Evercannabis, March, 2018

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EVERCANNABIS MARCH 2018

www.evercannabis.com


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Features

EVERCANNABIS ISSUE 10

VOLUME 2

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review

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Proud member of

www.evercannabis.com Free Digital Archives Online evercannabis@spokesman.com 509.459.5095 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kathleen Coleman DIRECTOR OF SALES Dan Fritts MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Potter GRAPHIC DESIGNER Trish Merryman SALES LEAD Wes Ward

LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS Elly Bailey Linda Ball Staci Lehman

On the Cover Photo courtesy of Diane Hildebrand, Hempfest 2017

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Something for Everyone Botanica searches for the best edibles to suit all tastes

Countywide Crackdown Yakima officials taking steps to ban shops, growers

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Smoking Deals Choosing the perfect pipes

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New Cannabis Shops ....................... 8 Upcoming Events ............................ 15

T. H. Lynn

Cannabis News ............................... 16

Rick Misterly

Strain of the Month .........................17

Lizzi Moss

RAD Expo 2018 ............................... 20

Renee Sande

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

Chronic sickness Why some Eastern WA cannabis users are reporting extreme nausea

Cooking with Cannabis .................. 23

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


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

YAKIMA COMMISSIONERS PLAN

S N W O D K C A CR By ELLY BAILEY EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Legal cannabis entrepreneurs and elected officials statewide are watching a brewing conflict in Yakima County between county commissioners and local growers and processors. Jeffrey McPhee, Chief Operating Officer of Sticky Budz, a producer/ processor in rural Yakima County, has organized a group of about 28 processors and retailers who are fighting to continue operating legally in unincorporated areas of the county. The group is called the Cannabis Producer Processor Trade Association, and McPhee says members are prepared to go to court to defend themselves. “The Yakima Valley is just an ideal place to grow the stuff,” he said. “There’s a reason why pot grows so

well here—it’s the same for hops and apples.” Although Initiative 502 passed in 2012 allowing the sale of recreational marijuana throughout Washington State, 58 percent of Yakima County voters rejected the initiative. That spurred Yakima County’s commissioners to pass an ordinance three years ago, along with several other Eastern Washington counties, to ban the recreational production and sale of marijuana in unincorporated areas. However, at the same time, Union Gap, directly adjacent to the city of Yakima and the second-largest town in Yakima County, approved the sale of recreational products inside city limits in summer 2014.

Union Gap’s successful example led to pressure on Yakima’s City Council, which allowed retailers to locate inside city limits in 2016. Registered medical dispensaries and growers were already legal in the county.

“It seems like the commissioners believe that marijuana’s OK for sick people, but not healthy people,” he said. The recreational ban prevents even the growing or processing of medical-grade marijuana, he said.

But when Washington’s Legislature voted in 2015 to combine medical and recreational producers and retailers, the new rules meant all growing and processing operations in Yakima County would no longer comply with the county’s ordinance against recreational activity.

Being able to grow and consume is a personal issue for McPhee, who was prescribed cannabis by his doctor after medical treatments for a serious digestive ailment left him struggling with his appetite.

McPhee opened the county’s first medical dispensary in 1996.

“I smoke in order to keep my weight up,” he said. He couldn’t afford to buy medicinal marijuana, so he learned how to grow it himself.

After some initial suspicion when he applied for the necessary permits, he says he never had any problems until the current controversy.

Sticky Budz, his company, is planning an $8 million expansion this year. It grows marijuana and processes distillates. The company also plans a


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

new 60,000-plus square foot greenhouse at its secure location 18 miles south of Yakima. Currently, the operation employs 40 people, which increases to about 60 around harvest. During a recent tour, McPhee said county commissioners have been on edge since 2015, but didn’t have funds or personnel budgeted for enforcement. In November, an advisory vote asked citizens whether to keep the ban in place or remove it. A majority of voters, 60.57 percent, approved continuing the ban, which McPhee and others suspect was due to confusion with its wording rather than strong anti-pot feelings. Plus, city residents were allowed to vote, although the ban only affects unincorporated areas. The Yakima Herald-Republic newspaper ran an informal online poll after the election that showed over 62 percent of respondents were confused about the ballot language. In a guest column following the advisory vote, Yakima County Commissioner Mike Leita warned growers that commissioners now have adequate direction from citizens. “County legal action is in process and therefore the (board) is unwilling to make further public comment,” he wrote.

The column accuses area marijuana processors of “disregarding the will of the people,” and uses the advisory vote as justification to uphold the ban.

Looking Forward ...

“The ordinance remains in place as the result of your vote. Unfortunately, marijuana advocates are only concerned with their business interests and to hell with the voters,” the commissioners wrote.

Enjoying everyone’s green grass

The column also states that the county plans to start enforcement action sometime early this year, and included more enforcement money in the county budget. It began the effort in early February by filing a court action against The Canyon, a retailer north of the City of Yakima. The complaint claims the store is violating the ban against growing, processing or selling recreational marijuana. The complaint also seeks an abatement order, which would allow county officials to enter the property, shut it down and remove any items that violate the ban. Abatement would also shield the county from any liability of any damaged or lost property. McPhee says he’s not afraid of the challenge, and he’s met with commissioners several times in the last year, but they’ve refused a tour of the facility. “The county’s clear they’re only going to make an example of one of us,” he said. “Other people who’ve come down here are kind of surprised when they see this is a real business that runs just like any other one does.” He notes that the marijuana industry has already brought many jobs and even tourism to the area.

