmanReview. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.

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Pot presence added to urban legend lexicon By Joe Butler

EVERCANNABIS EDITOR

“I don’t know if this is true, but it never hurts to be careful, right?” is one of those email introductions I try to delete faster than you can say “endocannabinoid.” What follows is usually a scary yet well-intended tale that someone may have heard from a trusted friend or knows a guy who heard that something bad might have happened somewhere. It’s the email or social media version of the telephone game, but usually with more dire consequences. Around this season, the fear factor tends to focus on Halloween, often along the lines of “A mom I know said her kid’s trick-or-treat candy had razor blades/rat poison/nails/pins/ saturated fats in it!” Naturally, as cannabis becomes more visible, a recent addition has been, “There were drugs in the candy! Can you believe it?!” New Jersey’s attorney general even sent out an advisory in

2017, warning parents to be on alert for cannabis-infused edibles in their kids’ trick-ortreat bags, and said a child in New York once became sick from eating candy he found in the family car. As someone with a semi-scholarly interest in urban legends and general conspiracy lore, I appreciate a good story, but I also am fascinated how and why these warnings happen, how they evolve over generations and cultures, (especially digitally) and why they’re so easy to want to believe. The ‘risks of tainted food from strangers’ theme has been around for thousands of years, but it has also blended with spiritual concerns about Halloween’s occult nature, plus the additional fear of children literally knocking on random doors at night. Throw in modern cannabis anxieties and you’ve got a cautionary tale that everyone can enjoy. Cannabis concerns often include two boogeymen. One is the shady and likely dangerous drug dealer. The other is the drug user, seen as generally harmless, even funny, but still brain-dead and confused. Either or both of these personas could be part of the spooky scare story. One is trying to poison your kid or get them hooked on the reefer;

the other is too fried to tell the difference between pot cookies and fun-sized Butterfingers when kids come knocking. Research into Halloween candy tampering shows that yes, it has happened, but in the bulk of cases, the perpetrators are either parents who want to warn children about potential tampering, or siblings/friends playing a prank. As far as giving away edibles, ask anyone in the cannabis industry if they would ever deliberately or even accidentally give pot to random kids. The consensus is pretty much, “Are you high?” Edibles are expensive to buy, and it takes effort to make them yourself. Who would risk the potential health and criminal consequences of purposefully giving them to kids? Responsible users make sure edibles are far from reach of children and pets, especially if they have underage guests visiting. Though there’s nothing wrong with parents inspecting candy (don’t forget that vital 10% inspection fee), but even in a legal-use state like Washington, there are more scary things to worry about than marijuana! Enjoy your Halloween! If you choose to celebrate, be safe and sensible. (And let us know your favorite urban legend while you’re at it!)

EVERCANNABIS CONTRIBUTORS Linda Ball is a freelance journalist based in Washington State. In her 18 years as a journalist she has covered a wide variety of topics including environmental issues, city hall, arts and entertainment, education, human interest stories and now the rapidly-changing cannabis industry. Joe Butler is a longtime marketing writer and editor at The Spokesman-Review. He’s an enthusiast of Star Wars, commemorative spoon collecting, and the Oxford comma. Chelsea Cebara is a medicallycertified cannabis consultant and product developer. She teaches and speaks nationally on the intersection of cannabis with sexuality, relationships, and culture. Follow her on Twitter @ChelseaCebara. Tracy Damon is a Spokane-based freelancer who has been writing professionally for 20 years. She has been covering i502 issues since recreational cannabis became legal in Washington. Rick Misterly is a Washington resident whose interest in cannabis dates back to the 1960s and has taken him around the world. He’s the cannabis and hashish curator for Green Barn Farms in Addy and writes the “Rick’s World of Hashish” blog. Kate A. Miner has a degree in visual anthropology, and has worked in marketing and advertising for many years. She writes, takes photos and teaches yoga. John Nelson is a longtime journalist, having worked at major news operations in Spokane, Memphis and Seattle. He now works as a freelance journalist, writing about outdoors recreation, marijuana and recreational vehicles. Theresa Tanner is the Health & Culture editor of EVERCANNABIS. Born and raised in Spokane, she enjoys good food and drink, pop culture podcasts, and relaxing at the lake. Seagrin von Ranson is a freelance writer/photographer and Eastern Washington Sales Executive for HannaH Industries. An avid hiker and cannabis enthusiast, she can be found wandering a trail near you.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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OCTOBER TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOTE

16 ELECTION 2020

How will cannabis fare on Nov. 3?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CRAFT CANNABIS COALITION

Industry group advocates for businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

MEET POM CANNABIS

Satori retailer rebrands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

COLORS OF CANNABIS

What determines the hue of a flower?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

TAKE A HIKE

TERPENES AND TREES

Hiking Antoine Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

10-YEAR RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

Studies will explore medical efficacy, safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

TOURING CANNABIS

Cannabis entrepreneurs invite visitors to partake. . . . . . . . . . . 14

TO BE BLUNT

Looking to loosen up in the bedroom? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

SAVORY SNACKS

Edible makers get salty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Oregon Diesel from Orgrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Evercannabis, The Spokesman-Review and the Cowles Company don’t promote or endorse the use of cannabis products. We acknowledge that marijuana products remain illegal under federal laws. If adults age 21 or older choose to purchase or use them, we encourage them to consume sensibly and at their own risk in legal jurisdictions, in accordance with state and local laws. Some cannabis products have intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Consumption of marijuana also may be associated with health risks and impaired concentration, coordination, and judgment. Keep away from children. To learn more, visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

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The Spokesman-Review

NEWS & BUSINESS

President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Fayetteville Regional Airport on Sept. 19 in Fayetteville, N.C.

