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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, February 7, 2020

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kathleen Coleman

DIRECTOR OF SALES Dan Fritts

MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler

HEALTH & CULTURE EDITOR Theresa Tanner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Potter In the U.S. one year subscription (12 issues) delivered discretely to your door for just $35. In Canada subscription is $60. For credit card payments please call 509.459.5095 from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. For check payments please include your mailing address, email, phone number and mail to EVERCANNABIS magazine, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

@EvercannaNews on social media www.evercannabis.com Evercannabis@spokesman.com 509.459.5095

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EVERCANNABIS magazine is published monthly by The Spokesman-Review. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.

Interested in being a

Why we’re not bringing sexy back From the

Editor’s Desk

elcome to a very sexy issue of Evercannabis! OK, settle down, people. We’re a newspaper. We’re absolutely, terribly boring by nature. Though our verbose writers have access to bags full of the steamiest adjectives, the best we can do is maybe be a little edgy or perhaps a little cheeky. This is entirely by design: as much as we respect, and even enjoy reading some of the other “culture and lifestyle-based” cannabis publications that are generally more graphic in terms of how cannabis may significantly improve one’s love life, that’s not us. We do remember a time, not all that long ago, when major bookstores, if they carried weed mags at all, lumped them into the “adults only” corner of the magazine rack behind the darkest, crinkliest plastic. This placement created even more of a temptation and dangerous unknown for something downright taboo: pictures of people growing pretty plants or talking about growing pretty plants. Much of that forbidden thrill is gone now that cannabis use and cultivation is more normalized, and today you’re more likely to read marijuana-focused stories in the easier-to-access business and health magazines at eye level. As a publication that focuses on “everyone,” or at least the 21-and-over everyones, we keep trying to find that nice middle place that treats the intersection of cannabis and intimacy seriously but not too seriously. Sort of along the lines of “not too cute and not too crude.” That’s why you’ll find stories in this issue that offer useful suggestions for gifts which could potentially make someone’s heart go pitter-pat, enhance the mood during date nights or perhaps improve Valentine’s Day or other celebrations. You’ll find a column with theories about which strains could provide more pleasure than others. You’ll even find our first published interview with a star of stage and screen, Stormy Daniels. (Side note – our writing team reaches out often to many famous folks who are active in the cannabis community, inviting them to tell their story to our cool audience. Ms. Daniels and her people were the first to say “You bet. What should we talk about?”) In keeping with our mission of a bit of everything for everyone, not just the blush-inducing, you’ll also find a blend of other interesting pieces in this issue, from socioeconomic data and cannabis retailers to features on interesting members of the community. We’re always eager to hear your thoughts as well about what you’d like to see more of and less of this year. Should we heat things up in future issues or cool them down?

FREE EVERCANNABIS® distribution location? Please contact 509.459.5095 or evercannabis@spokesman.com

EVERCANNABIS CONTRIBUTORS

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 2

Joe Butler Managing Editor

Joe Butler is a longtime marketing writer and editor at The SpokesmanReview. He’s an enthusiast of Star Wars, commemorative spoon collecting, and the Oxford comma. 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. Allison Hall has a degree in technology and has worked in the field for over 15 years. In the past couple years she has found that her true love lies in web site design, social media and marketing, freelance writing, and blogging. Rob Mejia is president of Our Community Harvest: A Cannabis Education Company (www. ourcommunityharvest.com); he tweets at @OurComHarvest. Rob lives in New Jersey and spends his free time cooking, playing tennis, and repairing an old house. 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. 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. The Spokesman-Review Kip Hill Dan Pelle Jesse Tinsley Molly Quinn

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

FEBRUARY CONTENT

NEWS & BUSINESS 6

LEAD-FREE VAPES Atlas Technology advocates standard

I502 ON THE MAP Study links locations to low incomes

NAKED SCIENCE Patients for Patients educator makes CBD

HEALTH & SCIENCE 10

STRESSING OUT Why can cannabis cause paranoia?

MEDICINAL RECIPROCITY State policies vary for patients

SUPERIOR SCIENCE Dept. of Ecology task force defines quality standards

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE 14

STORM A-BREWIN’ Stormy Daniels partners with Forest Pharms

LEARN & GROW 18

INHALE, EXHALE Sticky Budz introduces inhaler

GIFTS OF LOVE Show your sweetie you care with cannabis

IN THE MOOD Which strains, products may lead to romance

LCB INSTITUTES CHANGES Independent study recommends “cultural change”

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.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

NEWS & BUSINESS

Is a lack of industry standards making your vape cartridges dangerous? By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

utside of FDA-approved pharmaceuticals, legal cannabis products are some of the most tested and regulated products American consumers can buy. So why do current state standards allow for the presence of lead in heavy metals tests, particularly in vape cartridges? Industry pioneers, such as Atlas Technology in Tukwila, insist we must do better. “We can’t wait for the regulators or reputable media outlets to educate consumers,” said Kent Haehl, president of Atlas Group. “The legal and regulated cannabis industry must take responsibility for informing our customers about the safety of our products, and it is incumbent upon us to deliver healthy and safe vaporization products.” To be clear, the issue is not with the distillate within the vape cartridge. But, in the testing of the distillate, lead can be found because many vape cartridges contain structural metal that can leach lead into the distillate when heated. California has already created a stringent regulatory standard for heavy metals, but Atlas is setting the standard in Washington when it comes to cartridges with no detectable level of lead or other harmful heavy metals. Atlas, as a supplier to the cannabis industry, encourages the adoption of a simple standard that no level of lead in cartridges is acceptable. Its lead-free vape cartridges are distributed in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California, and have zero detectable levels of lead in manufactured components or the oil inside the cartridges. Altas

cartridges all proudly bear an “Atlas Ceramic Coil Lead-Free” symbol on all packaging. So why is lead permissible in vape carts? Why does the cannabis industry passively accept this? Since cannabis is not yet federally regulated, it’s up to consumers to demand more dependable regulation at the state level. Atlas believes a lead-free standard will benefit consumers and the industry. A unanimous scientific consensus exists – supported by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control – that there is no safe level of exposure to lead, and the harmful heavy metal is outlawed in most common consumer products such as paint. Nicotine e-cigarettes commonly test positive for heavy metals and, apart from printed warnings, are accepted as legal for adults by the Food & Drug Administration. Heavy metals such as arsenic and lead are also beginning to be seen in e-cigarette devices, through not necessarily cannabis ones. A 2018 study on non-cannabis vape cartridges found that heavy metals, including lead, originated from the e-cigarette’s heating coils. These same coils, used by a cartridge battery to heat the nicotine oil, are the same ones used in many cannabis vape cartridges. Basically, any amount of lead is bad for human health, but some exposure IS unavoidable. Lead is in the rain, in the soil, in food, and electronics. Lead contamination can also be passed on through cross-contamination. The unique properties of lead mean that it continues to be

used because of its malleability, poor conductibility and resistance to corrosion. Plus, it’s cheap compared to other metals. With any luck, more public attention will raise awareness and standards for testing. For now, to avoid lead contamination, it’s best to stay away from vape cartridges containing metal parts. If you aim to buy lead-free, know exactly what you’re buying and who you’re buying from. The only certifiably lead-free vape cartridges are going to be 100% ceramic, containing no plastic or metallic parts. If you’re buying vape cartridges from your local recreational or medical shop and you don’t see product info stating “lead/heavy metal-free” and “100% ceramic,” you’re not buying lead-free. Haehl said it’s natural for consumers to be confused and alarmed about the news about vaping causing severe sickness or death. “Every day, headlines detail new concerns that should be a wake-up call for the cannabis industry,” he said. “It needs to debunk illegitimate distortions of fact. But it also must clearly articulate a solution to some of the inherent health and safety issues. We invite everyone to get the lead out! All vape cartridges can and should be lead free.” To learn more, visit leadfreevapecarts.com.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

