Evercannabis, april, 2018 by Cowles Publishing

EVERCANNABIS

APRIL 2018

www.evercannabis.com

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

Inside Our 420 Issue

EVERCANNABIS ISSUE 11

VOLUME 2

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review

Proud member of

Scared silly

Anti-pot ﬁlm now gets lots of laughs

www.evercannabis.com Free Digital Archives Online evercannabis@spokesman.com 509.459.5095

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kathleen Coleman

Locally grown

DIRECTOR OF SALES Dan Fritts

Green Bluff Greenhouse focuses on the classics

MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Potter GRAPHIC DESIGNER Trish Merryman SALES LEAD Wes Ward

LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS

Soothing sounds

Match your music with a certain strain

Terry Bain Linda Ball Staci Lehman Lizzi Moss Penny Simonson Dan Webster

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW EDITORIAL TEAM Jonathan Glover Betsy Z. Russell Shawn Vestal

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW www.spokesman.com news@spokesman.com 509.459.5400

Cannacon 2018 ................................. 6

Mark your calendar

Strain of the Month .......................... 7 Cannabis News ............................... 14 Insurance Coverage ....................... 18 Upcoming Events ........................... 21 Cooking with Cannabis ................. 23

Plenty to celebrate on 420

Marijuana and marijuana-infused products are legal for Washington residents 21 years and older. It has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. It can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. There may be health risks associated with consumption.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

‘REEFER MADNESS’ Returns CAUTIONARY FILM NOW GETS

LOTS OF LAUGHS

By DAN WEBSTER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Irony is a primary component of humor. And that may be especially true of cannabis humor. Here, for example, is a line from a Time Out magazine review of the ﬁlm “Reefer Madness”: It is, the reviewer wrote, “One of the most absurdly earnest exercises in paranoia you’ll ever have the good fortune to see.” How often does anyone consider paranoia something good to experience? You could argue that “Reefer Madness” is the singular exception. I can remember seeing the ﬁlm in the mid-1970s and failing to hear half the overly stilted dialogue because everyone sitting around me was laughing so hard.

If you’ve never seen the film, you’ll have an opportunity when it screens on April 7 at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox in Spokane. The event is intended both as a means of raising awareness about issues involving current marijuana laws and as a fundraiser for the Washington chapter of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). The doors will open at 7 p.m. Along with the movie, attendees will have the chance to socialize, purchase drinks and NORML merchandise and listen to a panel discussion. “Reefer Madness,” whose origins date to 1936, was intended initially as an anti-marijuana screed. Funded by a church group, film director Louis J. Gasnier was hired to warn the unwary about the dangers of demon weed. Gasnier built his films around a serious-minded, if fictional, scientist who sounds the alarm. The title of Gasnier’s film? “Tell Your Children.” Later, though, the film was purchased by exploitation-movie producer Dwain Esper, who added sequences and changed the title

depending on where it was released. Sometimes it was called “The Burning Question.” Sometimes “Doped Youth.”

turned out to be a greater success than its producers ever dreamed.”

Kevin Oliver, executive director of NORML’s Washington chapter, hopes that those who attend the screening But the enduring title is “Reefer enjoy themselves. But he stresses, Madness.” too, that the screening has a serious Bookended by scenes of the intent, which is “breaking down the scientist and his admonitions, the film wall of prohibition that’s being held follows a group of marijuana pushers by belief in ‘Reefer Madness.’” who take advantage of several high In other words, he wants the school students. Ultimately, cannabis audience to see is blamed for a number of deaths, including a shooting and a suicide, and one person is driven psychotic and sent to an asylum “for the rest of his natural life.” But the scene everyone who has seen the film remembers best involves the character played by actor Dave O’Brien, who worked regularly during the 1930s and ’40s. It’s O’Brien as the character Ralph who, lost in mania caused by a cloud of marijuana smoke, urges his girlfriend to play the piano with ever-increasing gusto. “Play it faster, play it faster!” he says with cartoonishly wide-eyed glee. “All the performers either overact laughably or underact to the point of just standing in place and speaking lines in a monotone,” wrote a reviewer for TV Guide. “Whether the film ever stopped anyone from smoking marijuana is doubtful, but it certainly

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

the movie for what it originally was intended to be: pure propaganda. That point will also be the intent of the attendant NORML-sponsored panel discussion, which Oliver will moderate. The line-up includes Spokane attorney Frank Cikutovich; Karen Stratton from the Spokane City Council and a licensed cannabis producer; Tri-Cities cannabis shop owner Steve Lee; Pam Dyer, holistic health coach, wellness blogger, medical cannabis patient and chapter leader for NORML Women of WA – Spokane; and Jayne Wilhelm, supervising forensic scientist, Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. Oliver expects the forum to address some of the issues that – even though cannabis use is now legal across the state – still worry marijuana proponents. Issues of which, Oliver says, “There are still several.” One, he says, involves the continuing limitations on home-grown cannabis. Another is what Oliver characterizes as “the questionable science behind DUI laws.” Not to mention, he says, “There are still employment issues that allow for discriminating against people over any use of cannabis, whether they’re using it on the job or not.” It’s a fact, Oliver says, that many people – U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions among them – still believe, despite the mass of evidence to the contrary, that “Reefer Madness” captures what they consider to be the truth. “I really want to hold up the fact that we’re not out of prohibition yet,” Oliver says. “As funny as the movie seems, whether it was ever intended to be funny is a whole other question.” Note the lack of irony in that last statement.

o t r i ’ s d E Words of Wisdom Marijuana middlemen may gain the most Want to make money in marijuana, but don’t want to grow or sell the stuff? There is a way! Much of the money up for grabs in what is being called “The Green Rush” is coming from businesses doing business with growers, retailers and cannabis consumers. Retailers need cabinets, counters and cool signage to let customers see all the treasures and treats and hopefully get them excited enough to buy a bunch. Shops need cameras to deter employees or customers who try to grab more than they’re supposed to. Growers can beneﬁt from good soil that promotes plant growth and minimizes bugs to automated machinery that saves time. They also need labels, bags, gloves, hair nets, buckets and other accessories. Consumers need education, but also need products to safely and legally enjoy their cannabis, be it cool pipes or customized lockboxes. A recent trip to Cannacon, an annual industry conference (see page 6), showed that there’s a lot more that entrepreneurs can and should be doing to attract customers, retain workers, and produce quality products. Ever consider insurance? Storage? Retirement planning? Accounting? Business software? Human resources help? Packaging? Security? Transportation? Law?

