COUPONS INSIDE
COLORADO’S PREMIER GUIDE TO CANNABIS
*This magazine is intended for individuals over 21 years of age.
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2 March 2015 COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS
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4 March 2015
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A LETTER TO OUR READERS
“Discrimination is a disease.” - Roger Staubach
It’s March and that means that tax season is upon us. Which is of course why we wanted to feature our article on the unfair taxation of the cannabis industry on our cover. The treatment of our industry by the IRS and the banking industry are glaringly obvious examples of the institutionalized discrimination of the cannabis industry. But there are so many more subtle and not-so-subtle examples of cannabis discrimination that cannabis businesses and consumers have to contend with. I have a very good friend (let’s call him John) who is a cannabis business owner in Colorado. While he asked to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, he gave me the okay to tell his story. A few months ago John and his wife (we’ll call her Jane) had a baby. While Jane was in labor at the hospital she was asked what John considered a very odd question. “Have you consumed marijuana in the last two years?” the nurse asked. John, thrown off by the question, replied for Jane. “Two years? Why are you asking that? It is legal now. Besides shouldn’t you be asking about the last nine months instead?” The nurse explained that it was a question that she was required to ask. By the way, I asked around and only a couple of the people I spoke with who recently had babies were asked this exact question. While taken aback by the question John answered for Jane, as she was a little too busy with contractions to deal with this crap. He answered yes to the two years but no to the last nine months, as she had remained cannabis free during her pregnancy. Flash forward to after the birth of their boy Junior. While Jane was holding their three-hourold baby, a nurse informed them that since they answered yes to cannabis consumption in the last two years they had to save every diaper with meconium (newborn stool) in it for drug testing while they were in the hospital. They also had to inform every nurse that came in of this requirement. This made for an embarrassing situation. John related, “It was like we were already being labeled as potentially bad parents because we were truthful about consuming a legal substance before Jane was pregnant.” They left the hospital without incident and went home to enjoy being a new family in privacy. Over a week later Jane called John at work freaking out. Child Protective Services had called and stated that Junior had tested positive for THC and they wanted to set up a home visit. John was in disbelief. How could something like that happen? He told Jane to set the appointment for the next day and have them bring the test results. When she did, the person on the phone seemed thrown off by the request. Why? That would have been my request in the same situation. “If CPS is coming to my house because of what they said was in a test, it seemed natural to want to see it,” John told me. When the woman from CPS came to the house John asked to see the results. She told him that they were unable to get them over to her. Hmmm. That seemed very suspect to John. She also informed them that Jane did not test positive for THC. Umm . . . what? How is that even possible? Did Junior have his own little grow going inside the womb? After the required question/answer period was over and she reassured John and Jane that it was obvious to her that they were very loving parents, John asked her the question that was nagging him through the whole process. “Is it possible that you are here because of what I do for a living?” Incredibly she said, “Yes.” With all of the progress we have made in the last few years we still have so much more to do.
Editor-in-Chief David Maddalena Art Director Christianna Lewis-Brown Associate Editor DJ Reetz Layout Designers Caroline Hayes Christianna Lewis-Brown Director of Sales and Marketing Christianna Lewis-Brown sales@thcmag.com Sales Managers Jason Brown Patrick Campbell Brian Colando Sam Ruderman Contributing Writers Ron Bain Hazy Cakes Dr. Nicola Davies Brittany Driver Caroline Hayes Erin Hiatt Rick Macey Monocle Man DJ Reetz Sam Ruderman Lee Weiner Contributing Photographers Christianna Lewis-Brown Cover Photography/Art Christianna Lewis-Brown Graphic Design Christianna Lewis-Brown Printer Publication Printers Corp. 2001 South Platte River Drive Denver, CO 80223 PH: 303.936.0303 www.publicationprinters.com
d /THCMagazine f @THC_magazine @thehempconnoisseur The Hemp Connoisseur is published monthly by The Hemp Connoisseur, LLC. All contents are copyrighted 2015 by The Hemp Connoisseur, LLC. All rights reserved. For advertising and subscription info please email sales@thcmag.com.
David Maddalena Editor-in-Chief
6 March 2015
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Contents 6
14 16
18
A Letter to Our Readers The Green Scene
Colorado’s Hottest Events and a preview of the Noco Hemp Expo
In the Spotlight
Hemp lotions and salves
CHAOS Threads Boulder-based conscious clothing
20 22 30 26 28 30 32 34
Peacemaker Designs
Beautiful handcrafted wooden pipes
Dr. Dabber Ghost Vape Pen
A look at the pen and its gadgets
44 36
Dispensary Owner Seeks City Council Seat
38
Living Soil
40
Marketing Corner
Stuff you should know about
42
Business as Usual
NY Bill Trying to Follow in CO’s Footsteps
44
Bizzaro Booze World
46
Polis and Blumenauer Propose Federal Legalization
Featured Artist
Thomas Bachman
Tasty Meds
Colorado’s best medicated products
Hemp Eats
Beetroot veggie burger and sweet potato fries
Cannabis News
A bill that is trying to eliminate racial disparity in arrests
We Love Hemp Dr. Nicola Davies takes us through the heart healthy side of hemp
42
A symbiotic web of bacteria, fungi and worms
Make an offer they can’t refuse Cannabis retailers face higher tax costs Imagining a world where alcohol and marijuana have traded places
Two Congressmen, one goal
48
Legendary Grower: Bubba Kush
50
The High Reel
57 63 65
Dispensary Guide Coupons Index
38 8 March 2015
Kayvan Khalatbari to enlighten local politics
THC is proud to present our new Cultivation Editor A prelude to cannabis movie reviews
Dispensary Guide DENVER
61 The Clinic 58 The Giving Tree of Denver 58 Infinite Wellness 58 Kind Pain Management 59 MMD of Colorado 60 Northern Lights Natural Rx 59 Physician Preferred Products 59 Preferred Organic Therapy 59 River Rock 59 Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine 59 URBA 59 Walking Raven
COLORADO SPRINGS
58 Original Cannabis Growers 58 The Organic Seed
NORTHERN COLORADO 58 Infinite Wellness
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10 March 2015
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12 March 2015
Dig Errl? Introducing Leafbuyer: the most comprehensive cannabis site online. Find Strains Lab-Tested profiles on nearly 1,000 strains
Dig Up Deals World’s largest searchable deals network
Keep Up on Shops Dispensaries, Head Shops, and Grow Stores update deals and menus daily
Stay in the Know Cannabis News, Video Tours, New Products, Industry Events, and more.
Leafbuyer.com
TM
Search. Save. Everyday.
Proudly announcing a new partnership:
Check out our deals and specials on www.thcmag.com, updated daily! thcmag.com 13
The GREEN Scene
E V E N T S
March 4th-6th Cannabis Business Conference Colorado Convention Center 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202 www.eventbrite.com March 13th - 14th CannaGrow Expo @EXDO Event Center 1399 35th Street Denver, CO 80205 www.cannagrowexpo.com March 15th Glass & Vape Show @EXDO Event Center 1399 35th St Denver, CO 80205 www.glassandvapeshow.com April 4th 2nd Annual NoCo Hemp Expo @ The Ranch Events Complex in the Thomas M. McKee Building 5620 Arena Circle Loveland, CO 80538 www.nocohempexpo.com April 14th-15th BIG Industry Show @ The Denver Mart 451 East 58th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 www.bigindustryshow.com April 15th Horticulture 360 @ The Denver Mart 451 East 58th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 www.horticulture360.com April 18-20 Denver’s Cannabis Cup @ The Denver Mart 451 East 58th Ave. Denver, CO 80216 www.cannabiscup.com/denver Every Friday - 10:00a.m. River Rock South Sessions 990 W. 6th Ave. Denver, CO 80204 www.riverrockcolorado.com
14 March 2015
GET YOUR HEMP ON at the 2nd annual NOCO Hemp Expo
by Caroline Hayes
It is immensely important to support local events, especially those of this caliber. The NoCo Hemp Expo takes place in Loveland on Saturday, April 4, 2015. There will be an array of clothing, food and textile vendors, hemp professionals giving talks, live artists and more. Are you a true hemp advocate and connoisseur? If the answer is yes, or even if the answer is maybe, then you must attend this event. It will be a wonderful way to educate yourself, connect with people in the industry and support the hemp movement. THC sat down with Morris Beagle, owner of Colorado Hemp Company, who helped create this event, and found out what we can expect at the Second Annual NoCo Hemp Expo.
THC: What’s the overall goal for this year’s Second Annual NoCo Hemp Expo? MB: I want everybody to leave this event energized and high on hemp. I want them to feel like they’ve just experienced something truly unique and inspiring. THC: Anything else you’d like our readers to know? MB: Tickets on Sale now! $15 general admission advance, $20 at the door. $40 sprout and $100 Harvest tickets available in limited numbers until March 20th. Buy tickets early, this event will sell out. www.nocohemp.com
THC: What can we expect from the 2015 NoCo Hemp Expo? MB: To increase awareness of the many benefits of industrial and medicinal hemp to a broad demographic of attendees. This is an educational forum and product expo/tradeshow with industry pioneers, experts, and the new generation of innovative and intelligent entrepreneurs and advocates. I expect people will leave this event with a much greater understanding that hemp really can improve the world and that hemp has absolutely nothing to do with getting stoned, and everything to do with making this planet a happier, healthier place. THC: What was the highlight of last year’s Expo? MB: There were a lot of highlights, but putting hemp-based products into the hands of festival attendees and seeing a lot of like minded creative people under one roof sharing their excitement about the future of hemp.
The 2015 Renew Hemp-Bodied Sports Car will be at the Expo this year
THC: How do you hope this year improves based on last year’s event (i.e. turnout, speakers, etc)? MB: NoCo2 has more than tripled in regards to size of venue, number of hemp-based vendors, and number of industry speakers that will play a role in the event. THC: What are you most excited for this year? MB: Hemp-bodied sports car, CBD development, extensive variety of hemp-vendors, outstanding speaker lineup, interactive artists, hands-on kids area, hemp food and beer made locally. I’m excited about everything this year! THC: What types of things, events or people can one expect to see at this year’s Expo? MB: The release of First Legal Harvest: Game On For The Hemp Industry by Hemp Bound author Doug Fine, printed on hemp paper. Live artists, tons of hemp products by area and national vendors, hemp building materials, Biodiesel for Bands, new business opportunities, hemp movie room, extensive hemp related topics discussed and presented by industry experts, free samples, and of course, hemp food and hemp beer. THC: Who are some of the artists and speakers performing at this year’s Expo? MB: Some of the speakers include Doug Fine, Anndrea Hermann, Agua Das, Summer Star Haeske, Ryan Loflin, Diana Oliver, Craig Lee, Richard Rose, Michael Bowman, and Dr. Nolan Kane. Visual artists include Denver-based Tommy Nahulu and Matt Collins. Weather permitting, we will have some live music outside of the venue. THC: Why did you all pick Loveland and the site of the event? MB: I grew up in Loveland and Colorado Hemp Company is based in Loveland. The Ranch / Budweiser Events Complex offers a variety of spaces that will allow us to grow this event for many years to come and it is a great facility with excellent access right off I-25. And for those that don’t know, Loveland is the heart of rock and roll.
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In the Spotlight Products ProductsWe WeLove Love
Lemon Verbena Lotion by Seebinger Hemp We have featured other Seebinger Hemp products in the past and they did not disappoint. This time was no different. We were lucky enough to try a sneak peak of their new Lemon Verbena Lotion. This lotion smells so good!! It is fresh and lemony without being overpowering. Any Seebinger lotion could easily be your go-to after shower lotion. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth, no oily residue. They currently offer their products in Rosemary Mint, Lavender, Unscented, and the soon to be added, Lemon Verbena. Seebinger uses hemp oil rich in essential fatty acids, such as Omega 6 and Omega 3, in all of their products. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Seebinger products are all natural, plant-based and sustainable. As a member of PETA they take great pride in being a cruelty free company. Equally important to what they put into their products is what they leave out. None of the following ingredients are used in these products: parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors or dyes, sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA (Cocamide Diethanolamine), or petrolatum. We love Seebinger hemp products because not only do they produce high quality hemp body products but they also want to make the world a better place. See for your self at www.premiumhempbodycare.com/products.