WSU study links cannabis businesses to poorer neighborhoods, as local laws limit locations

summer 2017. Former City Councilman Jon Snyder, who helped shepherd Spokane’s marijuana zoning regulations through City Hall, said lawmakers were more concerned about adopting laws consistent with state mandates in 2013 than with making a political statement about where the businesses should be. “Otherwise we’d have this weird situation where people Daniel Wendling, of Satori, hangs an “open” sign in the store’s window moments By KIP HILL would be applying for locations, and there would be a big before opening for business for the first time in this August 2014 photo. The Spokesman-Review Dan Pelle/The Spokesman-Review court mess,” Snyder said. “We were trying to avoid that.” But Initiative 502, passed by voters in 2012, and the The study makes no definitive conclusion about the reason ashington’s licensed marijuana businesses are subsequent rulemaking by state legislators and the Liquor and for the trend, offering as potential explanations a higher more likely to be found in poorer, less-educated Cannabis Board left governments with latitude to determine demand for the drug in those neighborhoods, affordability of neighborhoods across the state, according to a new zoning specifics. It’s why Spokane Valley has been able to real estate in these areas and also state and local regulations study by researchers at Washington State University. prohibit new retail stores since July 2016 and also establish stipulating where marijuana businesses can locate. The phenomenon may be explained in part by a patchwork its own buffer zones for the Centennial and Appleway trails, of local laws governing where such firms can locate, if they’re That last explanation makes the most sense for former Spokane Valley City Hall and vacant land owned by libraries Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart, who in 2013 even allowed to operate at all. or school districts. lobbied for allowing marijuana businesses in certain high“Here at the College of Medicine, we’re interested in In Spokane County, laws largely were established to profile neighborhood commercial areas, including the Garland looking at inequality factors across the state,” said Solmaz defend property owners against encroaching odors, said and South Perry districts. His proposed allowance was not Amiri, a postdoctoral research associate in the WSU Commissioner Al French. The issue prompted a moratorium Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and the included in the final rules for marijuana business zoning the on outdoor marijuana farms in November 2016. The county council voted on that September, and Stuckart cast the lone study’s lead author. replaced that moratorium eight months later with tighter vote against the rules because of its omission. The research, published in the November issue of the zoning regulations allowing for approval of new businesses. “It’s government decision-making, not just because of the journal Drug and Alcohol Review, used publicly available “As we have evolved from that initial establishment of industry,” he said. The proliferation of businesses in poorer data from the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board and an zoning ordinances to today, odor continues to be the No. 1 analysis of census tracts known as the Area Deprivation Index, neighborhoods is a direct result of that decision, Stuckart said, criteria that we were trying to address,” French said. which charts such factors as median family income, singleand his subsequent efforts to revisit the restriction haven’t French, a former Spokane city councilman, also noted that earned any other backers on the City Council, he said. parent households, median home values, employment levels Spokane’s zoning ordinances and state-level setbacks led to Spokane allows for marijuana retailers, producers and and highest education attained. a proliferation of marijuana shops in the northeast corner of processors in areas zoned for industrial and commercial The four-member research team, all WSU faculty and staff, town, his old council district. use, as well as some portions of downtown. Also controlling looked at point-in-time counts of marijuana businesses from Crystal Oliver, an outdoor cannabis farmer and executive 2014 through 2017 and determined that growers, processors the location of marijuana businesses are required 1,000director of the Washington Sun Grower’s Association, a trade and sellers of cannabis all were far more likely to be located in foot setbacks from certain areas such as school sites and group representing the interest of small, outdoor operations, playgrounds, which were written into state law. But local areas with high deprivation scores compared to middle-class said the system that’s been established has echoes of past governments can relax those boundaries, as Spokane did in and upper-class neighborhoods.

policies outlawing the drug. That makes it harder for businesses to establish themselves and continues the stigma against cannabis businesses, she said. “You’ve got these businesses out here trying to operate normally, and they’re legal,” she said. “But they’re up against regulations, laws and zoning – any number of things that are still treating them more harshly.” The laws limiting where marijuana businesses can open may also be contributing to the downward pressure on pricing that is pushing small players out of the industry, Oliver said. When stores are forced to locate right next to each other, whether it’s on a stretch of Trent Avenue north of Spokane Valley or on East Sprague Avenue near the

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

city-county line, retailers are forced into a price competition that is felt throughout the industry, she said. The WSU researchers said their goal is to inform policymakers, including elected officials and members of the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, about the trend, not to offer suggestions of what needs to change. There isn’t enough data available, they said, to indicate ties between the businesses and positive effects, like employment numbers, or potentially problematic ones, including crime rates and health concerns. “We know where these cannabis outlets are located,” Amiri said. “We are going to look over time, what is happening in those

neighborhoods?” The information collected could bolster support for a program with cannabis similar to the alcohol impact areas that are currently allowed under Washington law, she said. That law allows local governments to establish geographical boundaries where business hours and alcohol content are restricted. Spokane, for example, has outlawed the sale of certain types of malt liquor and harder drinks in the downtown core and East Central neighborhoods. As for revising the laws to allow marijuana businesses in more affluent areas, like the business districts and the South Hill, Stuckart said such a change would be an uphill battle for future city lawmakers.

“It’s the same thing you see with NIMBYism, not in my backyard,” Stuckart said. “NIMBYism is tough. If you tried to change it, then you’d have all those same neighborhoods coming out to speak against it.”