Yes, these are all traditional ‘business’ sectors and vendors that wouldn’t be out of place at a traditional business fair or trade show, and many experts have already been offering these professional services to traditional customers. Now they’re interested in educating and signing up cannabis businesses – it’s the perfect fit for company owners realizing that running a successful business takes more than loving weed a lot. There were plenty of other takeaways, including the classic ‘if you’re serious about making it work and make sure you stick around, you have to pay attention to these things. Because your competitors are.’ Industry watchers are expecting an adjustment in the state market in the next few years, as some companies will keep growing, while other owners will simply throw in the towel due to low prices or increasing regulations. Or, others, who enjoy the industry, may quit growing and find niches that are still profitable and less crowded. That was another lesson that was emphasized: during historical gold rushes, the real winners weren’t always the miners, but the people who sold products and services to the miners. In the next few issues, we plan to share other insights from this event, and are also eager to hear your questions, ideas and suggestions! Joe Butler, Managing Editor

Reefer Madness images courtesy NORML Since the late 1930s, ﬁlms like “Reefer Madness” have shared the perceived social ills of marijuana.

Interested in being a FREE EVERCANNABIS distribution location? Please contact 509.459.5095 or evercannabis@spokesman.com

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

CANNACON

Federal uncertainty nixes shop sale near Ritzville

attracts thousands of supporters

By SHAWN VESTAL The Spokesman-Review

When Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the feds’ take-it-easy policy on pot prosecutions, he threw a ton of uncertainty into Washington’s marijuana industry. One casualty is a planned cannabis-themed truck stop along I-90 near Ritzville. The longtime home of Templin’s Country Corner was set to be sold to Steve and Jessica Lee, who own cannabis shops in the Tri-Cities. They recently changed their minds and canceled the pending sale. The $1 million purchase of the Country Corner was going to be ﬁnanced by the current owners Gary and Vernette Templin and not a bank, which the Lees and their attorneys decided was too risky.

Retailers, growers, and others afﬁliated with the cannabis industry visited Seattle in February for a weekend of seminars, networking and learning about products and services. Photos by Gina Grabicki/EVERCANNABIS

By JOE BUTLER EVERCANNABIS Writer

Though Washington’s cannabis industry has some challenges, including security, price drops and the threat of federal crackdowns, Gov. Jay Inslee said people should be proud of themselves for how well it has evolved. Inslee did so in a big way at Cannacon, an annual industry gathering held in February in Seattle. “We’ve rolled out such a degree of success, integrity, and lack of criminality,” said Inslee, one of the event’s keynote presenters. “Everyone should take credit for this success – it doesn’t happen by accident.” In a short presentation, Inslee mentioned areas of concern, especially the stability and security of LEAF, the new software provider that retail stores and growers are required to use to keep track of orders. He also expressed disappointment with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ unwillingness to sit down and learn more about the good things taking place with a regulated market. “But we have been talking to our U.S.

District Attorneys, and they’re eager to hear our info, and have said they don’t plan on any significant changes, something we hope will continue,” he said. Exhibitors and attendees included retailers, growers, and merchants from around the U.S. and Canada who offer lights, labels, shelving, signage, soil additives, machinery, or all sorts of other goods and services. Inslee invited people to continue to share ideas with his office, the Liquor and Cannabis Board, and legislators. “Get to know your lawmakers on a firstname basis: we all want to keep listening to your voices, because the reason why this is all so successful is because it’s all a work in progress,” he said. “We succeed because we’re so productive.” Another speaker was former Mexican President Vincente Fox, who discussed high rates of crime in his country, partially due to U.S. demand for marijuana and other legal and illegal products. He also has been advocating the legalization of personal use of marijuana there, which is illegal except for medical or scientific use.

Steve Lee said all it would take for him to go bust – and leave the Templins holding the bag – would be for a federal prosecutor to go looking for retailers to prosecute. “If they do a freeze and seize (of assets), my company goes out of business in three days,” Lee said. The planned transition at the truck stop – 45 miles west of Spokane – would have corresponded with the retirement of Gary and Vernette Templin, who have owned the gas station, store and restaurant for more than three decades. Vernette Templin said that they would have been comfortable moving forward with the sale, and that Lee’s decision to withdraw has spoiled their planned retirement. Lee, who was elected to the Kennewick City Council and runs two Green2Go retail stores in Kennewick. He and his wife started in the medical marijuana business, and expanded to recreational sales after voters approved it in 2012. They opened the Tokio retail store in an outbuilding they leased at the Templin’s truck stop in November 2016. Lee said he’s planning to continue operating the store at the Templin’s site for now; the large CANNABIS sign will likely be recovered. Lee had a grand vision for the Country Corner, which also has RV and camping spots. He said he envisioned creating a “cannabis Leavenworth,” a tourist destination with the possibility of hosting festivals and other events.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

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to be ﬂuffy and sticky. They’re short buds full of bright greens with a heavy coating of sweet well-developed trichomes. I like the fact the grower leaves just a few sugar leaves on his buds because they’re just as strong as the buds themselves. The stigmas (hairs) are a mix of colors including red, orange, with some smaller brown hairs. EFFECTS: Every time we get this strain

in, I get some. It hits me like a ton of bricks. It is heavy in the mind and immediately affects my entire body while relaxing my back and knees. After a long day, I like smoking a few hits to relax on the couch. It’s perfect for shutting off my mind to just chill.