Extreme Relief Lotion and Salve by 315 We all appreciate hemp products but what we can be truly be grateful for are hemp infused products that actually work on aches and pains. Coming out of Black Hawk, the 315 Extreme Relief products are made with love and knowledge by Traci and Brad Herburger. The Extreme Relief Hemp Salve comes in a wonderful convenient roll on stick, making self-application easy. The cooling, refreshing mentholated feeling comes on immediately, followed by soothing pain relief thanks to the hemp and Arnica oils. Available in 4oz or 1oz sizes, the smaller one is perfect for a purse or desk drawer. This salve is effective for muscle and joint pains, arthritis, and skin conditions like eczema, even gout relief. This is especially wonderful to use on sore shoulders and neck. The Extreme Relief Hemp Lotion is one of the best smelling hemp pain lotions on the market. Made from hemp of course, Arnica oil and enjoyable smelling extracts made from lavender, sage, chamomile and avocado, which add to the relaxing effects of the lotion. Also, this is excellent to use to relieve tension related to pain. Let’s face it, life is far from pain free but combating it with natural, local products is a great solution to pave the way to hurt free living. Products available online at www.315reliefsalve.com
16 March 2015
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THREADS Local clothing. Those two words are music to our ears here at THC. There are so many wonderful companies coming out of Colorado these days and with the Colorado pride soaring higher than ever, this is the time for these companies to rise! Today, we are thrilled to tell you about Boulder-based CHAOS Threads, founded by brothers Damien and Justin Rizello, later joined by their youngest bro, Xander. The idea for CHAOS Threads manifested back in 2010 over long hours of baking and packaging the Rizello brothers’ creation The Baklava, an edible they marketed back then. The brothers talked with each other about their dream of starting a clothing company, made of quality, sustainable and eco-conscious threads. “A desire to combine the greatest quality threads with art; a lifestyle apparel, embodying style. We wanted to design our wardrobe and have it be a blank canvas in which we could play within consciousness. Through the process of building CHAOS Threads, we’ve come to realize that what we can do with textiles is endless,” said Damien. At CHAOS Threads the Rizellos have the clothing manufactured in “small batched” production. The theory behind this is if a certain style that isn’t very popular, it doesn’t have to sit around and “degrade the value of the brand. And when we hit on a style, we have an ability to create a demand and proof of concept. It’s a really good way to keep our finger on the pulse of the customer,” Damien explained. The result is a carefully thought out design that makes a big impact.
18 March 2015
by Caroline Hayes
CHAOS Threads are made with sustainable fibers and lots of love. The most prized fiber used is combed cotton from India, which the Rizello brothers learned about from a textile manufacturer in Montreal named Delyla who specializes in eco-friendly knits. Damien says it’s softer and higher quality compared to U.S. and Chinese yarns. Although CHAOS clothing is produced outside of the U.S. for now, the dream is to create everything in Colorado one day. “We originally wanted to manufacture in the USA only. This idea expanded when we found Delyla in Montreal. Their mission and philosophy are similar to ours so we couldn’t resist,” said Damien. CHAOS’ styles and designs are fresh, fashionable and created with regard to higher level thinking and acting. The Rebel-Lion graphic (pictured on the left) “represents leadership, symbolizing nocturnal strength into subconscious thought and solar reflective healing; thus serving conscious balance within sound judgment, courage, honor and wisdom. Join the CHAOS team on our journey in a message of prudence to all.” This is exactly the forward thinking motion that conscious consumers want to support. Expect to see big things from CHAOS Threads. The Rizello brothers are going to offer fashion and graphic design consulting, information on where to source mindful and blank apparel, and screen printing under the name CHAOS Apparel. They will also be combining forces with other like-minded companies to bring to you the most environmentally friendly, sweatshopfree clothing, and finally, they will bring to you CHAOS Hemp Blended Threads. “During the marijuana movement, we’re honored to help uniform our alliance, stand together and represent all characteristic benefits of the plant,” Damien said. We are all looking forward to it! You can find CHAOS Threads at www.chaosthreads. com.
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Peacemaker Designs by Christianna Lewis-Brown
20 March 2015
Meet Noah Cook, owner of Peacemaker Designs. He is an exceptionally talented artist, fabricator, and woodworker. Noah started Peacemaker Designs in 2013 in order to further his lifelong interests in woodcarving and multi-media sculpture. Each piece he creates is expertly crafted out of a wide variety of hard woods. While he can create a variety of objects out of wood, such as pendants, rings and rocket ships, we are entranced with his pipes. Noah’s designs are beautiful and functional, he is inspired by “wrought-iron artwork and contemporary glass.” His focus has always been “to explore the chaotic beauty of natural materials through new concepts of shape, color, and function.” The really wonderful thing about Peacemaker Designs’ work is that each piece is truly
an original work of art. Each piece of hard wood used to make these pipes has its own distinctive pattern of beautiful lines, waves and flecks. With the added embellishments of natural gems and stones, each pipe is really something to be admired and appreciated. When you think about wood, you might automatically think “flammable.” This is not necessarily the case with these pipes. Noah says, “What I’ve found is that there seems to be a critical point of hardness above which the wood will build up residue from smoking such that its surface solidifies rather than burning away. For a hand pipe a modestly hard wood such as Black Cherry is enough to get this effect; for chillums the wood must be somewhat harder so that the tip of the pipe does not burn away. My experience has been
that pipes carved from harder wood are more durable and smoke better.” The THC staff found this to be absolutely true. Smoking out of these woody creations is like no glass pipe you are used to Each wood used adds a distinctive flavor elevation to the smoking experience. We never thought you could feel distinguished smoking out of a chillum, but we were wrong. Anything handcarved out of ironwood and embellished with amethysts feels pretty elegant in your hands. If you want to add a level of interest and sophistication to your collection, check out Peacemaker Designs at www.peacemakerdesigns.com. Facebook: /PeacemakerDesigns
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DR. Dabber Ghost Full Prescription Bundle
If you are in the market for a new vape pen the Dr. Dabber Ghost is one of the best options available. Not only does Dr. Dabber make a premium product but they have some of the most intricate attachments around. One of the features that sets Dr. Dabber apart from other companies is their titanium technology in the atomizers. This had a noticeable difference with the flavor from other pens. The titanium atomizer also has a high resistance, which will have a lower, more accurate temperature for vaping your concentrates. Dr. Dabber’s Full Prescription Bundle is the all in one kit you need to get your vape on. It contains the Dr. Dabber Ghost Pen, an extra Ghost atomizer, a shatterproof storage ball, dab tool, USB charger, and the Dr. Dabber Globe attachment. This is the ultimate kit for the beginner or for the seasoned vet. When loading the atomizer with a concentrate, make sure to not put too much in. This can gunk up the pen and you won’t get the full flavored hits this bad boy can produce. If you are really looking to step your vape pen game up, they have three different water attachments to add filtration and style. This will make the already smooth hits that much better. Your friends will be peanut butter and jelly when they see you rip your pen like a true connoisseur. www.drdabber.com Dr. Dabber Percolator Attachment
Dr. Dabber Pendant Recycler
Dr. Dabber Layback Recycler
22 March 2015
Madison Alvarez
2015 Saturday April 4th, 2015
at The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO 10am - 6pm
PANELS AND PRESENTATIONS Presented by:
The Rocky Mountain Hemp Association
30+ Speakers and Panelists including: • RYAN LOFLIN • ANNDREA HERMANN • AQUA DAS • DR. NOLAN KANE • DR. JOHN MCKAY • MICHAEL BOWMAN
• JARED POLIS • RICHARD ROSE • BILL ALTHOUSE • DIANA OLIVER • SUMMER STAR HAESKE • TIM GORDAN
HEMP MOVIE ROOM
Check out hemp related documentaries all day long featuring:
NoCoHempExpo.com Featuring Doug Fine Author of Hemp Bound
Official Emcee of the 2015 NoCo Hemp Expo “Hemp Bound tells us with detail and humor how to get to the environmental Promised Land. Doug has created a blueprint for the America of the future.” – Willie Nelson
VENDORS 60+ Hemp Vendors sharing the wares including: Food, Textiles, Paper, Soaps, Lotions, CBD Oils & Creams, Jewelry, Hempcrete, Apparel, Bags, Hats, Guitars, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea, Books, Beer & a Hemp Sports Car.
• Bringing it Home • Hempsters Plant the Seed • and More
ARTISTS at the EXPO SPONSORS
• Tommy Nahulu - Live painting on hemp canvas • Matt Collins - Caricature sketches on hemp paper • Daniel Marley - Busking tunes throughout the expo
HEMP IS HEALTH!
EDUCATION
Who should attend? Hemp enthusiasts, retail buyers, farmers, friends, family and fellow citizens who want to make this world a happier, healthier place.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! at NoCoHempExpo.com
starting at $15
THE
FAY FARM NATURAL BODY PRODUCTS
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FEATURED ARTIST
Thomas Bachman Paonia Artist Delves Into Surreal Psychedelia by Ron Bain
Bachman’s style ranges from surreal, abstract and psychedelic to fantasybased and complexly geometrical. His media include pen-and-ink, paint, photography, computer graphics and colorful three-dimensional glass sculptures. His use of intense colors is dramatic and visually stunning.
artist in 1988 after displaying large-scale pieces at music festivals and other hippie gatherings.
“I am self taught. There is no education process behind that,” he said. “I took the surrealistic eye and developed it.”
“I’m a gypsy by nature,” he remarked. “Staying in the same place was challenging to me.”
Bachman grew up in Florida and visited the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg frequently as a young man; he’s also a fan of M.C. Escher. He cites authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Frank Herbert, and musicians such as The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix as primary influences that led him into a world of fantasy and surreal visions. He worked at Disneyworld where he was inspired by Imagineers and also worked at Universal Studios.
Another influence on Bachman’s artwork is perpetual wakefulness. A chronic insomniac who once used alcohol and drugs to fight the torment of not sleeping, Bachman these days uses only cannabis and a prescription to Seroquel to find rest, but most nights you will find him awake at 3 or 4 a.m. working away in his spacious studio. In his younger days, he was a partying night owl.
“Those have all impacted the art. Western Colorado has impacted my artwork,” he explained. “The audience my art talks to is more urban. Paonia is a rare, rare, gem in a wonderful country, a magical connection. The community itself has been fantastic.”
“There was lots of music, lots of excess, a bit of rebellion to the normal style,” Bachman said, noting that he loved the nightlife of urban areas such as New York and Denver.
Thomas Bachman is The Eccentric Artist, with galleries in both Paonia and Denver.
He studied computer programming at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, which he described as “a hideous failure, the exact opposite to computer art.” After leaving Florida, Bachman adopted a hippie/gypsy lifestyle that took him to New York City, Denver and Philadelphia. He began developing his unique multi-media style during this period and he declared himself a professional
“The Mental Star”
Today, he and his partner Bill Rowe keep the party to a low boil, living on their beautiful rural Paonia ranch that borders federal wilderness. It’s a remote place that gets few visitors, except for deer, turkeys, pigeons and toads that Bachman has befriended. He keeps a water trough full for the deer and toads, and allows the pigeons to roost in his barn and the turkeys in his trees. Deer flock to the ranch, which is a no-hunting zone. In downtown Paonia is The Eccentric Artist gallery where his collection is displayed on a rotating basis. Selling art pieces from the gallery is a rare event due to the cost, he says, but there are inexpensive t-shirts and coffee cups adorned with Bachman’s art, and the multi-layered glass globes – which could serve as Christmas tree ornaments or be displayed year-round – sell for about $100. “Art is very challenging way to make a living,” he said. The ornamental globes each take about a month to complete. Each layer of glitter, paint and metals has to be applied separately and allowed to dry for 24 hours. These, and the relatively new vocation of oil painting, are taking up most of Bachman’s artistic time. Bachman started making the ornamental globes to give away as Christmas gifts. “They’re an amazing collectible,” he said. Bachman’s Denver gallery, the High Street Gallery, is not open full-time but opens on special occasions for Bachman’s and guest artists’ exhibits, and other special events. Visit www.xag21.com to view more art and find more information about Thomas Bachman.