Cannabis issues face voters in November Presidential candidates vague on support, condemnation By Linda Ball

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

When asked by a Washington Examiner reporter in 2019 whether marijuana would be legalized under his watch, President Donald Trump

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., appear at a campaign event Aug. 12 in Wilmington, Del. ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

kicked the matter back to the states to make their own decisions. But in mid-August 2020, he urged Republicans not to place any marijuana initiatives on state ballots because of his concern that it would increase Democratic voter turnout. After staying relatively silent on the issue, this was a significant turn of events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and far from advocating that states set their own policies. According to a Gallup poll, 66 percent of Americans favor legalizing cannabis nationally, with an April 2018 poll from Quinnipiac Univer-

sity finding that Americans support patient access to medical marijuana 93-5. Marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I substance at the federal level, which means it is considered illicit, prone to abuse and not recognized as having any medical benefits. Even so, 33 states have legalized medical marijuana since 1996, with 11 states allowing adult recreational use, possession and cultivation. Trump has mostly side-stepped See CANDIDATES, 7

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NEWS & BUSINESS

CANDIDATES Continued from 6

the issue by throwing management back to the states, but his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, made no secret of his disdain for cannabis. His successor, William Barr, was found to harass legal cannabis companies with antitrust allegations because of his personal dislike for the industry, according to the Chicago Tribune. On the Democratic ticket, vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris could make some in-roads to legalization on a federal level. As attorney general of California, she endorsed legalization of recreational cannabis, which was approved by California voters in 2016. Harris is also the lead sponsor on legislation to lift the federal ban. Her bill would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, leaving its status up to individual states, while also authorizing expungement and sentencing reviews for people who were convicted of federal marijuana offenses. In April she tweeted “the Senate must pass my Marijuana Opportunity Act to legalize marijuana at the federal level and expunge non-violent marijuana-related offenses from the records of the millions who’ve been arrested or incarcerated. Too many lives have been ruined by these regressive policies.” As for her running mate, former Vice President Joe Biden is warming to decriminalizing recreational use, legalization for medical use, and expungement of convictions. He is also in favor of classifying marijuana as a Schedule II drug, a designation reserved for dangerous drugs that have medical value. Rescheduling still carries with it the threat of criminal penalty for use, possession or cultivation. Moving marijuana to Schedule II and resuming the non-enforcement stance of the Obama administration, could help the industry, but won’t address some federal-state conflicts or the problem of banking for the industry. At the state level this fall, several initiatives are on their respective ballots, per the cannabis lobbying organization NORML. New Jersey: Members of the New Jersey Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment in December 2019 by a three-fifths majority, firmly placing a question to allow regulated adult-use cannabis sales on the November ballot. Nearly seven in 10 New Jersey voters have said they intend to

vote in favor. Mississippi: Two competing medical measures have qualified for the ballot. A citizen-driven campaign will allow patients to access up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per 14-day time period. Under a less clear and more restrictive initiative created by the Mississippi Legislature, patients would be prohibited from smoking whole-plant marijuana. South Dakota: Two separate measures have qualified for the ballot. Constitutional Amendment A would legalize recreational marijuana. Measure 26 would legalize cannabis for medical use; with a doctor’s approval, a patient could purchase and possess up to three ounces of marijuana and grow up to three plants for therapeutic use. This is the first state to have both medical and recreational use on one ballot. Arizona: If approved, Initiative 23 would allow adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants for personal use. Montana: New Approach Montana has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. I-190 would allow adults to possess one ounce and cultivate up to four plants for personal use. CI-118 amends the state constitution so that only those age 21 and older can patronize legal cannabis businesses. Oklahoma: State Question 807 would have allowed adults to legally purchase and possess marijuana for personal use. Proponents withdrew the measure, as it was unfeasible to collect signatures during the pandemic. Nebraska: Activists gathered at the state Capitol in July to turn in over 182,000 signatures from registered voters to get a medical marijuana initiative on the ballot. It would allow qualifying patients, with a doctor’s approval, to use medical marijuana and “discreetly” grow for therapeutic use. Idaho: Signature gathering was suspended in March for an initiative to place medical marijuana on the ballot due to COVID restrictions. Russ Belville, campaign spokesperson for the Idaho Cannabis Coalition said, “we always knew protecting patients in America’s most pot-hating state would require a great deal of effort. Now it appears it will require a lawsuit.” He and other medical advocates are exploring legal options for either this November or 2022. California: The California Cannabis Hemp Heritage Act would make changes to the state’s licensing and taxation rules in an effort to expand access to marijuana. Signatures were still being gathered as of this writing.

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The Spokesman-Review

COMING TOGETHER New coalition advocates for Washington’s cannabis companies

By Tracy Damon

TO LEARN MORE More information on the Craft Cannabis Coalition can be found at craftcannabiscoalition.com. For more information, contact Joanna@ craftcannabiscoalition.com.

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Many industries have advocacy or networking groups, and now Washington’s cannabis industry does too. The Craft Cannabis Coalition, a non-profit organization based out of Tacoma, started a year ago with a goal of supporting and advocating for marijuana businesses statewide. “We’re the only trade association that represents (cannabis) license holders specifically,” said Joanna Monroe, CCC executive director. “We want to protect craft cannabis in our state; not have the industry be dominated by a few large players.” By the CCC’s definition, “craft cannabis” is any cannabis company in Washington because the industry is still so new here that most cannabis companies are small businesses, attempting to grow while still figuring out the rules. “We’re a new industry Monroe and we are so very fragile. It’s taken years for us to figure it out and all the complexities involved,” said Monroe. “We want to have some really solid trade associations with messages on what the industry needs and what could really wipe it out … Washington, being one of the first states (to legalize recreational marijuana) had to experiment with the framework. Our job is to have a relationship with the LCB (Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board) and legislative committees.” As a trade association, Monroe and the CCC’s seven board members describe the group as advocates for the industry. They work with lobbyists and put together a legislative agenda to address issues in the cannabis community, then connect with lawmakers. “Working with the LCB, we are active with making sure we’re really combing through everything and making sure everything is as clear as possible and no one is sneaking anything in legislatively,” said Becca Burgeardi, vice chair of the CCC and vice president of Compliance and Packaging for North-

west Cannabis Solutions, a grower. “We’re helping the industry understand the stakeholders interests. They’re not experts in this incredibly complex industry.” Stakeholders include licensed producers, processors and retailers who benefit from being CCC members in several ways. “Like any trade association, we have programming where members can attend events, such as a panel with enforcement, or legislative outlooks, or with lobbyists on what to expect in the upcoming session. They get access to networking, good programming, special updates and general insider perspective,” said Monroe. While Monroe and Burgeardi are hesitant to reveal membership numbers this early in the coalition’s existence, they say they are happy with how membership is progressing and the numbers demonstrate the group’s strength. “Having a large membership shows our regulators and legislators that we do have a united front. When they are too busy to go advocate for themselves, they can lean on us,” said Burgeardi.

