COUPONS INSIDE
COLORADO’S PREMIER GUIDE TO CANNABIS
*This magazine is intended for people over the age of 21.
thcmag.com 1
2 May 2014
thcmag.com 3
4 May 2014
thcmag.com 5
A LETTER TO OUR READERS “If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law.” - Winston Churchill Perspective seems to be something lacking when it comes to regulating marijuana here in Colorado. Case in point, in a knee jerk reaction our state lawmakers are fast tracking two bills, HB-14-1361 and HB-14-1366. HB 14-1361 is a bill to come up with a testing framework and system to determine how to come up with an equivalency standard to compare concentrates to flower. For example they could determine that one gram of shatter is the same as an eighth of flower. This would then greatly limit how much concentrate a consumer could purchase every time they visit a dispensary. HB 14-1366 is yet another set of standards being added to edible manufacturers where they will have to have a standard mark on the edibles themselves to show that they are marijuana infused products. Arguments were also made to make edibles not look appetizing to children. So if you were making medicated gummies then they should be grey square blobs, because that will keep kids from putting it in their mouths when paste is still so appetizing to them! The biggest argument behind these bills is attributed to the two reported deaths this year, alleging that marijuana was a contributing factor. Both deaths are being partially blamed on overmedicating with edibles. In one case, a young man was reported to have jumped to his death off of a balcony after taking a 65 mg cookie. The other death was a man who shot his wife in the head after taking a 100mg caramel candy. While police have reported that they can’t for sure blame cannabis for the deaths, they do believe that it may have been a contributing factor. I’m not going to go into the ins and outs of why I believe that this is just another bout of reefer madness or that this is just an opportunity for crazy anti-cannabis zealots like the geniuses over at SMART Colorado to influence our regulatory framework. What I would like to talk about is perspective. The Centers for Disease Control states that there are approximately 88,000 deaths related to alcohol every year. That works out to more than 240 deaths a day, 10 deaths an hour or one death every six minutes. When you walk into a liquor store in Colorado you are not given a recommended dosage from the clerk, you may buy as much alcohol as you would like and you are not going to be educated that a 12 oz serving of beer is equal to a 6oz glass of wine and a 2oz serving of whiskey. Oh, and any child that can open up a soda bottle can open up a bottle of whipped cream flavored vodka because there are no child proof regulations in place for alcohol. Maybe we should regulate alcohol like marijuana. By the way someone just died from alcohol while you read this letter.
Editor-in-Chief David Maddalena Art Director Christianna Lewis Managing Editor Rick Macey rick@thcmag.com Associate Editor DJ Reetz Layout Designers Caroline Hayes Christianna Lewis Director of Sales and Marketing Christianna Lewis sales@thcmag.com Sales Managers Andrew Pearcy Sam Ruderman Larry Shaw Tom Walsh Executive Assistant Kathleen Ludwig Contributing Writers Skyler Cannabaceae Caroline Hayes Erin Hiatt Greg Holdsworth Rick Macey Monocle Man R. Scott Rappold DJ Reetz John Schroyer Cheryl Shuman Ian Williams Contributing Photographers Caroline Hayes Kim Johnson Christianna Lewis DJ Reetz Ian Williams Cover Art Christianna Lewis Printer Publication Printers Corp. 2001 S. Platte River Dr. Denver, CO 80223 PH: 303.936.0303 Web: www.publicationprinters.com
The Hemp Connoisseur is published monthly by The Hemp Connoisseur, LLC. All contents are copyrighted 2014 by The Hemp Connoisseur, LLC. All rights reserved. For advertising and subscription info please email sales@thcmag.com.
David Maddalena Editor-in-Chief 6 May 2014
thcmag.com 7
Contents 6
A Letter to Our Readers
14
The Green Scene
18
In The Spotlight
22
Events & a Bear Creek community clean up
Smoker’s accessories, Mother’s Day gifts and hemp baby products
Featured Artist
32 41
A Story Worth Sharing
42
Let’s Talk About Intimacy
44
The Nation’s First Legal Celebration
Delicious brunch recipes
46
Cannabis and Music Culture
28
Cannabis News
50
Mandatory Testing is Here
30
High Society
52
Hot Spots
32
Get Your Garden Grow On!
54
Nerdy, Successful Cannabis Users
33
Do - It - Yourself
36
Does Your Mom Smoke Cannabis?
24
Michael Bronner of Nerv Glass
Tasty Meds
Reviews of some of Colorado’s best edibles and smokeables
26
Food For Thought
27
Hemp Eats
38
Hemp is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet!
The world’s top headlines
Cheryl Shuman’s 420 highlights
Help mom understand the benefits of cannabis
Cannabis Industry Moms Strong women talk kids and cannabis
18 8 May 2014
Can cannabis help you get close to the one you love? A recap of Denver’s 420 festivities
A look at cannabis influence through the times
See who is taking the reigns in cannabis testing
Denver’s Berkley neighborhood
Well-known men who aren’t squares
Colorado community gardens
Easy trashcan composter for your backyard
How cannabis helped a young girl
56
Are Plant Counts Too High?
57 63 65
Dispensary Guide Coupons Index
22
The state and it’s confusing requirements
Dispensary Guide
DENVER
59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products 62 Southwest Alternative Care
COLORADO SPRINGS 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell
thcmag.com 9
10 May 2014
thcmag.com 11
Reader Q & A
The THC staffs loves to stay in touch with our readers. If you have a question of your own, please email it to info@thcmag.com
Hello David, My name is Jeffrey. I came across the story of Charlotte Figi, and her fight with epilepsy. I saw that the Epilepsy Foundation has deemed MMJ helpful in the case against Epilepsy, and was hoping you could help myself out as well. I am one of the 2.3 million Americans diagnosed with Epilepsy. I signed up and received a Colorado Medicinal Marijuana license card. I’m looking for the healing benefits of CBDs through MMJ, but feel lost in all of this. A lot of dispensaries have given me the go around about CBD products, especially if it is their own product. I am a student in Fort Collins, but haven’t found CBD strains or products like I hear about in Denver or Boulder. Do you know where I can find a list of dispensaries/growers/ caregivers with just CBDs and epilepsy in mind? Anything would help as I am completely lost in the world of dispensaries. MMJ has helped Charlotte’s life, I’m ready for it to help myself out as well. Many thanks, Jeffrey H. Response by David Maddalena, THC’s Editor-in-Chief Hello Jeffrey, First of all I am sorry to hear about your ailment and your troubles sourcing CBD strains and products. As you have discovered, CBD rich strains are in high demand and in very short supply. There are quite a few reasons for this. First of all in the beginning stages of the legal cannabis industry there was not enough knowledge of the benefits of high CBD/low THC plants so many growers would deem those strains undesirable. That has put CBD strain development at a distinct disadvantage until recently. That said I do not want you to be discouraged. One of the reasons that CBD is in such high demand is due to the publicity received for children with Dravet Syndrome like Charlotte Figi. Oils rich in CBD have shown to be very effective for many patients with uncontrollable seizure disorders like Charlotte Figi. In fact they have shown so much promise that the Epilepsy Foundation, in a report filed on March 20th of this year, stated: The Epilepsy Foundation will be doing the following to support improved access and research into medical marijuana: 1. Calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to implement a lesser schedule for marijuana so that it can be more easily accessible for medical research. 2. Supporting appropriate changes to state laws to increase access to medical marijuana as a treatment option for epilepsy, including
12 May 2014
pediatric use as supported by a treating physician. 3. Supporting the inclusion of epilepsy as a condition that uses medical marijuana as a treatment option where it is currently available. 4. Supporting research on multiple forms of cannabis and seizures. All of this is a very exciting development in cannabis as a treatment but in the infancy stage that CBD strain development and production is in right now it does leave a gaping hole for individuals such as yourself. The best advice I can give you when it comes to CBD products currently is to work with those companies that get their products tested regularly from state licensed labs like CannLabs and make the results of those tests available to the public. There are however a few edible manufacturers and dispensaries that have CBD strains and products available. Please understand this list is in no means exhaustive and I’m sure I will be hurting some companies feelings that are not mentioned below so I apologize in advance: Mountain High Suckers, Incredibles, Greenwerkz, River Rock Wellness, Northern Lights Cannabis Company, Mary’s Medicinals, The Green Solution. It is always recommended to call a dispensary before you go in if you are looking specifically for CBD products/strains. Due to the high demand, you should treat getting CBD strains as if you are trying to get reservations at the hottest restaurant in town, plan ahead and get to know the maitre’D (budtender). If your search for CBD seems daunting please don’t be discouraged. It is important to keep in mind that while CBD has been shown to be effective in treating people with seizures the same report filed by The Epilepsy Foundation also mentions that studies involving lab mice have shown THC to be effective as well. On a side note, I think being the mouse selected for a THC study has to be like hitting the animal testing jackpot. There is also empirical evidence that suggests that THC has helped some people with their seizures, while others feel it may have caused the onset of them. If you do choose to utilize THC strains I would recommend a cautious, measured approach. Different strains may affect you differently, but more importantly different doses may affect someone in your position much more than the strain itself. When trying MMJ (for whatever ailment you are treating) it is always important to start out with as small a dose as possible to see how it may affect you. If you are smoking or us-
ing a vaporizer for the first time I would suggest only one puff per dosage (every three hours) until you see how it affects you. If you are consuming an edible for the first time 5-10mgs in a 4-6 hour time span is a good place to start. If those doses don’t do the trick then I would incrementally increase by the original dosage for each timespan mentioned until you find your proper dose. It is a good idea to keep a journal to track your results. Cannabis is the only medicine in which the patient must be responsible for their own dosage. This is both good and bad. While it leaves those use to unquestioningly doing what a doctor tells them without much guidance, it also forces them to be more active in their treatment, which in turn can be very empowering.