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

THE NAKED TRUTH

Longtime cannabis education expert has new role By JOE BUTLER EVERCANNABIS Writer

or the last decade, plenty of people with questions about medical cannabis and Washington’s medical marijuana authorization process have turned to the same source: Tracy Sirrine. The Spokane Valley resident estimates she has provided answers and advice for more than 7,000 people, including patients, store owners, budtenders, pet owners, and even physicians wanting to learn more about cannabis products or delivery methods so they can offer better recommendations to their patients. This year, Sirrine plans to continue her mission of education but in a new way. She and fiancé Timothy Hedrick own Naked Science, which creates and sells CBD-infused topical creams and tinctures. Naked Science products use a blend of full-spectrum CBD, essential oils and natural ingredients, and are intended to reduce pain as well as provide other benefits to the mind and body. Sirrine must be careful in her phrasing to not make medical claims, but is always glad to share stories from clients around the country who report significant improvements in their quality of life from these products, including less pain and anxiety, fewer seizures, and better mental health. “I can now help more people, including those in other states,”

Timothy Hedrick and Tracy Sirrine Photo by Joe Butler

she said. “I feel good about this.” Because Naked Science products all contain less than .3 percent THC, a compound that causes the psychoactive ‘high’ associated with marijuana, they can be sold online and in stores around the country and don’t have to be restricted to cannabisonly shops or medical dispensaries. They can be purchased directly by consumers as well as wholesale if a licensed business has a reseller’s permit. Sirrine and Hedrick spent the last year working on developing the proprietary formulas for different tinctures and topical creams. This process also includes testing each batch for safety. They’ve been working closely with Trace Analytics, an independent cannabis testing lab in Spokane, which certifies that their CBD is safe from various contaminants, including fertilizers, pesticides and other impurities. Purchasers can scan a QR code on each jar to learn more about testing results. “We’ve had a lot of people compliment ours and compare it to some of the top topicals on the market,” she said. “They like that ours isn’t greasy and can also help the skin.” Hedrick said quality control is vital, especially for patients dealing with medical conditions and low immune systems. “You can get CBD products anywhere, but 70-90 percent of the stuff out there doesn’t pass safety checks,” he said. “Although some good growers are doing their own testing, Washington doesn’t currently require testing for medical cannabis products.” Sirrine first learned about medical marijuana several years ago while helping to care for her sister. Sirrine lived in Seattle and her sister lived in Ellensburg, and at the time, couldn’t find many reliable or safe product or trusted growers on either side of the mountains. After her sister’s death, she went on to do more research, and opened Patients for Patients, an authorization clinic that helped people navigate the state’s medical system, including telling them how to get medical cards. She also made sure health providers have the right information. Patients for Patients was based in Spokane Valley but also had a clinic in Yakima. In the process, she also met Hedrick, a cannabis producer/ processor. He suffered from arthritis from years of dirt bike riding, and had done a lot of research into topicals for pain relief. He then started making his own creams, which Sirrine found interesting. “I knew a lot about cannabis but didn’t have a lot of experience with topicals,” Sirrine said. Last fall, she made the decision to shut down Patients for Patients. “I had a car accident and broke my back, so couldn’t run Patients directly anymore,” she said. “But I needed to transition anyway. So these products are also helping me—I’m doing it for selfish reasons!” Now, she and Hedrick are able to spend more time developing and promoting Naked Science products, as well as continuing educational outreach throughout Eastern Washington. She likes to speak at retirement homes and is also working with a medical consulting group that has asked her to share seminars with doctors about safer options for pain management beyond opioids. “We’ve already had a good response and some good engagements with physicians,” Sirrine said. “A lot of them don’t know much about this.” For more information, visit nakedsciencecbd.com/.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

HEALTH & SCIENCE

POT AND PARANOIA:

Why weed can make you anxious By TRACY DAMON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

omeone’s watching you. Or are they? Is your neighbor taking the trash out or trying to get a glimpse in your open door? And is the mail carrier just dropping off bills and letters, or are they snooping into your private correspondence? While cannabis is supposed to help you chill out, loosen up, and sleep really well, it can also make some consumers anxious and nervous. Many people use marijuana every day without negative effects, and some even experience some mental and physical health benefits, but in some cases it can make others certain someone is after them. “Yes, there is evidence that cannabis, particularly acute cannabis intoxication, can cause paranoia,” said Dr. Carrie Cuttler, an assistant professor in the psychology department at Washington State University. “In a recent (unpublished) study of college students we found that approximately 50% reported experiencing paranoia at least once when intoxicated on cannabis and that they reported experiencing paranoia on approximately 25% of cannabis use sessions,” she wrote in an email. While researchers still aren’t exactly clear on how marijuana causes paranoia, it appears to be related to THC’s effect on receptors in

the brain and is – literally – all in your head. Cannabinoids such as THC bind to receptors throughout the brain, including ones involved in processing emotions. They govern responses like stress and fear, and can be overexcited by THC, leading to anxiety and paranoia. That study on frequency, prevalence and predictors of various adverse reactions to cannabis is currently under review with the Journal of Cannabis Research. Cuttler also published a study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine on acute effects of cannabis, including paranoia, in 2019. “In another study we found that 14.5% of a large sample of cannabis users recruited from the community reported experiencing paranoia as a side effect of cannabis use,” Cuttler said. Most everyone has a few relatively mild paranoid thoughts at some point but for some these thoughts become persistent and upsetting. How severe this paranoia is tends to vary by person. “This would likely depend on the person using cannabis. Those with a predisposition toward a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia) may be more likely to

experience paranoia and potentially more severe paranoia,” according to Cuttler. Gender and age also appears to play a role. “Some of my unpublished data (student sample) suggest women may be slightly more likely to report ever experiencing paranoia when intoxicated but they don’t report experiencing it more frequently. In another (published) study we found that older individuals were less likely to report paranoia as an acute effect of cannabis than younger individuals.” And how often you use marijuana can also play into whether you will have a paranoid experience. “Our unpublished research suggests that individuals who use cannabis less frequently may be more likely to experience adverse reactions (although this is not specific to paranoia),” wrote Cuttler. “More specific to paranoia, our data show that those with more symptoms of cannabis use disorder, those with higher stress, and those with higher anxiety sensitivity are more likely to report ever having experienced paranoia when intoxicated.” Which may answer the old “chicken and egg” conundrum about which came first: the pot or the paranoia?

“The literature is not entirely clear on this but it is likely bi-directional (people with anxiety and paranoia are more likely to use cannabis and those with paranoia may be more likely to experience it).” So is there an antidote to weed-caused paranoia? While Dr. Cuttler says she isn’t aware of one, some people commenting on online forums on the topic recommend using a low-THC or high-CBD strain of marijuana to cut down on psychological side effects. Other suggestions offered are to try an indica strain; sativas generally offer a higherenergy high, while indicas tend to be more relaxing. You can also control how much weed you ingest by smoking or vaping, rather than using oils or edibles, to better measure your dose and manage how high you get. Finally, it’s recommended to consume in a space where you feel comfortable, not a place that stresses you out, and go in with the mindset that you are going to stay put and enjoy the journey.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

STATE POLICIES VARY ON ACCEPTING MEDICAL CARDS By ALLISON HALL EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

o you’ve decided to travel out of state, perhaps a quick day trip, a longer visit to see family, or simply explore somewhere new. What do you do if you need to use marijuana for medical needs? The short answer is: leave it all at home. The longer answer is similar, although some states will allow you to use your state’s authorization card to possess or buy cannabis at a legal shop, sometimes for a reduced price. But don’t forget: transporting it across state lines, even between ‘legal’ states still can be considered illegal drug trafficking. Adult-use recreational marijuana has been legalized in 10 states plus Washington, D.C., so if you are traveling from Washington to Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon or Washington, D.C., cannabis is available to purchase after you arrive. The issue with buying recreational marijuana is you give up some of the perks of having a medical marijuana card, like lower costs, lower taxes, higher THC potency limits, higher quantity restrictions, and legal access for minors. Keep in mind there are only a few states that accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, and it’s often up to the discretion of the shop or dispensary whether or not they choose to sell to out-of-state visitors. For those who hold a MMJ card, there’s hope. A total of 33 states plus D.C. have legalized medicinal marijuana and some states now participate in what’s called medical marijuana reciprocity.