In addition to companies wanting to be CCC members, the coalition has also received interest from others. “I have had meetings with Rick Garza, head of the LCB, who has welcomed me, and other partners have also been extremely inclusive,” said Monroe. The group also recently connected with Gov. Jay Inslee at an event. “He was very grateful to see this trade association in the mix,” Monroe said. And CCC members were grateful to be able to relay their concern and struggles to the governor. “We face really difficult challenges: no access to capital or credit, high insurance costs, difficulty obtaining leases on property, an inability to deduct basic expenses under (tax code provision) 280E,” said Burgeardi. “Under the CARES act, we were required to give employees time off, but weren’t eligible for the PPE loan. So we told the governor we need access to the same benefits. We’ve been deemed essential, but many of our members are struggling.” Also struggling, according to the CCC, are people of color in the state’s

cannabis industry. “... People of color have systematically been arrested and convicted at higher rates,” said Burgeardi. “Even though the license fee (to start a cannabis business) was only $250 to start … you’re asking people who have been disadvantaged for generations to pay. It’s time we take a step back and recognize that, not just as legislators but as an industry.” Supporting industry participation from minority communities and promoting diversity is one of the items on the Craft Cannabis Coalition’s upcoming legislative agenda, along with promoting the allowance of regular business practices for 502 businesses as seen in other industries, limiting the sale of cannabis licenses outside of the state, and opposition to forced unionization of cannabis companies. Proposed legislation in early 2020 would have tied relicensing for cannabis companies to union membership. “We are already an industry that struggles and to add unionization on top of that is unfortunate. We support unions and workers rights, but because our industry is so fragile we struggle with that,” said Burgeardi. Buregeardi and Monroe say that the COVID-19 pandemic has added even more uncertainty to the cannabis field. “We were deemed essential but were given no small business loans. We were one of the first industries to jump on social distancing and really high cleaning standards and we had to figure out all these things because at the end of the day we were trying to keep our workers safe,” said Burgeardi. “We’re still open and it’s a constant battle of where are we going to find masks, where are we going to source sanitizer.” The pandemic has presented some other interesting impacts as well. Being fairly new to her position, Monroe has never met the Board she works for in person.

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NEWS & BUSINESS

THERESA TANNER/EVERCANNABIS

Cannabis retail locations Satori, like the South Hill’s 30th Avenue location, shown on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, will become POM Cannabis, emphasizing its connection to glassware retailers Piece of Mind, also owned by Justin Wilson.

Returning to its roots

Cannabis retailer Satori evolves into POM Cannabis By Joe Butler

EVERCANNABIS WRITER

The term “satori” comes from the Zen Buddhist tradition, and describes a moment of waking, self-awareness and greater comprehension. Justin Wilson had his Satori moment in 2014 when Washington voters approved adult-use cannabis, and he immediately saw the need for high-quality stores to serve this new customer base. Wilson knew the cannabis community somewhat. Since 1997, he has owned Piece of Mind shops in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and California. The retail/culture establishments have provided customers with an impressive selection of functional glassware, apparel and various other accessories and gadgets, even if they are only intended for tobacco smoking only. (At least that’s what the signs say.) So he took the plunge and licensed a group of Satori stores that focus only on cannabis products. Today there are two Satoris in Spokane plus loca-

tions in Pullman, the Fremont area of Seattle, Bellingham and Anchorage, Alaska. Some shops, like North Spokane and Spokane’s South Hill, are located next to a Piece of Mind, and great effort has gone into making sure there’s a distinct look and feel between both brands. This means no shred of tie-dye, no whiff of incense, or any funky music to be heard at Satori. Instead, these shops are bright, shiny, spacious, even subdued to some degree. But if you need tools and accessories to partake, you need to head next door. This fall, it’s time to bring both worlds closer together. Wilson has spent the summer putting together plans to rename and rebrand all Satori stores POM Cannabis. Starting this fall, shoppers will be able to visit any POM Cannabis location to buy premium cannabis from producers/ processors around the state. They can also receive useful advice on what products can best help with any mental or physical health condition, or just to make shoppers feel good. Then they can head to a Piece of Mind store to get the tools to consume it, like quality dab rigs, pipes and bubblers. Cool See POM, 18

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The Spokesman-Review Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

WHAT DIFFERENT COLORS TELL US ABOUT A STRAIN By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Long before cannabinoid testing began, customers made their choices mostly based on smell and color. After that, taste and of course potency. Even today, with all the knowledge we have available when making our weed purchases, there is nothing more appealing than a jar of colorful buds. So where do those amazing bud colors come from? In a word, anthocyanins. Anthocyanins belong to a parent class of molecules called flavonoids and are synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway. They occur in all tissues of higher plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits. They are odorless and moderately astringent, and can appear red, blue or purple according to their pH. Think of tree leaves in fall. As the

temperature drops, they change from green to red, orange, yellow or gold. The same is true for cannabis: once the green fades, the colors appear. Temperature plays a vital role too. Chlorophyll is the plant component vital to photosynthesis and cooler temperatures inhibit chlorophyll production. For cannabis, depending on the lineage of the strain, certain colors can appear when you drop the temperature and the light cycle shortens, simulating a change in season. The ideal range to grow cannabis is a pH of 5.5-6.5, however, during flowering, you can lean one way or another to enhance or minimize certain anthocyanins to bring out certain colors. Additionally, different strains of cannabis come with different cannabinoid ratios, flavor profiles and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins can be present in plant tissues, leaves and flowers. Sometimes, they even present in the trichomes

themselves, which are the hairs or fine outgrowths or appendages on plants. They also can attract pollinating creatures like butterflies and bees, while deterring pests. A common misconception is that strains with bold color are more potent. The truth is that color has nothing to do with potency. In fact, buds that have been grown and harvested to their maximum potential can be so covered with trichomes that they almost appear white. Trichomes are packed with cannabinoids and terpenes so these flowers can be quite potent. White Widow or White Rhino are two strains with a propensity to become encrusted with trichomes. However, anthocyanins are known to act as powerful antioxidants and are also thought to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. So while the presence

of anthocyanins doesn’t change the potency of cannabinoids like THC levels, it might give the strain an added entourage effect on health. Other plants high in these molecules include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, blood oranges, and cranberries. Cranberries especially are touted for their powerful antioxidant properties, due to anthocyanins. Strong and vibrant color also indicates that your cannabis is at its peak freshness, taste, and potency. If you are consuming your colorful bud orally in tinctures, oils, edibles, or capsules, you are also getting the nutritional benefits of carotenoids, anthocyanins and other flavonoids. But what about the actual color? Do different colors provide different effects? Your cannabis can come in a rainbow of colors, and yes, different shades can determine varied effects, taste, and even smell.