My name is Steve and I enjoy your publication. I have a question though: Why in a publication named THC The Hemp Connoisseur (April 2014 - 420 Edition), on page 72 headed “Dispensary Guide” do you have a picture of opiate poppies? With today’s abuse of prescription oxycontin and other opiates, and the fact that Adams County leads the state in this abuse, and the fact that this has nothing to do with THC, hemp, marijuana or dispensaries ... it begs why is it here? Regards, Steve S. Response by Christianna Lewis, THC’s Art Director Hello Steve, I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy with our photo selection. I am afraid you are reading too much into it though. Sometimes flowers are just flowers. We in no way support opiate abuse. We also don’t believe in demonizing plants. Poppies are commonly planted in Colorado gardens, especially in the mountains because they can withstand the climate and elevation. In fact, the ones pictured are from a Colorado garden. We chose the image because they are beautiful flowers from a Colorado mountain garden and it is springtime. We often put an image that has nothing to do with cannabis on the Dispensary Guide page. In the March issue we chose an image of cliffs in Ireland because of St. Patrick’s Day. These images are typically seasonal, holiday themed, Colorado themed, or all three combined.
made in Colorado
Family of Companies:
2012 Cannabis Business Awards - People's Choice 2012 THC Championship Strawberry Crunch - Best Edible 2013 THC Championship Monkey Bar - Best Edible 2013 THC Championship - Best Labratory Tested Edibles 2013 High Times Denver Cannabis Cup Peanut Budda Buddha - Best Edible 2013 Rooster Magazine Peach Dream - Best Edible 2014 Westword Magazine Best of Denver
www.IncrediblesChocolate.com
Producing the highest quality chocolates, candies & gummies with lab tested, activated THC
www.SweetLeafExtractors.com
Manufacturers of state approved, closed loop extraction equipment with d-wax option
www.IncredibleExtracts.com
We provide processing services to dispensaries under the incredible extracts brand. We produce our concentrates using N-butane in a closed loop extraction system. Our products are then packaged in fully compliant, opaque, child-resistant packaging according to MED regulations.
thcmag.com 13
The GREEN Scene
E V E N T S
May 8th Clover Leaf University Cannabis Cultivation 101 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Auraria Campus 900 Auraria Parkway Denver, CO 80204
www.formstack.com/forms/CloverLeafUniversity-cannabis_cultivation_101
May 18th Cub 710 & Colorado Bong A Thon Fastest Gram Challenge 7:10p.m. Studio 64 & Club 710 1609 S. Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, CO May 23rd Edible Event’s Pan American Highway: A Summer Outdoor Concert Series Fund Raiser Event 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. New Space Gallery www.edibleeventsco.com, www.coloradosymphony.org
14 May 2014
June 2nd - 8th 5th Annual Hemp History Week Nationwide www.hemphistoryweek.com June 24th - 25th First Cannabis Business Summit Colorado Convention Center 700 14th St. Denver, CO 80202 www.thecannabisindustry.org/events/ August 1st - 3rd Denver County Fair Denver, CO Pot themed vendors, live music and blue ribbon cannabis competitions www.denvercountyfair.org August 2nd 31st Colorado Invitational Bong-a-Thon South Park, CO Order tickets at: www.bongathon.com August 16th 5th Annual Clinic Charity Classic City Park Golf Course Denver, CO Register now at any Clinic location or online at www.thecliniccolorado.com Every Friday - 10:00a.m. River Rock South Sessions 990 W. 6th Ave. Denver, CO www.riverrockcolorado.com
Local Organization Hosts Bear Creek Clean Up
by Caroline Hayes, photos courtesy of Kimberly Johnson On Saturday April 12th Groundwork Denver hosted a community cleanup of the Lower Bear Creek area in Lakewood. This was a volunteer-driven event to clean up the stream and surrounding area. From children to adults, people of all ages came together early that Saturday morning to lend a hand collecting trash, wrapping trees with chicken wire to protect them from beavers, hauling logs out of the creek to allow water flow to resume, and more. Bear Creek is polluted with loads of trash, oil, grease, and is contaminated with E. coli. Experts performed a technical analysis of water pollution by testing the quality of the water and by collecting other data. Volunteers Kim Johnson, of Wills and Wellness (Denver), and Nicole Thayer strapped on waders and got down and dirty in the creek. Parts of a TV and a
fire extinguisher were among the bits of trash cleared from the waters, thanks to the fearless efforts of these ladies. Keen Footwear sponsored the event and bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters were there to pitch in. Other partners in the Bear Creek Watershed Plan are the City of Sheridan, Urban Drainage, residents of Lakewood, Denver Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection Agency Region 8, Cutthroat Chapter of Trout, Jefferson County and Denver Environmental Health. Efforts like this take a lot of people to make them successful! Groundwork Denver hosts many events and projects that anybody can get involved in. Visit the organization’s website to see how you can help in the future. www.groundworkcolorado.org
thcmag.com 15
16 May 2014
thcmag.com 17
In The Spotlight Products We Love
LEVATED ECHANICS
TM
Omni HV by Elevated Mechanics
If you are like me you can never have enough smoking tools and gadgets. The Omni HV from Elevated Mechanics packs all of your primary smoking accessories into a compact, sleek-designed all-in-one tool. This bad boy has a slot for a mini lighter, hemp wick dispenser, hidden compartment for screens, grinder, and three collapsible tools (pick, scraper, and poker). The Omni HV is made of high-grade anodized aluminum custom machined here in Colorado. When you pick it up you can tell it is made of quality material from its weight. Its not too bulky and fits nicely in your hand while using it. The three tools are pressed and machined from stainless steel. They fold into the side of the unit, and can be pulled out for easier use. The scrapper and pick can also be used as a dab tool for those who use concentrates. I love using hemp wick when I smoke so having that built into the unit was a big plus for me. Not having to wrap my lighter in hemp wick and just use the Omni HV is extremely convenient. You get three feet of hemp wick on the spool to get you started. I was pleasantly surprised with the grinder and it worked much better than I thought it was going to. With just a couple cranks, all my flower was broken up nicely ready to be smoked. Elevated Mechanics has an amazing product with the Omni HV and gets a strong recommendation from us. You can order the Onmi HV and replacement parks on the Elevated Mechanics website. www.elevatedmechanics.com
Nail Crown by Dab Kings
What a crafty and innovative device! Meant to reduce the chance of burns from a hot dab nail, the Nail Crown is not only a great accessory for dabbers, it is also a safety device. It is made of medical grade silicon and is designed to grab, cover, hold, and transport a red hot nail. You simply open the bottom, slide the sleeve over the hot nail, squeeze the sleeve to grab the nail (much like a silicone oven mitt, but much cooler.) While pinching the nail through the sleeve, turn the whole thing upside down. The nail will then be successfully contained in the Nail Crown, all that is left to do is place the lid back on the container to seal it in. The lid has venting holes in it to let the heat out safely. This allows for safe transport of a hot nail. In addition to the safety features, this nifty invention also holds your dab tools on the crown, and can be used as a dab dish or a stash container in a pinch. It comes in four colors, black, green, blue, and yellow. Coming soon in glow in the dark and heat activated color changing varieties. www.dabkings.com
Terp Trapper by Cruz Culture
This little silicon item was designed with those who love to dab in mind. Put wax, oil, budder, etc. inside the Terp Trapper and use the little prongs to rest your dabber on so a mess isn’t made. Great for home use but wouldn’t recommend for traveling purposes with loose or crumbly hash, it could fall out in your pocket. The beauty of this little invention is that it helps keep hands stick-free because essentially one never has to touch the concentrates. It comes in five fun colors to help keep meds sorted easily. www.cruzculture.com
18 May 2014
Celebrate mom Moms work hard all year long to keep the family functioning so why don’t you reward her with one or all of these great gift ideas?! Have a mom who loves to garden? Hook her up with this hemp apron by Pallina. It’s UV resistant and breathable for those hot gardening days. It has seven pockets for tools, glasses, gardening journal, gloves and whatever else mom needs while digging it up. www.thepallina.com
The perfect gardening apron!
