JUNE 2021
EVERCANNABIS.COM
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6
Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith return as their famous alteregos in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.
IN CANNABIS CULTURE
VIEW ASKEW PRODUCTIONS
By Theresa Tanner | EVERCANNABIS WRITER
National Best Friends Day is June 8, so let’s take a moment to celebrate some memorable pop culture pairs who enjoy sharing some green. Cheech & Chong
The original stoner BFFs, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong shared their appreciation for each other and the illicit herb in a number of successful comedy albums and cult comedy films in the 1970s and ’80s. The duo parted ways when Marin wanted to pursue more mainstream acting roles – including as a cop on the series “Nash Bridges” – while Chong never shook his stoner persona, most notably when he was charged for conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia in 2003. In 2021, Cheech and Chong are together again, reuniting for media appearances and selling everything from pipes and rolling papers to cannabis itself.
NEW LINE CINEMA
Harold & Kumar is the name of a series of American stoner comedy films starring John Cho (Harold) and Kal Penn (Kumar).
Jay & Silent Bob
It’s pretty impressive that Kevin Smith has squeezed nearly 30 years of content out of two secondary characters (one of them almost completely non-verbal) from his debut film “Clerks” in 1994, but the inspiration for Bluntman and Chronic have continued to bind the View Askewniverse together as recently as 2019.
Abbi & Ilana
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Comedians Cheech Marin, right, and Tommy Chong pose for a portrait while announcing their tour “Cheech & Chong: Light Up America,” in West Hollywood, Calif., in July 2008.
Craig & Smokey
Wanting to share lighthearted look at life in 1990s South Central Los Angeles, rappers Ice Cube and DJ Pooh co-wrote “Friday” to feature two friends – Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) – on a daylong adventure to pay back a dealer. Against all odds, on a shoestring budget with a 20-day shooting schedule, the film was a hit and launched a franchise.
Harold & Kumar
It’s about time that a pair of women showed up on one of these lists! The main characters of Comedy Central’s “Broad City” (2014-2019) are just trying to make it in New York City, relying on each other amid demeaning jobs, disgusting roommates and romantic disappointments. Thankfully, Ilana always has a stash of weed tucked away somewhere safe to ease their worries. HONORARABLE MENTION: Now, there is no visual evidence on screen of any cannabis consumption by the time-traveling Wyld Stallyns – Ted “Theodore” Logan himself (Keanu Reeves) told the Associated Press that they’re not stoners in the promotion of “Bill & Ted Face the Music” in 2020 – we definitely think their lighthearted and positive attitude embodies the essence of an elevated attitude.
Who can’t relate to a post-smoke craving for some iconic fast food? While some may have relented in the face of animal hijinks, racist cops and a tripping Neil Patrick Harris, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) never abandon their quest or each other in the 2004 film “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.”
COMEDY CENTRAL NEW LINE CINEMA
From the 2005 film “Friday.” Craig (Ice Cube) is the decent guy with a stable family who can’t resist peer pressure. ... His pal Smokey (Chris Tucker) is the loveable bad influence who’s trying to evade his murderous drug dealer.
Abbi as Ilana, and Ilana as Abbi.