Reviewed by Landon Baum, a three-year team member at Green Star Cannabis in Spokane. He’s traveled extensively and often speaks of his “consumption” experiences around the world.

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

Reefer Badness By STACI LEHMAN

EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

One of the great things about the Spokane area is that, along with a wide variety of marijuana strains, we have a large selection of choices for live music. From local entertainers to national and international headliners that pass through the Inland Northwest, we are fortunate to have all kinds of musical genres. At the same time, there’s also access to hundreds of cannabis products which can often enhance the experience of listening to music. In the past, when supplies and types of cannabis were limited and illegal, it wasn’t easy to ﬁnd a strain to match whatever concert you were attending or album you were listening to. But today, it’s possible to customize your musical experience. Rather than “name that tune,” some local cannabis retailer employees recently played “name that strain” and made recommendations on what strains can help enhance a favorite musical genre or some of the acts that are coming to our area in the next few months. This starts with Irish tunes. Though St. Patrick’s Day has already come and gone, O’Doherty’s Irish Grille hosts a weekly Sunday night jam of Irish musicians and instruments.

What marijuana goes with your music?

Budtender Luke Nick of Smokane suggests a strain called Super Lemon Haze if you plan to groove to this style of fast-paced music. “It’s just really energetic, really an upper, it’s a really heady high; not going to put you on the couch and it deﬁnitely goes good with drinking,” he said. He also offers a recommendation for ‘90s-style grunge bands.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

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“I love Queensryche,” he said, and recommends Girl Scout Cookie for that musical style, a hybrid strain that offers full-body relaxation. “It makes you mellow but alert.” Nick wasn’t around for the hair bands of the 1980s but has suggestions for those who enjoy old-school metal, especially those planning on attending the Dr. Crue Rocks show (a Motley Crue tribute band) April 20 at The Roadhouse, or the Dee Snider/Quiet Riot concert April 21 at Northern Quest Resort and Casino. “They all grew up on Acapulco Gold,” he said of the age group of people who used to smoke while rocking hard in the ‘80s. “It’s deﬁnitely going to be uplifting so it’s good rock concert stuff.” Stephanie Johnson, ﬂoor supervisor at Royals Cannabis, suggested Super Silver Haze or Super Lemon Haze for optimal ‘80s hair band enjoyment. “For something more heady,” she said of the high those strains provide.

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Going back to the 1970s, Johnson suggests something that won’t hype you up too much but won’t put you to sleep for shows like The Eagles, who are visiting the Spokane Arena May 8. “I would probably do like a Chernobyl,” she said. “Or if I was going to sit at home and listen I would probably do something more relaxing like a Dutch Treat or GG #4.” For bands like The Commodores, who just played at Northern Quest, Nick said there’s no strain called “Brick House,” but there may be some other options for similar music styles. “Granola Funk or LSD; Lemon Sour Diesel,” said Luke Nick of Smokane. “Something a little more funky, more trippy.” If classic country is more your thing, The Charlie Daniels Band plays Northern Quest Resort & Casino April 29. For that, Johnson recommends something with more of a body high, like Royal Kush or Afghan Kush.

And for those who like variety in music, and maybe to show off their own musical chops, the karaoke experience can often be improved with marijuana. Way improved. Before belting out your signature ballads, Johnson recommends sampling a hybrid called Montana Silver Tip. “It’s a really good body and head high and lasts a long time,” she said.

If you do plan to attend any of the shows mentioned or other events, please practice smart marijuana etiquette. It is still not legal to smoke or use in public, only in private places like your home, so please respect others and refrain from public use. Mixing alcohol and cannabis, whether a new or a veteran user of either substance, is known to create unpredictable effects. It is also illegal to drive under the inﬂuence so don’t smoke or ingest marijuana and then drive to a concert. As with alcohol, use a designated driver, take a cab or ridehailing service, or just chill out to tunes in your own home.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

Green Bluff GREENHOUSE

Quality, not quantity

By JOE BUTLER EVERCANNABIS Writer

Shoppers may be familiar with Green Bluff Greenhouse, even if they haven’t tried the product. The company uses distinctively-shaped curved jars imported from Italy. “The idea is similar to Crown Royal, where people love the bottle and don’t want to throw it away when it’s empty,” said Joel Crisp. Some customers say the jars have become something of a keepsake. Rick Roening said the attention to detail and uniqueness in the jars goes back to the original purpose of the venture. “If you are going to be a boutique, you need to be consistent in your actions and philosophy,” he said. Green Bluff Greenhouse won a state award from the Marijuana Business Association for

BEST PACKAGING and the impressive honor of

TOP 502 GROWER OF THE YEAR

from Toke Tank, an online resource. Green Bluff Greenhouse Tier 1 Location: Green Bluff Sells: Flower plus pre-rolls Available at: Green Star Cannabis, Local’s Canna House in Spokane, Toker Friendly in Airway Heights, Cannarail Station in Ephrata and I-90 Green House in Ritzville. Visit @greenbluffgreenhouse on Facebook or Instagram

Though we live in a culture where “bigger and faster” is often equated with “better,” it isn’t always the case, at least where cannabis is concerned. Just ask Rick Roening, one of the owners of Green Bluff Greenhouse, a Tier 1 indoor grower in Green Bluff, a farming community in northeast Spokane. The family also owns and farms nearby cherry and peach orchards. A daughter and son-in-law operate Twilight Cider Works, which creates cider from Green Bluff-grown apples. Cannabis seems like a natural extension of their growing efforts, especially when the family approaches all of their crops with a “simple and basic” philosophy. “Agriculture is agriculture, whatever you’re growing,” Roening said. The small size, under 2,000 square feet, keeps overhead low and allows the family to put more effort into plant growth and hands-on cultivation methods. It also lets the business set higher prices and be choosy about which retailers they work with. “We want to be known as a boutique grower,” he said. While it may take years for fruit trees to start producing at commercial levels, a full crop of indoor cannabis can be harvested in less than a year. Some growers utilize artiﬁcial short-cuts like

chemical boosts to accelerate this process, but this may diminish overall taste and quality.