States that participate in medical marijuana reciprocity are:

shops to decide to sell to those with out-of-state cards.

ALASKA Alaska allows recreational and medical marijuana. Out of state MMJ cards are not usually recognized, but any adult over 21 can purchase up to 1 oz. of useable cannabis at a recreational location.

NEVADA Recreational marijuana is legal in Nevada so you no longer need an MMJ card to make purchases, but an MMJ card can help save money on cannabis taxes. While visiting, you can possess up to 2.5 oz. of usable cannabis in any one 14-day period.

ARIZONA Medical patients from out of state with authorization from their home states can possess and use marijuana. But they can’t purchase medical cannabis at a recognized dispensary if they aren’t part of the state’s verification system. Verification requires certification from a medical practitioner licensed to practice in Arizona who the patient has a relationship with. This certification must be provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services within 90 days before applying for a registry card. ARKANSAS Arkansas allows visiting qualified patients with valid MMJ cards to purchase and possess cannabis. Purchases of 2.5 ounces every 14 days are allowed with an approved condition. CALIFORNIA California has legalized recreational marijuana; an adult can possess up to 28.5 grams of flower and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Visitors can apply for a California medical cannabis card. But it can take 30 days to process and you will need documentation with you. If you’re planning to visit, plan on starting the application process ahead of time. COLORADO Colorado currently does not recognize patients from other states; however, it has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis up to 1 oz. for personal use. Purchases are limited to one-quarter of an ounce at a time. HAWAII Hawaii allows out-of-state patients to apply for a registration card for use in Hawaii. You can apply up to 60 days before visiting with an online registration system, and the card is valid for two 2 months. A copy of your MMJ card or medical paperwork, an ID, and a $50 fee are required. Patients can purchase from certified dispensaries and possess up to 4 oz. of cannabis for each 15-day period. MAINE Cannabis, up to 2.5 oz., is legal for out-of-state visitors regardless of MMJ card status. If you are visiting for more than 30 days, you must register with the state to continue to have full access to purchase from dispensaries. MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts has legalized cannabis and allows out-of-state visitors with a valid ID to possess up to 1.5 ounces of flower and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. MICHIGAN Michigan has legalized medical and recreational marijuana. Patients may possess up to 2.5 oz. of usable cannabis. It’s at the discretion of individual

NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire has decriminalized marijuana. There is no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal use, and at most a $100 fine. Out of state residents can possess medical marijuana if they entered the state with it but can’t purchase at an authorized dispensary. OKLAHOMA Visitors with a valid MMJ card from out-of-state can get a temporary registration for $100 with an approved condition. OREGON Oregon legalized cannabis for recreational use, so most dispensaries won’t recognize out-of-state MMJ cards. PENNSYLVANIA At this time, Pennsylvania does not have a MMJ card reciprocity program, but the Pennsylvania Department of Health has begun a process of implementation. RHODE ISLAND Rhode Island allows those with an out-of-state MMJ card to purchase and possess medical cannabis if they have a condition qualifying them under Rhode Island’s regulations. WASHINGTON D.C. Medical and recreational marijuana is legal in D.C. and shops accept those with an MMJ card from states with a functionally equivalent Medical Marijuana Program. No Medical Marijuana Reciprocity States that don’t have medical marijuana reciprocity allow visitors the option of applying for a MMJ card in that state. You can apply in person, as some states offer walk-in clinics, while others allow you to apply online. In Maryland, you can visit a Briggs Chaney WalkIn Clinic. In Florida, go to a Tetra Health Care Clinic, In Oklahoma, use a TLC Walk-in Clinic. You can apply and chat with a doctor online to get your MMJ card from NuggMD for CA, NY, NV, and OK starting at $39; GetHeally in California for $50; or Veriheal Online for AZ, CA, DC, DE, IL, ME, MD, MA, MI, MT, NY, OK, and PA starting at $199. Regardless of how you apply, you will need a patient certification from an approved medical practitioner stating the reason for the use of medical marijuana and a government issued ID (some states may require residency). Fees range from $30 to $300 per person and cards are valid for 1-3 years. Approval times can be in as little as 20 minutes up to a few months.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

The Cannabis Science Task Force includes (front row, from left): Nick Poolman, Liquor and Cannabis Board; Kendra Hodgson, LCB; Jessica Archer, Department of Ecology. Back row, Sara Sekerak, DOE; Amber Wise, Medicine Creek Analytics; Brad White, Department of Agriculture; Jeff Doughty, Capitol Analysis; Annette Hoffmann, Department of Ecology; Nick Moslley, Confidence Analytics; Mike Firman, Department of Agriculture. Not pictured, Shelly Rowden, Department of Health. Photo courtesy Department of Ecology

Cannabis Science Task Force moves to the Department of Ecology By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

hen Washington put its framework for legal cannabis together, there was a large emphasis on enforcement and regulation of those growing and selling rather than what was in the actual products. Since that time, consumers and even the industry have asked the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board and other state agencies to focus more developing better standards for its cannabis testing laboratories and general quality control. This could provide more on consumer confidence, reduce risks, and let consumers have a good idea of what’s in the cannabis they’re eating or smoking. To address this, Washington’s Legislature passed House Bill 2052 in 2019, which clarified marijuana product testing by revising provisions concerning marijuana testing laboratory accreditation. It also established a state cannabis science task force and transferred official authority and responsibility for marijuana testing and testing rules from the WSLCB to the Washington State Department of Ecology by July 1, 2024. The DOE has already begun taken steps to get ready for this, including launching the task force at the end of 2019.