Thomas Bachman
24 March 2015
“Sugar Cube”
“Climb Inside”
“The Everglades in Springtime”
“The Wizard”
“Faces Sleeping, Dreaming”
“The Wizard’s Spell”
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Tasty Meds
Reviews of Colorado’s finest medicated products Mikiba 50mg THC, 50mg CBD by Incredibles
reviewed by DJ Reetz Incredibles Mikiba bar is one edible that doesn’t suffer from an identity crisis. The 50 mg THC, 50 mg CBD bar is made of things you’d expect to find in your health conscious friend’s pantry: quinoa, chia and hemp to name a few. Clearly, this product is intended for the active cannabis consumer (there’s a silhouette of a mountain biker on the label) but that didn’t stop me from eating half and sitting on my couch watching movies. The bar is sticky, and retrieving it from the sleeve can be a little bit of a chore. Once it’s out of the sleeve you may have a bit of trouble distinguishing the perfect dose, but I found a half was about the right amount for me. For one of Incredibles’ first bars to not be explicitly sweet, I found the taste was pleasant and without the overwhelming hash flavor you find in some similar edibles. If you’re familiar with Cliff bars or similar super food bars you will find the taste not too dissimilar. About an hour after eating my half of the bar I began to feel a tingling in my chest that soon radiated outward. The Mikiba had an interesting body high, balanced with an effervescent cerebral high that left me articulate and capable. I really wish I had saved it for a hike, as the nutrient-dense ingredients, pain killing CBD, and uplifting psychoactive effects would have been perfect for the dragging end of a rigorous day in the mountains. incrediblescolorado.com
Bubble Hash by Standing Akimbo reviewed by Monocle Man
Standing Akimbo is known for their award-winning edibles and flower. Long time red card holders will remember the delectable Bubble Brownies and Pecanna Bars. Unfortunately, they don’t make their delicious edibles anymore but the quality of their bud and concentrates will have you coming back for more. The shop has a nice selection of wax and shatter but the bubble hash is what I decided to pick up. It was a beautiful blend of various strains that Standing Akimbo grows in-house. The hash is a gorgeous light brown with trichome glands that have a robust terpene profile. As soon as you take off the top of the little container the terpenes dropkick your senses. Bubble Hash is great because you can smoke it on your own or use it as a bowl topper to give your flower a little extra pep. I like to start with a little bowl of just hash to really enjoy the flavor. The hash bubbled and melted away as the flame was carefully applied and pulled away to get the best possible flavor. Anyway you smoke this hash you are going to have a great experience. A clear-headed high that starts off very cerebral then slowly trickles down your body into complete relaxation. It was the perfect remedy after being in the cold shoveling snow. You can find Standing Akimbo in Denver off 38th and Jason. While you are there make sure to check out their High Times Awarded Jilly Bean. www.standingakimbobakery.com
Blue Kudu Chocolate - 100mg
reviewed by DJ Reetz I’m no stranger to Kudu, their small chocolate bars have graced the pages of this magazine in the past, and their latest offering is not wholly different from what’s been offered up in the past. The melding of semisweet chocolate with a hint of orange flavor has been a staple of the brand, what is new to the equation is the easy to distinguish dosing sizes. Each 100 mg THC bar is sectioned into ten pieces, making it easy to estimate a ten-milligram dosage or share with friends. This was great, as I usually find around 20 mg to be my edible happy zone and Kudus have in the past been kind of a pain to portion out. I popped two sections of their hybrid bar and was feeling pretty good roughly 45 minutes later with full effects occurring after about an hour and a half. The high was motivating and cerebral, I felt uplifted and peppy, the easily distinguishable dosage had landed me just about where I like to be, anxiety free and ready to handle things. While I’ve never been a fan of the taste of dosed chocolate (the orange flavor of the bar barely registered) the small serving size made the slight unpleasantness of the taste mercifully short. You know what you’re getting with Blue Kudu, and now thanks to their easily breakable bar, you can refine your experience to exactly what you want or need. Take one square for a mood boost, two to get a slight buzz, three to make even the worst movie hilarious, and so on as needed, or pass them around to your friends. One square is the perfect fit for the inexperienced. bluekudu.com
26 March 2015
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Hemp Eats Hempseed Beetroot Veggie Burger Serves 5 Ingredients: 4 medium beets, peeled and cut into fourths 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 cup mushrooms, diced 1/2 cup green onions, minced 1/2 cup purple carrots, grated 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 cup raw almonds 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup brown rice, cooked 1/2 cup hemp seeds 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I like Grey Poupon’s stone ground for this) Directions: Heat oven to 400°F. Place beets on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 Tablespoon of the olive oil. Roast for about 25 minutes or until they are tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool before chopping and placing in a large bowl. In a large skillet heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms,
green onions, carrots, cumin and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until tender. Once veggies are cooked add to bowl with beets. Pulse almonds in food processer until a fine powder is created. Add to bowl of veggies. Next, pulse black beans in food processor until a paste is made. Add to bowl of veggies. Add rice, hempseeds, salt, white pepper and Dijon to the veggies and mix well. With clean hands, make the mixture into 6 patties (or twelve little patties for sliders) and place in the fridge for about 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes, heat a couple Tablespoons of oil over medium-high in a skillet on the stove. Once oil is hot and almost smoking, cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side. As a low carb option, serve without a bun and with a side salad.
Sweet Potato Fries with Hemp Cilantro Aioli
28 March 2015
Ingredients: For the fries: 2 large yams, peeled and cut into desired fry shape (you can use sweet potatoes, but yams have more starch which allows them to crisp up a bit more) 2 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Directions: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
For the aioli: 1 cup Vegenaise (mayonnaise works too) 1 and 1/4 teaspoon curry or cumin 1 Tablespoon hemp seeds 2-3 finely chopped cilantro 2 teaspoons lime juice salt to taste
Divide the fries between the two baking pans and evenly disperse. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the fries over at the halfway point.
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Add your pre-cut potatoes to a large bowl. Pour the coconut oil over the fries and toss to coat. Add the coriander, black pepper, and teaspoon sea salt over top and toss to coat again.
While your fries are baking, make the aioli by combining all ingredients in a blender. Add salt as needed for taste. Once the fries are done, allow them to cool on parchment paper to crisp up a bit.
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Cannabis News by DJ Reetz
Surgeon General Concedes Cannabis Can Be Helpful
Botticelli’s stance echoes that of the president, who has supported D.C.’s right to self-governance.
United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said in a recent interview with CBS This Morning that medical cannabis can be helpful to people with certain medical conditions.
Cannabis Use Doesn’t Actually Increase Risk of a Crash
“We have to see what the science tells us about the efficacy of marijuana, and I think we’re going to get a lot more data on that. We have some preliminary data showing that for certain medical conditions and symptoms that marijuana can be helpful. So I think we have to use that data to drive policy making and I’m very interested to see where that data takes us,” said the recently appointed Murthy.
A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concludes that drivers who tested positive for THC were no more likely to be involved in a crash than those who did not. Comparatively, alcohol use increases a driver’s chance of wrecking by seven times, according to the same study.
Jeb Bush Smoked Cannabis Potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate and younger brother to former President George W. Bush, Jeb Bush admitted to smoking marijuana during his time at a prestigious prep school. In a report by The Boston Globe, the younger Bush admits to smoking marijuana and drinking during his high school years. It remains unclear why Bush’s first-hand experience with marijuana is not a part of his current political stance on the plant.
Colorado Made Too Much Money Taxing Cannabis If your tax return nabbed you a slightly larger refund this year, marijuana could be to thank. While tax revenue from legal cannabis in the state of Colorado didn’t quite meet the $70 million projected by the state, taxes collected were high enough that under the Tax Payer Bill of Rights — or TABOR as it’s known — residents might be entitled to a piece of that money in the form of a refund. As of this writing, the fate of the excess funds was still up for debate, as neither Democrats nor Republicans seem very keen on giving the money back to those who paid it. If the excess $30 million in taxes were to be refunded it would amount to a refund of around eight dollars per taxpayer. If the state legislature decides to keep the money, doing so would require a vote from the citizens of Colorado as mandated by TABOR.
U.S. Drug Czar Supports DC Legalization U.S. drug czar Michael Botticelli has stated publicly that he supports home rule for Washington D.C. when it comes to the issue of marijuana legalization, the Huffington Post is reporting. At an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Botticelli, the acting director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said, “As a resident of the District, I might not agree about legalization, but I do agree with our own ability to spend our own money the way that we want to do that.”
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What effect, if any, these findings will have on lawmakers scrambling to regulate legal marijuana use remains to be seen. In Colorado the legal driving limit of five nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood remains unchallenged.
Texas Grand Jury Sides with Grower Who Killed a Cop An alleged cannabis grower in rural Burleson County, Texas has not been indicted after he fired at and killed a deputy executing an early morning raid of his trailer. The deputy was one of ten serving a search warrant on the man’s trailer looking for marijuana and illegal guns. Besides one dead police officer, the search yielded two six-inch tall marijuana plants, less than an ounce of usable cannabis, several seedlings and four legally purchased firearms. While the grand jury decided the suspect was within his right to defend his home due to the quick succession of the police identifying themselves and their egress into his domicile, the DA in the case intends to file drug charges against him with an added weapons charge for his lawful possession of firearms while committing said crimes, leaving the possibility that he face up to ten years in prison.
Jamaica Decriminalizes Cannabis, Paves the Way for Medical Jamaica has enacted legislation decriminalizing cannabis, making possession of two ounces or less a ticketable offense that would not require arrest or a create a criminal record. The changes to the Dangerous Drug Act also pave the way for the creation of the Cannabis Licensing Authority, which will be responsible for regulation of medical marijuana. The change in laws will likely have little effect on the tourists who are largely segregated from the population in the island nation, but could go a long way toward unseating social injustices in the country famous for its use of ganja.
Across the Globe Ultra Marathoners Using Cannabis as Performance Enhancing Drug
Colorado’s marijuana laws as well as the defendants named in the suit, which includes Governor Hickenlooper, according to the AP.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the increasing trend among ultra marathoners using cannabis to aid in performance and recovery. The article claims runners are using the plant as a means of dealing with the aches and pains resulting from races that can be hundreds of miles in length, often through mountainous terrain. Cannabis use can also help in dealing with the nausea that can occur with such tremendous physical exertion.
Jane Fonda Smokes the Ganja
Still, most runners will not comment about their use of cannabis, partially due to ethical reasons and the fact that it remains a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency, though testing is generally limited to such a threshold that would allow for use in the offseason.
$700 Million in Legal Cannabis Sold in Colorado in 2014 Between adult-use and medical cannabis, nearly $700 million in cannabis was sold in Colorado last year. The Washington Post reported the figures based on data released by the Colorado Department of Revenue, which consists of $386 million in medical sales and $313 million in adult-use sales. Combined, the sales accounted for $63 million in tax revenue for the state (which as, stated previously, is just too much) and an additional $13 million in fees and licensing.
Colorado Funding More Research on Marijuana’s Potential Benefits Colorado made major headlines when the state Board of Health approved $8 million in research grants aimed mostly at research of the beneficial uses of cannabis. That trend continued in February when the board approved an additional $450,000 to fund a study at National Jewish Health on the efficacy of marijuana in treating sleep disorders, bringing the total amount allocated for marijuana research to $9 million.
In an interview with DuJour magazine, actress, model and political activist Jane Fonda admitted to smoking marijuana “every now and then.” The 77-year-old Fonda is no stranger to hot-button political issues, and has in the past received a great deal of hate from the political right for her support of the civil rights movement, the Black Panther Party and her opposition to the Vietnam War, which earned her the title Hanoi Jane.
Legalization Goes Into Effect in Alaska, D.C. It’s official, cannabis is now legal in Alaska and Washington D.C. Residents can now legally possess, consume and grow marijuana, though the legal market is not yet open. In Washington D.C. the process has been an arduous one, since members of Congress have effectively blocked the city from spending any money on the enactment of the law that was approved by 70 percent of voters. However, legalizing possession and homegrows requires no money to be spent, though the future of adult-use sales may still be in jeopardy in the District of Columbia.
Nearly One in Five Coloradans Used Marijuana According to a Quinnipiac poll, 19 percent of those surveyed in Colorado have tried marijuana since the enactment of adult-use cannabis. The number has increased by four percent since a similar survey was given in August of 2013. The percentage is still trailing usage numbers for alcohol and tobacco and represents less than half of the 55 percent of the state that voted for Amendment 64, suggesting that some people may still not be comfortable outing themselves as marijuana consumers.
Lawsuit Will Shut Down Colorado’s Cannabis Legal Cannabis is the Fastest Growing Industry Market, say Idiots in the U.S. A pair of lawsuits filed in federal court in Colorado aim at shutting down the legal marijuana market. The suits were filed by residents of the state who allege damages caused by the operation of cannabis businesses in their proximity. They claim that federal racketeering standards should allow them to claim unspecified damages and that the industry as a whole should be shut down as it flouts federal law.
One of the plaintiffs is the owner of a Holiday Inn in Frisco, prompting a boycott of the hotel chain by the Marijuana Policy Project, though the corporate offices have no involvement in the lawsuit. Colorado’s Attorney General Cynthia Coffman has vowed to fight the lawsuit and to defend
ArcView Market Research released its State of the Legal Marijuana Market last month claiming that the legal marijuana market grew by 74 percent in 2014, the fastest rate of growth of any industry in the country. The report says the value of legal marijuana rose from $1.5 billion in 2013 to $2.7 billion in 2014. The report further predicts that 14 more states are likely to enact legal adult-use and two more will likely enact medical marijuana laws sales over the next five years, bringing the total value of the market to an estimated $10.8 billion by 2019.