This such a fun project that is sure to brighten her day and her coffee table.
What you will need: • A glass container with a wide opening (Ball jars, fish bowls, vases, aquariums, etc.) • Activated charcoal for drainage • Rocks/pebbles (I used aquarium rocks) • Cactus/succulent soil • Succulent plants (Home Depot has a great selection) • Decorative rocks and/or moss (optional) 1. In a clean terrarium, combine rocks, pebbles and charcoal to form a nice layer along the bottom. 2. Next, cover with succulent soil. Fill so that there’s enough for roots to grow downwards but don’t fill terrarium too full. 3. Dig little holes where the plants will go. 4. Carefully remove the plants from their plastic containers and gently loosen roots. 5. Place plants in the holes you dug. Pat dirt firmly around plant base. 6. Once all the plants have been added, put decorative rocks and/or moss along top layer of dirt. 7. Succulents require bright light so make sure to have mom put the terrarium in a well-lit space. 8. Water only when soil is dry.
DIY terrarium!
Hemp Seed Oil, Orange Peel and Brown Sugar Body
Make mom a yummy body scrub to give her a little extra glow!
What you’ll need:
• 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1 cup hemp seed oil • 1/4 cup grated orange peel
1. Combine brown sugar and orange peel in a glass or ceramic bowl. 2. Gradually add the hemp seed oil, stirring continuously. 3. Stop when the scrub reaches the consistency you want, typically very moist sand. 4. Place finished product in a resealable plastic container.
thcmag.com 19
Hempify your baby! Little ones have sensitive skin, so why not make sure the products that touch them are made of the highest quality materials and ingredients?
Baby & Me Salve by Hemp-Eaze
A great antiseptic with double the healing power. This concentrated salve is an extra-strength healing Hemp-Eaze formula. Perfect for diaper rash, and irritated skin. Gently soothes sore muscles, bruises and pain. It’s also great for stretch marks and dry cracked skin. Promotes cellular growth. Soothes and cools hot and angry skin, moisturizes and protects. The two ounce jar is small but don’t let it fool you, a little goes a long way. Ingredients include: hemp root, burdock, lavender, lobelia, hyssop, feverfew, myrrh gum, sage, lemon mint and mint. Hemp-Ease offers to send you a free sample if you pay postage. Visit their website. www.hemp-eaze.com.
Eco Owl on Hemp Snappie by Earth Creations
Eco. Pure. Simple. That’s what Earth Creations is all about. This high-quality, eco friendly line of baby clothes is exactly what any mom would want for her little one. The snappies for infants are made from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton, and all the colors are inspired by the colors of the earth. Earth Creations also has a great line of youth and toddler tees made from the same wonderful materials, along with great digs for mom and dad. www.earthcreations.net
Organic Jingle Tag Rattles by Ecoleeko
Ecoleeko makes fun and colorful organic baby rattles for your little wee ones! Ecoleeko jingle organic infant rattles make lovely newborn baby gifts for any boy or girl. Made with all natural sustainable materials including organic cotton and bamboo. Each fabric has a different texture for tactile sensory play and a soft bell is tucked inside for a nice sound when shaken. Some have tags, great for early teething and hand coordination. They pair up nicely with a soft organic blanket or fun toss ball! www.ecoleeko.com
20 May 2014
The design is minimal, the experience is not. A single button with many functions. A single button of many colors. A single button to activate, select, and control five temperature levels for pure vaporization. All for the single best experience. Learn more at indica2.com
thcmag.com 21
Featured Artist by Caroline Hayes
Now See Here!
Bronner’s Work Will Make You Glassy Eyed
Oh artists. They are whimsical, quirky, creative and all very unique. Michael Bronner, the creator of Nervglass, is nothing short of these descriptors. A Los Angeles native, he is grateful to be from the Southern California area because the things he’s experienced have helped shape him to be who he is today. “I feel very blessed that I spent a lot of my youth skateboarding and snowboarding because I think that it taught me that if I keep pushing myself, even though I might get hurt, I usually end up accomplishing what it is I am going for,” he said. Bronner has been blowing glass for about 10 years and it shows in his very concise, clean work. He says that glass blowing has saved his life, and that “It has given me a tremendous passion that I use as motivation every day.” His favorite way to make his art and get in his groove is with music playing in the background. As for a favorite piece, well, he doesn’t really have one because they all are! Bronner says it tends to be whatever he is working on at the moment. “For example, the last few days I have been doing pineapples, which is something I attempted my second year in different ways, but not with the success I am having now. I also like creating the female form. That is definitely one of my favorites,” he explained. As for his biggest inspiration (because every artist has one): “Just to see someone support themselves as an independent artist/glass blower in itself is inspiring. My biggest inspiration though is the potential of creation from myself and others.” How humble, Bronner! Oh, and well of course we had to ask him about hemp. Bronner said, “I believe it will be legalized in the near future by the federal government, as it should be. I see that society is pushing forward and demanding legalization.” THC Mag agrees with you on that! Interested buyers can find Nervglass at trade shows and various glass shops. Check him out on Instagram at Nervglass or his website. www.glass-sculpting.com.
22 May 2014
Belt buckle collaboration with Jolex
Collaboration with Phatt Matt
thcmag.com 23
Tasty Meds
Product reviews of edibles and concentrates Lemon Bubba OG Solvent-less Wax from Essential Extracts reviewed by Monocle Man
When most people think of solvent-less wax, the first company that comes to mind is Essential Extracts. Nikka T and his extremely talented team have been processing some of the finest quality water extracted hash for years,. At this year’s High Times Cannabis Cup they took home 1st place in the Solvent-less Medical Hash and 2nd place in the Solvent-less US Hash categories. This review features a run of Lemon Bubba OG Solvent-less Wax. It had Essential Extracts’ signature look of shimmery brown trichome glands and strong terpene profile. The Lemon Bubba OG was bursting of lemon citrus with a light earthy aroma. You can smoke the solvent-less wax in a variety of ways; dabbing, loading into a vape pen, or sprinkling on top of your bowl. My favorite way is to use the Essential Screens on a small pipe and use a hemp wick to melt the wax. The wax will bubble and dance around while you inhale smooth tasty hits. The flavor was just like the smell; sweet lemon citrus that lingered after smoking. The Lemon Bubba OG started off with a Sativa-like head rush that turned into a mellow cerebral and relaxing body high. This is perfect for coming home and looking to relax after a long day at work. Essential Extracts never disappoints with their hash and the quality is always superb. You can usually find a good selection of Essential Extracts Solvent-less Wax at the Pinkhouse locations and many dispensaries across the state. Check out the Essential Extracts website for more information on their amazing hash and the Essential Screens. www.essentialextracts.co
Durban Poison Shatter from Standing Akimbo Reviwed by Ian Williams
This has got to be one of the finest examples of Durban Poison this side of the Atlantic. Standing Akimbo presented us with their exquisite nectarine shatter, extracted from whole nugs rather than trim material. The sample truly hits every expectation of the pedigree. The initial aroma is clasped tight within the room-stable shatter. Only when pried and snapped does it express the quintessential sweet and spicy blend of citrus and sage; a magnificent melange of flavors encapsulated in the clear, copper colored resin. The shatter is stable above 75°F, making it easy to work with; malleable when compressed and snappable when wedged. I favored a glass nail for the initial test. The oil melts smoothly and evaporates in a clean white smoke, but leaves an amount of dark soot behind. The smoke is clean and crisp, with a light body. The taste translates beautifully, coming through loud and lingering on the tongue. Each snap that hits the nail delivers the same flash of flavor, over and over again. True to its nature as a creeper, this Durban’s effects take a while to set in. After 15-20 minutes, an intense cerebral effect begins to build. Behind my eyes, small thunderclouds billow upward, igniting a storm of energy that radiates through my head. The energy intensifies, leading to an uplifting and stimulating effect accented by a hypnotic gloss that conflicts with the overall inspirational mood and creative stimulation. Remarkably, there is almost no effect to speak of through my body and muscles. Without the clear-headedness of a cerebral sativa, or the relaxation of an indica, I find productivity less preferable than entertainment, and most of my time is spent relishing in small pleasures. I explore the uses for this double-edged-sword of a strain for nearly two hours before its effects begin to recede. Standing Akimbo has been known for tasty and strong baked goods for years, and if this shatter is any measure of their skill with pure oils, they’ll be taking home more than just edibles championships in the near future. www.standingakimbobakery.com