It also began conducting research to provide preliminary recommendations for protocols and accreditation standards for cannabis testing laboratories. Accreditation is the formal recognition that a laboratory has the technical competence and the systems in place to perform the scope of work, defined by regulation, and declared capable of producing accurate and defensible analytical data. The DOE has identified critical gaps and challenges in the current laboratory quality standards, discovering that the current method validation protocols and performance criteria were insufficient to support a robust, science-based cannabis laboratory accreditation program. In other words, the laboratory quality standards for testing cannabis and cannabis products simply did not yet exist. The department has worked with more than 500 labs in Washington and the U.S., so was familiar with the process of creating and continuing accreditation was familar. The Cannabis Science Task Force is charged with recommending science-based analytical methods, method validation protocols, performance criteria, proficiency testing, and homogenization procedures for testing cannabis and cannabis products. Washington’s new law requires cooperation and communication between multiple agencies: the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, Health, and Liquor and Cannabis Board plus various tribes and active cannabis industry participants. These will all be represented on the task force, along with experts in chemistry, microbiology, and food and agricultural testing methods. The Department of Agriculture will head up the analytical testing efforts, and the DOE will head up the proficiency testing. The task force also includes a steering committee and workgroups with members from the state agencies and cannabis labs. The group’s first priority is testing for the use of pesticides. The workgroups will use a phased approach to develop recommendations regarding proficiency testing and analytical quality standards for pesticides in plants, which will include sampling and homogenization procedures for testing all cannabis and cannabis products. The defined lab quality standards, including approved testing methods and sampling protocol, is due by July 2020. “The Cannabis Science Task Force is working hard to define lab quality standards for Washington’s cannabis laboratories,” said Jessica Archer, coordinator for the Cannabis Science Task Force, “which will ultimately improve consumer confidence.” As identified in the DOE’s report to the Legislature, cannabis laboratory standards simply do not exist. The goal of the task force and its workgroups is to develop those standards or adapt appropriate science-based analytical methods, method validation protocols, performance criteria, proficiency testing, and homogenization procedures for testing all cannabis and cannabis products. The steering committee meetings for the Cannabis Science Task Force are held monthly and are open to the public. Learn more on the DOE website at ecology.wa.gov/. You can also sign-up to receive email updates, read meeting agendas and notes, or watch a posted webinar.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

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By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

lthough 4/20 is still the biggest event in the cannabis industry for overall retail sales, various holidays throughout the year are becoming popular selling opportunities. In 2019 Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Independence Day and Valentine’s Day all provided a welcome boost in retail sales, which means the industry is finding more ways to offer consumers what they want. As the industry matures and new products emerge, you’re bound to find creative and enlightening products, starting with Valentine’s Day when you can look for gifts beyond typical chocolates and roses as a way to take your love “a little higher.”

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • February 7, 2020

To get you in the mood, search for original cannabis Valentine’s Day card ideas on Etsy.com. Crafters and artisans have provided many clever ideas that will inspire. Such as, “I Rolled This Joint For Two,” “Weed Belong Together,” “Weed Go Well Together,” or my favorite, “Wowee Zowee! You Toke My Breath Away!” If this is the year you plan to pop the question, by all means take the time to explore loveandmarij.com, an entire website dedicated to planning your cannabis-friendly wedding. Another great love-infused website is irieweddingsandevents.com, which is now providing services in the Seattle area. Better yet, why not surprise your loved one with tickets to the upcoming National Cannabis Festival April 18, 2020, in Washington, D.C.! Tickets are on sale now, and this year features an “Ultimate Weed Wedding” with an opportunity for one lucky couple to hold their wedding at the festival on the main stage. To learn more, visit nationalcannabisfestival.com/ultimate-weedwedding. At High On Love (highonlove.store) you can find a wide range of love- and passion- defined products, like Dark Chocolate Body Paint, an aphrodisiac made with premium grade hemp seed oil, taking intimacy to a whole new level. Or try Lip Gloss for Couples, which is designed to plump and hydrate lips making them “irresistibly kissable.” Here’s a gift she’s sure to love: AnnaBis Aroma-Bloc Handbags (annabisstyle.com) are designed to protect product and keep aromas contained. Their Riri vape clutch is small, yet elegant, and she will love you for finding something so fashionable and unique. This is something to fill your favorite blend and present with style! These handcrafted 24K gold rolling papers made by Shine Rolling Papers (shinerollingpapers.com) are made with edible gold and include 2 hemp blend cones with a custom tip. All you need to do is fill it and smoke it. For those madly in love, try Stormy Daniels’s new lubricant Tempest By Stormy (featured in this issue). The water-based lubricant was created with nano technology, allowing the benefits of CBD to absorb quickly. Finally, what’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? A few Washington cannabis chocolatiers particularly impressive flavors and presentations that are quite giftable. GaGa Edibles (mbrandinc.com/gagaedibles) has a selection of flavored filled Swiss chocolate cups. Your mouth will water with Verdelux Chocolate Meltaway Truffles (verdeluxchocolate.com/ meltaways-1). And Wave Edibles (waveedibles.com/thc-cbdproducts) features a variety of flavors in their chocolate candies and cookies, including a few vegan options.

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Stormy Daniels teams up with Spokane processor

Stormy Daniels

CBD-infused lubricant Tempest By Stormy newest venture from adult actress-turned-entrepreneur

By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

tormy Daniels is known for being a lot of things – actress, director, author, businesswoman, foe of President Trump – but now she’s entering the cannabis space with assistance from Mike Forest, a Spokane-based processor. Forest, owner of Forest Pharms, recently developed a CBD-infused water-based lubricant using an innovative nanotechnology which allows the fluid to be absorbed into the skin and take effect faster. When he heard that Daniels was interested in starting her own CBD line, he reached out. Their collaboration resulted in Tempest By Stormy, a water-based, oil-free lubricant that’s considered safe for everyone, even those with pH sensitivities. It’s very minimal, containing only natural hemp terpenes and a light floral scent. The product is designed to reduce friction and create a more enjoyable sexual experience. It can reduce inflammation when applied, and is described as providing a gentle all-over body buzz. Forest has been focusing on using nanotechnology in the production of CBD products since 2011. He enjoys working with new products and cannabis plant genetics to further progress the ways the body utilizes cannabinoids, the natural compounds in cannabis plants. By using this nanotization process, he produces CBD products from hemp that absorb into the skin faster, allowing the plant’s natural benefits to take effect quickly and efficiently. “The problem is that cannabis is not very bioavailable,” explained Forest. “This is why THC and CBD are typically suspended into something that increases absorption when applied to the skin, like an oil. We use a new technique that involves a fat-

bonded, full-spectrum, nanotization process.” Forest Pharms uses an ultrasonic process to break down microparticles into nanoparticles, which allows the hemp to be water-soluble. This creates a much easier way to dissolve and absorb the product and increase bioavailability. Knowing that the nanotechnology would allow for the benefits of CBD to quickly absorb, Forest knew that using it in a lubricant form made a lot of sense. Daniels said she was initially skeptical of CBD and brushed it off as a fad. “Two summers ago, I had a serious fall while jumping my horse,” she said. “I had a fractured spine and severely sprained pelvis. I was told it would be a minimum of six weeks until I could walk even using crutches. I hate pain pills, so when a friend sent me some CBD products, I thought I’d try them.” Within 12 hours, she said she stopped all pain medication. “I rubbed the cream on my injuries and was walking without crutches less than two weeks later,” she said. “I was back on my horse in less than a month, much to my doctor’s dismay. That’s when I became an advocate for CBD.” Daniels had never heard of nanotechnology, but learned a lot from Forest. “Once it was explained and I had done the research, I was amazed by it – I am incredibly proud and excited to be using it in the Tempest products,” she said. “Because I am 40 and a parent, most of my friends are also moms around my age. They have said the Tempest lube has improved their intimate relationships by helping the symptoms of menopause that can make intimacy less enjoyable.” A spokesperson for Daniels added that Tempest can appeal to everyone. “We have heard many wonderful stories from