YELLOW: Carotenoids produce the warm hues found in many plants including carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and tomatoes. Beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are among the more than 750 carotenoids have been identified and can be converted by the body into Vitamin A. Many flavonoids are also yellow and can influence the colors of cannabis. Yellow strains include Lemon Haze, Golden Lemon, and Strawberry Banana. Known for their sweet and citrusy scents and highTHC content, they are said to produce happy, invigorating effects that sharpen creativity and sensory awareness.

All blue cannabis descends from Dutch Passion’s Blueberry, developed in Amsterdam in the 1970s. Popular strains include Blue Haze, Blue Mystic and Blue Cheese. These predominant Indica strains are known for being heavy, often used for relaxation and for providing relief from muscle spasms, pain, or stress.

INDIGO: There are some rare strains that are so dark they almost appear black. The origin of these genetics goes back to Vietnamese landraces, like Vietnamese Black. All other strains derived from hybrids, such as Black Willy and Black Tuna, share both the signature ebony buds and leaves.

ROYGBIV – Taste the Rainbow

In addition, black strains are noted for their intense psychedelic, cerebral highs. If you want visuals, this lineage is for you. The inky appearance comes from an overabundance of all colors in the leaves.

RED: Red hairs show up more frequently, but red buds and leaves are not

nearly as common. Red marijuana is a genetically selected plant and is created by combining three kinds of cannabis – ruderalis, indica and sativa. It’s an extremely rare plant. The “Red” is best known for its hybrid effects, which simultaneously offer great relief to the body and the mind and is known for its intoxicating aroma. There are also some lovely shades of pink, such as Predator Pink or Pink Kush, with actual pink and fuchsia hues. These are Indica-dominant hybrids, with powerful body-focused effects known to eliminate pain, insomnia, and appetite loss.

BLUE: Cannabis flowers with shades of blue are high in anthocyanins and are by far some of the most beautiful. Likewise, fruits and vegetables high in anthocyanins include blueberries, açai, raspberries, blackberries, and purple cabbage. Blue-hued cannabis can be achieved by picking a blue strain of cannabis seeds and letting it grow outdoors, naturally occurring as the temperature drops.

ORANGE: Carotenoids

give cannabis those citrusy hues of yellow, gold, and orange. To get these colors, more alkaline conditions are required. If these colors are predominant in the plant, they will come out naturally as the flowering phase comes to an end. Orange will mostly affect the hairs and buds, such as Agent Orange, Orange Crush, or Tangerine Dream. These strains are known for their aromas of fresh-cut citrus and are excellent mood enhancers.

VIOLET: Purple strains of cannabis are

probably the most popular, such as Granddaddy Purple, Purple Haze and Purple Urkle. Marijuana strains that appear purplish or blue as opposed to the traditional green cannabis, tend to be more fruity, due to the high number of anthocyanins.

GREEN: Green is the predominant color of

most flowering plants, including cannabis, due to the presence of chlorophyll. Often plant tissues will have so much chlorophyll that its green color masks the presence of other pigments. Cannabis strains that retain green as the dominant bud color include Green Crack and Green Goblin. With a tangy, fruity flavor redolent of mango, Green Crack is a great daytime strain known to fight fatigue, stress and depression.

Purple Orangutan (or Gorilla) has some of the strongest purple hues in the world. This mostly indica hybrid produces lush, chunky buds covered in trichomes and purple shades. Purple Gorilla flowers smell of fresh earth and an array of berries, with a taste reminiscent of grapes picked right from the vine.

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The Spokesman-Review Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

WHAT DIFFERENT COLORS TELL US ABOUT A STRAIN By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

ROYGBIV – Taste the Rainbow

RED: Red hairs show up more frequently, but red buds and leaves are not

ORANGE: Carotenoids

VIOLET: Purple strains of cannabis are

GREEN: Green is the predominant color of

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The Spokesman-Review

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Antoine Peak Conservation Area

TERPENES AND TREES By Seagrin von Ranson

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

“The universe is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to become sharper.”

– Eden Phillpotts

It’s easy to forget how incredibly fortunate we are to call the Northwest home. We miss the forest for the trees, so to speak. Allow me to remind you of the magic that surrounds you and perhaps you’ll acquire a new lens through which to view your world. To kick this up a notch, I’ll also give you cannabis strain recommendations for both the activity and the recovery to facilitate peak performance and aid in your recuperation. Let’s explore Antoine Peak Conservation Area, which offers

360-degree views overlooking Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley to the south, and Peone Prairie, Mt. Spokane and the Selkirk Mountain range to the north. Antoine Peak Conservation Area is a riparian zone, preserving a critical wildlife corridor that connects the Selkirk Mountain range to the Spokane River valley. Large mammals you might spot include moose, elk, whitetail deer and black bear. Cougars also roam this mountainous terrain, but you’re far less likely to encounter them. Antoine Peak is also part of the Palouse to Pines Loop, the Great Washington State Birding Trail, so be on the lookout for a variety of feathered friends in flight. The summit trail is accessible from both the east and west, and while the west trailhead offers a more direct and less strenuous route to the summit, I’m a Valley Girl (holla), so I always choose the east trailhead, which zigzags north from Canfield Gulch and up to the summit trail. Starting from Canfield Gulch, you’ll climb counterclockwise toward the summit junction. The trail on this side takes you past Leland Pond, an ideal wildlife viewing spot, and follows the small streams that make their way to the pond. Because this side of the peak receives far more moisture than the west side, you’ll be rewarded with a vast array of diverse plant life, including the rare Pacific Yew, whose English cousin is known as “the tree of death” due to its toxicity, as well as lush undergrowth that looks foreign

SEAGRIN VON RANSON

View at Antoine Peak Conservation Area. BELOW LEFT: The author on a hike.

If you go

Antoine Peak Conservation Area is a riparian zone, preserving a critical wildlife corridor that connects the Selkirk Mountain range to the Spokane River valley. East access (Canfield Gulch): 19516 E. Lincoln Road; Spokane Valley West access (Brevier Road): 15501 E. Brevier Road; Spokane Leashed Dogs: Allowed Length: 9 miles roundtrip Elevation gain: 1,250 feet Difficulty rating: Moderately Difficult

and even a little exotic in Eastern Washington. Continue your gentle ascent for a few miles until you reach Antoine’s Summit Trail. Follow this trail until you meet what I have dubbed as the ultimate accessory to this hike: The Emerald Necklace. The Emerald Necklace is a 2.4-mile loop that wraps around the base of Antoine Peak’s summit. This trail is the ultimate accessory, as it boasts dynamic views in each direction. Notably, this portion of the hike has an entirely different

feel, compliments of a staggering variety of flora that thrives off the moist climate of the northern-facing slope. On our most recent outing, we gorged ourselves on wild raspberries while meandering through this gem of a trail and taking in every view she had to offer. You can access the summit from the halfway point of the Emerald Necklace, or you can skirt around the base; pick your adventure! As you make your way back down, you can either go the route from which you

came, or you can head directly down the old Jeep trail to the east trailhead.