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NY bill is trying to follow in Colorado’s Footsteps
Aggressive bill is attempting to eliminate racial disparity in arrests
by Erin Hiatt
The 2014 elections added Oregon and Alaska to the tally of states legalizing adult marijuana use. Sen. Liz Krueger, who represents parts of Manhattan, wants to add New York State to the growing list of legal states. The Tenth Amendment Center writes that the goal of Krueger’s bill, The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) (which borrows many aspects of Colorado’s marijuana laws), “Is to regulate, control, and tax marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol, generate millions of dollars in new revenue, prevent access to marijuana by those under the age of 18 years, reduce the illegal drug market and reduce violent crime, reduce the racially disparate impact of existing marijuana laws, allow industrial hemp to be farmed in New York State, and create new industries and create employment.” Also included in the bill is removing penalties for possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, allowing for home cultivation of up to six plants for users over 18, and directing a portion of the state tax revenue collected to be directed to re-entry programs, substance abuse programs, and job training programs in low-income, high unemployment communities. This bill has a very uphill battle, but Troy Smit, Executive Director of NORML Long Island, says that first, “you have to lay the groundwork. This is a multi-year, educational effort and unfortunately, New Yorkers are not in the same mindset as people in states with legal marijuana.” Those at NORML have been working with Krueger and others on similar bills since 2010. This year, in addition the MRTA, NORML and their legislative sponsors are working on the Fairness and Equity Act (FEA). Smit is really excited about the FEA, describing it as “a comprehensive reform to fix New York’s broken decriminalization statute.” The MRTA and the FEA are two separate bills going toward the same goal; changing perceptions about the majority of people who use and are criminalized for marijuana. New York State, in theory, has been a decriminalized state since 1977. Smit explains “since the late 90s, the NYPD has taken it upon themselves to recriminalize marijuana.” Smit doesn’t have an explanation for why the NYPD made this move but thinks it is more a mindset than an actual NYPD policy. “What this bill does is addresses a lot of the problems with how New York decriminalizes. First, it stops all the unfair and biased arrests every year. It will standardize the time for sealing marijuana conviction from three years to the rate of regular convictions, like a traffic ticket. Most importantly, one of the biggest parts of this is that it will establish a process for those who have been previously convicted for public possession to have that cleared from their record.” The passage of this bill would have a hugely positive impact on the lives of people in minority communities who are disproportionately affected by the current New York drug laws. A large aspect of NYC policing in the past decade or more has been the use of “stop and frisk.” Smit says,
32 March 2015
“The justification for stop and frisk is that they’re looking for guns. But the amount of guns they found were significantly smaller,” Smit says. It’s not that the NYPD was necessarily looking for marijuana, it just happens, by exercising a loophole in the decriminalization statute that allows them to ask people to empty their pockets, that they found marijuana instead. And when marijuana is in public view or burning, one can be charged with criminal possession of marijuana. “Something doesn’t add up,” says Smit. “Why are you arresting 30,000-40,000 people for marijuana when you are only finding 100 to 1000 guns?” And in New York City, where the housing is dense and backyards are few, people often take to the streets and building stairwells to use marijuana. Because these acts sometimes occur in public view, the NYPD may easily pounce. Justin Flagg, the media representative for Krueger, wrote in an email under the heading “Why Legalize?” that “The Drug Policy Alliance reports that in New York City in the first eight months of 2014, 86 percent of the people arrested for marijuana possession were African Americans and Latinos. African Americans were arrested for marijuana possession at seven times the rates of white, and Latinos at nearly four times the rates of whites.” It has been widely cited that whites and minorities use marijuana at approximately the same rates. Krueger’s bill intends to put an end to these policies, stating that “97 percent of marijuana arrests are just for possession, and in 2010, there were more than 100,000 of these arrests in the state. Statewide, $678.5 million was spent in 2010 arresting and jailing mostly young people for possessing small amounts of marijuana, often giving first-time, nonviolent offenders an extraneous criminal record.” She goes on to say that the current system is “a gross waste of city and state resources - we’re wasting taxpayer dollars to ruin lives.” Krueger, though, has been down this legislative road before. She introduced a similar bill in 2014, which was defeated. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has shown nothing but ambivalence toward marijuana. “Cuomo originally was for decriminalization, he has since somewhat reneged his support,” Smit explains. He adds that Cuomo “crippled the medical marijuana bill and then washed his hands of it.” Even Krueger acknowledges that this year’s bill is unlikely to pass. But, she feels that raising the debate sparks conversation and that last year’s failed bill helped to ease the passage of New York’s very limited medical marijuana law. She told the New York Observer that she sees the discussion of the bill, at the very least, “as an education process, a building process of public support.” Smit says that at NORML they are still going to go after Cuomo to support the bill, even though he has implied by his actions, “Legal marijuana? Fuhgeddaboudit.”
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We
a
Hemp
by Dr Nicola Davies
34 March 2015
F
or the uninitiated hemp and marijuana are one and the same. When Cannabis oil is mentioned, eyes widen a little – psychoactive oil for heart health?
The truth is that although hemp and marijuana belong to the Cannabis sativa species, they differ. Dan Sutton of Tantalus Labs, a Canadian company specializing in the technology of the cultivation of cannabis, says that ancient civilizations bred marijuana plants for specific purposes. From these plants a variety of food, oil and fibers were made. By selection and cross-cultivation the variety known as hemp evolved, which has virtually no psychoactive properties, whereas marijuana was cultivated specifically for its psychoactive properties and was often used in religious rituals. According to Tantalus, the difference lies in their cultivation environment, as well as genetic parentage. The functional difference between hemp and marijuana, according to Dr David West, whose PhD is in Plant Breeding, is that Cannabis sativa L, commonly known as marijuana, is distinguished by its Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations of between 1-20 percent, whereas the second type also known as Cannabis sativa L - has THC concentrations of less than 0.3 percent and would therefore have no psychoactive effect on a consumer. Hemp Oil - A Rich Source of Fatty Acids Hemp has come to the attention of the public since studies have shown its heart health properties. Dr Delfin Rodriguez-Leyva, Associate Professor and Head of the Cardiovascular Research Division at V.I. Lenin University, Cuba, published a paper, ‘The Cardiac and Haemostatic Effects of Dietary Hempseed,’ together with Dr Grant Pierce, Professor and Executive Director at St Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada. Their findings conclude that hempseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids as well as other polyunsaturated fatty acids. Besides being rich in protein and Vitamin E, it has also been found to contain the following minerals: phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulphur, calcium, zinc and iron. According to Rodriquez-Leyva and Pierce, all of the essential amino acids are found in hempseed oil. It also contains high levels of arginine, an amino acid which assists the metabolism to produce nitric oxide (NO). This molecule is recognized as playing a pivotal role in the cardiovascular system as it assists in hemostasis (the clotting of blood), fibrinolysis (the prevention of blood clots from growing and causing problems), as well as regulation of vascular tone (the degree a blood vessel constricts compared to is maximal dilation). An increase of smooth vascular muscle cells and a contribution to the maintenance of stable blood pressure are also attributed to arginine. Findings from The Third National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey, showed that people may lower their risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing their intake of arginine rich foods. Antioxidant Properties Assist In Maintaining Heart Health Tocopherols contained in hempseed oil can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and macular degeneration (loss of vision) in patients aged 65 years and older. They have antioxidant properties, preventing the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. A common cause of atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, is deposits of LDL (low density lipoprotein). This build-up is silent and rarely noticed as it is a slow process. It can be likened to the build up of protein deposits on contact lenses, which need to be treated with a protein remover.
order to take precautions. The tocopherol content may vary between batches of oil, depending on the genotype cultivated. What has hampered research are governmental regulations in many countries around the cultivation of Cannabis sativa due to its psychotropic properties. However, slowly, some government agencies are granting permission for cultivation of hemp plants with less than 0.3 percent THC content. Although the European Union has legalized the growing of hemp with low THC content, the United States still largely prohibits the growth of Cannabis sativa due to the fact that some of the plants have a high THC content and are used as a recreational drug. Hemp Oil Can Improve Good Cholesterol Ratios Research suggests that using hemp oil supplements can result in a lower total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio. HDL is the “good” cholesterol, so the lower the total cholesterol to HDL the better, as coronary disease is associated with a high total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Sterols and aliphatic alcohols contained in hemp oil also contribute to the lowering of cholesterol levels as well as helping with preventing the formation of blood clots. Phytol is specifically associated with antioxidant benefits, leading to reduced risks of cancer. Spinach and beans also contain high levels of phytol which results from a plant’s chlorophyll metabolism. Chemically, phytol is known as acrylic diterpene alcohol, an oily liquid used by the body in the manufacture of Vitamin E and K. Hempseed is rich in linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, as well as a-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 requirement for a healthy diet. The ratio of LA to ALA is normally between 2-to-1 and 3-to-1 in hempseed. This is considered an ideal proportion for a healthy diet. Our ancestors existed on a diet which was around 1–2-to-1 in LA to ALA ratio – a far cry from the current ratio in Western societies (as well as developing countries catching on to western dietary lifestyles) of 20–30-to-1. This is considered a major contributing factor towards cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. A Healthy Alternative to Fish Oil Supplements Compared to fish oils, which are undergoing scrutiny due to the questions of sustainability and level of mercury in fish populations, the high level of ALA in Hemp oil of up to 25 percent makes it a good alternative. Vegetarians would find a plant-based alternative to fish oil attractive on ethical grounds. Globally, the hemp market is valued at between $100-200 million and has the potential to expand dramatically as the public switch to using hemp oil due to its properties and sustainability. After all, ancient civilizations used it – a recipe using hemp oil was found in an Egyptian pyramid. Besides the heart health benefits, hemp oil has a tasty nutty flavor and is best cold pressed, like olive oil. Hemp oil is reported to be good for protecting the skin and in slowing signs of ageing. Although a great deal more clinical trials need to be conducted under careful supervision on various aspects of the effects of hemp oil, studies so far seem to indicate that the inclusion of hemp oil as a dietary supplement can do wonders for heart health.
The white blood cells in the body do their best to digest the LDL buildup and in so doing oxidize the LDL into a toxic form. This means more white blood cells move in to negate the LDL, but at the same time create a low grade inflammation within the wall of the artery. This process creates a growth of plaque on the artery wall, slowly blocking the flow of blood. Should the plaque surface rupture then a blood clot may form in the area, leading to a heart attack. The tocopherols in dietary hempseed oil, which result in reduced platelet aggregation leading to thinning of the blood, are important in two ways. They can reduce the possibility of blood clots leading to strokes and heart attacks, but during surgery, when excessive bleeding is possible, the surgeon needs to be aware that hempseed oil has been part of the patient’s diet in
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DISPENSARY OWNER SEEKS DENVER CITY COUNCIL SEAT Kayvan Khalatbari’s mission to enlighten Denver politics by DJ Reetz
For over a year Denver has been the center of the cannabis world. The site of the first legal adult-use cannabis stores in the country, the city has paved the way with other towns and municipalities following in its wake. The population of the city voted nearly two to one in favor of Amendment 64, showing that the citizenry was ready for a change from business as usual and preferred the sensible. Unfortunately, this enlightened attitude has not been reflected by the city government. Both the mayor’s office and much of the City Council has shown a disdain for cannabis, leaving the citizens that voted in favor of sensible marijuana laws to wonder when their elected officials were going to join the party. It’s something that has continually irked cannabis consumers and business operators, and Kayvan Khalatbari, co-founder of Denver Relief, is doing something about it, throwing himself into the running for the upcoming Denver City Council race.
“We’ve got a lot of people behind us, a great network to be able to reach out to these dispensaries and reach out to these infused product manufacturers and make sure that we have that visibility,” says Khalatbari. But a network of businesses and activists alone isn’t enough to win a city council race; that requires a platform that appeals to Denver voters as well. And this year the city is holding its first all mail-in election, which may draw first-time voters in Denver.
“...that creates the opportunity for these farms to expand outside of Denver with their hemp production, to bring that into the city where all of a sudden we’ve created tens of thousands of jobs”
It all started in January, when Khalatbari along with his partner in comedy Andy Juett made a satirical announcement on Facebook proclaiming he would be running against the unchallenged Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock. The post drew attention from Hancock himself, his office sent out a memo noting the new challenger entering the arena. While the idea of running a cannabiscentric campaign against Denver’s notoriously anti-cannabis mayor was generating attention, running the campaign, and possibly the city, would cost Khalatbari more time and money than he felt he could part with. But the idea and the attention it drew had planted the idea of seeking public office. “I said ‘what if I did really run a city council race?’” says Khalatbari, sitting in his office in Denver’s Baker neighborhood. The walls are covered with framed news clippings highlighting his various accomplishments as an activist, in one corner the chicken suit he dressed in while calling out Governor Hickenlooper for his poor stances on marijuana stands on a mannequin. Through his political activism and various businesses — operating one of
36 March 2015
the longest running dispensaries in the state, Sexy Pizza, Sexpot Comedy and Birdy magazine to name a few — he certainly has the connections and the exposure to make a council run feasible.
“I have an opportunity to really engage these people, and probably get out some new voters that wouldn’t have otherwise done so and people that aren’t going to be appealed to by the [current council members] right now because they’re a little out of touch,” he says. ”There’s a lot of new blood out there to get, and when we’re talking about 25,000 votes being that win, that seems pretty attainable.”
While Khalatbari intends to fight for sensible regulations around marijuana, such as allowing marijuana smokers to light up next to cigarette smokers at bars and extending the hours of operation of retail shops around the city by three hours to make them competitive with those in other parts of the state, his campaign is about more than just marijuana, he says. He doesn’t want to be known simply for the one issue, a problem he identified when Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon — who is endorsing Khalatbari — ran for governor this past November. “I want to make it clear that it’s not just about [marijuana] either. There’s adjacent to [marijuana] hemp, which I think we’re missing out on a big opportunity with right now in Denver. We have all of these people growing hemp, we have this culture of people that want to produce it, that want to build these local economies, but we don’t have the processing facilities, we don’t have the means to automate that, to really make it efficient and a viable industry here. But we have that opportunity because those processing facilities don’t exist anywhere in the country. So if we can provide incentives for people to bring those to Denver, that creates the opportunity for these
farms to expand outside of Denver with their hemp production, to bring that into the city where all of a sudden we’ve created tens of thousands of jobs,” he says. “The fact that we’re not embracing an industry that can be ten to 100 times larger than medical or social use cannabis combined, I think is a missed opportunity. Khalatbari’s time as a marijuana entrepreneur has exposed him to the wealth of investors looking to cash in on the burgeoning and socially forward industry, and he says he thinks it’s just a matter of turning this demographic on to the possibilities of hemp. “If government can do a little bit to incentivize the creation of those facilities that money will be there. It’s just a matter of telling those people that Denver wants you and it wants to create this industry, and it will get created,” he says.