24 May 2014
Suck It Sour Lemon Puckers by Canyon Cultivation reviwed by Hazy Cakes
These little candies are so sour they make your mouth pucker worse than a Lemon Head! After the sour wears off, you are left with a nice tasting lemon candy. Slight taste of cannabis but the lemon masks it nicely. There are ten candies in one bag, each one at 10mg. I love this kind of measuring system because it allows you to properly dose yourself. I started with one, waited about twenty minutes and enjoyed another. I felt relaxed and a little creative so I decided to do some doodling. I waited another 20 minutes and had another Sour Lemon Pucker. The third one hit me a little harder so I laid back on the couch and decided to watch some TV. Now, these aren’t so strong that you couldn’t eat them during the day, which I’m a huge fan of because I need to be able to function, as I’m sure most of you do as well. I also love the fact that I was able to eat three of these in one night because I tend to be a little sensitive when it comes to edibles, so when I can eat more than usual, I’m stoked and don’t feel like such a lightweight. These are a great edible to have with you on the go because of the resealable pouch. I would recommend these to anyone who needs a lighter dose during the day. www.canyoncultivation.com
Star Barz by Dr. J’s
Reviewed by High Horse
After much recent controversy over the actual strength of some of Colorado’s edibles, Dr. J’s reworked their formula and introduced the new and improved Star Barz. The main character in this story is the 80mg of Co2 hash oil divvied up between eight delicious pieces of dark chocolate (10mg per serving). Being a bit of a skeptic and someone with a decent tolerance to THC products, I decided to start off with six pieces, totaling 60mg. Within about 35 minutes, I started to feel my whole body relax and eyelids get a little heavy. About an hour and a half in, I was sunk into the couch daydreaming about who knows what. The body high was reminiscent of a good Indica stone. After looking at the bubbler, I realized I had only taken one hit in the past two hours – this feeling I was experiencing was all from the Star Bar! Within the next hour I was face first in the couch, out cold. I felt a slight grogginess the next morning, similar to your favorite nighttime cough syrup. This would be a great edible for cancer patients or anyone looking for a full body relaxation. I think the new Star Bar is a product that’s ready to hit the shelves in Colorado’s thriving market. www.drjshashinfusion.com
thcmag.com 25
Plant This In Your Mind
Hemp Is One Of The Most Nutritious Foods on Earth...Seriously! by Erin Hiatt
Making good decisions about what kinds of foods to put in our bodies can be downright confusing. We often bypass things that are nutritionally whole for foods that are more convenient. And sometimes making a conscientious food choice feels like we have to plug our noses and take that healthy food like medicine. Yuck. Lucky for us, hemp is ready to come to our nutritional rescue, showing us that it really is top notch when it comes to versatility and one of the most nutritious, balanced and delicious food sources on our planet. Here’s the lowdown on hemp’s superstar nutritional status: Hemp hearts contain all 20 known amino acids, especially essential fatty acids (EFA’s) omega 3 & 6 that our bodies cannot produce, meaning we have to get them from our food. These EFA’s are a big deal because if we do not get the proper balance of them it can lead to all kinds of problems, such as decreased immune function, depression, dryness of the skin and hair, and abnormalities of the liver and kidneys. Hemp’s essential fats also include the hard-to-get gamma linoleic acid (GLA), and in trio these three can help to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure. Hemp can be consumed in a variety of ways; It can be crushed, roasted, toasted, pressed into oil, and hulled. Hemp seed can be found in salad dressings, waffles, corn chips, chocolate bars, and veggie burgers, just for a few. And this is nothing new, as far back as 25 BC the ancient Chinese, Romans, and Egyptians were using hemp in their diets, making hemp porridge for breakfast and hemp sweet cakes for dessert. Tara Miko, owner of Happy Hemp (happy-hemp.com), started looking for nutrient dense foods because of a health crisis. She had a trifecta of bad luck. She became ill, lost her job when the Great Recession hit, then lost her health insurance. Seeking a cure for her health woes, she headed to the farmer’s markets and started asking questions. That’s when she found hemp. She fell in love and Happy Hemp was born. Tara says from the get-go that she is a “foodie,
26 May 2014
not a healthy, and if it doesn’t taste good, I’m not going to eat it. If you have amazing hemp it will melt in your mouth like butter.” Tara has loved to cook since she was a girl when she would spend time in the kitchen with her mom, and her enthusiasm is infectious. If you ever get a hankering for hemp guacamole, hemp veggie rolls or hemp fudge balls, go on over to the Happy Hemp website where you can find those recipes and dozens of others. The goal at Happy Hemp is to answer questions and provide resources for those out there who, as Tara says, are “hemp curious, who ask me all the time, ‘are you a drug dealer, can I roll this up and smoke it?’” She laughs at those questions but loves them because they open doors to educating people about hemp and why they should be eating it. She wants to show hemp off and “highlight it as an ingredient versus hiding it like a supplement.” Hemp is a great addition to any diet. It is kosher, gluten-free, GMO free, nut free, and is especially good for you vegetarians and vegans out there who may have difficulty getting the necessary proteins for great health. And you can breathe easy if you forget to take your multivitamin, your proper dose of hemp for the day will do just fine. Do take note that hemp oil should never be heated over 300 degrees or used as a frying oil. The high temperature can take the healthy polyunsaturated fats and turn them into trans fatty acids, the unhealthy fat that you can identify by the words “partially hydrogenated.” So read your labels carefully. Those words are in practically all processed foods and lower your good cholesterol and raise your bad, increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke. There are other natural foods out there that will make you feel and look great, but none of them have the appeal of being healthy, rebellious, and a little naughty like hemp. Tara Miko feels blessed to be part of this nascent food revolution and loves how the world is waking up to hemp and its amazing flavors, versatility, and nutrition. So, off to the kitchen with you and as Tara would brightly say, “Happy hemping!”
HEMP EATS
Lemon Meringue Muffins
Delicious Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients:
Cashew Chicken Salad Serves 4 Ingredients:
2 cups skinless, boneless chicken cooked and cut into cubes ¼ cup toasted, chopped cashews 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon orange juice 3 teaspoons sesame oil 2 teaspoons hemp oil 2 teaspoons soy sauce ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ cup finely sliced red cabbage ½ cup shredded carrots 1 cup chopped mango 1 ½ tablespoons chopped red onion 2 tablespoons minced coriander 2 tablespoons hemp seeds pinch Himalayan sea salt 2 mill grinds of black pepper
Directions:
Mix the vinegar, lime juice, orange juice, sesame oil, hemp oil, soy sauce and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add the cabbage, carrots, mango, onions, coriander, and hemp seeds. Toss until evenly mixed. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Toss. Add chicken and toss it until chicken is coated evenly. Serve with cashews on top on a bed of greens or with croissants.
For the muffin batter: 6 tablespoons of butter, softened 2/3 cup of granulated sugar 2 eggs, room temperature ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt Zest of 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons) 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice 1-2 tablespoons of lemon curd ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 cup of all-purpose flour ½ cup hemp flour ½ teaspoon of baking soda ½ teaspoon of baking powder ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
speed. Fill each muffin cup 3/4 of the way full. Bake for about 17 - 18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the meringue topping: 2 egg whites 1/3 cup of sugar 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Time to make the meringue topping. In a large metal bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer, until they start to form soft peaks.
Directions:
Slowly add in the sugar, tablespoon by tablespoon, and mix on medium speed, taking care to make sure each tablespoon of sugar is fully dissolved before adding another.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with baking cups. Cream together the butter and sugar, on medium speed, until light and fully combined. Add each egg one at time, making sure each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Add the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon curd and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the flour mixture in thirds to the bowl of the mixer, using the lower
As the mixture gets glossy, add the vanilla and mix the meringue mixture until it turns glossy and is at stiff peak stage. Remove the muffins from the oven and turn the heat up to 400°F. Using either a piping bag or a spatula, add the meringue mixture to the muffins and bake for another 6 - 8 minutes until the top is toasty brown. Let cool for 5 minutes and then move to a wire cooling rack.