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

friends and loved ones, about how CBD has changed lives, alleviated pain and anxiety, and helped people open up to life. We love Tempest because it uses the magic of CBD to change love lives for the better, helping people of all stripes and ages connect to one another and have better sex. And the nanotechnology makes all the difference in the world. It makes CBD absorption almost instant, so you never lose the thrill of the moment.” Adding CBD or THC to personal lubricants is not new, but most on the market take a long time to be absorbed. Some CBD lubes use medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, a type of saturated fatty acid, as the base. Oil-based lube can be messy and may cause reactions for those with skin sensitivities. And since oil can break down the material in latex condoms, those practicing safer sex should avoid oil-based lubes. Forest said Tempest users not only get more CBD by volume, but the CBD is immediately absorbed and begins working on contact as soon as it’s applied. Daniels is making public appearances around the country to launch her product. Information about sale locations can be found at stormydaniels.com. She’s also visiting cities, including Spokane, with her stand-up comedy/storytelling show. She’ll appear at the Spokane Comedy Club (315 W. Sprague Ave.) on Feb. 17…which just happens to be Presidents Day. Event information can be found at spokanecomedyclub.com. For other events and updates, follow twitter.com/StormyDaniels.

Mike Forest (left), courtesy Forest Pharms

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

LEARN & GROW

STICKY BUDZ introduces evohaler By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

s the cannabis market continues to mature, more people are beginning to think of cannabis as a medicinal plant with a wide variety of helpful and therapeutic uses. Although it’s sold recreationally in Washington, some customers prefer their cannabis strictly for pain relief, as a sleep aid, or as an alternative to traditional medication, as opposed to something for fun. To address this preference, the research team at Sticky Budz, a producer in Yakima County, developed a product they’re releasing in March. Evohaler, the state’s first legal cannabis inhaler, is a pressurized dose device containing pharmaceutical-grade cannabis product. Each puff provides a precise, measured dose, not unlike an asthma inhaler. Currently there are a few cannabis inhalers available, but this is the first in the Evergreen State. What makes the Evohaler unique from other cannabis delivery methods is that it can easily be used for microdosing throughout

the day and it provides instantaneous results. Due to the viability of the throat and how the inhaler works, the cannabis enters the bloodstream immediately and each dose has the same potency and effect. There is no smoke, no smell, and no taste. And because very little of the product dissipates or is exhaled, you can medicate without exposing others to second-hand smoke or vapor. “The Evohaler is a clean product that fills a want, not a need,” said Jamie Muffet, CEO for MLM Distributing. “Our team at Sticky Budz is very proud of this product, which is produced and manufactured right here in Washington. “ He called the Evohaler a “revolutionary route of administration for unsurpassed convenience to medicate with THC.” “It’s scientifically formulated and technologically advanced, and permits precision metered micro-dosing for complete quantized puff control,” Muiffatt said. “The Evohaler provides a safe alternative, compared to traditionally burning cannabis,

giving superior bioavailability by preventing thermal decomposition, which allows your body to absorb the unadulterated properties of the THC.” Muffatt said the Evohaler could be perfect for someone who may have heard of the pain-relieving benefits associated with cannabis and CBD, but is scared to try edibles (an unreliable cannabis delivery method that can also take hours to take effect,) and doesn’t want to smoke or vape. “When smoking or vaping cannabis, combustion takes place, which causes a chemical reaction that can provide anxiety or other side effects. Because there is no combustion involved with the Evohaler, those types of side effects are eliminated, so you can function with clarity.” This unique product could be a game charger in the medical cannabis industry. For more information, visit www. stickybudz509.com.

Facts about the Evohaler: • Each inhaler provides 125 puffs with precision dosing Initially Available in a CBD formula (10:1 CBD to THC) and a THC formula (10:1 THC to CBD). • Made with pure distillate, smoke-free and combustion-free. • Made with pharmaceutical-grade components, pesticide-free product; gas is FDA rated. • Does not include additives, sugar, ﬂavor, odor, smoke, vapor or waste. • The container is recyclable

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

Let’s Get It On

How cannabis can get you in the mood By ROB MEJIA EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

id you know that regular cannabis users have more sex than non-users? According to urologist Dr. Michael Eisenberg, regular users have sex an average of 7.1 times during a 4-week period compared to six times for non-users. And it appears that there are three main reasons why.

Sharing is caring Shared activity and passion create an opportunity for intimacy. Whether traveling, exploring a new city, or consuming cannabis as a couple, you are sharing conversation, making memories, and spending quality time together – all ingredients conducive to intimacy and sex. When sharing cannabis, as you roll a joint, pack a pipe, make edibles, or apply lotions, time slows as you focus on the moment and your partner.

Let’s get physical Cannabis creates physical effects ideal for sexual activity. With certain strains, one’s mental focus sharpens, so you can focus on sex. For some, it can feel like everything slows, making the experience more intense and pleasurable. Infused lubricants can also help relieve pain and increase stimulation. Have it your way Cannabis is consumable in many ways, so everyone can find a method that suits them and can be shared. Not a smoker? Edibles are available in many forms that can be included in romance: brownies, chocolate bars, oils or butter. Consider taking drops from a tincture, using a vape pen, or any number of other options.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

The connection between cannabis and sex isn’t new either: Sources as early as 700 A.D. in India discussed using cannabis to enhance tantric sex. If you would like to try sex and cannabis, here is a brief guide to popular strains.

Indica-dominant and Indica-hybrid Strains

Sativa-dominant and Sativa-hybrid Strains

Ideal for gentle, lingering encounters.

Put some pep in your step.

Granddaddy Purple This Indica hybrid packs a good amount of THC (about 17%) that leads to the feeling of happiness and euphoria and then a body buzz. This strain is a descendant of Purple Urkle and Big Bud and is easy to find.

Sour Dream Sour Dream is comprised of 70% sativa and 30% indica and is the spawn of parents Sour Diesel and Blue Dream. It is known to fight depression and cramps, and makes the user feel sociable and euphoric. Sour Dream weighs in at about 17%, THC so expect a nice energy boost.

Skunk No. 1 This Indica hybrid contains about 15% THC. Its effects are described as relaxing, euphoric, but still energizing. Users may feel a bit dreamy. Goo Goo is a combination of 80% indica and 20% sativa with at least 15% THC. It produces a gradual, heady high, and then promises a solid night of sleep. Make sure you and your partner are planning to sleep afterward, or you may be left feeling sluggish. Silver Haze This 50/50 hybrid (50% indica and 50% sativa) has about 11% THC but is surprisingly fast acting. It is known to lower inhibitions; if nervousness during intercourse is a factor or you want to try something new, Silver Haze may be the way to go. Jillybean Jillybean has predictable effects, starting with a feeling of creativity and energy, moving on to a soothing body high, comfort, and pain relief. An indica hybrid with about 13% THC, Jillybean is also believed to increase appetite.