Jeffrey McPhee, left, heads the Cannabis Producer Processors Trade Association, which is opposing efforts by Yakima County Commissioners to enforce a ban on cannabis activity. He also owns Sticky Budz, which grows and produces a variety of products, opposite page. Photos by Elly Bailey/EVERCANNABIS

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Pretty much all the self-help books advise you not to get too hung up on the phrase “the grass is always greener on the other side.” It can invite unfair comparisons and even a little envy if you think your figurative yard looks a smidge shabby, and also can raise suspicions about why the other person’s lawn is so lush – what do they have to hide? In the evolving legal cannabis marketplace, it’s also natural to compare state marketplaces. Every participating state has different rules, products, and customer bases along with unique distinctions: Colorado allows the same individuals to own shops and grows; Alaska allows cafes; Washington restricts home grows. In mid-January, I had the opportunity to cross the Columbia and attend a cannabis expo in Portland (see story on page 20) which was a great opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from Oregon plus several other states and Canadian provinces. Along with meeting creative people taking the plunge, it was a chance to see Washington’s system in a different perspective. It’s easy to see the flaws in something you work in every day, and any serious Washington i502 business owner can tell you what’s

wrong here and what can make things better. But our colleagues in Oregon are looking to us for ways to make things work, especially since Washington had a three-year head start. Oregon is currently going through some of the growing pains Washingtonians went through a few years ago: budtenders still learning they really really REALLY need to check everyone’s IDs, all the time. Why it’s important to keep track of every plant and product, even if this means more paperwork and lower prices than the traditional black market may offer. Many of the early entrepreneurs are excited about a new legal industry and to share this excitement with customers and partners. Everyone is eager to educate consumers, which is what we’re about too! In the same way, Californians we met want to learn from Oregon about what works and doesn’t, and avoid their mistakes. So really, the exercise of peering over the fence at someone else’s grass turned out to be educational for everyone. Joe Butler, Managing Editor

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.


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Botanica has something for every appetite Seattle-based edible maker expanding into other states By LINDA BALL EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Journeyman is Botanica’s newest product and may appeal to more experienced users.

In 2013, Tim Moxey and Chris Abbott began discussing how to make the best edibles on a large scale, even before they legally were allowed to start cooking. Moxey had previously produced an electrolyte product called Nuun, and Abbott had a Wall Street and professional wine background. Their experience and unofficial brainstorming put them in a good position to start making and selling cannabis-infused food products by the following year.

Today, Botanica Seattle is considered one of the state’s topselling edibles and is available at about 250 of the state’s 300 cannabis retailers. Moxey and Abbott felt it was important for users to have something good-tasting and high-quality, “not something that tastes like dirt just to get high.” The company’s headquarters is in the SODO area of Seattle, which is the region just south of downtown, near Starbuck’s corporate HQ and the various event centers. It recently expanded operations into Portland to serve Oregon customers, and is working on licenses to begin manufacturing and selling products in California. (Because cannabis remains illegal at a federal level, producers/processors can’t transport products between different states, so must set up separate production and distribution centers.) Botanica produces five brands for five different types of customers:

SPOT consists of baked goods and chocolates. They include cookies, brownie bits, mixed fruit chews and chocolates. These are designed especially for newer cannabis consumers. They were the first commercial edible that clearly delineated between Sativa, Indica, CBD or hybrid options. All products are clearly labeled with quantity, variety and potency, so consumers can experiment comfortably with dosages and types until they find what most appeals to them.

Proper chocolates provide users with a 10 mg treat. Made from an alcohol-based extract of cannabis, in two servings per package.

Mr. Moxey’s Mints are 5 mg mints discreetly packaged in tins. Mr. Moxey’s Mints have flavors such as Energizing Peppermint, which contains Sativa; ginger with Echinacea and CBD; peppermint with CBD; and a relaxing cinnamon with Indica. The mints have been Botanica’s best selling edible in Washington. They include natural herbs including gingko and ginseng, which have been used in medicine for years.

Each package contains 10 10mg cookies, available in combos like triple chocolate, peanut butter and snicker doodle. Shoppers can also get 10 10 mg Weed Tarts in tangy flavors like cherry, green apple and lemon. A 100 mg package of Couch Potatoes provides an assortment of milk chocolate-packed chunks of potato chips and cannabis, which can appeal to those who like their crunchy, sweet and savory flavors all at once.

Bond, a cannabis-infused sensual topical oil and lubricant. It’s designed to enhance and heighten a women’s sexual pleasure, and made from blended organic liquid coconut oil with ultrarefined natural cannabis extract, followed by a sterilization process.

Botanica has about 60 employees, evenly split between production, marketing and sales, and distribution. The company is proud to be part of the state’s growing edible market, and tries to stand out as far as offering the largest variety of products.

Photos courtesy Botanica Seattle


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Two NEW CANNABIS RETAILERS OPENED in the Spokane area.