“Old-school is our deal,” Crisp said. “We really want to bring back the old buds.”

Not here, however. No sprays or chemicals are used, and one natural bio-control method consists of a certain type of predatory mite that feeds exclusively on the mite species known to be especially destructive to cannabis plants.

Another popular strain is Solace, a strong hybrid. “It gets you high but doesn’t get you stoned,” he said. “We don’t want to grow anything that makes you couch-locked, but want people to be energized and stimulate their creativity.”

It may take six months to a year for one of their plants to go from seed to harvest to drying, curing and packaging, but Roening said it makes a difference in what the customer experiences – a natural ﬂavor without any chemical or fertilizer tastes.

Along with appealing to recreational users, they’re happy to offer quality products for those with medical needs.

When the company was being put together, Joel Crisp worked to ﬁnd the best land-race strains, which generally are considered the older, heirloom varieties of cannabis like Acapulco Gold, Panama Red or Colombian Gold. These classic strains may evoke a touch of nostalgia for those who partook of pot way back when, or can be a new experience for more recent users more familiar with current ﬂavors and aromas.

Green Bluff Greenhouse’s growing method includes LED lamps that save energy and provide an even distribution of light, which leads to larger buds. Ventilation devices help clean air of odors before it’s sent outside, and water is recycled.

One of the company’s top selling strains is Thai Stick, and they recently planted their ﬁrst indica, Red Congolese, which is a blend of Black Congolese and Angola Red. The family also started putting a seed bank together for possible future offerings.

“We were part of the ﬁrst class in the state that received training in medical cannabis,” Roening said.

Later this year, they’ll continue to ﬁne-tune their process and may even add more areas for plants. “We’re always working on improving,” Roening said.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

The owners of Green Bluff Greenhouse use their agricultural expertise and a small space to put more attention into plant growth. Photos by Wes Ward/EVERCANNABIS

Senior helps pee

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

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By LINDA BALL EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Many of today’s Baby Boomers have mixed memories of cannabis use. There was certainly a fear of being busted, but also, way back then, not everyone knew what they were smoking. Was it really Acapulco Gold or Maui Wowie or mystery weed? Who knew? As long as the good times were rolling and you avoided getting caught, no one gave it a second thought. Now that we’re in the enlightened, at least more legal, age, senior users have the opportunity to be more precise in what marijuana products may be safe and able to help with their various aches and pains, anxiety and depression. Some are also enjoying learning that it’s possible to get relief without getting high.

forms of cannabis are available, and what ratios of CBD/THC might help them,” she s

CBD and THC are natural compounds in cannabis: CBD is generally connected to p relief, and THC provides the common men physical reactions associated with the ‘hig

Southern has been interested helping pe with mental health challenges most of her life. Her father, a World War II veteran, use alcohol and food to ease his emotional dis at being “shell-shocked,” which would be called PTSD today. Her mother had bouts depression and developed lupus.

Southern worked to teach people to use own thoughts and feelings in a productive From there she moved to spiritual coachin and counseling, as well as new modalities as Reiki and Emotional Freedom Technique which stimulates acupuncture points usin gentle ﬁnger tapping.

But expertise is still needed, but not always After her husband’s death in 2003, she m from budtenders young enough to be their kids from Orcas Island to Bellingham to offer h or even their grandkids. life coaching to a larger population. That’s the role that Nancy Southern is trying to ﬁll. She’s started advising people on what types of products can work best for their health, especially people in her age group.

She also began battling an autoimmune condition, which involved researching and trying natural therapies, remedies and supplements. But nothing was effective.

Southern, a social worker and a By March 2017 she said the stress from t professional life coach, is based in Bellingham illness was affecting her coaching practice at a business called the Center for Mindful Use. Satori’s Bellingham location provides space for “I’m a sensitive enough person, that I kn CMU, and Southern has been hired as Satori’s stress becomes chronic if not addressed,” receptionist. said. “Our job is to introduce customers to what

She began learning more about cannab

ers navigate cannabis choices EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

t said.

pain ntal/ gh.’

eople r ed stress

s of

after watching an online series called “The Sacred Plant,” especially the third episode, which discussed how some use marijuana to ﬁght autoimmune diseases.

“Seniors are part of the old propaganda machine and so they may not be comfortable talking to someone who could be their child,” she said. “When they see me, their face opens up. And I know exactly what they mean: having a peer to talk to is totally different for first-time users.”

“I felt so lousy, I knew I wanted to give it (cannabis) a try,” she said.

e their The next day she ventured into two different e way. cannabis shops in Bellingham and the staff ng recommended certain items for what she was s such feeling. e, ga Within three days her depression lifted. She said this was a profound eye-opener that gave her hope again for healing her body. moved her She learned that the most effective product for her is a CBD-dominant whole ﬂower extract, which can be delivered by oils and e tinctures. She also has been experimenting d with vape pens.

this e. ow she

Senior customers will tell her what worked and what didn’t, so she can recommend products, dosage or modality. Everyone responds differently, so persistence with trying new ratios, products or methods is critical, she said.

Southern felt this new knowledge and her alternative healing background could be put to use helping others, especially seniors. Today, she works three days a week at the Satori/CMU location. Old friends from Orcas Island have come to see her, and other local seniors are hearing about her advice and visiting.

Expert guidance is especially needed for seniors taking other medications. Not all providers or pharmacists advise mixing cannabis with other prescriptions. “We’re all interested in providing valuable information,” Southern said. “There are growers we avoid because we know they are using pesticides. We sell clean product.” This year, Southern is working on getting her medical marijuana consultant license, to increase her ability to better help with speciﬁc medical conditions. Southern said her co-workers know far more than she does about the variety of products, but she loves learning to connect with different folks, and ﬁnding out what they need help with.