Activity strain recommendation: Blue Dream

This strain features terpenes that will enhance your experience. Pinene is an anti-inflammatory that provides energetic focus. Limonene elevates mood, boosts energy and will heighten your senses. beta Caryophyllene also enhances focus and mood, and Humulene is an appetite suppressant, if you are hiking to aid weight loss.

Recovery strain recommendation: Purple Punch

After your hike, this strain features terpenes to aid your post-hike recuperation. Myrcene is calming, and Terpinolene is relaxing. Linalool provides stress relief. For an overall wellness boost, beta Ocimene is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidative.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

Pitt, Parallel join forces on research of medical marijuana By Theresa Tanner

EVERCANNABIS WRITER

In August, the University of Pittsburgh and Parallel, a multi-state cannabis company, announced plans to establish a 10-year clinical research program to study medical marijuana. Goodblend – Parallel’s global retail brand – will provide the University an initial $3 million in unrestricted grants to be used for the exploration of the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis. Parallel will also dispense its cannabis formulations to research study participants. The initial research will focus on treating sickle cell disease symptoms, with subsequent research efforts exploring other chronic conditions, including generalized anxiety disorders and chronic intractable pain. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pitt) is one of eight Pennsylvania academic research universities approved to conduct clinical research in association with the Commonwealth’s medical marijuana program. For its part in this medical cannabis research agreement, Parallel was granted a license for vertically-integrated operations to grow and process cannabis, and to open up to six retail locations in state. “Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law emphasizes the need for rigorous research related to the use of medical cannabis,” Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for health sciences and the

John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said in a joint press release with Parallel. “Pitt is taking a leadership role in conducting that research and we look forward to advancing the safety and efficacy of cannabis therapies via scientific rigor. Parallel’s focus on the innovation, quality, safety and consistency of its products makes them an ideal partner for Pitt’s research program.” The first clinical trial will be led by Dr. Laura DeCastro, M.D., associate professor of medicine and Director of Clinical Translational Research for the Sickle Cell Disease Research Center of Excellence, to investigate the role cannabis can play in treating the symptoms of sickle cell disease. The disease is a red blood cell disorder characterized by anemia and pain due to the obstruction of blood vessels by rigid and adhesive red blood cells. Approximately 100,000 Americans, including 1 in 500 African Americans, have been diagnosed from SCD, which is associated with a median life expectancy of 45 years and can result in chronic pain in 15% of patients that is typically treated with opioids. “Patients with sickle cell disease and chronic pain have no real alternative to chronic opioid therapy, which has severe limitations and disadvantages,” said DeCastro. “We are proud to have this opportunity to study potential cannabis treatments for these patients who live in constant debilitating pain.”

Friday, October 2, 2020

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Friday, October 2, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

NEWS & BUSINESS

Is Washington cannatourism on rise? Visitors seeking cannabis could boost industry post-pandemic By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

According to an article released by the Washington Tourism Alliance in June of this year, tourism in Washington State has seen double digit growth during the past five years, generating $10.9 billion in direct state GDP in 2019 alone – before the industry’s near total shutdown in early spring 2020 due to COVID-19. Since the beginning of March, visitor spending in the state has declined by $3.8 billion compared with last year’s figures. Yet, cannabis sales have continued to rise, with sales in June and July significantly surpassing last year. Cannabis-themed tours are also in full swing, driving direct traffic to retailers. So, as reopening phases continue, is it possible we could see a boost in tourism based on cannabis sales alone? Some experts say it’s very likely. After Washington and Colorado legalized adult-use cannabis, researchers compared hotel room rentals in the two

states with states that prohibited adult use, between 2011 and 2015. What they found was an influx in tourist numbers and a rise in hotel revenue. Colorado saw monthly hotel booking increases by as much as 7%, and Washington up by almost 4%. In other words, travelers wanted to vacation in states where purchasing and consuming marijuana was legal. This isn’t just an American economic force either. For decades, Amsterdam did a booming pot tourism business, and when Canada became the second country to legalize cannabis entirely in 2018, visitors around the world flocked to the nation knowing that no matter where they went, weed was legal. However, despite Canada’s legalization, the U.S. market still generates the most revenue globally, even though only 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized both adult-use and medical cannabis entirely. States such as California, Colorado, and Washington are

some of the biggest market drivers, but not only in retail sales. In 2016, Colorado saw a total of 82.4 million travelers and a survey conducted by Colorado Tourism reported that 12 million, or 15% of those travelers, participated in cannabis-related activities. Among that group, 5% of those travelers said they went to Colorado specifically for cannabis reasons. Additionally, cannabis dispensaries and distributors are continuously expanding their product lines to meet the increasing demands of their customers, and the introduction of weed-friendly hotels and restaurants offering cannabis-infused cuisine, continues to rise. Cannabis entrepreneurs are organizing painting classes, bus tours and other marijuana-infused experiences at an increasing rate, and there are even services willing to pick you up at the airport, like Seattle’s 420 Pickup, which provides transportation to and from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a stop at several local dispensaries and 10% discount on all purchases.