PRIMO 21630 E. Gilbert Rd

OTIS ORCHARDS (509) 927-9333 primostores.com

2020 SOLUTIONS 209 E. 4th Street Suite B

SPRAGUE 877-934-2020 2020sprague.com

Local Glass Hand blown Dab Jug Available at Green Star Cannabis $60

Hand blown Joint Jug Available at Green Star Cannabis $40


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Potent healing HOME REMEDIES LEAD TO INNOVATIVE CANNABIS PRODUCTS

By RENEE SANDE EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

the plant interacted with other herbs and oils in terms of effect, especially when applied to the skin. “Most of the topical products on the market tend to feature cannabis as the main herbal ingredient,” she said. “Our products have a lot of herbs that not only work on their own, such as calendula, St. John’s Wort, arnica, or white willow, but also work synergistically with the cannabis.”

What started as home health remedies in Erica and Sam Kannall’s kitchen seven years ago have now become popular products on cannabis retail shelves across Washington State. The family’s line of topical lotions, which they now call Bodhi Essentials, started out as a way to aid a family member’s skin ailment. Erica gathered the herbs herself. “Our [skin care] topical was designed to help a family member who has eczema,” said Sam Kannall, co-owner of Bodhi High. “Through the process of creating it, we actually found a really powerful anti-inflammatory.” He decided to create and sell these products commercially in Spokane, and launched a line of cannabis extracts, concentrates and vaping products in 2015. Prior to that, he had sold marijuana for medical use but not in topical form. Erica, a holistic dietitian, started looking at how

For example, she said someone might think they just have a painful bruise but maybe it’s the swelling that’s causing them more pain than the bruise itself. “Having the blend of herbs really helps to address everything and deliver a more potent healing action than just the cannabis on its own,” she said. Bodhi Essentials is one of the most potent topicals available to Washington consumers, not just due to the combination of ingredients. High levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), two main natural components found in cannabis, also contribute to the products’ effectiveness. While THC can create psychoactive effects when smoked or eaten -- the “high” familiar to many marijuana users -- neither of these ingredients enter the bloodstream when applied in a topical form.

“Research has shown that THC and CBD attach to receptors under the skin to help relieve pain so you don’t get any of the mind-altering effects,” Erica said. “That makes them appealing to those purely looking at cannabis for its medicinal properties.” Bodhi Essential products are sold in over 60 stores across Washington. Cinder stores in Spokane have been carrying them since 2015. Logan Devleming, inventory specialist at Spokane Valley Cinder, said the staff stopped looking at other options once they started carrying Bodhi products because they’re so effective. “They’re the most popular topical for all three of our locations,


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Spokane County Location 3 Miles from WA / ID border I-90 Liberty Lake Exit #276

Grant County Location 955 W Broadway Moses Lake I-90 Moses Lake Exit #176

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We tour farms and sample before we buy: Research counts!

apexcannabis.com Warning: This product has intoxicating effects & may be habit forming.. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, & judgment. 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 years & older. Keep out of reach of children.

in part because people love the creamy cocoa butter/shea butter mix which absorbs so fast but mainly because they work so well,” he said. Erica says her blend of oils in Bodhi Essentials is also somewhat unique; many topicals only use one base oil. She chose multiple essential oils for their healing properties, including coconut oil, which has anti-fungal and moisturizing properties; shea butter, which soothes irritated skin; and almond oil, which helps with scarring. Now that the production level of the products has grown, collecting that many herbs herself isn’t possible, but she said Bodhi High still strives to source everything as clean and local as possible. Most of their ingredients come from Oregon. In the future, Erica would like to develop a potent topical with only CBD in it, which could then be sold across state lines. (Cannabis products are currently restricted within state boundaries, but there are less restrictions for CBD or hemp-based items.)

She’d also like to create something with a thinner consistency that could be used more as an all-over body lotion. Sam says he would really like to see the health and wellness side of the business grow, while keeping a focus on community. “Starting in the next few months, we’ll be releasing four lines of capsules, formulated with a number of different herbs that help with various ailments, as well as tinctures and flower,” he said. “Whatever we do, our overall goal at Bodhi High is to help people, whether that’s creating good jobs and helping to empower them to live out their dreams or creating a product that helps them feel better.”

For more info or list of retailers that carry Bodhi High products visit www.bodhihigh.com

Photos courtesy Bodhi Essentials

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

By STACI LEHMAN EVERCANNABIS Correspondent If the last time you smoked cannabis was out of a dented pop can in your folks’ basement, you may be surprised how much the experience has improved. With recreational marijuana legal in Washington and pot shops even more plentiful than liquor stores once were, you might want to try to smoke better quality product in a more relaxed, comfortable environment – and no grown-ups stomping around upstairs. You also might want to try a legit pipe. We’re not saying the innovative pipes fashioned by your stoner buddy Blaze made from an apple or a Budweiser can weren’t innovative, but the high could be better out of a piece actually made for modern weed. Today, there are choices of vape pens, bubblers or edibles to get high. But if you want to rock it old school, or are deciding to get back into the ganja game now that recreational marijuana is legal, you might want to stick with the classic pipe. Matthew Hawkins, Director of Operations at Green Nugget, says he has a box of 20 to 30 Gandalf-style pipes that has been floating around the store for more than a year. “I think wood is a scary material for many people,” he said. “It’s hard to clean, it’s hard to maintain.” He does sell some here and there for costumes or jokes though. If getting high is no joke to you, there are many knowledgeable employees at local cannabis retailers who can walk you through the many pipe options. Pipes are easier to use than rolling joints. Big bongs are large and not very mobile. But pipes are classic and versatile. They range from small enough to fit into your pocket, to jewelry such as rings and bracelets that double as pipes, to large art pieces in shapes like unicorns, skulls and aliens. So how do you decide? Especially since there are a lot of materials out there these days, including wood, ceramic, metal, glass, plastic, stone, composite, or silicone. Take a peek.