T2 • Friday • June 4, 2021
Special Section
EVERCANNABIS
COMPASSION AND CANNABIS
‘CannaPastor’ Victor Calderon advocates for medical marijuana By Kate A. Miner
EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT
Victor Calderon is an author, a teacher, and a pastor, but most importantly, Victor is a threetime cancer survivor. He lives a life of peace and guidance and is an advocate for cannabis. In the fall of 2009 Calderon was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia, a rare, slow-growing blood cancer. By the time he was accurately diagnosed, he was extremely sick. He was almost blind from blood clots in his retinas due to high fevers, and his organs were severely damaged from all the drugs doctors had been prescribing, such as vicodin, percocet, oxycodone, and codeine. It took two bone-marrow biopsies in one day for the actual diagnosis. The first biopsy required a needle 8 inches long, but when it did not produce a viable sample, a 12-inch needle was used, providing his doctor with the sample needed for the final diagnosis. That same evening blood transfusions and chemotherapy began, continuing for six more days, followed by another year of chemo, treatment, and suffering. This went on until January 2010, when his phlebotomist introduced him to medical marijuana. After months of research, and a lot of prayer, he began seeing a naturopath doctor. With their guidance, he began using medical cannabis. Calderon started to recover, but in 2015 he was once again diagnosed with leukemia. He received chemotherapy again, an even stronger batch that was required 24 hours a day for an entire week. This time, howev-
er, he blended it with what is known as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) during his treatment and hardly suffered from nausea and side effects. He was also able to recover strength much faster, and shortly after turned to Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) with the guidance of his naturopath. His last episode with leukemia occurred in fall 2018. He decided against chemotherapy, working exclusively with his naturopath instead, and became immersed in learning how to use cannabis as medicine for a wide range of serious health conditions. “I continued to depend on God as my source of faith, and medical cannabis has been my choice of medicine,” explained Calderon. “Now I am on a mission to inform and educate those who are going through their own personal battle with health and are open-minded to alternative forms of medicine.” At the time of his diagnosis, Calderon was the associate pastor of an evangelical church and the senior pastor of a Spanish-speaking church, Santuario de Alabanza in in Bellevue, Wash. He is no longer a pastor of a formal congregation and is instead building his own following as a “Canna Pastor,” with a website at CannaPastor. com. He has written a book, “#Ánimo,” which can be found on Amazon, and is a member of the Cannabis Alliance, a general association of cannabis different groups and interests based in Washington. He also teaches and translates courses (English to Spanish) for Trey Reckling, director for the Academy of Cannabis Science at Seattle Central College, a
Victor Calderon is a threetime cancer survivor. COURTESY PHOTO
program designed to train and prepare cannabis industry professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Calderon is now also a certified homegrower who wants to help others eliminate opiate and prescription drug use with medical marijuana as an alter-
@EvercannaNews on social media and at evercannabis.com Evercannabis@spokesman.com 509-459-5095
native to pain medication. “I am eternally grateful. If it wasn’t for cannabis, I wouldn’t be here,” he shared. “I love helping people any way I can, and I love being a medical marijuana consultant. As a pastor and Christian, it took a lot of courage to talk about my jour-
ney with cannabis, but I want others to know if you considering using medical marijuana as an alternative you shouldn’t feel hesitant about the topic. Reach out to me. I too was skeptical at first, but then I reached out to the right people and got educated. It saved my life.”
PROUD MEMBER OF:
Evercannabis, The Spokesman-Review and the Cowles Company don’t promote or endorse the use of cannabis products. We acknowledge that marijuana products remain illegal under federal laws. If adults age 21 or older choose to purchase or use them, we encourage them to consume sensibly and at their own risk in legal jurisdictions, in accordance with state and local laws. Some cannabis products have intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Consumption of marijuana also may be associated with health risks and impaired concentration, coordination, and judgment. Keep away from children. To learn more, visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov. Evercannabis magazine is a monthly supplement of The Spokesman-Review. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
Special Section
June 4, 2021 • Friday • T3
EVERCANNABIS
TERPENES & TREES
A superior spring experience mile before reaching a fork at lake level. You’ll want to bear left at this fork and make your way toward the lakeshore to Turtle Rock (you’ll know it when you see it). This is a perfect place for a ‘safety meeting,’ and the ultimate spot to admire the extraordinary view of Newman Lake and the surrounding mountains. When you’re ready to trek back, be sure to check out the native plant garden near the old boathouse on your way to Turtle Ridge trail. This trail will take you through marshy wetlands filled with beautiful aspen and cottonwood trees and back to the trailhead.
By Seagrin von Ranson
EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
– Albert Einstein
Let’s explore the McKenzie Conservation Area! Located on the northwest shoreline of Newman Lake, this riparian zone connects to the Mount Spokane State Park ecosystem, preserving a critical wildlife corridor that links the Selkirk Mountain range to the Spokane River Valley. Nearly every type of conifer native to the Inland Northwest can be found here, including Douglas fir, Grand fir, Western hemlock, Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, Western white pine, Western red cedar, and Western larch. In the wetlands, you’ll find cottonwood and aspen groves. The rich diversity of tree species found at McKenzie creates a lush atmosphere for a wide variety of wildlife to make their home, so keep an eye out for signs of white tail deer, elk, moose, coyote, black bear and cougar, painted turtles and frogs in the wetlands, and myriad feathered friends in flight. Bald eagle nests are easily spotted in the marsh near the lakeshore to the east, aptly named “Eagle Ridge” where you’ll find a wildlife viewing area to take it all in at your leisure. There are a few different trail options at McKenzie, but my favorite is the Bedrock Ridge/ Turtle Rock trail. From the trailhead, take the single track moving south and slightly uphill leading you through a thick second-growth forest where the trail rises and falls before climbing a ridge (Bedrock Ridge) above the lake. You will find massive rock outcroppings that are believed to be ice rafted erratic deposits from the great Missoula floods during the last ice age tens of thousands of years ago. Here, you will catch your first glimpse of the lake below and of the Selkirks to the north. The trail continues through the forest and drops downhill for about a quarter
Activity strain recommendation: Adrenaline Rush (Blue Zkittlez x Oogie Boogie)
Adrenaline Rush feels exactly the way you’d expect, and pairs well with fresh air, sunshine and adventure. You’ll notice cerebral effects immediately, which will quickly spread throughout your entire body, giving you free-flowing energy. Thanks to ample amounts of limonene, your senses will be heightened, making you keenly aware of the beauty around you; it’s the perfect strain to take on the trail. Terpenes in this strain also include pinene (anti-inflammatory, provides energetic focus), caryophyllene (enhances focus and mood) and myrcene (calming stress relief ).