Bacon and Cheese Scones Serves 8 Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon hemp protein powder 8 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 cup +1 tablespoon milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup diced bacon 1 cup diced green onion Directions: Preheat oven to 400ºF In a large mixing bowl combine the flour,
baking powder, salt and hemp protein powder. Cut in butter with pastry cutter or the tines of a fork Add milk and mix just until incorporated. Fold in cheese, bacon and onion. Put some flour down on countertop or cutting board. Gently knead dough for several minutes on floured surface. Press dough into a ½ inch thick circle and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400ºF for thirty minutes or until golden brown. Cut into pizza shaped triangles.
thcmag.com 27
Cannabis News
by John Schroyer
Colorado Springs May Have November Ballot Measure to Legalize Retail Marijuana Sales Though the Colorado Springs City Council voted last summer to opt out of recreational marijuana sales, a volunteer-led effort may produce a ballot measure for area voters in November to overturn the ban. A nonprofit called Every Vote Counts has prepared a ballot measure to re-affirm the city’s support for Amendment 64 in 2012, which passed in Colorado Springs by roughly 5,000 votes. But Springs’ City Council members, along with dozens of other Colorado towns and counties, took advantage of a clause in Amendment 64 that allowed local municipalities to maintain the prohibition of adult-use marijuana sales. Leaders of Every Vote Counts are hoping to persuade five of the nine council members to refer their initiative to voters. Otherwise, they’ll have to gather an estimated 20,000 signatures to petition on the November ballot. And the council is split — the vote to ban retail sales was 5-4 last July, and several members said they’re willing to consider referring the ballot measure depending on how the measure is worded.
Medical Marijuana Still May Have a Chance in Florida Even though the odds have long been stacked against medical marijuana in the Sunshine State, a narrowly tailored bill aimed at helping a few hundred Floridians seems to have a chance of passing. The bill would permit researchers to look into the effect of cannabidiol on childhood epilepsy. It would declare that cannabis has medical benefits, allow for some prior marijuana-related convictions to be expunged from criminal records, and discourage law enforcement from arresting those caught with marijuana that is low in THC and high in CBD. Both the Florida Sheriffs Association and
28 May 2014
the Police Chiefs Association are backing the bill, but the state’s surgeon general is against it. The measure has already passed through several committees in Florida’s House of Representatives.
Michigan Marijuana Legalization Activists Going Town By Town Contrary to Colorado and Washington, Michigan cannabis activists are taking a bottom-up approach to legalization. Instead of running a statewide ballot question, they’re starting small, going town-to-town and focusing on decriminalizing possession instead of legalizing sales. In 2014, at least a dozen local measures will likely go before voters. “We feel if we can legalize city, by city, by city, sooner or later in Lansing they are going to have to step up and pay attention to what we’re doing,” Debra Young, a marijuana activist, told mlive.com. The more common ballot measures that her group, Safer Michigan, is backing include legalizing possession and transportation of an ounce of marijuana or less.
New Regulations Passed in California for Medical Marijuana Medical marijuana patients in California may have more red tape to deal with soon if a bill in the state’s Legislature succeeds. The measure would require all dispensaries to be licensed through the Public Health Department, and doctors who want to prescribe marijuana would have a new set of standards to adhere to. The measure was brought forth by a Democratic state senator who cited a dispensary well known for handing out medical marijuana prescriptions to patients without requiring a physical exam. “The implementation of medical marijuana laws has been marked by conflicting authorities, regulatory uncertainty, intermittent federal enforcement action and many, many lawsuits,” said Sen. Lou Correa, according to the Los Angeles Times. The bill would also clarify in state statute that municipalities have the power to ban cannabis dispensaries.
Thousands to March in
Minnesota Sees Renewed Push for Medical Marijuana 300 Cities Worldwide for Marijuana Legalization Legalization A tightly knit coalition of patients, parents and doctors are again taking their case before Minnesota lawmakers this year in the hope that the Legislature will approve medical marijuana.
On May 3, the Saturday before Cinco de Mayo, thousands of cannabis enthusiasts are expected to rally simultaneously in nearly 300 cities and towns across the globe, to show their support for legalization.
The group, called Minnesotans for Compassionate Care, wants medical cannabis available to treat “a host of ailments,” including childhood epilepsy, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
That’s when the 15th annual Global Cannabis March will take place, in cities that range from Boston to Fort Worth, to Mexico City and London.
One of the group’s biggest opponents, however, is Gov. Mark Dayton, who has in the past sided with those who argue legalizing medical marijuana will make highly potent cannabis more easily accessible to recreational users and kids.
Iowa Legislature Poised to Legalize Medical Cannabis for Epileptic Children A pair of dedicated mothers are apparently to thank for an Iowa medical marijuana bill that is on the verge of passing, despite having faced steep political opposition in the
Across the Globe state’s General Assembly earlier this year.
industrial hemp.
The two — Sally Gaer and Maria La France — both have children afflicted with severe epilepsy, and both mothers have become fierce advocates at the Iowa capitol for medical marijuana, since they see the plant as a possible lifesaver for their children.
The bill would erase a 10-acre limit for hemp research and development and allow for year-round cultivation in greenhouses.
Though conservatives remain cautious, many legislators have made public aboutfaces and are now saying they could support a very limited type of medical marijuana bill, tailored basically for epileptics. Under the bill draft most likely to pass, however, production and sale of medical marijuana would remain illegal in Iowa. So patients or caregivers (like Gaer and La France) would have to travel out of state to get their medicine.
Cannabis Holdings, Inc. Announces Presence in Four States In another sign that the cannabis industry is continuing to boom, Cannabis Holdings, Inc. announced in late April that it had reached deals on real estate in four different states, and that it was entering into a business venture with Rosewind Cannabis Genetics Corporation. Cannabis Holdings has been looking at 30 separate locations in Colorado alone for marijuana cultivation, as well as at sites in Oregon, Washington and Arizona. One of the biggest problems facing the industry, a spokesperson for Cannabis Holdings told The Wall Street Journal, is a lack of properly zoned industrial locations for growing facilities.
Colorado Moves to Expand Hemp Industry Colorado’s newest industry— yes, newer than marijuana — is hemp. Specifically, growing it. And it’s gotten so popular so quickly that the state Legislature in April took steps to expand it even further, giving initial approval to a bill that would loosen restrictions on farmers who want to cultivate
“Hemp can fix every problem in the world if we just let it, so let’s get to work finding out the hundreds of thousands of uses for hemp,” Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, told The Associated Press.
Colorado Cannabis Company to Drug Test Employees Just because you work for a cannabis company doesn’t mean you won’t get drug tested. That’s the word from OpenVape, Colorado’s biggest cannabis company, which said in April that it will begin testing employees for drugs other than marijuana. The company’s chief revenue officer told The Denver Business Journal that the move to start drug screening is part of the effort to distinguish between cannabis and harder drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. According to The Journal, OpenVape says “we won’t tolerate dangerous drug use by our employees.” But cannabis, it says, “can be part of a healthy lifestyle that promotes wellness.”
Cannabis Club Gets Thumbs Up from Colorado Springs A cannabis club called Studio Amendment 64 in Colorado Springs emerged victorious in late April when the city council voted 5-3 that the club could remain open, frustrating efforts by the mayor’s office to shut it down.
But the club’s owner got the city planning commission earlier this year to agree that it was zoned properly as a “social club.” The mayor’s office appealed the decision to the city council, which reaffirmed the planning commission’s decision.
NCAA May Relax Punishments for Athletes Who Test Positive for Marijuana The National Collegiate Athletic Association, reportedly convinced that marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, is apparently considering easing penalties for college athletes who test positive for marijuana use. Under the proposal, athletes who test positive would be suspended for a half-season instead of getting a full-season suspension, which is the current punishment.
Republican Governor Signs Marijuana Oil Bill into Law For Epileptic Kids Wisconsin parents with epileptic children scored a big victory in April when Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, signed a bill to permit cannabis-derived oil as a treatment for seizure disorders. “I wouldn’t sign it if I didn’t think it was a good idea,” Walker said, according to a Wisconsin CBS affiliate. The bill is one of several in states that have seen waves of parents besiege lawmakers for medical cannabis after word of Charlotte’s Web, a marijuana-derived tincture in Colorado, spread like wildfire through the epilepsy community. Charlotte’s Web has practically cured Charlotte Figi, a 7-year-old who previously suffered hundreds of seizures a week.