Sour Diesel If Sour Dream is not available and you want a similar experience, try Sour Diesel. It is also sativa dominant and contains 17% THC. Users describe the high as energizing and dreamy. Flo Flo is mostly a sativa-hybrid strain averaging 12% THC and 1% CBD. It alleviates stress, increases creativity and provides a nice boost of energy. Harlequin Harlequin is recommended as a great strain for mornings. It is a sativa-dominant hybrid that packs an impressive amount of CBD, about 15% THC to 6% CBD. It provides a mild high with an uplifted mood; just the right combination to get your day started right.

UPCOMING

EVENTS Feb. 7 Sex and Cannabis 101, Seattle. Free mini-lesson on enhancing the sexual experience with cannabis, at Babeland, taught by Chelsea Cebara from Velvet Swing. www.babeland.com

Feb. 10 CHABA and Cannabis 101 for Washington LMTs, Puyallup. Onyx Spa and Salon hosts continuing training for those in the massage industry, focusing on cannabis products, legality and accommodating client requests. www. facebook.com/events/onyx-spa-salon/chaba-cannabis-101-for-washingtonlmts/2496381547083553/ Feb. 13 The Cannabis Alliance, Seattle. Monthly meeting of growers, retailers and other supporters of Washington’s cannabis system. thecannabisalliance.us Feb. 17 Stormy Daniels, Spokane. Adult actress, author and co-creator of a CBD personal lubricant, will perform stand-up comedy and tell stories at Spokane Comedy Club. General seating and VIP/meet and greet tickets available. Spokanecomedyclub.com. Feb. 21-22 Treasure Valley Hemp Conference, Ontario, Ore. This agriculturalfocused event at the Four Rivers Cultural Center looks at the commercial potential for hemp in Idaho and Oregon. www.eventbrite.com/o/medicinalbotanical-seed-28058261533 Feb. 25 Cannabiscadia, Centralia. Join Michael “The Aging Ent” Schroeder to discuss the history of human use of cannabis at McMenamins Olympic Club Theater. www.mcmenamins.com/events/213347-cannabiscadia March 22 The Dope Show, Spokane. Comedians perform before and after partaking of locally-purchased cannabis products. The crowd often loves it. A similar program Jan. 19 at Tacoma Comedy Club. https://www. spokanecomedyclub.com/events/24962

Planning a cannabis-themed event for the public? Send details to evercannabis@spokesman.com.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, February 7, 2020

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

Independent report finds LCB focuses heavily on enforcement vs. education By KIP HILL The Spokesman-Review

he Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board will work in the new decade to encourage compliance with the state’s marijuana laws, its director said, rather than quickly doling out punishments. The pledge was made after the release of an independent report found a “cultural change” was needed in the agency responsible for overseeing enforcement of laws governing Washington’s legal cannabis industry The report, authored by the firm Hillard Heintze based out of Chicago, made several recommendations intended to make the board “be more prevention and compliance

oriented, rather than focusing almost exclusively upon enforcement activities.” “I think we have learned a lot in the last five years of regulating the industry, where it became very strict,” said Rick Garza, director in a conference call with reporters in January. “To begin to move toward a system that, I’ll just say, is less strict and more in working with the industry.” The Liquor and Cannabis Board, which employs 82 enforcement officers with limited law enforcement abilities under state law, has issued 3,220 rule violations to marijuana licensees in the past five-plus

years, according to agency data. Potential punishments include fines, as well as suspension or cancellation of a license, but a third of those violations resulted in written warnings. Of the reported violations, 349 have been issued to companies operating in Spokane County. Licensees reported to the investigative firm in interviews this summer they felt intimidated, at times, by certain enforcement officers. There wasn’t consistency in how different agents would handle situations, but some were too quick to punish, rather

than assist the company in complying with state law. Garza said the board had already instituted some new training for its officers, many of whom have law enforcement backgrounds, and would be altering their uniform requirements to reflect the move away from enforcement to education. “We’re going to look and revise that entire policy, to be one that’s more uniform,” said Garza, who noted agents can be armed with handguns and have wide discretion in their work uniform when dealing with cannabis businesses. “What I’d say is a softer approach. In other words, an approach that

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

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Saturday, April 18, 2020 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board Director Rick Garza, left, and board chair Jane Rushford record a podcast in Spokane in this January 2018 photo. Garza said recently his agency would respond to a report suggesting “cultural change” was needed in enforcement of marijuana laws at the agency. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review) looks more like a khaki and polo shirt.” The Liquor and Cannabis Board paid $109,025 to Hillard Heintze for their work preparing the report, a spokesman said. Chris Marr, a former state legislator and Liquor and Cannabis Board member who works as a consultant for cannabis businesses, said when the agency began its enforcement of the cannabis industry some of the agents expressed concern about regulating the drug. “You had a number of officers that were really conflicted about being associated with legalizing something that they’d spent their whole careers trying to put out of business,” Marr said. The independent review was initiated by the Liquor and Cannabis Board as licensees were clamoring in the Legislature for lawmakers to ease the grip of an agency enforcing laws that Garza admitted were more draconian than in other states that have legalized marijuana. “We started with probably the most restrictive initiative that was passed nationwide to determine how this industry would be regulated,” Garza said. Washington legislators approved a law last session requiring the agency to provide more notices before assessing a fine or altering a license and limiting when a license could be canceled. Marr applauded the agency for responding to concerns from business owners and lawmakers alike about perceived heavy-handedness. “I think we are entering a period where there’s a genuine desire on the part of the LCB to move away from a punitive, kind of law-enforcement approach,” Marr said. “It’s easier in terms of

resources and so on. We have to remember that we’re dealing with an industry that had a lot of baggage come with it.” One area addressed in the report was equity in punishment between larger companies and smalltier operations. For marijuana producers, the state established a three-tiered system that limited how much of the drug companies could grow at one time. Smaller-tiered and outdoor firms have long argued the system has been set up to put larger operations at an advantage, and that observation found its way into the Hillard Heintze report. The authors wrote “the perception from the field that officers do not understand small businesses or that they target them is an issue.” Garza said the board has proposed new legislation and rules that would assist smaller businesses compete with their larger counterparts, including a bill that would allow medical-grade cannabis grown by smaller operations to be delivered to homes. But the internal changes being considered by the Liquor and Cannabis Board will not directly address that concern raised briefly in the report, Garza said. “As it relates directly to enforcement, I didn’t see anything there that I guess grabbed our attention enough that we felt we needed to address it,” he said. Garza acknowledged they’d heard the cost of complying with the agency’s rules might be more difficult to bear for smaller firms. The board held a public hearing in early January in Olympia on new marijuana enforcement rules pursuant to the new state law.