GLASS

If you are looking for something that’s a well as functional, glass is probably you

“We have a focus on buying local glass manager at the south Spokane Satori s

That’s because every Satori shop has a head shop next door. POM specializes i glass movement,’ according to its webs variety of glass pipes in all shapes, size featuring local glass artists. “We have some really cool, amazing pi we’re big on local support.”

Glass pipes are probably most prevalen the most popular as they are easy to cle don’t add a foreign taste to marijuana. However, they are easy to break (talk about harshing your buzz), and tend to be larger than other materials.

SILICONE Some traditional glass pipe users have moved to acrylic or silicone pipes in recent years as they are lighter weight, stronger and cheaper. “The silicone ones are super popular right now… the Eyce pipes,” said a budtender at Green Light who declined to provide her name. Eyce pipes are made from 100 percent FDA Certified Platinum Cured Silicone, according to the company’s website, and designed to be ergonomic. Which probably is a good thing if you put in a lot of time using a pipe.


a conversation starter as ur material.

s,” said Kayla Keane, tore.

Piece of Mind (POM) n the ‘functional art site, offering a huge s and colors and

eces,” said Keane. “And

nt today and possibly ean, affordable and

EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

OTHER TYPES Metal pipes are durable, easy to clean and often small, so they can fit in a purse or pocket. The drawback to metal is the taste. They can sometimes add a metallic taste to the marijuana.

Stone pipes don’t have extra taste, but are porous and build up residue. That porousness also means they are brittle and can crack. A lot of people overlook this because they are unique and cool looking and there’s that whole play on words thing about “getting stoned.”

Wood pipes have their fans as well, although they were much more popular when choices and pipe shopping was limited to head shops or making your own. Wood was also popular for stylistic reasons. Everyone had a friend who was passing off a funky wood pipe as a cool carving to their parents. Or maybe it was the other way around; the parents claimed that naked woman pipe was really a statue. Others liked the look of smoking from a wood pipe, just like some people liked to smoke tobacco out of wood pipes. Those pipes have long stems to cool the smoke before it reached the mouth and to keep smoke out of the eyes. Some with very long stems, known as “Gandalf” pipes after the Lord of the Rings guy, were popular when the movies came out. Or for Dungeons and Dragons game nights, but weren’t big sellers overall.

Three silicone molds (left) made by Eyce are used to make water pipes (bongs) out of ice, designed to give an extremely smooth, chilled feel to the hit. Black sleeve on center bong is an accessory. Photo by T. H. Lynn, EVERCANNABIS

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

THINGS TO DO

MAR 6 MAR 17-18 MAR 21

MAR 30-31 APR 7 APR 12-14 APR 20

CANNAYOGA, HAMSTERDAM CAFÉ, PORTLAND Loosen up your body and free your mind by combining the right amounts and strains of marijuana with complementary yoga techniques. www.meetup.com/ Cannabis-Adventures/events/243936280.

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s i b a n n a C e h Come For T e View Stay for Th

Ask about our

MARCH MANIA SPECIAL 509-442-3420 • Mon-Sat 10-7 • Sun 11-5 Pend Oreille Cannabis Company • 124 E Riverside Ave • Ione, WA 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.

THE HEMP & CANNABIS FAIR, REDMOND, ORE Learn about Oregon’s legal cannabis scene and celebrate with more than 70 vendors. The event includes seminars, activities and a good selection of info. thcfair.com SPOKANE/EASTERN WASHINGTON MARIJUANA BUSINESS NETWORKING MEET-UP, LUIGI’S RESTAURANT, SPOKANE Meet people in the cannabis industry, plus those who want to learn more. Happy hour 5:30-6:30 p.m., then presentation/discussion 6:30-7:30 p.m.www.meetup.com/ Spokane-Eastern-WA-Marijuana-Business-Networking

Grown in living soil using all organics Always Pesticide Tested Very low enviromental impact Hand trimmed with care Quality cannabis at workman prices Contact your favorite retailer and ask for us by name. For more info, please visit www.newdaycannabis.com Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health.Should not be used by pregant woman or if you are breast feeding. For use only by adults 21 years and older. Do not operate a motor vehicle under the influence of this drug. Consuming this product can impair concentration, coordination and judgement.

Explore

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

AMAZING PRODUCTS & PRICES FOR EVERYONE!

“A NORML EVENING” 7-10 P.M. MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE FOX, SPOKANE Fundraiser for NORML Washington includes screening of “Reefer Madness,” followed by panel “Marijuana Propaganda, Law Reform and Legal Issues.” $10. www.ticketswest.com THE HIGHLARIOUS COMEDY FESTIVAL, CAPITOL HILL, SEATTLE The country’s only cannabis-themed comedy festival returns to various locations for a fourth year. A variety of diverse comics and comedy ensembles will perform a variety of comedy genres, everything from bong jokes to roast battle. highlariouscomedy.com 420FEST, FREMONT, SEATTLE Along with sponsoring the big summer ‘protest-ival,’ Hempfest also organizes a spring celebration for Hempfest members only, which includes music, pizza, and a raffle to support Jimmy Romans, who has been convicted of cannabis distribution. www.hempfest.org/ events/420