Denver City and County Building
“We don’t have to get along to make progress, we just have to understand what we’re actually trying to do and not just shut our ears and shut our mouths when something doesn’t go our way.” Also central to Khalatbari’s platform is the expansion of youth programs, giving underprivileged kids an opportunity to expand their own horizons. While he praises Mayor Hancock for extending access to the city’s rec centers to all Denver Public Schools students, he says he thinks more can be done. “That’s a great thing, but that’s one thing, that’s physical activity, I think there’s a lot we can do with regard to art and entrepreneurship with our kids,” he says. Khalatbari would like to see existing programs expanded, giving children from low-income families access to programs that would foster these things. “I’ve seen the impact that even a little time, even just the smallest bit of resources can have to the benefit of a child,” he says, pointing to the picture of the three kids he mentors that hangs on his office wall. Incentivizing DPS teachers through cost of living subsidies is also part of his plan to re-engage teachers with their communities and their students. “What could we do to make their lives comfortable, to keep them in central Denver, to keep them active in these students lives? I think that small subsidies toward housing can go a long way to do that with our public school teachers,” he says. The rising cost of living in the city is another issue he hopes to address, and not just for teachers. “We’re seeing all of these new developments go in that are outside of people’s budgets, they just can’t [afford to live in the city] and they move out to suburbs. One of the reasons Denver’s great is because it’s this vibrant city that is this blend of creatives, it is a blend of entrepreneurs, and the highincome people that love art. It’s a blend that’s going to be lost as soon as you send these people out to the suburbs because they can’t afford to live here, and you lose a lot of the fabric that has created, in my opinion, really the high points of the city,” he says. Khalatbari would like to incorporate more transitional housing, allowing people moving here a place to get on their feet, and transform the traditionally blighted areas into more pedestrian friendly and economically viable neighborhoods without seceding total control to luxury developers as some in the city government seem inclined.
allowing the voters to decide those raises,” he says. If elected, Khalatbari vows he will donate his salary to a worthy charity, already deciding the first half will go to the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver. Where the second half would go, he’s still unsure, but says he’s mulling over something related to child services. Police reform will also be on his agenda, no surprise for someone steeped in the reform of marijuana laws. While he says body cameras on cops might be beneficial in some regards, the root of the issues with police lies in their adversarial nature toward the citizens they serve and protect, he says. “It creates a lot of these issues, heightens that, and escalates that situation.” Instead, Khalatbari would like to see police trained to be more human in their interactions with the community, fostering a sense of trust and shared responsibility. While it may seem implausible that a marijuana activist and entrepreneur could take a spot in the incumbent-heavy city council, Khaltabari believes that he can be a voice of reason that the city clearly wants and help lead the city to policy more based on reason than dogma. “I’ve got to believe that most of these people that sit on [the city council] they’re following the lead of someone else that’s willing to speak up a little louder than they are; that they’re kind of sheepish,” he says. “And I believe through reasonable and educated discussions that we can show them why this is good. We’ve done this with cannabis in general thus far, and the sky hasn’t fallen. We’ve seen nothing but benefits from the progress of cannabis reform and I think that I can articulate that discussion pretty well. I work really well with people that disagree with me; I’ve always done that. We don’t have to get along to make progress, we just have to understand what we’re actually trying to do and not just shut our ears and shut our mouths when something doesn’t go our way.” The Denver City Council can at times seem unassailable. The last election saw incumbents mostly go unchallenged, and the two at-large seats are held by a career city politician with loads of connections to former and current officials in the form of Debbie Ortega, and a first-term council member who last election raised over $120,000 for her campaign and this year has already raised over $85,000 in the form of Robin Kniech. With the gauntlet laid out, Khalatbari is hoping his messages will resonate with Denver’s citizenry, but the true test will come this April when ballots are mailed out.
Khalatbari also says he’s dissatisfied with the recent pay raise council members granted themselves.
“I’m doing this as a public service,” he says. “I’m going to call people out when they’re full of shit because I’m not worried about reelection, I’m worried about getting things done and making the most out of the time I have there.”
“I don’t think $92,000 a year is justified for a part-time position. I also don’t like the fact that they took that out of the voters hands and they voted against
If you live in Denver be sure to register to vote at www.denvergov.org/elections
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Living Soil A symbiotic web of bacteria, fungi and worms - oh my!
by Ron Bain
38 March 2015
Is the soil you grow in living or dead? If the soil is dead — meaning lacking in photosynthetic and other bacteria, beneficial fungi, earthworms, and lots of nutritious organic molecules — then your cannabis is going to be malnourished and of poor quality and taste. Compost teas, which are full of the bacteria and fungi that grow in compost, are the most common way to restore symbiosis to potting soil held in containers, but it has to be used immediately and cannot be stored. However a Montrose-based company named Rocky Mountain Bio-Ag is distributing a bottled product with a longer shelf life, Quantum Growth, which one Paonia-based grower says increases bacterial content in soil by 6,000 percent in just 24 hours.
“The medical value is greatly increased by growing organically,” he said. “Others are going to be happy with what is produced.” Robbins defines “organic” growing differently than many people do. To him, organic growing means you’re not adding organic hydroponic nutrients and fertilizers — “that’s hydroponic-style growing” — instead you’re adding compost tea and probiotics to restore the “symbiotic soil food web” in soil that’s been bagged and then put in containers. “You get the whole circle put back together,” he said. “You get all the things put back in place.” Growing this way maximizes quality oils, terpenes, THC, CBD, CBN and additional cannabinoids, according to Robbins. On the other hand, salt fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals kill the soil, he said. “You start throwing chemicals around and you cause problems.”
Those who grow directly in the ground outdoors can take advantage of the Earth’s natural symbiotic soil web, but may want to add earthworms and a mineral supplement...
Living soil is much more resistant to mold and bad fungi that would attack your plants and can defend against bugs and natural pathogens, Robbins noted. “You don’t have to worry about bringing those toxins into your environment.” Indoors or outdoors, plants need to be grown in living soil from the very beginning, he emphasized.
“It made ‘em not only go into a frenzy but a colonizing frenzy as well, a reproductive frenzy,” said Ryan Robbins, the director of plant and soil science with Hydroponic Life, a chain of hydroponic and organic growing supplies outlets with a store in Paonia.
“With organics, there’s not time to recover from a heavy deficiency,” Robbins said. “You’re looking at a shorter window for blooming.”
“Indoors it is a really complicated thing,” Robbins added. “You have to keep your soil living. Some people go as far as using worms and having them put down fresh castings in the soil.” Brandon Kail, president and owner at Bio Ag, says that the marijuana industry has begun to embrace the Quantum Growth product but that it was created for general agricultural uses. “Anything that you put in the soil has to be processed. After it’s processed, the plant can take it. Microbial communities — and there are many processes they deal with in the soil itself, whether that’s soluble ibu phosphorous or different elements that are in the soil — help them to be a healthy, thriving plant,” said Kail. “So without microbiology or probiotics of the soil, what ends up happening is your soils won’t turn over.” There are levels in living soil: the first tropic level is photosynthetic bacteria; next up are spore-forming microbes and nematodes. “When soils are depleted of photosynthetic bacteria, what happens is those other microbes above are sluggish, they don’t have enough energy to do the process they need to do,” Kail explained. “There are thousands and thousands of different bacteria – we haven’t scratched the surface of it.”
“What really got me going in that direction was trying to grow organically indoors, which is not easy to pull off,” Robbins said. “It made me need to learn about it. It took me many years to perfect. It took several years of trial and errors.” Trying to grow indoors organically is a much more time sensitive method, he added.
If you’re using compost tea to create symbiotic, living soil, the teas should be heavily bacterial in the beginning, more fungal in the middle and back to bacterial during the bloom state, he explained. Those who grow directly in the ground outdoors can take advantage of the Earth’s natural symbiotic soil web, but they may want to add earthworms and a mineral supplement, such as Liquid E-F-M, that will increase the soil’s phosphorous, copper, zinc and iron content. According to agricultural consultant Marvin Ropp, 85 percent of America’s mineral content has been depleted from the soil due to poor farming techniques. Bio-Ag’s probiotic Quantum Growth has other applications and uses as well, according to Kail. The bacteria in it will eat oil molecules and can be used to clean up oil spills; a Florida laboratory tested Quantum Growth on Round-Up and found that it neutralized the essential chemical component of the herbicide. “Probiotics are a good thing to use,” Kail said. “It breaks down all the nutrients and allows plants to use them.”
Quantum Growth contains 30 different bacteria that are vital to plant growth, he said. An opportunity to sample cannabis grown by Robbins using Quantum Growth convinced this author that he was definitely onto something.
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40 March 2015
where to buy, where to stay, things to do
Complete List of Recreational Marijuana Stores 420 Friendly Lodging Directory Marijuana Tours, Activities & Events
www.ColoradoPotGuide.com
FRESH
Tree!
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Business As Unusual Cannabis retailers face higher tax costs by Rick Macey
W
hen it comes to public tax policy, there’s nothing quite as irksome as being treated unfairly.
Welcome to the world of legal adult-use marijuana. Meet the notorious 280E, a provision in the U.S. tax code that denies standard deductions for any business involved in selling controlled substances. Section 280E originated in the cocaine-fueled 1980s, when Congress decided that the Internal Revenue Service had to become a more effective tool against drug lords trafficking in coke. At the time it seemed like a good idea, as toplevel crack and powder pushers were making a killing — literally and figuratively. The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913 authorized Congress to tax income “from whatever source derived.” So the IRS collects taxes on all general income, including income generated illegally. It was the IRS that put gangster Al Capone behind bars, a lesson not lost on those who followed in his footsteps - but that’s another story. But a Ronald Reagan-era law intended to squeeze the profits of those trading illegally in unregulated and potentially lethal narcotics has been more widely used by both the IRS and the Department of Justice to limit and, in countless cases, to prosecute state-legal marijuana businesses. It’s been one of the federal government’s heavy weapons against medical marijuana for nearly 20 years, especially in California. In late January, cannabis industry owners, accountants, and lawyers gathered in San Diego for a symposium on marijuana tax policy. The event was arranged by the National Cannabis Industry Association. One CPA who attended was Jim Marty of Denver’s Bridge West. CNBC reported that Marty criticized the IRS for being
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cannabis from the federal schedule of controlled substances. While we wait for that medicine to be delivered, tax policy is getting even more oppressive.
“[Retail businesses] want to comply, they want to be part of the system, they want to pay their fair share of taxes,” he said, adding that what they don’t want is to be treated unjustly. inconsistent, almost whimsical, in deciding what is and what is not a legitimate business deduction. “[Retail businesses] want to comply, they want to be part of the system, they want to pay their fair share of taxes,” he said, adding that what they don’t want is to be treated unjustly.
‘Level the Field’ The 280E restrictions are a bit contradictory. Consider that expenses related to growing marijuana are deductible. Most of the costs associated with selling it are not, including rent, employee compensation, and advertising. “IRS requirements are definitely an issue,” said John Hagen, co-owner of Sticky Buds in Denver. Sticky Buds added recreational licenses at three locations in 2014.
That’s the concern of Henry Wykowski, a San Francisco-based marijuana industry attorney. A former federal prosecutor, he has twice sued the government over its capricious tax rules. “I think you have to be very careful in dealing with the IRS,” he said at the San Diego tax conference, “because 280E is the biggest threat … to the cannabis industry at this time.” Wykowski helped devise ways around 280E. The most widely used method is offsetting deductions. Recreational marijuana stores can deduct the cost of goods for noncannabis products, like vape pens and clothing. Since those expenses coincide with non-deductible expenses, a competent CPA can make the most of them. That’s precisely the loophole the IRS sought to eliminate in the aforementioned memo to a Denver attorney. Wise and fair tax policy would allow retail marijuana stores standard business deductions or, absent that, accept the common-sense workarounds. Now that recreational marijuana is legal in four states — Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska — the injustice of 280E can no longer be ignored or rationalized.