Studio A64, as it is more commonly called by patrons, allows its members to smoke marijuana on its grounds. Last year, the city tried to revoke the club’s license, arguing that it wasn’t in keeping with city zoning codes.
thcmag.com 29
High Society with
Cheryl Shuman
My 420 Experience L et ’s Talk About ‘Cannalebr it y ’
From Beverly Hills to Denver to Aspen, “high society” takes on a whole was on his way to Los Angeles to “shadow” us for several days. new meaning recapping the 2014 “420” holiday with a mix of today’s cannabusiness leaders and hottest stars celebrating their cannabis On Monday, I spoke with Ted on the phone, I asked him specifically what consumption. his focus was for the New York Times article. He stated, “The article is going to focus on the importance of women in the cannabis industry “Cannalebrity” is my vision on the “convergence” of celebrity and Who is leading the movement, how they got there, and where they are cannabis culture as we go mainstream at full speed. going.” This year we celebrated with We went through the entire Left to right: David Maddalena, Christianna Lewis, the team from THC: The journey of my work with Cheryl Shuman, and Bob Eschino Hemp Connoisseur Magazine celebrities for over 30 years and attending The Big Industry we all ended up at our Beverly Show, The High Times Hills Cannabis Club speakeasy Cannabis Cup and some mansion where our new chef of the top industry leaders was preparing a fine dining in Colorado including Bob cannabis-infused experience Eschino with Incredibles, for all of our guests with a Michael Rosenblum with Kind pairing of the finest private Banking, THC’s Rick Macey, reserve cannabis strains. David Maddalena, Christianna Lewis and others at a private I asked him if he had any dinner beautifully prepared and particular woman in mind when hosted by Suzanne and John he was referring to the “leader” Hagen. of the female movement. We both laughed and he said, “Yes, we do have someone in mind. After this delicious and intimate That would be you, Cheryl dinner, I rushed to catch a Shuman.” plane for a live national radio interview with KABC Radio My inspiration for “doing what I in Los Angeles arriving at do” is to follow in the footsteps midnight on 4/20 itself. During of Pauline Sabin. She was the interview, we focused on all the first “high society” woman to gather together a group of society of the celebrities “coming out of the closet” regarding their cannabis use. “ladies” in the days of alcohol prohibition. This small group of women led the movement to overturn alcohol prohibition. So just as in the days As I put on my headphones and prepared for the first live caller, I shown on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire dramatizing the last days of alcohol explained, “The secret is in a ‘rebranding’ campaign to rid cannabis of prohibition, we are now witnessing the beginning of the end of cannabis the ‘bad reputation’ it’s had for so long. The media made this mess and prohibition with a day-by-day live account on social and national media. the media is going to take us to the promised land of public acceptance.” “Celebrities and public figures are the secret ingredient in the recipe for success. Let’s use the media to legitimize cannabis sales so that our youth are as protected from illegal pot as they are from illegal alcohol and tobacco sales. Legitimize the growers so that pot can have regulations. With the media campaign that our group the Beverly Hills Cannabis Club launched this past year with over 27 national mainstream media appearances with over 100 million viewers reached on such shows as Katie Couric, Dr. Phil, The Doctors, ABC 20/20, Good Morning America, Fox Business News, The View, CNN Piers Morgan LIVE and of course, Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s specials on cannabis, we are on our way to changing the world.” The radio interview lasted for an hour. Then, tired and jet-lagged from the trip, I fell asleep but had a very vivid dream about our upcoming meeting with the New York Times Magazine journalist Ted Ross who
30 May 2014
Imagine how we are changing stereotypes with celebrities like Melissa Etheridge, Danny Glover, Morgan Freeman, Joe Rogan, Bill Maher and let’s not forget swimmer Michael Phelps, the inspirational Olympic athlete captured in a photo smoking a bong. Imagine how that started changing the stereotypes. Can you think of any better example than an record-setting Olympic gold medalist as a role model for the “anti-stoner stereotype?” This was a monumental milestone. Today we are witnessing the convergence of celebrity and cannabis culture. Instead of it being a negative, it’s become common and gaining acceptance at an alarming rate to those who wish to stop the legalization movement. As a 30-year veteran in celebrity and media relations, it’s not in the top 10 of what bad things celebrities can do. I would much rather
have a client get caught smoking a joint than a DUI. Just like in the 90s, when the “dot-com boom” phenomenon was going strong, today we are witnessing the “pot-com boom.” In history books, we read about the Gold Rush and how entrepreneurs like Levi Strauss become rich and a household name by supplying the jeans for all of those who fled to California in search of the American Dream. Likewise, it’s the ancillary cannabis businesses who are also becoming rich. “As the world embraces marijuana law reform, the cultural stigma surrounding marijuana will fade out, thus opening the door for more celebrities to come out of the closet and be more open regarding their own private cannabis consumption,” says Dr. David Appleton, Psychologist and Addiction Expert. “The truth about mainstream public figures coming out of the closet candidly about cannabis is that the younger generation has come to form a natural alliance with their parents and grandparents who are most likely Baby Boomers,” says Aimee Shuman, co-founder of the Beverly Hills Cannabis Club. On the day of the New York Times writer’s arrival we took him on a tour of the dispensary, introduced him to our political strategist, investment bankers, our clients and our celebrity connections. We discussed our vision of a public service announcement campaign and media projects with the celebrities that we have relationships with. While Miley Cyrus has been a longtime defender of pot, for a while she all but copped up to smoking it herself. “I did a song with Snoop Dogg called ‹Ashtrays and Heartbreaks,› so people can put it together for themselves,» she said in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine in June of 2013. Miley got more candid with Rolling Stone in September of 2013, telling the magazine that “weed is the best drug on Earth.” Oscar winner Natalie Portman told Entertainment Weekly that she “smoked weed in college.” (FYI, by “college” she means “Harvard.”) She’s given up the habit these days, but it’s not because she didn’t like it. “I’m too old. I wish I was that cool, but I’m like an old lady now.” She does retain her love of stoner comedies, though, which explains her starring role in the high-minded “Your Highness.” Justin Timberlake, in a 2011 interview with Playboy Magazine confirmed that he “absolutely” smokes pot. “Sometimes I have a brain that needs to be turned off,” he explained. “Some people are just better high.” However, the singer/actor did take a break from the bong back in 2003, after being high during the first ever episode of “Punk’d.” Timberlake said, “I actually stopped smoking pot for nine to 10 months after that. I was so stoned.” Celebrity Jennifer Aniston has partaken in a toke or two. The actress once dished to Rolling Stone, “I enjoy it once in a while. There is nothing wrong with that. Everything in moderation. I wouldn’t call myself a pothead.” Joining these “cannalebrities” in our discussion are names such as: Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Lambert, Justin Bieber, Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Adrianne Curry, Wiz Kalifa, James Franco, Snoop Dogg, Cameron Diaz, Kristin Dunst and Susan Sarandon just to name a few. As we concluded the tasting and I looked around the room to thank everyone for attending the event, I realized that we had made history tonight and that the leaders of the cannabis industry “fit” just fine with my “Hollywood” friends and that we had just made history. We filmed all of the 420 festivities and our cannabis tasting with the New York Times. As I sit here editing the footage and writing this article, I am thrilled to think about the future. Thanks THC Magazine for leading the way!
thcmag.com 31
let it grow!
Local Community Gardens Have A Lot to Offer by Caroline Hayes
What better way to get involved in the community than with a space that everyone shares? A space where food is grown and flowers bloom. Where people share the Earth and her offerings. A community garden is one piece of land that is gardened by many different people, often times broken up into plots that cost money to “rent” for gardening purposes. Things like water and compost are generally included in the plot fee but you will want to contact each garden individually to make sure it’s not extra. So, what can you grow? Although cannabis may be legal you probably want to stick to growing fruits, vegetables and flowers in the community gardens. Now, the fees for the plots may vary so you will want to look into this on their websites but the range seems to be anywhere from $35$120. The higher end cost tends to be for the organic gardens, such as the Charmaine Nyamnn Community Garden in Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs. Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), plots range $25-$35. Not too shabby considering it could cost you more than the plot fee to water a garden at home.
den organizations in your area. Explore their websites for specifics on cost and location of individual gardens. All of these organizations also offer gardening classes for kids and adults. Pikes Peak Gardens offers a great downloadable guide, “The Backyard Vegetable Gardening Guide: A Monthly Premier for the Organic Gardener in the Colorado Front Range and Beyond.” Resources like this help with every step of the gardening process. Websites such as homegrownfoodcolorado.org will help with seed planting and transplanting guides for areas of Northern Colorado. So what are you waiting for? Contact your local community garden today, it’s not too late to start planting!
Denver Urban Gardens www.dug.org Charmaine Nyamnn Community Garden in Bear Creek Regional Park www.bearcreekgardens.org
DUG is made up of 135 gardens in the Metro Denver area, with more than 30 of those being school-based gardens.