There are several cannabis tours and buses willing to make your visit more memorable. Mile High Canna Tours takes riders to marijuana retailers where they are given VIP access, and then shuttled around Seattle for sight-seeing. The bus is decked out with a back-lit bar, a high-end sound system, a refrigerator, and two flat screen TVs equipped with a satellite feed. There’s also the 420 Limo and Laughs 420 Tour in Tri-Cities, where you’ll be picked up at Jokers Comedy Club by a “laser light limo” with built-in fog machine, taken to Prosser to do a little shopping, and then returned to the club for a free night of comedy. Or the Weed Bus in Seattle, which features 420-friendly transportation on luxury buses with concierge and VIP services to private smoking clubs. Tours throughout the city include pick-ups from locations like the Space Needle, Pike Public Market and the waterfront, and then to recreational retail shops, lounges, weed-friendly lodging, glass-blowing studios and more. Herban Adventure, formerly known as The Kush Tour, is now hosted by See CANNATOURISM, 17

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, October 2, 2020

CUTLURE & LIFESTYLE

TO BE BLUNT

Can cannabis help us in the bedroom? By Chelsea Cebara

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Dear Blunt, I have heard a lot about CBD lubricant, specifically that it helps women who have difficulty getting turned on. I want to try it, but my husband is in the military and gets drug tested. If he tests positive, our life is over so I’m not going to risk it with THC, but I thought maybe CBD would be okay? Is this something we can try? Thanks for your question; cannabis and sex are my favorite topics! Since most drug tests, including the ones used in the Armed Forces,

test only for THC, a CBD-only lube would be an appropriate alternative, but there are hidden risk factors that might affect your decision.  Cannabis “lubes” are something of a misnomer, since they are actually topicals rather than lubes. Whatever you call them, they are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to decrease discomfort and improve blood flow and sensitivity. We’re not talking Viagra here; it’s more of a subtle, attention-commanding feeling that would make it difficult to concentrate on, say, the dialogue in a Quentin Tarantino movie. The sensation is similar to a natural arousal response, unlike warming lubes, which are a

bit too reminiscent of IcyHot. Cannabis lubes containing THC also seem to enhance orgasmic potential (the strength, length and number of orgasms you can have), especially for people with vulvas. They are not direct aphrodisiacs, but many people find that when their body is responding, their brain gets into the act! Due to the dual stigmatization of both cannabis and sexuality, though, the research on cannabis topicals as a sex aid is effectively nonexistent, but we can make a reasonable inference that the enhancement is due to peripheral vasodilation – cannabis’ ability to increase blood flow to the smallest capillaries in the body.   To properly use a cannabis lube, you will need to apply it 20-40 minutes in advance of playtime. Remember, its main purpose is to enhance sensation and decrease discomfort rather than to lubricate (fortunately, most of them do both). This gives the cannabinoids the ideal amount of time to absorb. They work on any thin-skinned, See BLUNT, 17

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The Spokesman-Review

LEARN & GROW

NO MORE

sweet stuff Edible makers, buyers find options with savory treats By John Nelson

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

It all started with a potato chip. I was searching for a different kind of cannabis edible, and I came across Lori’s Potato Chips in Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, made by Craft Elixers in Seattle, and I was immediately hooked. The single-serving bag, dosed with 10 mg of THC, was filled with crunchy, delicious chips that also did an excellent job of getting me high. Who wouldn’t love potato chips like these? That led me on a path to try Lori’s other flavors – Roasted Garlic and Sweet Potato – all of which are surprisingly tasty and surprisingly potent. These munchies pack a punch. In the world of cannabis edibles, hundreds of stickysweet products are on the shelves at your local cannabis store, a seemingly ever-growing list of chocolates, sodas, cookies, chewables, and hard candies. Savory items? Not so much. It’s all about price point. Some cannabis-infused sweet drinks or hard candies can deliver 100 mg of THC for as little as $13, while a 10 mg THC bag of Lori’s chips in a 4.2 oz. bag typically goes for about $6. But price isn’t everything. Many sweet edibles have an off-taste that doesn’t mask their skunky cannabis qualities. Meanwhile, the fatty-oil infused chips have no off-flavor and deliver a slightly different high, said Jamie Hoffman, president of Craft Elixirs. “When the THC is contained in a fat molecule, it hits you harder and so much longer,” she said. Lori’s Potato Chips were originally launched in 2018 and didn’t immediately gain a following, Hoffman said. The original chips were not deep-fried (aka “healthy”), she said, and that might have been the problem. “People just don’t want a healthy potato chip,” Hoffman said. So in 2019, Craft Elixirs revamped production to deep fry the chips, still using organic ingredients. The product is growing in popularity as a result. “In the beginning, (Lori’s Potato Chips) weren’t selling,” said Josilyn Peterson, public and industry liaison for retailer

Trove Cannabis in Bellingham. “But now they’re doing really well. People come in asking for them.” While you can find Craft Elixirs’ other products in Eastern Washington, you’ll have to search hard to find them in Spokane. During your next visit to your favorite retailer, Hoffman suggests that you request them from the budtender; retailers have great control over what products are on their shelves, she said.

Other savory edible options

While savory edibles are a niche market, a few other notable items can be found in stores. Khush Kush, a high-end craft grower in Whatcom County, is expanding its edible line to offer more savory items. The company already produces a not-too-sweet granola bar (available in a 20 mg package at locations in Spokane) and is introducing a pesto-flavored “Pot Tart” this fall, according to Sunny Saini, CEO of Khush Kush. “Everybody’s doing sweet things,” Saini said. “We want to do something different.” Part of the reason Khush Kush is expanding its edible offerings is strategic, Saini said. By offering more items, the company aims to control more shelf space in retail stores around the state and thereby help with branding for its other cannabis products.

Pesto-flavored “Pot Tart”

COURTESY KHUSH KUSH

PHOTO BY JOHN NELSON

Khush Kush is also testing a cannabis-infused salsa, and so far, “everybody’s really liking it,” Saini said. If all goes well, you can look for the salsa later this year, he said. Another savory-spicy sauce to consider is the Fairwinds Sriracha Tincture, complete with packaging that looks like a mini-bottle of the popular sauce with a strutting rooster on the label. Each tincture (retailing at about $25) comes with 100 mg of THC, made with avocado oil and the spicy hot chili sauce. “The full effects can be expected within 10-30 minutes after the initial serving is administered,” according to the Fairwinds product description. “Capsaicin (the component of peppers that provide heat/spice) dilates the blood vessels, thereby allowing the THC in each serving to enter the bloodstream more quickly.” Also high on the spice meter is Spokane’s Yield Farms’ Fire Crackers, a zesty cheesy cracker dosed with 50 mg of THC per bag, which go for about $13. And how about something warm for these brisk fall days? Katie Baked Goods of Yakima offers the ApothoKatie Chicken Bone Broth, a powdered drink with 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD per serving.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