“It’s about equality,” Hagen said. “Recreational marijuana businesses here in Colorado are regulated. We want to do what’s right and pay our taxes.” When informed of a recent IRS memo that turns the 280E screw tighter, narrowing the definition of expenses that qualify as cost of goods sold, Hagen shook his head. “I’d like to think Congress will level the playing field.” Some Congressional leaders are trying to do just that. In 2013, Oregon’s Earl Blumenauer, a liberal Democrat and environmentalist, teamed up with Grover Norquist, head of the conservative Americans for Tax Reform, to call for change. In 2014, Blumenauer sponsored “The Small Business Tax Equity Act” to allow “businesses operating in compliance with state laws to take businessrelated deductions associated with the sale of marijuana just like any other legal business.” But to complicate matters, the IRS is not easing up. Instead, it’s exploiting the fact that nearly all legal cannabis businesses are all-cash outfits. Financial institutions are discouraged from providing services to legal cannabis businesses, but that hasn’t stopped the IRS from assessing a 10-percent penalty against marijuana shops that do not electronically file withheld employee taxes. That’s the plight of medical marijuana dispensary Allgreens in Denver, which is challenging the fee in U.S. Tax Court. For the penalty fee to be valid according to IRS rules, Allgreens would have to be guilty of “willful neglect.” Yet the dispensary has been trying to get a bank account for two years. It pays taxes monthly, in cash, at the Denver office of the IRS, and is not in arrears. It’s ridiculous public policy to fault businesses for failing to do what they are prevented from doing. It’s tyranny, and it needs to change. Common sense is the cure to the 280E affliction. It’s long overdue to remove
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Bizzaro Booze World
by DJ Reetz
“Okay,” he said, rubbing his head in frustration with my simple request, clearly tired of helping me, a potential first-time customer, navigate this impossibly large selection. “Maybe one of our flavored vodkas, those are pretty popular with some of our younger customers.” Silently, I made a note of his intent to sell booze to children, and also his demeaning attitude. So far my attempts at drinking swill were not going smoothly. He led me to a virtual wall of bottles, similar to a shelf you might find in a grocery store, except that instead of cans of delicious and nutritious corn, it was stocked floor to ceiling with hooch. I was amazed by the bottles, filled with a clear liquid that could surely be mistaken for water by a thirsty child. To make matters worse, not one of these water bottles seemed to be child proof. The clerk that had been “helping” me pointed me to the expensive booze on the top shelf, clearly going for the upsell, but I settled on a brightly colored bottle with an image of a slice of cake on the front called “Birthday Cake Vodka”. I reasoned that if it was tasty and appealing to a child, certainly I could handle it. How wrong I was. I left the hooch store with my bottle of booze in a brown paper bag, — clearly this industry doesn’t have the same stringent eye for safety that our local marijuana shops have at home — and returned to my hotel room for what I thought would be a night of casual enjoyment.
The bottle looked so innocent, like one of the high-end, high-fructose-cornsyrup-free sodas I’m used to getting from my local organic grocery. Sitting in my hotel room in the first city in the world to fully legalize alcohol, I took a swig then, when nothing happened, I swigged some more. I figured if I was reporting the social revolution that was rocking the state, the giddy culmination of hooch prohibition, I should try a taste of legal, drinkable booze from a local swill shop. What could go wrong with a pull or two? Everything, as it turned out. I had purchased the bottle from one of the literally hundreds of stores that popped up in the city following the landmark decision by voters to legalize booze. The store itself was massive, aisle after aisle, with hundreds of thousands of dollars of merchandise, certainly too much for someone new to drinking like myself to find his way through. Overwhelmed, I asked one of the employees milling about for a recommendation. “What are you looking for?” he asked, quizzically, clearly not understanding my question. “Oh, I’d like one booze please,” I replied. “Umm…” The look on his face of pure condescension told me he clearly didn’t appreciate my naivety. “I can show you some wines, or give you a recommendation for a local craft beer. Or are you looking for spirits?” Clearly, there was too great of a glut of options. The overwhelmedness I had felt when walking in to this massive store filled with bottle after bottle of booze was not going to be abated by this clerk, clearly a devote hooch-head with no understanding of those of us who don’t partake regularly. “Just a regular booze, nothing fancy, it’s my first time,” I replied, trying desperately to communicate to him just how unhelpful he was being.
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The first sip was oddly bitter, yet overwhelmed by the sweetness of the artificial cake flavor. I waited for a full two hours, and nothing came of my initial sip, other than a slight drowsiness. I began to suspect that I had purchased a bad booze, and I mustered the courage to give it another try. This time I tilted the bottle up and took five large gulps, nearly halving the liter of hooch. The unusual taste made me wince, and immediately I felt the need to vomit bubbling up from my stomach. Fortunately, I hadn’t eaten anything in several hours, so my stomach was empty and I was lacking anything inside to regurgitate. The effects were almost instant this time. The room began to spin and I was overwhelmed by a feeling of euphoria as my inhibitions seemed to melt away, replaced by an unexplainable confidence. Suddenly, everything I could do seemed like the grandest of ideas, and I decided it was time to call my ex-girlfriend and parlay this unexpected surge in confidence into a meaningful and heartfelt conversation. When I got her voicemail, I was suddenly a flood of emotions, I was balling, telling her that I loved and missed her, and that she was the only person that had ever truly made me happy. I hung up and ascertained that she had had enough time to listen to my message and would be eagerly expecting a follow-up call so we could revive our long-dead relationship. When she didn’t answer, I suddenly realized that she was in fact a dumb-fuckingbitch and no one would ever love her, a message that I passed along to her voicemail. Through my storm of tears I realized I had the solution to my problem of unhappiness, the second half of the bottle of hooch that was standing untouched on my hotel nightstand. I stood up, teetering over onto my face before clawing my way to the bottle, which I pulled again, hard. Soon, the gentle swirling of reality began to stutter. I could feel that something wasn’t right, and the spinning world around me began to skip like a jostled record. Once again, the feeling of vomiting came roaring back, and I decided that the only remedy would be the greasiest, shittiest Mexican food I could get my hands on.
I cannot recall how the rest of the evening proceeded, just a vague memory of stumbling out on a quest for Mexican food. I awoke to find my hotel room, and myself, in a severe state of disarray. Trash was strewn across the floor, and my bottle of hooch sat nearly empty, tipped over on its side on the carpet. The sheets on the bed — in which I was not sleeping — were dragged all over the room. My head was pounding as though the gods of fury were trying to chisel their way out from inside. The front of my shirt was covered in vomit, the contents of which told me I had in fact gotten that Mexican food I remembered desiring, though I hadn’t had it for very long. I hobbled my way to bathroom, as I was missing a shoe, where the blindingly bright vanity lights above the mirror stabbed through my eyeballs and into my very brain. Looking in the mirror I could see clearly that I had been punched several times in the face, by whom and for what reason I cannot recall. It also appeared that someone had defecated in my hotel room’s bathtub. Worse still, both my wallet and cell phone were missing, and I had no recollection of where they might be.
warning to “be careful” when I told him I was an inexperienced user. Though the state seems to be raking in the high taxes and fees from the legal industry, reports from hospitals and law enforcement in the area paint a different picture. According to the CDC, booze-related car crashes kill almost 30 people every day, and hooch is believed to play a roll in any number of assaults and instances of domestic violence. Booze on its own has been widely shown to have adverse health effects and overconsumption can lead to booze poisoning and death.
I awoke to find my hotel room, and myself, in a severe state of disarray. Trash was strewn across the floor, and my bottle of hooch sat nearly empty, tipped over on its side on the carpet. The sheets on the bed — in which I was not sleeping — were dragged all over the room.
The next days when I was interviewing one of the operators of a local distillery, which is what people here call the booze equivalent of a grow, he informed me that a liter of vodka is not meant to be consumed by a single person in a single sitting. Unfortunately, this serving size was not indicated anywhere on the packaging, and the incredibly unhelpful sales clerk I purchased the sauce from had done nothing but give me a vague
The number of children finding a stash of swill and ending up in the hospital — where doctors must intubate them by shoving a respiratory hose down their windpipe — is on the rise in this state. The legal market has also made booze more attainable to children for some kind of spurious reason that defies all logic and analysis. Clearly, there remain some kinks to be worked out by the industry. But local booze makers decry efforts to safely package their hooch. One idea involved injecting half ounces of swill into Kevlar balls then pouring concrete over them, but most manufactures felt this would be asinine.
“That’s fucking stupid,” says local booze man James Beam. “Just don’t be a complete moron and you won’t have a problem.” Does he sound a little shit-faced?
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Polis and Blumenauer Propose Federal Legalization by Rick Macey
Two of the leading pro-cannabis Congressmen were at work advancing the cause in late February, each introducing a bill to the House of Representatives that together would legalize and tax marijuana at the federal level. Colorado Congressman Jared Polis and his Oregon ally, Earl Blumenauer, teamed up once again with complementary legislation that would end marijuana’s status as an illegal controlled substance, shift regulatory authority to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and direct federal taxation of marijuana businesses. Polis introduced the “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act,” which has a familiar ring to Colorado residents. It would completely decriminalize marijuana and insert it into the section of the U.S. Code that governs “intoxicating liquors.” “While President Obama and the Justice Department have allowed the will of voters in states like Colorado … small business owners, medical marijuana patients and others who follow state laws still live with the fear that a new administration — or this one — could reverse course and turn them into criminals,” he said. Public opinion is in favor of legalization. The Democrat from Boulder said it’s also time for Congress to create a sensible tax and regulatory framework. That’s where Blumenauer’s “Marijuana Tax Revenue Act” comes in. It creates a federal excise tax on the sale of adult-use marijuana and would impose an occupational tax on retail marijuana businesses.
46 March 2015
It would establish civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance, and direct the IRS to study the marijuana industry and submit recommendations to Congress. “It’s time for the federal government to chart a new path forward for marijuana,” Blumenauer said. “Together these bills create a federal framework to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana, much like we treat alcohol and tobacco.” “The federal prohibition of marijuana has been a failure, wasting tax dollars and ruining countless lives,” he said, adding that it’s “imperative the federal government become a full partner in building a workable and safe framework.” Blumenauer introduced a similar bill in 2013, although the 2014 version is better. The most significant improvement is in the proposed excise tax, which would start at 10 percent and gradually increase to 25. Blumenauer’s previous bill had that levy at 50 percent. The tax would apply to the first transaction, presumably from grower to retailer. Medical marijuana would be exempt. Polis has been introducing bills to assist the cannabis industry for several years, including a 2011 law to allow financial institutions to provide services to medical marijuana businesses. None of his bills made much headway on Capitol Hill. His 2015 legislation is the most comprehensive approach to federal legalization to date, and is based on Colorado’s pioneering regulatory model. “Over the past year, Colorado has demonstrated that regulating marijuana like alcohol takes money away from criminals and cartels, grows our economy, and keeps marijuana out of the hands of children,” Polis said. States could still opt out and continue prohibition. Transporting marijuana across those state borders would remain illegal. Four states have legalized adult-use marijuana, 23 regulate medical marijuana, and 11 other states permit CBD strains low in THC. More than 213 million Americans live in these areas. “It is time for us to replace the failed prohibition with a regulatory system that works,” Polis said, “and let states and municipalities decide for themselves if they want, or don’t want, to have legal marijuana within their borders.” Perhaps the most we can hope for this year is a meaningful debate about these bills on the House floor. That would be historic progress, thanks to Polis and Blumenauer.
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Legendary Master Grower Bubba Kush THC’s New Cultivation Editor by DJ Reetz
Home cultivation is an essential part of cannabis. The rich tradition of clandestine cultivation has shaped the legal market and is an integral part of any true legalization measure. Here in Colorado, residents of age have the legal right to grow their own marijuana — up to six plants per person — and the act of home growing can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor.
In the coming months THC will be welcoming a cultivation editor to help our readers do just that in the form of Matt Berger, a man who many know by his grower’s moniker, Bubba Kush. He’s the man behind the strain that bears the same name, and since he’ll be bringing his 30 years of experience growing to the readers of this fine magazine, we thought it was a good idea to get to know a little more about him. For Berger, aka Bubba, the love of cannabis cultivation began in high school during the ‘80s when he would plant seeds in his backyard and in the greenhouse in his high school agriculture class, although his father or teacher would pull most of them thinking they were everyday garden weeds. When he began growing in the woods just behind the house he found more success, and it instilled in him a passion to grow better buds. Bubba took that love for growing cannabis with him to college, where he began to experiment with plant genetics, eventually discovering a phenotype his friend dubbed “Kush,” completely unknowingly of the region of the Middle East bearing the same name known for producing a variety of Cannabis indica. After college, Bubba moved to LA to pursue a career in film and television production as well as at-home horticulture. He took his coveted clones with him, tucking them inside a rollerblade for protection; along with a cut of Northern Lights he had given the name “Bubba”. He soon found other growers had begun misappropriating the name “Kush”, prompting his clique of growers to rebrand their product as OG Kush. Eventually they began selling to the guys from Cypress Hill, and when some seeds where found in one of the bags the rappers had bought from Bubba, which had somehow been pollinated by his Kush, the plants that subsequently grew from them became famous.
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“That was the start of Bubba Kush,” says Bubba. The strain became legendary, and the grower behind it soon found himself plying his trade in Vancouver, where a close call with law enforcement quickly sent him back stateside. Eventually, Bubba ended up in Colorado, where a former growing partner and Originating Godfather of the Kush, Fuji, and another partner, OG1Cannobi were looking to capitalize on the green rush that was taking hold of the state circa 2009. The three opened a dispensary called The Cannasseur on north Tennyson in Denver’s Berkley neighborhood, offering high-end cannabis to those with discerning tastes. But it was not to last. As the city struggled to find a way to rectify the exploding dispensary scene with federal law, shops within 1,000 feet of a school were sent letters notifying them that they would have to move or face federal prosecution. Among those first to receive such letters was The Cannasseur. Bubba and his partners had recently spent several hundred thousand dollars renovating the repurposed house that served as their commercial space, and the mandate to move effectively killed the business. But Bubba stuck with his passion, and these days he’s working on a new genetics line, “Imperial Genetics” combining his and his partners’ combined 60 plus years of growing experience. He also is working on innovative new products to serve the industry.
Bubba will now also be bringing his decades of experience to THC, sharing the craft that has served him so well and likewise been well served by him.
to sample other people’s stuff, but if I have a choice I’d always prefer mine because I know exactly what I did to it,” he says.