Nancy Southern enjoys helping people choose the right cannabis, especially seniors seeking help with pain. Photo courtesy Center for Mindful Use

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

CANNABIS NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

BENTON COUNTY CONTINUES BAN TALKS

RETAILERS SUE LEWIS COUNTY

TACOMA SHOP CLOSES FOR UNPAID TAXES

‘ARCADE’ CLAIM DISMISSED BY SPOKANE JUDGE

FINLEY – Benton County

CENTRALIA – The State of Washington

TACOMA – Rainier on Pine, the ﬁrst cannabis retailer to open in Tacoma, had its license canceled in early February due to owing substantial back taxes. The Liquor and Cannabis Board said the business, also known as Xander’s Green Goods, owed about $1.4 million, and received several notices of administrative violations over the last few years. “They’ve had several opportunities to become current on their taxes,” said LCB spokesman Mikhail Carpenter, who said the board tries to work with licensees to address compliance concerns. “In this particular case, even after several attempts to do so, they were still delinquent in tax payments by a pretty substantial amount.” According to 502data.com, the business had $13.1 million in sales from August 2014 until November 2017, and paid $4.7 in excise taxes. Last October, the LCB sought a summary judgment to deny renewal of its license based on failure to pay taxes and remain compliant. The judgment was granted, and the full LCB board voted to pull the license in January. “To hold a marijuana license or a liquor license in the state of Washington, you have to follow and obey the rules as set forth, and one of those rules says you must pay taxes,” Carpenter said.

SPOKANE – A Spokane County judge

Source: News Tribune

Source: The Spokesman-Review

Commissioners hope to have a plan in place soon to deal with cannabis producers before a temporary ban expires in May. Commissioners can either allow new businesses to set up shop, extend the ban, or take steps to make a moratorium permanent. Some were leaning toward the latter option at a meeting in February, although members of the local cannabis industry encouraged them to seek better solutions. Tri-Cities area residents have been concerned about smells from outdoor growers, or retail shops in residential areas. Although the current moratorium doesn’t allow new producer/ processors to set up operations, it allows existing growers and retailers to continue. Commissioner Jim Beaver said he’d personally prefer no cannabis operations, but would support indoor growing, provided they have strong air ﬁltration systems. He and others want to work with the Benton County Clean Air Agency to manage odors. Existing or future growers are concerned that these regulations can hurt an industry that has potential to help farmers and the state’s tax rolls, especially since many growers are already indoors. Municipalities that ban cannabis aren’t eligible for tax revenue, but Benton County can continue to receive a portion of state dollars. Their portion is estimated to be about $77,000 in 2018. Source: Tri-City Herald

has joined Lewis County in defending an ordinance requiring cannabisrelated businesses to receive federal approval before receiving business licenses. Last summer, three western Washington cannabis retailers filed suit against the county ordinance, which they claimed was contrary to state laws. In Superior Court filings, they requested that the court require the county to issue permits in unincorporated areas if other state and local rules are followed. Washington’s Attorney General’s office filed a motion to intervene in the case as a defendant, which was approved in early February. Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Eric Eisenberg said the Attorney General can be a party to lawsuits that assert that a state law or local ordinance is unconstitutional. Retailer Five Points, Dank’s Wonder Emporium and Washington Green Leaf filed suit after county commissioners created the ordinance, which followed a ban in place since 2013. It requires anyone seeking a license to produce, process, or sell marijuana products to obtain proof of registration from the U.S. Attorney General’s office or the Drug Enforcement Administration, which both consider cannabis illegal. While Washington has generally supported cannabis ventures, it also allows local governments to create bans.

Source: The Chronicle

has nixed an attempt by the owners of a dubious arcade to shut down Smokane, a cannabis retailer. Superior Court Judge Julie McKay denied a request from the owners of Old Fashioned Fun Arcade, an amusement center that has opened two locations in a largely industrial area of the East Sprague corridor, to nullify a license for Smokane to conduct business within 1,000 feet of the arcade’s front door. The dispute followed a legal change by the Spokane City Council allowing Smokane to move, with city officials suggesting the arcade venture was a sham designed to prevent the pot shop from opening. Her ruling concludes that attorney Marco Barbanti and the arcade did not pursue an appeal of the licensing decision to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, the state agency responsible for administering marijuana laws. That agency must rule before the courts can, McKay found. Smokane plans to push a counterclaim against Barbanti and the arcade, arguing unfair business practices, said Dan Bariault, an attorney for Smokane. The two locations do not charge patrons to play the machines, and Smokane staff contended there’s minimal business activity. Barbanti has defended the arcade as a bona fide business and filed legal briefs containing images of children visiting the original location for parties.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

CBD oil bill creates legislative squabble in Idaho By BETSY Z. RUSSELL The Spokesman-Review

Heider said, “I feel like it really is opening the door to marijuana in our state. We are the bastion of freedom from marijuana, and I like living here.”

An Idaho Senate committee chairman has apologized for violating rules by convening an impromptu – and likely illegal – meeting over efforts to discuss medical use of CBD oil. Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, also informed Health and Welfare Committee members in early March that a vote taken to kill the bill wasn’t valid – because it was never on an ofﬁcial agenda. Sen. Tony Potts, R-Idaho Falls, made an unexpected motion to hold a hearing on the bill to expand access to CBD oil. An angry Heider led his committee behind closed doors. After six minutes, the committee reconvened and approved a substitute motion to hold

the CBD oil bill in committee. Heider said he’s received requests from prosecutors, law enforcement, the governor’s office and the state Office of Drug Policy. Gov. Butch Otter’s office had no comment but Otter previously hinted that if the bill passed, he might veto it, as he did an earlier measure in 2015.