TOURISM Continued from 14

BLUNT

Continued from 15 densely vascularized tissue, certainly including genitals but also areolas, behind the ear, or even on the interior wrist or ankle.  In general, cannabis lubes, whether THC-inclusive or CBD-only, give local rather than systemic effects, meaning that they do not enter the bloodstream in sufficient quantities to cause psychoactive changes in the brain. I have known many sober individuals who were able to get the benefits of cannabis’ sexual enhancement properties in this way without risking their sobriety. This statement comes with a gigantic asterisk, however: If you ingest enough of a product orally or anally, or you use it in great quantity or frequency, you are risking a systemic effect. For this reason, I’m in agreement with your decision to stay away from THC lubes, even though the risk is low, simply because your consequences are so dire. That’s unfortunate, however, because THC is the main powerhouse behind the vasodilation effect that gives cannabis lubes their – ahem – bang. With a CBD-only lube, you will need to keep your potency higher and expectations lower. Decreased tension and inflammation are still likely, but the sensation and orgasmic enhancement might miss you.  This is not to say don’t give CBD lube a go, but you will need to be more conscientious than most customers. Not only will you need to find a product that is body-compatible (no glycerin, parabens, or glycols), but also high-potency and cleanly extracted. You will need to research to make sure the product is properly tested to back up what’s on the label. This is because some allegedly CBD-only products contain enough residual THC to potentially trigger a positive drug test.  As nearly everything on the lube market is oil-based (cannabinoids are

oil-loving compounds) you will also need to confirm that the carrier oil is safe. Steer clear of jojoba, shea, or mineral oils, which can cause infections. It is also possible to make CBD cannabis lube at home using basic kitchen equipment, which would give you greater control over the finished product. Check out my basic recipe below. And remember that oil-based lubes, cannabis-infused or not, are incompatible with latex barriers such as condoms.  One parting note: If you do decide to give this a go, make sure that you have your husband’s informed consent. Don’t apply it without his knowledge, no matter how certain you are of its safety. Just because CBD is non-intoxicating doesn’t mean it is non-psychoactive, and we all have a right to consent to what goes in, and on, our bodies.

Cannabis Lubricating Oil & Sensual Topical

3.5 grams of high-quality cannabis flower, Clean Green certified if possible (Consult your local budtender to find a high CBD/low THC flower.) 2 cups coconut oil, MCT, olive oil, or a blend (The oil you choose will determine the consistency of your lube. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature; MCT is coconut derived, but liquid at room temperature.) A double boiler A candy thermometer A fine strainer Cheesecloth A clean, dry, glass container for finished oil To prepare: Grind the cannabis finely and put it in the top of the double boiler with the oil. Fit the candy thermometer on the side and heat gently, keeping the temperature around 200 degrees for 2 hours. Strain oil through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into the storage container. Store in a cool dark place and dispense with a spoon or squirt nozzle rather than your hands, which can lead to spoilage. Have so much fun!

Show Me Seattle. It takes you behind the scenes of Seattle’s cannabis culture. On this tour you’ll get an exclusive trip to a cannabis garden, a private look into how concentrates are re-shaping the industry, and a visit to one of the finest retailers in the business. Tours feature partnerships with Craft Elixirs, Heylo Cannabis, Dawg Star, Ganja Goddess, and The Bakeréé. Tours can also provide an organic farm experience

that takes participants to a legal cultivation site to learn about the growing process. Chronic Carriages is your one-stop shop for any sort of custom cannabis adventure in Washington. Basically, they map out “the perfect day” for what to do and where to go. As far as places to stay, the Pot Guide has a great listing of accommodations throughout Washington that are weed-friendly — many on farms — offering transportation services, cooking experiences, and more. In general, if you have

an interest in cannabis, and want a first-hand experience when visiting our friendly, wonderfully legal, state, the tourism possibilities are growing and expanding, despite the decline in our economy due to the pandemic. It may be awhile before bars and restaurants resume their pre-COVID capacity, but until the rest of our country catches up, Washington can continue to expect a steady rise in everything cannabis related, be it a 420 hotel or B&B, smoking rooms, or a luxury bus.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct. 8

The Cannabis Alliance, Seattle. Monthly meeting of growers, retailers and other supporters of Washington’s cannabis system. The Alliance is also scheduling virtual happy hours for social interaction for members each Tuesday at 5 p.m., and “Office Hours” to meet the staff Mondays and Fridays at 11 a.m. thecannabisalliance.us

Oct. 10-11

Hempfest Online. The world’s largest annual protest-ival and cannabis convocation moves online this year but offers a wide variety of speakers and entertainment. www.hempfest.org/

Oct. 15

“Hiring and Retaining Diverse Talent,” webinar presented by The Full Spectrum, 1-2 p.m. Members of the cannabis industry can learn strategies to recruit and hire a diverse workforce and

keep them around and engaged. www. facebook.com/thefullspectrumorg

Oct. 17

The Dope Show, Bend, Ore. Comedians perform before and after partaking of locally purchased cannabis products at the Domino Room. The crowd often loves it. Occasional performances in Spokane and Everett. thedopeshow.com/

Through October

Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference. Tune in for recordings of more than 30 speakers, create an avatar to attend a virtual job fair, discuss current trends and get to know representatives from more than 50 businesses. emergecanna.com/ Due to health concerns, some events may be canceled, postponed or moved online. Please check with event organizers to verify prior to attending.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, October 2, 2020

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

TOURISM Continued from 14

BLUNT

Cannabis Lubricating Oil & Sensual Topical

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct. 8

Oct. 10-11

Hempfest Online. The world’s largest annual protest-ival and cannabis convocation moves online this year but offers a wide variety of speakers and entertainment. www.hempfest.org/

Oct. 15

“Hiring and Retaining Diverse Talent,” webinar presented by The Full Spectrum, 1-2 p.m. Members of the cannabis industry can learn strategies to recruit and hire a diverse workforce and

keep them around and engaged. www. facebook.com/thefullspectrumorg

Oct. 17

Through October

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Friday, October 2, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

NEWS & BUSINESS

Pacific County breaks retail sales records

ILWACO – It’s not news that 2020 has turned out to be great for Washington’s cannabis industry, especially after shops and producers/ processors have officially been declared “essential.” But the pandemic has led to record sales for retailers in smaller communities, such as Pacific County, which only has three shops and 23 smaller-scale growers. June retail sales were a record $560,000, and a 50 percent increase from the same month in June 2019, according to the figures from the Liquor and Cannabis Board. The Freedom Market in Ilwaco reported sales of $165,000, which was the highest of the three area stores, and $47,000 more than the same time last year. Mr. Doobees in Seaview reports record sales for May and June and July, $118,000, $133,000 and $150,000, respectively, also up $50,000 from the same three months last year. Grower’s Outlet in South Bend has averaged sales of about $115,000 each month,