Recovery strain recommendation: Ice Cream Cake (Wedding Cake x Gelato #33)
SEAGRIN VON RANSON/FOR EVERCANNABIS
McKenzie Conservation Area offers a beautiful view of the region.
McKenzie Conservation Area
Location: 15898 NW Newman Lake Drive; Newman Lake Leashed Dogs: Allowed Length: 3.4-mile loop Elevation Gain: 351 ft. (highest point: 2,436 ft.) Difficulty Rating: Easy
Ice Cream Cake is a heavy sedative strain that provides full mind and body relaxation to help melt away any tension. Don’t plan to do much after partaking, as you likely won’t feel too industrious! This tranquil state will aid in your recuperation and facilitate a deep reset to wake up refreshed and ready for another adventure. Terpenes include terpinolene (stress/anxiety relief ) myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene.
New cannabis cookbook presents 125 culinary treats Vermont chef features Northwest culinary elite To learn more
By Joe Butler
EVERCANNABIS WRITER
PHOTO BY CLARE BARBOZA/COURTESY TRACEY MEDEIROS
Recipes in “The Art of Cooking with Cannabis” include Flat Iron Steak and Grilled Stone Fruit Salad with CBD-infused Honey Apple Cider Viniagrett; Cannabisinfused Italian Salsa Verde; and Vegan No-Bake Cashew Cheesecakes.
Tracey Medeiros made a name for herself in culinary circles by penning a variety of cookbooks, like “The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook,” “The Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook” and “Dishing Up Vermont,” that all feature local ingredients, farm-to-table treats and regional delicacies. For her fifth book, the Vermont chef and traveling cooking instructor went in a new direction: all the recipes in “The Art of Cooking with Cannabis” feature a certain herb that hasn’t always been associated with the finest foods. But as an advocate of the sustainable food movement, she is now convinced cannabis should be welcomed in many people’s kitchens and dinner tables. “When Vermont started the process of legalization, I found myself reading about its potential for medicinal benefits,” Medeiros said. “I also began researching folks in the food industry who use this plant to create nourishing recipes, and was truly amazed how they were
“The Art of Cooking with Cannabis” is published by Skyhorse Publishing and available online and at bookstores.
transforming the culinary and cannabis landscape by elevating the plant to a new level of creativity.” The book includes 125 recipes as well as complementary information about cannabis to educate readers about its history, culture, and use in food and medicine. It’s divided into different sections based on types of food, geographic region and types of strain/plant (THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, and hemp.) Medeiros also shares favorite recipes from fellow foodie friends across the country, including several chefs from Washington: Blackberry Cobbler created by Unika Noiel of LUVN Kitchn in Seattle; Vegan No-Bake See COOKBOOK, 4
Standard unit of THC set for cannabis research By Theresa Tanner
EVERCANNABIS WRITER
On May 7, 2021, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute of Mental Health published a joint notice in the National Institutes of Health Guide to establish a standard THC unit to be used in research studies funded by these institutions. The notice defines a standard THC unit as “as any formulation of cannabis plant material or extract that contains 5 milligrams of THC.” According to the notice, “inconsistency in the measurement and reporting of THC exposure has been a major limitation in studies of cannabis use, making it difficult to compare findings among studies.” While subjects may experience different effects, even when consuming the same quantity of THC due to route of administration, other product elements, an individual’s genetic make-up and met-
abolic factors, prior cannabis exposure and other contributing factors, the goal of the notice is to increase the comparability of cannabis research studies. The standard does not require that researchers administer no more or less than 5mg of THC during studies. It is intended as a unit of measure, much like research on alcohol has established a standard drink as 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. “Adoption of a standard unit for measuring and reporting purposes will facilitate data interpretation and will make it possible to design experiments on drug effects that have real-world relevance, as well as make it easier to translate that research into policy and clinical practice,” wrote National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow and National Cancer Institute Director Norman E. Sharpless in a May 10, 2021, blog post regarding the notice. “Our hope is that adopting this 5-milligram standard will enable a clearer understanding of the effects of THC by researchers as well as the wider public.”