CBD oil has only trace amounts of THC, the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana. Idaho currently is involved in a drug trial in which more than 30 Idaho children with intractable epilepsy are being treated with a commercial version of CBD oil called Epidiolex; success has been reported in reducing their seizures. The issue prompted comments from three candidates running for governor, who generally advocate more attention to CBD for medical needs, or at least more transparency in the legislative process.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

DOES

MATTER?

‘High’ holiday provides chance for industry to reﬂect on past, future By TERRY BAIN EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

For at least four decades, ‘420’ has been a secret-not-so secret code for anything or everything cannabis. To some, it’s simply a regularly occurring time of day and day of the year upon which celebrants are encouraged get high. Thanks to last year’s issue of EVERCANNABIS, we know that the whole phenomenon originated with the Waldos, a group of high school pals in California in the mid-1970s who regularly gathered at 4:20 p.m. to set out in search of a legendary crop of abandoned cannabis plants rumored to be growing nearby. Even though they never actually found the hidden stash, the search was a good opportunity to enjoy their favorite herb, and the numbers of people they told about the 420 code grew and grew, until now the date has become a community celebration and sale day. For 2018, it also raises the question: Now that many states offer legal cannabis, do we still need a secret password? Pot partakers will likely still say “yes,” but many will agree that the meaning may have changed. Meaning 1: Fight the good ﬁght! Strides in state legalization has turned what had once been a kind of a poke in the eye to “The Man” or an anti-establishment holiday into more of a celebration of cannabis culture. It’s a day to enjoy the fruits of the labor that went into making cannabis legal in and appreciating the work that got the culture to this point. Meaning 2: Welcome! As cannabis becomes more acceptable in all its forms, the holiday could be considered a welcome mat and open door

to newcomers. Rather than a day of protest or resisting societal demands, 420 can be seen as a commemoration of moving goalposts further from prohibition. The more people who feel comfortable, the less likely it will be for current or future political administrations to reverse course. Meaning 3: Party on! No matter the deeper social implications, 4/20 is always going to be about enjoying your favorite herb in your favorite ways. In the spirit of celebration and welcome, many local shops will be commemorating the occasion with sales, deals, entertainment and special events. Many stores are lowering prices and increasing inventory for the occasion. s The Green Nugget is planning to offer $1 joints, $3 grams, $8 eighths, $40 ounces, $7 full grams of oil, and 20 percent discounts if shoppers buy at least four items. “420 is the day everyone gets to be a stoner,” said Matthew Hawkins, the store’s director of marketing and operations. “It has become culturally accepted almost like other holidays. It’s truly fun to watch people break stigma and try their ﬁrst toke, snack, or cream.”

s At Sativa Sisters, General Manager Eric Skaar encourages people to come by for fun and savings. “To celebrate 420 and the end of Prohibition in Washington we will be offering 20 percent off all of infused products and flower,” he said. Skaar also promises additional deals, including 50 percent paraphernalia. Lilac City Gardens, an area producer, will be in the store along with a DJ. Amsterdam Coffee Club will be selling half-price apparel and 20 percent off CBD products. s 4ODD "ENNATT OWNER OF 3POKANE Green Leaf, said there will be deals all weekend. “As Spokane’s first recreational cannabis shop, we love celebrating 420 and seeing the enjoyment our customers get.” He promises $3 prerolls, $12 3.5g flower, $12 concentrates, and $3 edibles. “420 is a great reminder to gather with friends and family to celebrate the many benefits of cannabis. It’s really a great social product to enjoy together.” Chances are high that you’ll find other deals at your favorite local retailer and plenty of suggestions to commemorate the occasion.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

Access to coverage

CANNABIS BUSINESS OWNERS WANT BETTER INSURANCE OPTIONS By PENNY SIMONSON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Regardless of the product or service offered, any operating business must have appropriate safeguards in place to protect inventory and property as well as employees and customers. As the sales of recreational and medical marijuana become firmly established in Washington, standard insurers are being asked to offer coverage, and those in the cannabis industry see their request as no different from any other business needing to protect their assets and secure against liability. But while Washington generally supports legal cannabis businesses, the industry’s federal legal status remains uncertain, which makes securing insurance even trickier. Businesses may be considered even higher risk, legally, than standard high-risk insurance, available to those who have a difficult time obtaining standard coverage due to the unique nature and specific needs of their business. There is a wholesale distribution system for insurers willing to accommodate a wide variety of risks for policyholders such as bars, nightclubs, and 24-hour convenience stores. Now, cannabis companies may be able to take advantage of these “surplus lines.” According to the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association, risks typically written in the surplus lines market fall into three basic categories: s NON-STANDARD RISKS, which have unusual underwriting characteristics such as loss frequency or severity;

While coverage language, exclusions and rates used to set premiums before a policy can be sold are monitored and regulated by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, these “surplus lines” policies are not held to that standard and do not require prior approval. Therefore, available policies can be dramatically modified, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact scope of coverage a business is receiving.

“Although there is still a lot of uncertainty, the marijuana business is slowly being accepted and recognized by the insurance industry. Things will smooth out as things become more normalized.”

Such severe restrictions could lead one to see a policy as “insurance” in name only, giving the buyer only a required piece of paper needed to maintain a license. But while something is better than nothing, a business owner must exercise great caution to acquire the protection they need. “More than likely, cannabis businesses will remain captive to the surplus lines marketplace,” said Ian Cunningham, a longtime insurance broker who has offered multiple lines of insurance to a diverse group of people and organizations for more than 40 years. “Insurance producers need to take great care to educate cannabis clients, and manage their expectations to offer the best coverage available, even if the client balks at the cost.” “In a volatile and dynamic marketplace, a good broker shows his communication and negotiating skills, and product knowledge, in earning his commission,” Cunningham said. Cannabis companies can beneﬁt from insurance coverage in several ways. Production facilities require appropriate ventilation controls, intricate irrigation systems and special lighting. Damage to these mechanical items can be costly.

s UNIQUE RISKS for which admitted carriers do not offer a ﬁled policy form or rate;

On the money side, copious amounts of sales are taking place, mostly in cash, making the potential for loss greater if there is an interruption of business for any reason, and the risk of theft higher. Both require increased limits of liability.

s CAPACITY RISKS, where an insured seeks a higher level of coverage than most insurers are willing to provide

“Certainly this process is not ﬁnished,” said one local underwriter, who was unable to allow his name nor his company’s name to be used.