When asked whether he feels growing is more art or science, Berger responds, “It’s definitely a lot of both, and then you have to mix some intuition in there.” Bubba says that a solid base of scientific understanding of chemistry and botany is the foundation from which the artistry may flow.
Through careful practice and attention to detail, the all-empowering science of growing excellent cannabis can be elevated to the form of an art, as growers like Bubba can attest, and he will be helping readers along that journey through his contributions to THC. By careful controls of your plants’ environment, you too may one day achieve the kind of results that Bubba has brought to high-end dispensaries around Colorado.
“The intuition comes in through practice and proper procedure,” he says. “To know why you do it in the beginning is definitely important, and that’s understanding the science.”
“That’s ultimately what you want to do, is be god — or be god-like. You’ll never be like the man himself, but you can strive to duplicate his invention the best you can,” he says.
Bubba likens the art of growing to being a master chef. “A chef finds flavors and puts them together and creates something new,” he says. And it’s an undertaking that can’t be mastered by simply following instructions — though adhering to them is important — but requires experimentation and intimation with the plants you are growing. “People ask me, ‘why would you give your formula out?’” he says. “And I’d say, somebody always knows better, they’re not going to follow my direction 100 percent.” The results may be something different, and a true master doesn’t need to worry that he will be duplicated into irrelevancy. On the act of growing, Bubba is of the opinion that everyone who has the ability to do so should give it a try. “If you have the time to have the hobby, do it,” he says. “I think it should be a right that everybody should have, to grow their own medicine. I find it silly to say that you can grow your own carrots and tomatoes but you can’t grow your own weed.” “I don’t smoke other people’s weed because I don’t have to. I mean, I love
BUBBA KUSH BRAND BURNING SINCE 1997
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by Brittany Driver
For decades the cultures of cinema and cannabis have gone hand in hand. Cheech and Chong, Dazed and Confused, The Big Lebowski - these films have achieved cult status and still others have pushed the boundaries of what traditional marijuana entertainment should be. Most recently television has caught up with the film industry and is pumping out cannabis related shows left and right. From hippies toking up in their basements to the desks of CEO’s of major cannabis companies - The Hemp Connoisseur intends to take you there with “The High Reel.” Inevitably everyone is going to have their own entertainment preferences and I’m no different. How would I describe my taste in television and films? Well, in a word, ‘excellent.’ I love movies that allow for empathy and growth, for laughter and honest engagement. I’m drawn to television programs and films that highlight that we are all flawed - none of us perfect. I enjoy seeing an underdog succeed and entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, and it doesn’t hurt if there is a heavy helping of cannabis in the mix too. But they won’t all be winners and I’ll be sure to let you know when they just aren’t. While I will delve into the tried and true typical “stoner” movies, I’m hoping to focus on entertainment that concentrates more on the truths of cannabis. We are lucky to live in a time when the hidden benefits of cannabis are being
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exposed on a national and international level. The portrayal of this cure-all plant in our media outlets plays a huge part in how we are going to move forward with legalization. There are currently numerous television shows (and more on the way) dedicated solely to cannabis - the business aspects, the social aspects and beyond. Expect to see critiques of those shows as they evolve. I’ll review some classic TV show episodes that center around a main character’s experience with cannabis. And as much as I enjoy sitting back and having a sincere gigglefest while watching Super Troopers, I will definitely be spending more time uncovering media positively promoting the cannabis plant. Oh, and there will be interviews too! So sit back. Enjoy the reads. And get ready to update your Netflix queue. Welcome to “The High Reel” Brittany Driver is a Denver-based mother, wife and cannabis enthusiast. She is pop-culture obsessed and enjoys more reality tv shows than she’s willing to admit. She looks forward to the day when marijuana is legal throughout our nation so that one may travel anywhere in the United States and not worry about where to find cannabis when they get there!
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52 March 2015
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56 March 2015
DISPENSARY GUIDE by DJ Reetz
DENVER
61 The Clinic 58 The Giving Tree of Denver 58 Infinite Wellness 58 Kind Pain Management 59 MMD of Colorado 60 Northern Lights Natural Rx 59 Physician Preferred Products 59 Preferred Organic Therapy 59 River Rock 59 Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine 59 URBA 59 Walking Raven
COLORADO SPRINGS 58 The Organic Seed 58 Original Cannabis Growers
NORTHERN COLORADO 58 Infinite Wellness
thcmag.com 57
The Giving Tree of Denver
Infinite Wellness Center
NOW SERVING MEDICAL PATIENTS AND RECREATIONAL ADULTS!
We believe in the infinite possibility of total wellness and in the infinite modalities to achieving this wellness within and without.
2707 W. 38th Ave. Denver, CO 80211 www.tgtree.com
Established in 2009, The Giving Tree of Denver continually strives to be a leader in the Colorado Medical Marijuana Center industry. Today we boast the largest edible selection in the city. We serve the particular needs of licensed medical marijuana patients in our comfortable, safe and friendly atmosphere. In addition to our generous membership program, we offer a 10% discount on every purchase for Veterans, HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, students and ***MMJ industry staff.
$129 $99
2 Locations www.infinitewellness8.com
We offer our patients a dignified environment with friendly compassionate staff here to facilitate the needs of our patients. It is one of our goals to help dispel the negative press, thoughts and attitudes toward utilizing marijuana as a multi-beneficial medicine. We have set a standard to provide quality medical marijuana and edibles in a wonderful variety while upholding the laws set forth by both state and local governments. We plan to participate in fund raisers and charity events to engage in the needs of our community. It is our intention to bring light and awareness to a fresh view of well being and peace.
STOCKING (SELECT OUNCES)
Kind Pain Management 2636 Youngfield St Lakewood CO kindpainmanagement.com
Grown and raised right here in Colorado...We are locally owned and operated by Colorado natives, and all of our medicine is meticulously cared for locally. Here at KPM, we appreciate our patients and can relate to many of the conditions from which they suffer. As patients and caregivers, we remediate and manage pain. We understand that sometimes any relief is welcome, and we are here to help. We are committed to compassion for our patients and quality of our medicine. We offer very high quality medicine to our patients at very kind prices. You’ll find our selection of strains, tinctures, hash, edibles (even ice cream), to be quite impressive. Whatever your needs, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help.
58 March 2015
The Organic Seed
2304 Platte Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 coloradospringsmmj.com We pride ourselves on caring for our patients first! Your concerns are our top priority! Your needs as a patient are highly valued by the team at Organic Seed and by our highly trained Bud tenders. They will assist you with all of your medication needs and help come up with a personal plan to help manage your condition. Organic Seed has a wide variety of Indica, Sativa and Hybrid strains along with some shop favorites such as our own Blue Dream and Ghost OG. Our top strains are grown in house in all organic soil. We also carry a variety of Concentrates including earwax, shatter and hash oils mostly processed by R & R and Mahatma Concentrates.
Original Cannabis Growers 2625 E St Vrain St Colorado Springs, CO 80909 www.OCGhome.com
Simply the best cannabis for less. We’re the first and oldest Center in our Platte Ave. neighborhood in Colorado Springs. Call for mature guidance for your personal needs from growers with over 15 years experience. We offer Happy Hour 4p.m. to 6p.m. Every day. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with all your medical cannabis needs.
COMING SOON
Physician Preferred Products 2100 E. 112th Ave Northglenn, CO 80233 find us on weedmaps.com
Northglenn’s premier medical dispensary, Physician Preferred Products is proud and honored to continue to provide the highest quality products and customer service to the North Metro community! We are extremely excited to be a part of this historical time for the Marijuana industry and want to thank our loyal customers for their devotion throughout the years. It is this customer support that drives us here at PPP to create a comfortable, friendly environment. Our growers work tirelessly to bring only top quality strains into our garden. These strains have been, for the most part, grown from seed and hand selected from many phenotypes to ensure top quality, award winning genetics.
Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine 511 Orchard Street Golden, CO 80401 www.rockymountainorganicmedicine.com
RMOM offers an extremely professional atmosphere, knowledgable staff and always top quality, organically grown medical cannabis. If you are ready for a better dispensary experience, come visit our facility at the base of the Rockies in Golden. Meet John, the owner of Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine. The road that lead him to start RMOM was an unfortunate one. In February of 2009 John’s wife was diagnosed with colon cancer. She went through surgery followed by eight months of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. As an alternative to the anti-nausea medication, she used cannabis to ease her discomfort. When John visited many of the dispensaries open at the time, he didn’t find one that he would feel comfortable sending his wife to by herself. They were all seedy in some form or another, and he knew there had to be a better way. In September 2009 he opened RMOM and brought a new level of professionalism to this industry.
Preferred Organic
1569 South Colorado Boulevard Denver, CO 80222 www.preferredorganictherapy.com Preferred Organic Therapy & Wellness is a medical marijuana center that empowers quality-minded patients with a revolutionary approach for treating the mind and the body. Together, the staff ensures that their patients are the most well-informed in the state of Colorado. They do this by combining patient-driven strain testing that breaks down the distinct properties of each strain, as well as its unique effects, with visual educational aids and enhanced strain titles. Their second-to-none selection of additional treatment products are made even more valuable given that they are combined with the ability to browse detailed information at a leisurely pace. Come see why Preferred Organic Therapy & Wellness patients are raving about them.
URBA at MMD of Colorado 2609 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205 www.mmdofcolorado.com
A recreational store and a medical marijuana center serving individuals 21 and up. Located in the River North Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. In compliance with Amendment 20, Amendment 64 and all subsequent rules and regulations. Our goal is to provide excellent marijuana in a comfortable, inviting environment. Our staff is dedicated to aiding in the best health and wellness possible for our customers. Our marijuana is grown in an environment that produces the best product, in the healthiest manner knowing our customers only want the best. We know you will find we have the best prices. Best quality. Best staff.
River Rock
2 Locations www.riverrockcolorado.com RiverRock’s proprietary organic growing techniques deliver award winning medical cannabis - free of harsh chemicals - that is safer for our patients and the environment. RiverRock’s professional staff is dedicated to developing effective cannabis treatments that address the particular needs of our patients. We offer daily incentives to our patients with discounts of 15 to 25 percent, loyalty points, complimentary wellness services, weekly patient appreciation parties with monthly giveaways including glass, concert venues, restaurant deals, and merchandise. We sponsor a range of patients including; SSDI, SSI, Veterans, and patients with terminal illnesses to ensure the most affordable access to all of our medical cannabis products.
Walking Raven
2001 S. Broadway Denver, CO www.mmjmenu.com/walkingraven NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 21+, NO MEDICAL CARD REQUIRED. Walking Raven Retail and Medical Marijuana Center is one of the first dispensaries in Denver. Our mission is to provide high quality products and care at an affordable price. All prices are out the door and we have different tier levels of bud quality. We also offer a range of edibles, concentrates, and novelty items. We take pride in our organic and meticulous cultivation process; we do not cut any corners and give our cultivators access to the best nutrients and equipment for their hand trimmed buds. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is trained to assist you in finding a specific products for your desires. Walking Raven MMC is home to the Hong Kong Diesel, our top selling hybrid. Never settle, only shop PREMIUM QUALITY!
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E D G E W A T E R
www.NLCannabis.com January 1 2014, at 8 AM the first legal cannabis sale took place here at Northern Lights Cannabis Co, one of only 24 retail stores to open that day for recreational sales! The history made that day continues to resonate with every legal cannabis transaction, including yours. Shop with us and make history! 2045 Sheridan Blvd. Suite B Edgewater, CO 80214 303-274-6495 9:00am-9:00pm Daily
Our staff is friendly and our knowledgeable budtenders will guide you to the perfect product. No pre-packaged here. Your purchase comes from the jar you sampled. Our shop has provided the finest Medical Cannabis since March 2010. Today we provide that same quality Medical and Recreational Cannabis to adults 21 and over from around the world. Coco grown, our frosty genetics are provided by TGA Sub Cool Seeds, DNA Genetics, Paradise Seeds and other reputable producers. Stop by and discover “Where Your Buds Are�!
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www.thecliniccolorado.com The Clinic is an award winning marijuana center with five Denver metro locations. The Clinic is Denver’s premier medical marijuana center having won over 20 awards for both it’s high quality cannabis, concentrates and charitable contributions! The Clinic’s staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly while the atmosphere at their locations reflect the immense amount of care that they provide to their patients as well as their medicine. The Clinic is also a long time supporter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as it’s a cause that directly affects their patients, friends and family. As such, The Clinic has raised more than $100,000 for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society since they first opened their doors in 2009. The Clinic has remained at the forefront of the medical marijuana movement by raising the standard for medical marijuana centers everywhere, not only through their patient driven mission but through their dedication to the community! Make sure to stop by The Clinic and see why their mantra holds true: Our Patients Live Better.