The Growing Gardens www.growingardens.org
Growing Gardens offers plots in Boulder, Loveland and Louisville. In Fort Collins there are The Gardens on Spring Creek, The Growing Project and the Mulberry Community Gardens.
Pike’s Peak Urban Gardens www.ppugardens.org
All of the community garden organizations offer gardening pointers, tips for creating new community gardens, youth projects and gardening classes for kids. Potlucks are held and friendships are made. Community gardens are a really great way to get involved, meet new people and grow your own food. Please see the list of community gar-
32 May 2014
The Growing Project www.growingproject.org Mulberry Community Garden www.Mulberrycommunitygardens.org The Gardens on Spring Creek www.fcgov.com/gardens
DIY:Backyard Composter by Greg Holdsworth
Properly composted food scraps can be turned into an excellent fertilizer for gardens. However, composting food scraps in an open pile can attract some unwanted urban pests - rats, mice, raccoons and whoknows-what. One of the simplest ways to compost food scraps is in a sunken garbage can. Also called a “bio digester,” the magic of this food waste composter is that it’s partially buried in the ground. There, holes allow earthworms, microbes, and other critters to ‘walk on in’ and do what they’re good at. A tight-fitting lid allows protection from unwanted pests, excessive rainfall, and drying winds.
The list of things you’ll need: • • • • • • • •
Galvanized metal trash can with lid (about $30 new). Plastic should be avoided. Electric drill Drill bit - at least 1/4” Shovel Gloves (no blisters on my watch) Masking tape Permanent marker Spot to dig in
Construction:
Step 1. Drill about 20 to 30 holes, at least 1/4-inch, in the bottom of the can. Step 2. Drill 20 to 40 more holes in the sides of the can, but only in the lower third. This is the part that will be covered by soil. Step 3. In a well-drained spot, dig a hole about 15 inches deep (about half as deep as your container). Step 4. Set the can into the hole. Then, push the soil back in around the sides and press it down with your hands, foot or the shovel. Step 5. Your new digester is ready to use! Collect food scraps, storing them in a container in your kitchen, and once or twice a week, throw the food scraps into the food scrap digester. I also add a little soil after the scraps to add more microbes and to increase the surface area to be broken down. Step 6. Here’s a cool tip: Take a piece of masking tape and place it at the top of the compost mixture. Then take a permanent marker and write the date that the digester was full and left to compost. You can open the
Step 1
Step 4
lid periodically to see that the level has dropped from the material being broken down. Sweet! If odor or fruit flies are a problem, you can add leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, straw, or shredded paper to place a thin layer on top of each new food scrap addition to the digester. No worms need to be added to this digester. Worms will find their way in through the holes and will help break down the food scraps. If pests are still opening the lid, you can tie a bungee cord to the lid handle and hook it to the handles on the sides of the garbage can.
Harvesting the Compost
Depending on your household’s food habits, a digester will fill in 2 to 6 months. Harvest the compost by shoveling the upper foot or so of non-decomposed food off to one side and shoveling the dark, soil-like compost out of the bottom of the digester. If the unfinished compost is wet and smelly, mix it with some soil and wait a week for it to dry up. Return the top layer (which was set aside) back into the digester to finish composting and continue to add food scraps. I’m in the process of installing a second digester. Similar to the traditional aboveground “three-bin” composting method, when one digester gets full, I’ll start to use the second digester. After 6 to12 months, all the compost in the first digester should be finished and ready to use. Do Compost Vegetable scraps, grains and pasta, fruit rinds and peels, breads, coffee grounds, filters, tea bags, newspapers and eggshells Don’t Compost Meat, fish, poultry, cheese, oily foods, butter, dairy products, other animal products, pet waste Viola... fresh compost in a can! Greg Holdsworth is a contributor to vegetablegardener.com and owns a gardening business in the Dallas area called Your Own Victory Garden yourownvictorygarden.com.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 5
Step 6
thcmag.com 33
Text “THC” to 67076 /THCMagazine 34 May 2014
@HempConnoisseur
@thehempconnoisseur thcmag.com 57
YOU BE THE JUDGE
TRY Y O U
NEW CO2 FORMULA W I L L
B E
A M A Z E D
thcmag.com 35
Mother May I?
How To Help Your Mom Discover Marijuana. by DJ Reetz
Mother’s Day seems like as good a time as any to introduce Mom to the benefits of life with cannabis. If your mom doesn’t partake and you don’t know how to broach the subject, we’ve borrowed from the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s guide to talking to kids about pot – with some alterations of course. Mom won’t get stoned. For some older people, marijuana use can be a taboo thing. Maybe your mother supports legalization, but if she is still clinging to the idea that marijuana is bad, it can be hard to cope. Your mother is most likely responding to social pressures. It can be tough to think reasonably about marijuana when those around you won’t. Not fitting into the group can be a big reason for pot avoidance. Some mothers have a network of friends who don’t use marijuana and urge them to do the same (peer pressure). Research suggests that family members’ use of marijuana plays a strong role in whether moms will get stoned. Children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters are models that moms follow. So indeed, all aspects of a mom’s environment – home, work, and neighborhood – can influence whether she will try marijuana. How can I get Mom to use marijuana? There is no magic bullet for causing adult marijuana use. But research shows children can have a big influence on their parents, even if it doesn’t seem that way! So talk openly with your mom and stay engaged in her life. To help you get started, below are some brief summaries of marijuana research findings that you can share with your mom to help her sort out fact from myth, and help her make the soundest decision she can.
36 May 2014
A Satire.
Did you know … Marijuana isn’t addictive. Although there is a small chance of a psychological dependency, marijuana is not physically addictive. Unlike other drugs, marijuana does not cause withdrawal or chemical dependency. Most people view physical dependency as uncontrollable, while psychological dependency can be controlled with proper willpower. However, even in the broadest sense of the word, the rate of dependency for marijuana is considerably lower than that of other substances, like alcohol and prescription drugs. Marijuana has many health benefits. If you care about the wellbeing of your mom, steering her toward marijuana in place of other drugs can be very beneficial to mental and physical health. Noted uses for marijuana include pain relief, sleep aide, antianxiety and protection of neurotransmitters. If your mom has trouble believing this (they often do!) tell her about U.S. patent number 6,630,507 issued to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This patent was issued for the properties of certain cannabinoids to act as neuroprotectants, assisting in the mitigation of damage following trauma such as a stroke. The patent also clearly mentions the application of these cannabinoids as a means of halting the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. So if you want mom to spend her golden years as healthy and clear-headed as possible, convincing her to try cannabis may the best thing you can do for her. Marijuana is not as adverse on your ability to drive as alcohol. A 2002 review of studies examining 7,934 drivers determined there was no reason to believe that drivers with cannabinoids in their
system were any more likely to cause an accident than those without. Marijuana has a much different effect on drivers. Alcohol tends to cause an increase in risky behavior both on and off the road. How should moms use marijuana? The act of smoking may seem a bit off-putting to someone who has avoided marijuana all her life. Instead, suggest Mom try other methods of ingestion, such as edibles, tinctures, or even a topical application. You can always bake a nice batch of brownies and enjoy them with her. Just be sure to manage her dosage and start her off small, as too large of a dose can put her off pot for good, and you don’t want that. Tinctures can also be great to mix in an evening cup of tea, or in any other beverage she chooses. However you do it, you are sure to find that enjoying marijuana together can be a special moment in your relationship and open the door to a deeper understanding of each other.
symptoms she could be in need of a nice, mellow burn. Starting the conversation
...the application of these cannabinoids as a means of halting the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. So if you want mom to spend her golden years as healthy and clear-headed as possible, convincing her to try cannabis may the best thing you can do for her.
How can I tell if my Mom hasn’t been using marijuana? If your mother demonstrates general irritability it could be a sign she isn’t using marijuana. The use of dangerous prescription opiates may be another sign she isn’t using marijuana. Thanks to the plant’s ability to soothe anxiety and ease minor pains, not using marijuana can often cause grouchiness and a generally poor disposition. If your mother demonstrates these
As this guide has shown, marijuana can pose a particular benefit to moms at a critical point in their lives – when they are aging, retiring, and laying the foundation for the autumn of their life. As her child, your mom looks to you for help and guidance in working out problems and making decisions, including the decision to use marijuana. Even if you haven’t used marijuana in the past, you can have an open conversation about the benefits. Greater acceptance of marijuana use, compared with other legal drugs, requires heart-felt opinions about its benefits, legality, and potential value. Indeed, the ongoing public debate about medical marijuana may assist your discussion.