Insurance professionals have also been discussing the issue of transportation. While some growers drive their product to stores themselves, there are also several licensed transportation providers for cannabis or money. Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board has created strict guidelines for ofﬁcial transporters, including requiring that all shipments must be registered and tracked. The insurance industry has also developed specialized clauses, including requiring policy holders to use security procedures like armored vehicles, and for drivers to pass criminal background checks. However, the recent discovery of a hack of the statewide cannabis transport tracking system which potentially identiﬁed transport vehicles and the carrier’s planned route has caused insurance professionals to consider new scenarios for potential liability. It’s a good example of a business risk requiring a specialized type of insurance that likely isn’t offered at all, since it’s an off-site cyber risk outside of the transport company’s control. “It all continues to be a part of the learning process as insurers and their clients make their way through this,” Cunningham said.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

Guilty plea for store assault

By JONATHAN GLOVER The Spokesman-Review

A man accused of shooting a north Spokane marijuana store worker in November has pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and assault. James Jordan, 42, was sentenced in late January to more than 15 years in prison, with another three years community custody. He was accused of holding two employees of Starbuds Cannabis – now Simply

Cannabis – at gunpoint on Nov. 21, before shooting a female employee in the arm and ﬂeeing. Police arrested Jordan two days later after tracking his getaway vehicle – a U-Haul truck he stole days earlier – to the 1900 block of East Lincoln Road. Jordan confessed to ofﬁcers. Jordan has no prior felony history in Spokane County.

Please join us for our 420 Celebration! Munchie Monday 20% OFF EDIBLES

Toke It Up Tuesday $1 OFF PREROLLS

Thrifty Thursday $20 1/8THS

Flower Fridays

1G $8 | 3.5G $25 | 7G $45

Shatterday

20% OFF CONCENTRATES

All Veterans 10% OFF

groups/thetopshelf

/Full Menu

1305 S Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001 “AT THE CORNER OF HAYFORD RD AND HWY 2, ATTACHED TO EXXON STATION”

509.474.1050 This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the inﬂuence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesmanâ&#x2C6;&#x2019;Review â&#x20AC;¢ Friday, March 30, 2018

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesmanâ&#x2C6;&#x2019;Review â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, March 30, 2018

THINGS TO DO MAR 30-31

CANNATANK 420, 10 A.M.-6 P.M., HOTEL RL, SPOKANE Farm-to-retailer conference designed to connect 502 shop owners/employees and producers/processors. Includes presentations, job fair, meeting opportunities. cannatank420.com

APR 7

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A NORML EVENINGâ&#x20AC;? 7-10 P.M. MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE FOX, SPOKANE Fundraiser for NORML Washington includes screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reefer Madness,â&#x20AC;? followed by panel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marijuana Propaganda, Law Reform and Legal Issues.â&#x20AC;? $10. www.ticketswest.com

APR 12 APR 12-14 APR 18 APR 20 APR 20-22

12-2 P.M., THE CANNABIS ALLIANCE, WOOD TECHNOLOGY CENTER, SEATTLE Monthly meeting of statewide association includes speakers, information, networking opportunities. www.thecannabisalliance.us THE HIGHLARIOUS COMEDY FESTIVAL, CAPITOL HILL, SEATTLE The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only cannabis-themed comedy festival returns to various locations for a fourth year. A variety of diverse comics and comedy ensembles will perform comedy genres, everything from bong jokes to a roast battle. highlariouscomedy.com SPOKANE/EASTERN WASHINGTON MARIJUANA BUSINESS NETWORKING MEET-UP, LUIGIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTAURANT, SPOKANE Meet others involved in the local cannabis industry, plus those who want to learn more. Happy hour 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by presentation/discussion 6:30-7:30 p.m. www.meetup.com/Spokane-Eastern-WA-MarijuanaBusiness-Networking

G N I N EVE REEFER MADNESS 7fh_b - Â&#x161; -#'&fc presenting a screening of the anti-marijuana ďŹ lm classic

The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox '& ff mmm$j_Ya[jim[ij$Yec Hosted by Washington NORML

Marijuana Propoganda, Law Reform, & Legal Issues - & # (& (($# %$ # (, $)# !% &'$# # ! #' " & ) # %&$ ) & %&$ ''$& $+# & - ( * ## + (, $)# !% &'$# ,$& &$ " # ! #' " & ) # & ( ! '($& $+# & - & # )($* & " # ! #' (($&# , # + $&" *$ ( - " , & $! '( !( $ !!# '' !$ & ! ## ' % ( #( # %( & ! & $& $" # %$ # - ,# ! !" )% &* ' # $& #' #( '( ' # ($# ( ( (&$! & "

Sponsored by 420FEST, FREMONT, SEATTLE Along with sponsoring the big summer â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;protest-ival,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hempfest also organizes a spring celebration for Hempfest members only, which includes music, pizza, and a rafďŹ&#x201A;e to support Jimmy Romans, who has been convicted of cannabis distribution. www.hempfest.org/events/420 WEEDSTOCK, PULLMAN Enjoy three days of music, camping and fun around the topic of cannabis. The free event includes games, vendors, guest speakers from Washington State University, NORML, and even a comedian. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3363877

Planning a cannabis-themed event you want to include in this space? Send us the details at Evercannabis@spokesman.com.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