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

BRIEFS ROBBER TAKES PRODUCT, LEAVES CASH SEATTLE – Seattle Police continue searching for a suspect who robbed a downtown Seattle cannabis shop at gunpoint in late December. Witnesses said the man entered the store, showed a gun and asked employees to fill a bag with product from behind the counter and another bag with cash. He then left with the bag of product but left the cash on a counter. The employees locked the door after he left. Then, after he apparently realized his forgetfulness, he returned and tried the door but couldn’t open it. Then he knocked on the door, asking to be let in. After no one opened it, investigators said he shot his gun several times at the door but it still didn’t open. One employee suffered a minor injury to his hand due to the gunfire. Finally, the suspect left. Authorities searched the immediate area, but couldn’t find him. The investigation is ongoing.

WHITMAN COUNTY CRAFTING NEW ZONING COLFAX – Whitman County Commissioners have until March to put together an updated ordinance governing cannabis growing and selling. That’s when a 6-month moratorium expires on the issuing of any permits for any applications for legal growers. The county’s Planning Commission has spent the last several months working with county planning staff, commissioners, business groups and the public to come up with a policy that encourages legal commerce and new business development while respecting concerns from some members of the public about possible increased smells, environmental risks and more crime. These potential issues were referenced by various community members at several public hearings in 2019. The draft ordinance creates a 500-foot buffer for any outdoor grower from any existing homes, and 1,000 feet from any schools, playgrounds and parks for indoor or outdoor growers. No indoor or outdoor processor is allowed to be within 1,500 of municipal boundaries, so they must all be in unincorporated areas, but not near existing unincorporated communities. Commissioners also have included information requiring extensive odor control of cannabis fumes, plus other fertilizers and hazardous materials. Commercial hemp activity is not included under this proposed ordinance. Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Source: SPD Blotter

OWNERSHIP LAW KEEPING COUPLE APART MOSES LAKE – Nick Mayer is the CEO of Trinity Productions, a grower in Grant County. His fiancée Maryann Mirnateghi is the owner of Canna West, a West Seattle-area cannabis shop. They’ve been engaged for six years, but say that cannabis laws governing ownership keep them from formalizing their union. Washington law is firm that one person or a married couple can’t own a producer/processor and a retail operation. This lack of ‘vertical integration’ is a foundation of Washington’s cannabis system and was designed to avoid possible unfair structures or murky accounting. “We haven’t been able to get married because neither one of us wants to sell our business,” Mirnateghi said. “We’d love to get married, eventually, but it’s just that we don’t know what to do beyond waiting for laws to change.” Mayer and Mirnateghi understand the law’s intent, but don’t like it. “It’s just another of those, I guess you would call it ‘compliance factors,’ you have to deal with in this business that other businesses don’t have to deal with,” he said. Brian Smith, spokesperson from the Liquor and Cannabis Board, said officials plan to look closer at the laws regarding licenses and spouses in 2020 and some revisions are possible. Source: KUOW

OREGON BANS CBD, THC IN BEER SALEM – Although some brewers around the country are experimenting with infusing cannabis compounds into their products, it’s not available in Oregon. As of Jan. 1, CBD and THC ingredients are prohibited in recipes for commercially-produced beer. This directive comes from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which says there isn’t enough evidence about how the compounds interact with alcohol and affect human health. “We’ve wanted to address the issue of CBD getting into alcohol and because there are a lot of unknowns about the effects of taking CBDs,” said commission spokesman Mark Pettinger. He said a change in policy might be possible in the future, once the FDA and other federal agencies complete their guidelines about CBD as a food and beverage source. The OLCC also is considering a future ban on CBD and THC in other alcoholic beverages. Beverage trend watchers have predicted more cannabis compounds in their drinks. This is partly due to growing customer demand and to more ‘mainstream’ beverage brands getting into the cannabis market. Some are creating completely separate cannabis ‘drinkables,’ but others are looking for ways to blend the two products and have cannabis as an ingredient. Source: Willamette Week

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, February 7, 2020

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Durban Poison Grown by CannaSol Farms, Riverside

THC: 18% CBD: 0.1% Total Terpenes: 1.66 mg/g Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene and Terpinolene Purchased: Toker Friendly, Airway Heights By RICK MISTERLY EVERCANNABIS Correspondent When you consider year-round indoor growing operations, with lights and fans plus the other problems that come with growing in artificial environments, outdoor growing sure appears easier. Except when you take a closer look, this is not the case. To put your season’s crop out in the open with all the forces of nature in play upon delicate leaves takes dedication and faith that what you are doing will result in a superior finished product. This is where the viticulturist and the cannabis farmer’s endeavors can come together in a common goal. The soil that both plants are grown in will have a huge effect on the final quality and must be fed with natural, healthy amendments. This dirt is the medium that keeps the plant healthy and allows it to thrive both above and below. Beyond this, we have water and sun doing their parts in proper balance. The learning curve in winemaking is long and complex, and involves lots of science and chemistry. There are many stages of growing that can take years in which a number of things can go wrong even after a good growing season. This process goes beyond simply planting a seed that, with a reasonable yet relatively minimal amount of care, can give you something every bit as precious as a bottle of wine. In wine and cannabis, we use our senses to evaluate what we are about to experience. There is little doubt that either will bring us pleasure beyond their physical presence. If there is a God and he loves to see us happy, that love should also be shown in making our lives simpler. What could be simpler than putting fire to flower and enjoying life? Appearance: This heirloom plant with a deep green color has its origins in South Africa, but was grown in the intense sun of the Okanogan Valley. The color along with its dense mass of trichomes shows

the full ripeness achieved by Jeremy Moberg and the crew at CannaSol. The producer/processor uses agricultural fabric developed by the apple industry to filter the intense sunlight to protect plants from burning and ensure an even ripening of flowers. To trigger flowering, they use light deprivation to bring the plant to full maturity. Upon close inspection, the trichomes range from translucent to golden green, or from round blobs to claw-like projections reaching out from the hard, tight nuggets. Aroma: Due to the product’s dryness, not much hits you when the package is first opened. But then the flower releases the scent of dry spices like coriander, nutmeg and bay leaf. From deeper down, a bright eucalyptus rises up to enhance the experience. The smooth smoke lacks any harshness when taken in slowly and leaves a slight taste of red grapes. Effects: Even before the flavor fades, a relaxed feeling of focus takes hold, beginning in the head and soon wrapping the entire body. My experience brought sound to the forefront. The slow rumble of a jet overhead registered immediately, but within seconds could just as easily been waves on a beach or a roaring fire. The feeling of clear alertness continued for a good three hours allowing calm, creative thoughts plus the ability for active pursuits. I would say that this Durban Poison could work well to relieve anxiety and provide a good opening for social situations. A high rating for CannaSol’s Durban Poison goes beyond the basics. When choosing to enjoy any CannaSol strains, you are also helping to further a type of agriculture that should be celebrated. This weed is farmed, not manufactured. And besides, not growing in the winter allows the producers of Washington’s best to enjoy the beauty of our winter.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, February 7, 2020

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