Specializing in Indoor, Hand-trimmed Flower Amazing Concentrates & Edibles Priced Right Every Day

509.919.3398 greenstarcan.com 1403 N. Division St., Ste. A Spokane, WA 99202

HOURS

Mon-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 10am-8pm

+21 and over. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration and judgment. 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 twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

CANNABIS NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

VANCOUVER USES MARIJUANA REVENUE TO PAY FOR COPS

GROWER PUSHING TO CHANGE AGRICULTURAL RULES

VANCOUVER – The City of Vancouver

OLYMPIA – An Elma outdoor grower

KITTITAS COUNTY LAND USE TRUMPS LCB LICENSES ELLENSBURG – The Washington Liquor

WA SENATORS REQUEST NO CHANGE TO BANKING SEATTLE – Washington’s senators are

received $361,773 in December from the state’s distribution of excise tax funds, which it planned to use to pay for six additional police officers. City officials hope to make these positions permanent, although recent federal actions and indications by the Justice Department that possible crackdowns may take place in legal marketplaces around the country is adding some uncertainty to this funding source. “What if the revenue goes away? It’s a little bit too early to answer this question,” said Natasha Ramras, interim finance director. She said if this tax funding disappears, the city will likely pay for the salaries from its general fund. This year seems stable; its marijuana tax revenues are coming in higher than expected, so there’s a little wiggle room. But Ramras said planning ahead to continue to fund these positions in 2019 is less clear. “We’re dealing with people, positions and priorities,” she said. “We need to step back and reassess and plan.” There are still a lot of unknowns, but Ramras said the funding discussion would likely take place as part of the 2019 regular budget cycle.

is appealing fines from the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency over odors. Justin Wildhaber owner of Green Freedom, has been fined $1,000 twice, after agency investigators reported smelling marijuana from a neighbor’s property. He appealed the decision to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board. Board members toured his farm in January as part of its deliberations. Wildhaber and other growers maintain that marijuana is an agricultural activity and any odors should be regulated with the same rules and exemptions as agricultural operations or livestock activities. He hopes the board will rule in his favor and set a precedent and boost the industry. “Hopefully, it will be a big win for the industry,” he said. Lara Kaminsky, executive director of The Cannabis Alliance, an advocacy group, said that some local governments are using odor as a way to crack down on state-authorized businesses. “We need to get clear direction from the state on this issue,” she said. “It is legal. It’s a legal crop. It should have the same rules and regulations as other crops.” Last session, Washington’s House Agriculture Committee discussed a bill to add marijuana to the right-tofarm law, but it never was voted on.

and Cannabis Board was found to be out of compliance with local zoning and land use regulations in its process of assigning licenses. Kittitas County challenged the license distribution process, claiming that the state issues licenses for processing, producing, without accounting for any growth management plans or designated areas. The effort also forces cities and counties to spend resources in code enforcement efforts and can cause new businesses to close if they are found to be out of local regulations. “The LCB has ignored local zoning regulations when it reviews license applications and renewals. This has resulted in the licensing of operations that could not legally exist under local zoning,” stated Neil Caulkins, Kittitas County Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, in a memo to the LCB. The LCB initially disagreed with the complaint, but Kittitas County appealed to Washington’s Superior Court, which ruled in January that the LCB must comply with local zoning as required by Growth Management Act regulations. Industry watchers say that this could make it easier for other cities or counties to object to LCB license dispersal, or begin conversations with their local commissioners and other elected officials to consider seeking relief from LCB decisions.

urging the U.S. Department of the Treasury to not change current laws that permit cannabis industry banking. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell asked the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to keep 2014 rules that allow cannabis industry to use some banking services, rather than scrapping them due to possible crackdowns from the Justice Department. “This guidance was developed and issued in conjunction with the Department of Justice and has provided stability to a growing market,” the letter reads. “We urge FinCEN to preserve this guidance to continue to support banking infrastructure and access to financial institutions for businesses that are operating in accordance with state and local law and abiding by eight other stated factors.” In Washington, 12 financial institutions conduct business with cannabis retailers. The ability to utilize banking services is vital, especially since the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board doesn’t accept cash payments for taxes. “This guidance must remain intact because the risks involved in removing it are too great,” the letter reads. Jim Mullen, president of the Washington Cannabis Business Association, said if these rules are rolled back it would be detrimental. “We’re looking to work as any other mainstream business does,” he added.

Source: Columbian

Source: Capitol Press

Source: Superior Court of Washington

Source: The Associated Press


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Onion Creek Orange St. Patrick’s Day Sale!

March 16 & 17 Munchie Monday 20% OFF EDIBLES

KLARITY FARMS, CHEWELAH THC 21.96% | CBD PREDOMINANT TERPENES TERPINOLENE .579% | CARYOPHYLLENE .435% (Once this run of packaging is sold, Klarity Farms will begin calling this strain Orange Crush.)