CANNABIS NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

BOSTON-AREA CLUB PROVING POPULAR

SLOW PROCESS FOR CALIFORNIA LICENSES

CBD MAY HELP PSYCHOSIS

WISCONSIN FARMERS PLANT HEMP

WORCESTER, Mass. – The owner of the state’s ﬁrst “smoking” club is considering expanding to other cities. The Summit Lounge opened in February as a social club where members can smoke anything legal in the state, including cannabis. Kyle Moon said he’s considering opening new clubs in nearby Fitchburg, Leominster and Lowell. “Every possible option is on the table,” said Moon, a business administration student and entrepreneur. “It’s a high population area, and it’s up and coming, just like most of our state.” Membership is available for a $50 monthly membership fee. Ashtrays are provided, and the club also sells pipes and food. Members must bring their own product to be smoked. “We say that we’re the ﬁrst one in Massachusetts, but I know of other underground ones but I’m not sure of their legal status and they haven’t come out yet,” Moon said. The Summit Club’s board is comprised of Moon, his siblings and his parents. It was conceived after his brother, a medical marijuana patient, saw the idea at a Colorado trade show. Massachusetts state law charges high prices to purchase cannabis retail or processing licenses, but much less for social clubs.

SACRAMENTO – Less than 1 percent

LONDON – A study of CBD, a natural

of California’s cannabis growers have sought licenses under the state’s new legal system. As of early February, only 534 growers have received licenses, which is only .78 percent of the 68,120 growers believed to exist statewide. This information comes from the California Growers Association, the state’s largest association of cannabis businesses. Association ofﬁcials say many growers can’t meet the cost of complying with new regulations, or are prohibited from growing because of local land-use policies. “Without broad participation, legalization will look a lot like prohibition,” with many illicit growers, the report concludes. “The current system will not achieve its goals without fundamental and structural changes that allow small and independent businesses to enter into compliance.” Small-scale growers reportedly have the largest challenges, the association concluded, as the larger well-funded organizations don’t have problems complying. California has 58 counties, but only 13 have passed ordinances allowing commercial cannabis activity. Six more are expected to approve them soon, and 14 have indicated they are studying the topic. Twenty-ﬁve counties have voted to ban the activity.

compound in cannabis, indicated that it can lower symptoms of psychosis. A clinical trial at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience showed that it reduced paranoia and hallucinations, and improved cognitive abilities and overall functioning in people suffering from schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. The trial consisted of 88 patients with psychosis who received CBD treatments or a placebo for six weeks in addition to their anti-psychotic medication. Their performance and condition was measured before and after the trial period. “Patients treated with CBD showed a signiﬁcant reduction in symptoms, and their treating psychiatrists rated them as having improved overall,” said Philip McGuire, who co-led the trial and published ﬁndings in the American Journal of Psychiatry. McGuire said the study can show potential for treating psychosis symptoms, but shouldn’t be taken as an indicator that all cannabis is good for mental health. Another dominant ingredient in many forms of cannabis is THC, which is believed to increase paranoia and anxiety in some users. “Although it is still unclear exactly how CBD works, it acts in a different way to antipsychotic medication, and ... could represent a new class of treatment,” he said.

MADISON, Wisc. – For the first time in 60 years, Wisconsin farmers will be officially planting hemp. The state was once considered the top industrial hemp-growing state in the 1940s and 1950s, which was used for everything from rope to shoes to clothes. Today, it also is used in food, oil and health products. Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection began working on rules for production last fall. Farmers must apply for a permit and affirm that they will only keep the level of THC below .3 percent and only use the strain Cannabis sativa. Even after a permit has been received, farmers may not be able to plant right away, due to possible discussions with the DEA about where seeds originate. Jim Holte, president of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, says he’s ready to try a few acres on his property near Eau Claire. He said hemp may be able to help farmers if other commodities decline. “I believe this country is ready to go forward with the legalization of industrial hemp,” Holte said. The DEA said hemp products such as paper, rope, clothing, lotions and shampoos aren’t a problem under the law.

Source: Sentinel & Enterprise

Source: Mercury News

Source: Reuters

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018

By LIZZI MOSS EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Finding the perfect pizza isn’t always easy. There are so many different pizza restaurants out there to choose from, but I enjoy making it for movie nights with the family. There’s no end to the types of crusts you can try and toppings you can pile on, and you can even make dinner pizza, dessert pizza and even breakfast pizza. Or you can make extra “herby” pizza for adults 21 and over that’s super fresh and satisfying. There are plenty of ways to incorporate your cannabis products into it, but I especially recommend using infused olive oil. If you and your pizza posse can’t ﬁnish it all in one sitting, make sure to keep it away from kids.

Pesto Pizza

Canna pesto sauce 1 cup fresh basil ½ tsp minced garlic ¼ cup roasted pine nuts 2 Tbsp canna oil (see recipe below or try Agrijuana Olive Oil, which I found at Sativa Sisters for $30) Using a food processor add all ingredients except for the oils. Put processor on low and slowly add the canna oil and the olive oil to emulsify mixture.

Canna oil 1 ¼ cups olive oil 1 oz dried marijuana leaves Add all ingredients to slow cooker, and put on low for 4-8 hours. Once done, strain mixture to separate the live oil from the trimmings.

Pizza Dough 1-1/2 cups hot water, about 110-115 degrees 2-1/4 tsp active yeast 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp regular olive oil ½ tsp salt 1 ¾ cup bread ﬂour 1 ¾ cup semolina Combine sugar, water, yeast, semolina in small bowl and stir. Let sit 10 minutes or until mixture is bubbly. Put all ingredients in mixer with bread hook. Knead on low 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and a little sticky. Cover dough in bowl with plastic wrap and let rise for 2 hours. Remove from bowl and place on ﬂoured surface or cutting board. Roll out dough to make a large pizza.

Pizza Building Spread your pesto sauce evenly over pizza dough. Add your favorite toppings. Place pizza on oven rack or a pizza stone and cook at 450 degrees 15-20 minutes.

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, March 30, 2018