T4 • Friday • June 4, 2021
A ROYAL GOOD TIME
Special Section
EVERCANNABIS
COOKBOOK Continued from 3
Spokane retailer continues to provide impressive service By Linda Ball
EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT
Kelly Wescott, the longtime manager of Royals Cannabis in north Spokane, says everyone deserves to be treated like royalty. That may or may not be the reason why the shop is called Royals Cannabis, but she said the knowledgeable, friendly staff at this shop truly makes it a point to get to know their customers so they are able to purchase the best product or products and have the best possible cannabis experience. Royals has been open six years on North ROYALS CANNABIS Division. Visitors Manager Kelly Wescott heads a team always experience a clean, of eight employees at modern space Royals Cannabis. with plenty of inventory for discerning cannabis buyers. Wescott said the owner, who prefers to stay behind the scenes, had experience in medical marijuana before opening the
LINDA BALL/FOR EVERCANNABIS
Royals Cannabis offers shoppers a variety of flower, concentrates, edibles and more.
If you go
Royals Cannabis is at 7115 N. Division St. Visit www.royalscannabis.com to learn more. Open seven days a week (closed on Christmas; closed early on Thanksgiving).
shop. Wescott, who was a medical marijuana user, responded to the job listing, and was quickly able to form a good working relationship with the owner. The rest, as they say, is history. With cannabis retailers seemingly on every corner these days, at least in the Spokane area, why should shoppers choose Royals Cannabis? Wescott said the shop sources exclusive products from farms such as Spokane-based Tranquil Forest. She said Tranquil Forest works hard to develop unique strains that are effective without sacrificing quality. The shop also carries products from Dutch Brothers, an outdoor grower known for quality items. She said the shop’s goal is to stock a lot of unique items, which she says sets
them apart from many other shops where you’ll often see a lot of the same goods and brands. Inventory changes quickly, but cartridges are always best sellers due to their discretion. Royals carries Mfused cartridges, which are Clean Green Certified. There is also a selection of glassware accessories to peruse, including work by some local artists. The shop employs eight people, and Wescott said they all work well together and feel like a close family. That positive vibe translates to better customer care. The retailer is following CDC guidance regarding masks, requesting that non-vaccinated individuals continue to wear masks. Perks of shopping at Royals include daily deals and a popular loyalty program. For every $10 you spend you earn one point; at 39 points, you earn 10 percent off. The highest discount is 25% off once you earn 93 points. Veterans and seniors can also receive discounts. Plus, Royals is one of few shops around to able to take debit cards.
Cashew Cheesecake from Maria Hines of Seattle’s Tilth; and the Orcasong Dreamer’s Tea Blend created by David Dotlich and Doug Elwood from Orcasong Farm on Orcas Island. Jessica Catalano, a professional culinarian and medical cannabis advocate living in the Seattle area, also shares her recipe for cannabis-infused coconut oil. The book includes short profiles of many of the contributors and why food – and cannabis – are important parts of their lives. “I carefully researched well-respected folks, from restaurant owners to small farm owners,” Medeiros said. “I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the welcoming response that greeted the idea of this project, and how many people were eager to offer readers their knowledge of the many benefits, both health- and wellness-wise of cannabis and its role today.” Medeiros felt it was important to acknowledge some of the current challenges around legal cannabis: access and a history of not everyone having the same opportunities. The book is dedicated to those pushing for social reform and to change the structure. “Today’s advocates are trying to create a fair and balanced industry with equity for minorities and women so they can participate meaningfully,” she said. “Many are working tirelessly for record expungement and protection of small farms and farmers. They’re trying to stress the positive role that cannabis can play in our lives and also encourage diversity and equitable participation.” She encourages readers to support a program of the James Beard Foundation called “Open for Good,” which helps independent restaurants survive the downturn due to COVID-19 lockdowns and other restrictions. Information about the campaign can be found at www.jamesbeard.org/ openforgood.