I was initially attracted to this strain by the name. Onion Creek is an area in northern Stevens County, considered one of the areas where young ‘back to the landers’ flocked in the early 1970s. So this local hybrid of California Orange and Blueberry seemed like a good local choice. AROMA: Upon opening the package I

was aware of faint high notes of citrus, followed more forcefully by deeper tones of dry earthy spice of coriander. APPEARANCE: The color was a

bright golden-lime green. Under the microscope the trichomes looked like long icicles reaching out in maze-like clusters. FLAVOR: The smell of dry spice with a slight background of orange zest. A pleasant lingering flavor/aroma of very dry eucalyptus held on after two hits. First impressions brought back

nice memories of California-grown, old Mexican varieties that I experienced in the very early 1970s. EFFECTS: Ten minutes in and

all sensations were noticeably heightened. I was completely content to sit and take it all in with a clear intensity, but probably couldn’t have carried on much of a conversation with anyone not in the same state. The strain presents a perfect time to sit back and listen to music. After about 45 minutes the high leveled off to a point where full functionality returned and I was ready to get on with the day. A focused/ energetic sativa high lingered for another two hours. Reviewed by Rick Misterly, a Washington resident whose interest in cannabis dates back to the 1960s and has taken him around the world. He’s currently the cannabis and hashish curator for Green Barn Farms in Addy and writes the “Rick’s World of Hashish” blog.

CORRECTION: Solace is grown by Green Bluff Greenhouse. The strain was credited to a different producer in the February issue.

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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Reefer Badness WASHINGTON CANNABIS USERS REPORT MORE VOMITING

By MOLLY ROSBACH Yakima Herald-Republic

A little-known side effect of marijuana use has been popping up in Yakima emergency rooms, but medical professionals still don’t understand exactly why. “Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” causes some users to experience episodes where they can’t stop vomiting. It’s rare, but emergency rooms have seen a slight uptick in cases since marijuana was legalized in 2015. It hasn’t occurred enough in Yakima to cause a spike in overall ER volumes, but providers say they’ve definitely seen it, sometimes in patients who come back multiple times with the same symptoms. “Essentially, a small amount of frequent, habitual marijuana users just get this horrible, cyclic vomiting process,” said Dr. Jon Alke, Virginia Mason Memorial hospital medical director. “It’s a relatively small number of people overall, so it hasn’t really affected our department to a dramatic extent.” Marijuana was legalized in Washington in 2012, with the first retail stores opening in 2014. Dr. John Zambito, head of the emergency department at Astria Regional Medical Center, said the facility saw a greater volume of cases immediately following legalization than recently, but cyclic vomiting has become a “rather steady occurrence at this point.” The phenomenon has been covered by High Times, a magazine that’s focused on various aspects of the cannabis industry and culture for more than 30 years. “CHS is a very rare syndrome and is easily cured by stopping the consumption of cannabis,” a piece from 2014 reads. Central Washington ERs say they don’t have hard numbers on how many people experience it, because patients are usually documented with general cyclic vomiting symptoms.


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

So far, Alke said, researchers haven’t established whether a certain way of using marijuana — ingesting, vaping, smoking, dabbing — is more likely to cause cyclic vomiting than another. The biggest challenge, he said, is educating patients.

A few small studies of possible treatments have shown that rubbing capsaicin cream on patients’ abdomens to generate heat can bring some relief.

“The layperson’s understanding is that marijuana is used to stimulate appetite, treat nausea,” such as in cancer patients whose chemotherapy makes it hard to eat, Alke said. “So these young people coming in … it comes out that they are daily marijuana users; we bring this up, and it’s not really met with a lot of receptiveness initially.”

Some proprietors of marijuana stores are aware that cannabinoid hyperemesis exists, but are cautious about blaming it on marijuana itself.

People who present with the syndrome tend to skew slightly younger than the demographic most affected by non-cannabis-related cyclic vomiting conditions, he said, “but the reality is we see middle-aged folks as well.”

“It’s definitely something I have heard about,” said Liz Hallock, owner of Sweet Relief, a Yakima retailer. “I think it’s talked about at the same time people started talking about people getting sick from pesticides in marijuana.”

It’s not necessarily confined to the most prolific users, either, which makes it hard to predict or prevent. And it doesn’t appear to be caused by a stomach issue, which makes it hard to treat — though symptoms go away if affected patients simply stop using marijuana. “The treatments are becoming more extensively studied, just because it has been legalized,” Alke said. “We are kind of realizing that there’s a range of medications that are generally used for other indications that we can use for these folks, at least in the short term.” In some cases, prescription drugs originally meant as antipsychotics can help stop the vomiting, he said, leading providers to theorize that the syndrome may be triggered by brain chemistry.

exper e user ience episod s to they c es wh an’t s ere top vo miting .

In more anecdotal research, some patients who experience cyclic vomiting say hot showers curtail vomiting episodes, perhaps by the heat stimulating nerve endings on the abdomen.

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In Washington, all retail marijuana is required to be tested for certain pesticides. But Hallock contends that even the pesticides that have been approved for use on marijuana plants and deemed safe for humans may cause adverse reactions.

“Can hy p e rn a b i n o i d s y n d re m e s i s o m e” cause s som

19

“I don’t think the science is clear,” she said. “In my experience, we have more people who have issues with pesticides rather than the natural chemicals of the plant.”

Jose Ulloa, general manager and purchaser at Yakima Weed Co., has worked in medical and retail marijuana for several years but has never heard of a customer experiencing cyclic vomiting.

He has seen and heard of customers who ingested much stronger doses than their body could handle, prompting them to vomit immediately. “To me, it just sounds like, on a holistic level, that there’s something in the body that the body is rejecting and wants out,” he said. “Maybe these people are allergic to cannabis.” One positive health effect of the marijuana legalization has been fewer people are going to the emergency room for side effects of “spice,” or synthetic marijuana, Alke said. That drug caused some people to experience psychosis, as if they’d done meth. “With the legality part taken care of, we’re seeing more hyperemesis, more accidental exposures, but the spice effects have dropped off,” Alke said.