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A lighthouse at Cape Disappointment in Pacific County’s Ilwaco, Washington, in April 2005. doubling figures from 2019. H.J. Norris, owner of Mr. Doobees, said the customer demographic has also changed in the coastal county. “We’re getting a lot more

older folks who have come here to escape the metro area, especially Seattle, or their kids sent them down here.” Sales remain steady for flower and concentrate, but edibles

are jumping in popularity, and Norris said a lot of it is due to people trying cannabis for the first time. Source: Chinook Observer

Anxious elephants given CBD oil WARSAW – Zookeepers at Warsaw’s zoo in Poland started supplying CBD oil to three elephants believed to be suffering stress and anxiety due to the recent death of a fellow pachyderm. After Erna, the largest female and herd elder, died in March, zoo staff reported that all three remaining elephants appeared to be mourning and grieving to some degree. One in particular, Fredzia, appeared to be more noticeably distressed than the others in her daily behaviors, including how she related to the other elephants. Studies of elephants show it can take months to re-establish emotional harmony in a herd while they deal with a loss. But the situation presented an opportuni-

ty to see if CBD can help and to move forward with a facility-wide plan to provide it as needed to other animals. “When Erna passed away, everything changed, and I don’t think Fredzia was ready for such a big change,” said Dr. Angnieszka Czujkowska, head of the zoo’s rehabilitation department. The oil is added to the elephants’ food or put directly in their mouths. Zoo staff will regularly examine their feces, saliva and blood for levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. They also will be given blood tests to see if any other chemical changes take place. Source: BBC

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Warsaw zoo’s two female elephants, Fredzia, right, and Buba, are shown Aug. 18 in their enclosure in Warsaw, Poland.

POM

Continued from 9 POM Cannabis apparel and merchandise will also be available. “We’re getting back to our roots,” Wilson said. “We’re going to have a different look, more in line with Piece of Mind.” What’s not going to change is exceptional service at either shop. There’s a high number of budtenders with medical marijuana certification at POM Cannabis who are always happy to help customers figure out which products could potentially benefit their health and aid their quality of life. The stores also offer an innovative program which provides inexpensive cannabis for card-carrying medical patients, along with occasional information/education nights at off-site locations. Piece of Mind employees are equally knowledgeable and can make excellent recommendations as well as promote the work of skilled regional glass artists. The new look for POM Cannabis will phase out the signature skull but add new colorful elements featuring cannabis leaves. Wilson said having a new unique brand in place will also be perfect when cannabis products expand nationally – licensing rights to the name and look could be easily made available to entrepreneurs in every state. Wilson has his eye particularly on California’s new adult-use cannabis market. “We’re able to help people with their medical needs, their wellness needs, and general cannabis needs,” Wilson said. “Our brand is now a congruence of all of these different areas.” It’s a perfect time to make this move. Cannabis sales are up in Washington and education and awareness of the benefits of cannabis and CBD products are also growing, especially as options for anxiety and mental health. “People need cannabis now more than ever,” he said. “Philosophically we’re thinking more long-term. If Satori represented a one-time epiphany, POM is going to be a longer journey toward enlightenment.” For more information, visit pomcannabis.com.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, October 2, 2020

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Oregon Diesel Earthy strain relaxes body, sharpens minds

n previous times of hardship, political leaders sometimes promised a chicken in every pot. Nowadays we have a different kind of “pot” for tough situations! It seems like regardless of what ails you or whatever mood you would like to change or enhance, there is “essential” relief available in cannabis products. Orgrow, the producer of this batch of Oregon Diesel, claims the title of the largest producer/processor in Central Washington. From its headquarters in Moxee, near Yakima, it grows both indoor and outdoor. The farm boasts more than 20,000 plants under cultivation and harvests 50 to 100 pounds per week. These guys also claimed to be either “too big” or “too busy” to be bothered offering much more information about their production methods for me to pass on, but I learned that they grow in a coco medium for all grows, due to the poor soil quality in their area. Not to be hindered by any concerns

By Rick Misterly

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

OREGON DIESEL Grown by: Orgrow, Moxee THC: 14.6% CBD: 0% about carbon footprint, their monthly power bill comes to about $33,000 a month. But hey, it’s hydropower. Before getting to the good part, the review, I do need to voice my disappointment about the lack of terpene testing. If we are ever going to progress to a point where cannabis can reliably relieve many common symptoms that we rely on pharmaceuticals for, a solid terpene profile is essential. Mandatory terpene testing is coming to the younger legal California cannabis industry, so we should look forward to our state making that move soon, as well. We would all benefit. Appearance: The package included four small buds, nicely trimmed, with a good fresh bounce. It wasn’t much to look at, seeming to be the bottom of the barrel remnants thrown together to make a gram. Unfortunate-

Purchased: Herbal E Scents,

Colville

Hybrid (90% Indica/10% Sativa): NYC Diesel x Blackberry ly, that’s the luck of the draw when buying small amounts. Nonetheless, these little bundles show an interesting blend of purple and light green studded with a thick, tight set of orange pistils. Under low magnification a heavy coat of trichomes subdues the colors sparkling in the light. On closer inspection you can see the dense, shiny cloak of amber web covering the entire surface. These appetizing sights increase the anticipation of what comes next. Aroma: First impressions of soft lavender develop into a stronger, spicy oregano. There is a sweet tangerine citrus lying beneath the more forward herbaceous scents. This Oregon Diesel finishes with a deep earthiness of damp forest floor giving off a delicious fungal aroma. In the hit before, a bit more of the pep-

pery bite came forward along with the faint sweet citrus. The smoke is remarkably smooth, both on the way in and out, where a flavor of brown butter invades the mouth while the air becomes infused with a clean, refined scent of wood. I couldn’t detect any diesel in this sample. Effects: Shortly after ignition, there is a feeling that becomes a short pause. Expect the change suddenly, after that it will continue to carry onto further levels of relaxation. With a few good tokes, it should be fine for just about anyone, although I’ve read of warnings for beginners. Just remember: The enjoyment that comes can be as simple as observing, with wonder, the power of this plant. Expect heightened awareness of light and motion, of wind-blowing branches affecting the light hitting the floor. Pretty much all senses will be heightened and thoughts cleared while muscles loosen with no real reason to move. Overall, this strain offers a very relaxed body effect yet with sharp mental clarity. It can be a great choice for elevating pain and dark moods. There should be no complaints.

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The Spokesman-Review