Strains
Kosher Kush 2012 High Times Cannabis Cup (Denver) Patient’s Choice Winner Stardawg Guava 2012 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup (Denver) 1st Place Best Sativa Grape God Bud 2010 CO Caregiver’s Cup Triple Crown-winner and 2nd place 2011 Aspen Cannabis Crown, this is the hottest indica in town. Raskal OG One of the most visually appealing and potent OG kushes around with a distinct diesel fuel aroma. 2012 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup (Denver) 3rd Place Best Hybrid Ghost OG THC Champions Cup 3rd Place Overall Hybrid & Patients’ Choice Hybrid. 2013
Edibles
High Times US Cannabis Cup 3rd place best hybrid winner Fall ‘97 This indica-dominant strain is a sweet tasting cross between OG Kush and Purple Urkle. Skywalker OG This clone only pheno of OG Kush has quickly become a patient and staff favorite. Super Lemon Haze Winner of the 2008 and 2009 Sativa High Times Cannabis Cup Tangie 2013 High Times US Cannabis Cup 1st place best sativa winner Pre ‘98 Bubba Kush 2011 High Times Denver Medical Cannabis Cup highest CBD strain winner
Beverages CannaPunch, Dixie Elixirs, Keef Cola, Green Dragon, and MarQaha
Seeds 58 February 2014
Cherry Pie GDP and F1 Durban cross that won 3rd Place Medical Sativa at the 2014 US Cannabis Cup Durban Poison A classic landrace sativa from Africa that is mouth watering and known for it’s soaring cerebral effects. Phishhead Kush This strong indica was named 2nd best strain of 2014 by famed cannabis connoisseur William Breathes. Jack Flash A classic strain that was recently awarded Connoisseurs’ Choice Adult Use Hybrid at the 2014 THC Championship.
The Clinic Colorado 3888 East Mexico Ave., Ste. 110 Denver, CO 80210 303-758-9114 The Clinic Highlands 3460 West 32nd Avenue Denver, CO 80211 303-997-7130 The Clinic on Wadsworth 3600 South Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80235 303-484-8853 The Clinic on Colfax 4625 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80220 303-333-3644 The Clinic On Jewell 12018 W Jewell Ave Lakewood, CO 80228 303-997-9171
D E N V E R
9:00am - 7:00pm Daily
Concentrates
Budder, Shatter, & Live Resin The Clinic carries the full line of concentrates, including Live Resin Batter, produced by our award winning marijuana infused products division, The Lab.
Awards
2014 High Times Cannabis Cup 1st Place US Cup Concentrate - 303 OG Nugrun Live Resin Budder 3rd Place Medical Sativa - Cherry Pie 2013 High Times Cannabis Cup 1st Place Sativa - Tangie 3rd Place Sativa - Stardawg Guava 3rd Place Hybrid - Ghost OG 2012 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup 1st Place Best Sativa - Stardawg Guava 1st Place Patient’s Choice - Kosher Kush 2nd Place Best Concentrate - Strawberry Cough Nectar 3rd Place Best Hybrid - Raskal OG Pre ‘98 Bubba Kush High Times Cannabis Cup: Highest CBD Strain Grape God Bud Spring 2010 Colorado Caregiver’s Cup Winner: Patient’s Choice, Best Aroma, Most Photogenic 2011 Aspen Cannabis Crown, 2nd Place Overall 2013 The 710 Cup 2nd Place Best Sativa Shatter - Tangie
1st Place Best Sativa Shatter Terps Tangie The Hemp Connoisseur Championship 2012 2nd Place Indica and Connoisseur’s Choice Kosher Kush 1st Place Sativa and Patient’s Choice - Stardawg Guava 3rd Place Hybrid and Patient’s Choice - Ghost OG 1st Place Concentrate and Connoisseur’s Choice - Earth OG Nectar The Hemp Connoisseur Championship 2013 1st Place Indica, Connoisseur’s Choice and Best Tested - Kosher Kush Patient’s Choice Hybrid - Grunk 2nd Place Shatter and Patient’s Choice- Tangie The Hemp Connoisseur Championship 2014 1st Place - Concentrate - BHO Extracts - Live Resin Badder Kosher Kush Connoiseur’s Choice - Concentrate - BHO Extracts - Live Resin Badder Bubba Kush People’s Choice - Adult-Use Sativa - Cherry Pie Connoisseur’s Choice - Adult-Use Hybrid - Jack Flash
Baked Goods/Candies Sweet Grass Kitchen, Julie & Kate Baked Goods, Mountain High Suckers, The Growing Kitchen, Mile Hi, Incredibles, and Cheeba Chews.
The Clinic offers the full line of cannabis seeds from The Bank Cannabis Genetics (formerly Reserva Privada Colorado), including the recently released Phishhead Kush series.
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64 March 2015
DIRECTORY DISPENSERIES: COLORADO SPRINGS The 710 Club Medical Only 1605 South Tejon Colorado Springs, CO 80905 719-358-7708 the710clubcolorado@gmail.com Canna Caregivers Medical Only 3220 No. Academy Blvd., Ste #4 Colorado Springs, CO 719-597-6685 Canna Caregivers - West Medical Only 1914 W. Uintah St Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (719) 637-0420 The Canna Center Medical Only 2306 N. Powers Blvd., #100 Colorado Springs, CO 719-597-9333 Healing Canna 3692 E Bijou Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719-637-7645 www.healingcanna.com The Organic Seed 2304 E Platte Colorado Springs, CO. 80909 719-465-1845 coloradospringsmmj.com Original Cannabis Growers Medical Only 2625 E Saint Vrain St Ste A Colorado Springs, CO 80909 · 719-475-9333 www.ocghome.com
DENVER - CENTRAL The Clinic Capitol Hill Medical & Adult Use 21+ 745 E. 6th Ave. Denver, CO 80203 720-536-5229 www.thecliniccolorado.com URBA @ MMD of Colorado Medical & Adult Use 21+ 2609 Walnut Street Denver, CO 80205 720-328-2227 www.mmdofcolorado.com
DENVER - EAST
EDGEWATER
NORTHGLENN
The Clinic on Colfax Medical Only 4625 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80220 303-333-3644 www.thecliniccolorado.com
Northern Lights Cannabis Co. Medical & Adult Use 21+ 2045 Sheridan Blvd. Edgewater, CO 80214 303-274-6495 www.nlcannabis.com
Botanacare Medical & Adult Use 21+ 11450 Cherokee St. Unit a7 Northglenn CO 80234 303-254-4200 www.botanacare.com
DENVER - HIGHLANDS
FORT COLLINS
The Clinic Highlands Medical & Adult Use 21+ 3460 W. 32nd Ave. Denver, CO 80211 303-997-7130 www.thecliniccolorado.com
Infinite Wellness Medical & Adult Use 21+ 900 N College Ave. Ft. Collins, CO 80524 (970) 484-8380 infinitewellness8.com
Physician Preferred Products Medical Only 2100 E 112th Ave Northglenn, CO 80233 (303) 974-5966 pppmeds.com
The Giving Tree of Denver Medical & Adult Use 21+ 2707 W. 38th Ave. Denver, CO 80211 303-477-8888 www.tgtree.com
GOLDEN
OTHER:
Rocky Mtn. Organic Medicine Medical Only 511 Orchard Street Golden, CO 80401 720-230-9111
BIG Insustry Show bigindustryshow.com
URBA @ MMD of Colorado Medical & Adult Use 21+ 2647 W. 38th Ave. Denver, CO 80211 720-389-7911 www.mmdofcolorado.com
DENVER - NORTH River Rock Medical & Adult Use 21+ 4935 York St Denver, CO 303-474-4136 www.riverrockcolorado.com
DENVER - SOUTH The Clinic Colorado Medical & Adult Use 21+ 3888 E. Mexico Ave Denver, CO 80210 303.758.9114 www.thecliniccolorado.com Preferred Organic Therapy Medical Only 1569 S Colorado Blvd Denver, CO 80222 303-867-4768 preferredorganictherapy.com River Rock Medical & Adult Use 21+ 990 West 6th Ave Denver, CO 303-825-3314 www.riverrockcolorado.com Walking Raven Adult Use 21+ 2001 S Broadway Denver, CO 80210 (720) 327-5613 thewalkingraven.com
rockymountainorganicmedicine.com
LAKEWOOD The Clinic on Jewell Medical Only 12018 W Jewell Ave Lakewood, CO 80228 303-997-9171 www.thecliniccolorado.com The Clinic on Wadsworth Medical Only 3600 S Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80235 303-484-8853 www.thecliniccolorado.com
EVENTS
Horticulture 360 horticulture360.com Indo Expo indoexpoco.com Mother’s High Tea eventbrite.com NOCO Hemp Expo nocohempexpo.com
GLASS BLOWING Glasscraft Glasscraftinc.com
INDUSTRY GROUPS
Compassionate Pain Management 11950 West Colfax Lakewood CO, 80215 Cannabis Business Alliance 303-232-3620 cannabisalliance.org compassionatepm.com Colorado NORML Infinite Wellness www.coloradonorml.org Medical & Adult Use 21+ 1701 Kipling St. #104 NCIA Lakewood, CO 80215 www.thecannabisindustry.org 720-458-0277 infinitewellness8.com Marijuana Policy Project www.mpp.org Kind Pain Management consumeresponsibly.org Medical Only 2636 Youngfield St Lakewood CO 303-237-5463 kindpainmanagement.com 7 Leaf Marketing 7leafmarketing.com
INDUSTRY SERVICES
LOUISVILLE
Cannabase cannabase.io Compassionate Pain Management 1116-7 W. Dillon Rd. Cannabis Camera Louisville CO, 80027 www.cannabiscamera.com 303-665-5596 compassionatepm.com Cannabis Network Radio www.cannetradio.com
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THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS 40,62 7 Leaf Marketing 04 BIG Industry Show 41 Bhang Chocolate 51 Canna Cabins 10 Canna Caregivers 10 The Canna Center 10 Canna Creations 19 Cannabase 52 Cannabis Business Alliance 60 Cannabis Network Radio 63 CannaQual 05,61 The Clinic 41 Club History Vape Lounge 41 Colorado Pot Guide 46,47 Compassionate Pain Management 19 Dr. J’s 27 The Eccentric Artist Gallery 67 Edipure 58 The Giving Tree of Denver 09 Glasscraft 53 The Healing Canna 45 Healthy Choices Unlimited 04 Horticulture 360 51 Incredibles 55 Indica Vape 49 Indie Diaries 29 Indo Expo 12,58 Infinite Wellness 27,58 Kind Pain Management 13 Leafbuyer.com 15 Legal Shield 07 Mahatma 51 Medically Correct 11,59 MMD of Colorado 54 Mother’s High Tea 09 Mountain High Suckers 23 NOCO Hemp Expo 60,68 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 The Organic Seed 51,58 Original Cannabis Growers 59,63 Physician Preferred Products 33,59 Preferred Organic Therapy 54 PURR 63 Relaxed Clarity 59 River Rock 17,59 Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine 49 Scientific Inhalations 43 SI Pipes 03 The Trimmer Store 11,59 URBA 02,59 Walking Raven
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Colorado Pot Guide coloradopotguide.com
Relaxed Clarity - Pueblo 503 Avocado Street Pueblo, CO 81005 719-354-5445 www.relaxedclarity.com
iCannabis Radio www.icannabisradio.com
OTHER
Leafbuyer Leafbuyer.com
Cannaflage Designs 530-426-5213 www.cannaflagedesigns.com
Cannabis Tube cannabistube.net
Minipack America www.minipack.us
INFUSED PRODUCTS Bhang Chocolate www.bhangchocolate.com Canna Creations 720-483-8228 Canyon Cultivation canyoncultivation.com Dr. J’s www.drjsllc.com Edipure edipure.com Incredibles incrediblescolorado.com Mahatma mahatmaconcentrates.com Medically Correct medicallycorrect.com Mountain High Suckers mountainhighsuckers.com
LEGAL SERVICES Legal Shield www.legalshield.com
MMJ EVALUATION CannaQual 6795 E. Tennessee Ave., Ste #175 Denver, Colorado 80224 303-690-4882 www.cannaqual.com Healthy Choices Unltd. 5101 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80220 720-443-2420 www.healthychoicesunltd.com Relaxed Clarity - Broomfield 1006 Depot Hill Rd. Suite 100 Broomfield, CO 80020 970-412-5955 www.relaxedclarity.com Relaxed Clarity - CO Springs 3133 North El Paso Street Colorado Springs CO 80907 719-645-5955 www.relaxedclarity.com
Yeden LLC 3707 Parkmoor Village Road Suite 103 Colorado Springs, CO 80917 719-375-5165 www.yeden.co
SMOKING ACCESSORIES Dr. Dabber drdabber.com Indica Vape www.indica2.com Nectar Collector www.nectarcollector.org Peacemaker Designs peacemakerdesigns.com PURR purrsmoking.com RipStic www.ripsticvape.com Scientific Inhalations sipipes.com SI Pipes sipipes.com
TOURISM Canna Cabins 719-289-1015 www.cannacabins.com
TRIMMING SERVICES The Trimmer Store 800-429-6034 thetrimmerstore.com
VAPE LOUNGE Club History Vape Lounge 2308 E Platte Ave Colorado Springs CO 80909 719-321-1651
facebook/club-history-vape-club
EdipureCO@gmail.com | EdipureCO.com | 720.445.6585
For Adults 21+ and Medical Use. Medicate Responsibly. Keep Out of Reach From Children thcmag.com 67
2045 Sheridan Blvd 303-274-6495 NLCannabis.com Join us March 29 through the 31st and Celebarate Our
5th Anniversary
Kaboom!
Medical 68 March 2015
Skywalker Kush
21+
Cannatonic
Recreational