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome By EVERCANNABIS Staff

There is evidence that “Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome,” or CHS, is showing up in users beyond Yakima and Central Washington. The Spokane Regional Health District reports that there were five hospitalizations for this condition in Spokane County in 2016. SRHD officials expect that in the future, the department will be working more closely with area medical providers to ensure that this diagnosis is considered when a patient reports recurring vomiting and a strong history of cannabis use. Though there are some unknowns and more research is needed, the SRHD encourages people to study some of the research gathered by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIH has actually been monitoring the condition since 2004, and has seen increases nationwide since states began legalizing recreational and medical marijuana. A study published in the Academic Emergency Medicine Journal reported that the number of patients seeking emergency room help in two Denver hospitals rose from 41 per 113,262 visits in 2008 to 87 per 125,095 visits in 2009. Dr. Kennon Heard from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, told Newsweek last fall that he sees one case at least weekly, as do his colleagues around the state.


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

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By JOE BUTLER EVERCANNABIS Writer

With a few big exceptions, doing business in the legal cannabis realm is just like any other competitive industry. Store owners want people to come in the doors, buy things and keep on coming back. Producers want to create efficient processes that keep costs down and quality consistent. Product and service vendors are always happy to sell everyone various tools to do businesses better and stand out from the crowd, whether it’s fancy flooring to the best bookkeeping software. One of the messages shared at the first-ever RAD Expo is that everyone is in the same boat as far as wanting marijuana businesses to someday become ordinary. That means much of the stigma and illicit nature will be gone, and it becomes another legal item that can help people feel good and possibly help their health. But then there are the exceptions, such as the possibility of increased pressure from U.S. attorneys and the U.S. Department of Justice, a limited banking system, no interstate commerce and a lingering social mistrust of something that has been illegal since the 1930s. The RAD Expo, short for Retailers and Dispensaries, brought together more than 1,000 store/dispensary owners, producers or other affiliated businesses. The majority hailed from the Northwest, but it also attracted people from states where recreational and/or medical marijuana products

are legal plus Canadian provinces that expect to begin legally growing and selling this year. The RAD Expo also brought some “curious citizens” from other states like New Jersey and Michigan doing advanced research for if and when any legal changes happen. Along with learning about everything from better labeling to lighting, Expo guests could attend seminars about store design, common legal issues, taxation and marketing. “People need to focus on bringing

in new customers and also make sure they don’t forget their existing customers,” said Jeffrey Harris, CEO of Springbig, a customer loyalty program, one of the speakers on a branding panel. “You need to start thinking about what differentiates your business from what everyone is doing.” Businesses were encouraged to tell the stories of their owners and product stories well, beyond “we have good stuff.” At the same time, they were also encouraged to seek legal protection

if they do truly have unique logos, slogans or business concepts. Official U.S. trademarks are not available for cannabis businesses, said Neil Junea from Gleam Law, a cannabis-focused law firm. However, there are some gray areas where businesses can still seek copyright protections like names or logos, but not for general images like pot leaves or common keywords like “420,” “canna,” “Sativa” or “High.” At the same time, the maturity of the industry means that some popular brand or strain names are likely to be challenged more by authorized trademark holders, such as Girl Scout Cookies or Gorilla Glue. Overall, people seeking advice on being part of the developing landscape were urged to seek help, whether it’s from brand experts outside of the cannabis industry, peers, clients and customers. Social media is useful, although there are risks of shut-downs due to potentially illegal content. “Don’t rely on yourself or your family members,” Junea said. “Bring the lawyers in right away. “ The first-ever RAD Expo attracted more than 1,000 retail and dispensary owners to Portland to learn how to do business and see various new products and services. Photos courtesy Chloe Mehring/Marijuana Venture


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

CANNABIS NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

ILLINOIS POT PATIENT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL

IOWA TO PAY STUDENTS VERMONT APPROVES FOR PRO-POT SHIRTS MARIJUANA

MONTANA GROWERS REMINDED TO PAY TAXES

SCHAUMBURG, Ill – A federal judge

IOWA City, Iowa – Iowa State University’s unconstitutional crackdown on a pro-marijuana student group’s T-shirts will cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs, according to a partial settlement. The State Appeal Board voted to pay $150,000 in damages to two leaders of the university chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws whose free-speech rights were violated by campus administrators. The board also approved a $193,000 payment to two law firms that represented the group for their efforts to defend against the university’s unsuccessful appeals. The costs stem from what federal judges found were the university’s politically motivated, illegal attempts to ban T-shirt designs that featured the ISU mascot and a small cannabis leaf. “It is an unambiguous win for our clients and for the First Amendment and for an understanding that violating people’s rights isn’t free,” said the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, Robert Corn-Revere. Iowa State spokesman John McCarroll said the case involved complicated speech issues that pitted students’ rights against the school’s ability to protect and promote its brand. He said the school respected the court rulings and “will incorporate what we have learned” into future trademark decisions.

MONTPELIER, Vermont – Vermont became the first state to approve marijuana due to legislation, not citizen ballot initiatives. Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill in early January that legalizes marijuana for adults at least age 21. It allows them to possess up to 1 ounce plus two mature and four immature plants. Though it follows a trend of states approving recreational or medical options, Vermont’s law doesn’t allow for state-sanctioned sales. Instead of directing an agency to create a marketplace, Scott created a marijuana advisory board to study what’s needed to implement one, including a tax structure and other legal regulations and restrictions. He is especially concerned about being able to limit access to minors and levy high penalties for stores or growers that provide marijuana to minors. The advisory board is expected to come up with findings by December of this year. “Today, with mixed emotions, I have signed H. 511,” Scott said. “I personally believe that what adults do behind closed doors and on private property is their choice, so long as it does not negatively impact the health and safety of others, especially children.” The new laws also make it a crime to use cannabis products in a vehicle when children are present, and to use cannabis in public.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana is requesting and reminding legal medical marijuana providers to pay their quarterly taxes. The state’s Department of Revenue reported that it received $207,000 in medical marijuana taxes following the January deadline, which is significantly less than the $395,000 collected in October 2017. Payments were received from 189 growers, so only a portion of the 434 growers who paid in the fall. This was the first official quarterly tax collection for the industry. There are actually 611 registered providers and about 22,000 registered patients. State officials haven’t heard reasons for people not paying in fall or winter, but hope letters sent in January will remind them of their obligation, which includes 4 percent tax on gross receipts. The tax will drop to 2 percent in July 2018. In the first two quarters, providers have reported $15 million in sales. Fees from taxes are supposed to pay for the program, including a product tracking service, product testing regulation and a fee structure. Updated rules are expected this winter, including a different type of license option for providers who help 11 to 50 patients. Montana’s medical industry has added roughly 1,000 patients a month since October.

Source: The Associated Press

Source: The Washington Post

Source: The Billings Gazette

recently granted permission for an 11-year-old girl to bring medical marijuana products to school. Local school officials initially banned Ashley Surin from attending school because she wears a medical marijuana patch and uses cannabis oil and lotion to manage seizures. Her parents found that these items and a special diet reduced the frequency of the seizures and improved her alertness. As a toddler, she was diagnosed with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which involved chemotherapy and spinal injections. The cancer went into remission but led to seizures. The family was prescribed marijuana after three medication regimens were unsuccessful. While school officials were supportive, they had difficulties complying with law. Nurses or teachers were told they could lose credentials if they administer her medicine. Her family was warned about criminal charges if they brought marijuana onto school property. These warnings and restrictions prompted the family to sue the school district. However, the state’s Attorney General’s office intervened and promised not prosecute the family or the district staff under these established conditions. A federal judge approved this agreement. “They’ve changed Ashley’s life today and they may have changed the lives for other children for the better,” said Darcy Kriha, school district attorney. “This case could potentially impact other schools and how they deal with children with prescriptions for medical marijuana.” Source: CNN


EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

Apple Pot Pockets Apple ďŹ lling 1 Fuji apple 2 Tbsp butter 2 Tbsp brown sugar Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice Mix all ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until apples soften and mixture has thickened.

Caramel 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar ž cup cup heavy cream ½ cup cannabutter ½ cup distilled water ½ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla extract

Other Ingredients Puff pastry sheet, 5 inches around 1 egg yolk, beaten 2 tsp water, milk or heavy cream Mix caramel ingredients in saucepan over medium heat for about 8 minutes or until sauce thickens. Stir in vanilla extract last and stir well. Remove from heat and let stand 5-10 minutes. Transfer to storage container. Brush outside edges of 1 puff pastry with egg wash (an easy mixture of 1 beaten egg yolk and 2 tsp. water, milk or heavy cream). Put apple and caramel ďŹ lling inside the pocket until full. Fold over and pinch down edges with fork. To fry, use countertop deep fryer or medium sized saucepan with hot canola oil. Deep fry until golden brown. Drizzle more caramel on top and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

By LIZZI MOSS EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

One of my New Year’s resolutions that I’m still trying to keep is to become better at pie making. I love everything about pie: the smell, the crust, the moments you can share with someone. Divine! This month’s sweet treat is perfect for tough days when even chocolate won’t do the trick. These Apple Pie Pockets are yummy with a crispy outer crust and a gooey center, and can satisfy grown-up pie fans for days. They’re also a great combo of avors and an easy way to get the essence of a pie without worrying about getting the crust just right.

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HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CANNABUTTER í˘ą Preheat oven to 240 degrees. Spread marijuana plant material in a single layer on a baking sheet with sides. Bake for 40 minutes, turning the sheet a couple of times to ensure even heat. The cannabis will become dry and crumbly.

í˘˛ Boil 1 quart of water in a medium saucepan. When water is boiling place butter in the pan and melt completely. I use 4 sticks of butter to every ounce of marijuana.

í˘ł Once the butter has melted add the marijuana. (If you want to vary the amount, be sure that the marijuana is always oating about 1 1/2 – 2 inches from the bottom.) Simmer for about three hours. It’s done when the top of the mix turns from really watery to glossy and thick. Place in heatproof bowl, with a double layer of cheesecloth over the top, secured with elastic, string or tape.

í˘´ Strain the marijuana butter over the bowl. When the saucepan is empty, undo the string, pick up the cheesecloth from all four sides and squeeze out remaining butter.

í˘ľ Allow cannabutter to cool for about an hour. Place in the fridge until the butter has risen to the top layer and is solid.


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EVERCANNABIS is a supplement to The Spokesman−Review • Friday, February 23, 2018

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