Whether or not marijuana becomes legalized or permitted for medical purposes nationally, it can be particularly beneficial for mom and can alter the trajectory of her advanced life, allowing a person to reach her full potential. This is reason enough to have this sometimes difficult conversation with your mom. We hope this guide can serve as a catalyst to beginning the dialogue and, more importantly, continuing it and keeping the channels of communication open. Thanks to the National Institute on Drug Abuse!
thcmag.com 37
Cannabis Moms by DJ Reetz
Top Women In The Industry Reveal Insights
For Mother’s Day, The Hemp Connoisseur reached out to several mothers in the industry, asking about their approaches to mothering with cannabis and the trepidations involved. Here’s what these ladies have to say about the overlap of motherhood and marijuana.
Toni Fox 3D Dispensary
I am a better parent because I use cannabis. I could be prescribed pharmaceuticals for anxiety and stress as well as for sleeping issues but I choose to use a natural alternative with no side effects that also allows me to relax and be in the moment with my family. I choose cannabis at the end of a long day instead of alcohol and again this makes me more present and engaged. Cannabis is a better, safer, healthier choice for me and for so many other women. What was your own mother’s attitude toward marijuana and what have you learned from this?
My mother didn’t care for marijuana and was always against using it because it was “against the law.” My brother served 10 years in a federal prison for marijuana so she was extremely fearful when I became a vocal legalization activist. Ten years-plus later, she is one of the most vocal activists for legalization in her small town in Missouri. It’s an education process that takes some time. It starts with the belief that perhaps there IS medicinal value in cannabis and it evolves from there into the belief that legalization is a good thing and that everyone should have access to this very beneficial plant.
Diane Fornbacher Publisher of Ladybud Magazine
How do you discuss the use of marijuana with your children, both your own and potentially theirs?
How do you discuss the use of marijuana with your child, both your own and potentially theirs? We told our 21-year-old daughter when she was 5-years-old because she came home with a note stating the DARE program was coming to her school. We wanted to let her know that we use marijuana but that it was against the law. We also let her know throughout her teenage years that she was not allowed to use cannabis until she was at least 18 and had gotten her medical marijuana card. How to you handle explaining the difference between your own understanding of marijuana and its uses and the way the world at large treats marijuana? Being involved in activism for over 20 years has allowed me/us to slowly enlighten her to the beliefs we have about cannabis. She has seen over the past several years the healing powers of the plant and the benefits of cannabis to so many. She has attended rallies with me since she was eight or nine and is now a very strong, vocal legalization activist as well. It seems as though a lot of the opposition to marijuana here in Colorado is coming from mothers claiming the need to protect their children. What are your thoughts on this as a mother?
38 May 2014
I am honest. My 11-year-old son knows I experimented with cannabis as a teen but did not enjoy it back then. His father and I have told him that it might be best, if he is ever interested in trying cannabis, to wait until he is of legal age in a legal state. He knows I was arrested in college for possession and it caused me much heartache and cost me two jobs. We have also explained that cannabis has enormous medical benefits and that some children have recommendations from their physicians to help them live better lives. He knows I use it to help quell my complex PTSD symptoms and have a better quality of life as a result. He has asked about recreational use and he knows that it is one of those plants that can not only help people have a nice time in a safer fashion than alcohol but can also be used medicinally. My youngest son just turned five and we’ve not had the cannabis discussion as of yet but we will when the time is right. How to you handle explaining the difference between your own understanding of marijuana and its uses and the way the world at large treats marijuana? Having direct experience with CPS descending upon our family, he is aware that not everyone is as enlightened as his own family and my colleagues -- many of whom are our close friends. As a child of a cannabis reform activist, he hears a lot by proxy while listening to me on the phone and interacting with volunteers I’ve managed. We’ve all had varying degrees of a shallow mainstream understanding of our work in cannabis reform and its efficacy as medicine as well as a safer alternative to other mind/body-altering substances. He will often say to me that he wants to grow up and become president, that his first executive order will be to legalize cannabis and hemp. I tell him I hope by the time he is old enough to run for office that he will live in a world
and Their Kids has more to do with what I’ve learned firsthand from the hardship of my arrest as a freshman at PSU and the activism I engaged after that through the various patients, advocates and free thinkers I’ve met throughout my adult life.
Julie Dooley
Co-Owner of Julie & Kate Baked Goods How do you discuss the use of marijuana with your children, both your own and potentially theirs?
where that’s already happened.
Honesty is the only successful approach regarding the subject of cannabis and kids. In our family, we try and avoid the ‘forbidden fruit concept.” Which in turn has made cannabis, no big deal. My kids are aware of the plant, the medicinal properties and the responsibility that comes with its use.
I’d also like to add if my son does decide to consume anything recreational, my preference would be that he use cannabis since it is impossible to die from an overdose from this particular plant. As a former PSU student, I know of at least three people who died directly as a result of either alcohol poisoning or crashes due to an alcohol-intoxicated driver. We’ve also had a relative addicted to hard drugs who did not survive the struggle with it. I’ve never known anyone who has died from using cannabis.
My husband and I have taught the kids the consequences of their actions. They are well aware of the laws and penalties (from the city, state and schools) and pass that information on.
It seems as though a lot of the opposition to marijuana here in Colorado is coming from mothers claiming the need to protect their children. What are your thoughts on this as a mother and the need to protect children?
My younger daughter, who is embarrassed by the topic, just needs to be reminded: eating “safe” foods means you know where it came from and who baked it.
Regulation provides the protections these concerned mothers want. It is sad to me that they are not clear on the havoc prohibition wreaks upon society. I also think it is unfortunate that they don’t seem to understand that people ages 21 and over are not children, that they don’t need help making decisions about what to put into their own bodies from people who are not their parents or guardians.
Also we gauge the discussion to be age appropriate. For example, my 15-year-old, science-minded son, wanted details about how the cannabinoids move through our body and affect our brain. I found many fantastic teaching tools available from university’s around the country.
How to you handle explaining the difference between your own understanding of marijuana and its uses and the way the world at large treats marijuana? There will always be judgment by people who do not truly understand cannabis. I teach my kids to ignore the “haters” and focus on the truth
If they are really concerned about smarter approaches, they might want to focus more on the obscene amount of exposure to the danger of pharmaceutical prescriptions that are much more dangerous than cannabis will ever be - because it is not dangerous at all. Between 2001 and 2008, pediatric emergency room visits due to prescription exposures increased 30 percent, while the rate of hospitalizations increased 36 percent. Their focus is misdirected but I hope for our sake and theirs that they understand that the black market does not test cannabis for quality -- molds, pesticides, while a regulated system does. Also, the likelihood of children being exposed to hard drugs is higher in an unregulated market because typically, dealers don’t just distribute cannabis but harder substances including illegal pharmaceuticals, heroin, etc., and they most certainly do not card I.D. to see if they are adults or not. What was your own mother’s attitude toward marijuana and what have you learned from this? My mother passed away in 1990 when I was 13 but I seem to recall she was very open-minded about cannabis. She was also from Thailand and the ethnic refugee Hmong tribes have used hemp as a textile fiber to manufacture clothing and accessories. My attitude towards cannabis
thcmag.com 39
that is cannabis. It seems as though a lot of the opposition to marijuana here in Colorado is coming from mothers claiming the need to protect their children. What are your thoughts on this as a mother? As a mother, it is my responsibility to keep my kids safe. It is not up to any teacher, industry or government to teach my children. I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could about cannabis and have passed on that information as my kids were old enough to understand and now appreciate. Parents who expect an industry to keep their own kids safe are lazy and ignorant. What was your own mother’s attitude toward marijuana and what have you learned from this? Marijuana was just not really discussed back in the ‘80s when I was a teenager. My mother was blissfully unaware of marijuana and its availability. I have taken the opposite approach and talk about marijuana, sex, alcohol and sugar consumption constantly. FYI, I consider marijuana to be less harmful than alcohol, sex, and sugar.
Amalia Janisch Cannapunch
marijuana is my prescription taken when I’m in pain and that it helps me in every way possible, from relief physically to emotional stability. How to you handle explaining the difference between your own understanding of marijuana and its uses and the way the world at large treats marijuana? She understands some of the populace views marijuana to be something that is bad for you and they don’t agree with its use. If treated as a drug, it will be considered a drug. Her exposure to the fact marijuana is used responsibly shows her a different viewpoint than that of an uneducated child. It seems as though a lot of the opposition to marijuana here in Colorado is coming from mothers claiming the need to protect their children. What are your thoughts on this as a mother? I choose to not keep my child in the naive perspective of most parents when it comes to the topic of marijuana. There is nothing about its responsible use that she needs to be “protected” from. She has been raised with the fact it is used to aid and assist in the benefit of my health and not with the view it is something to be fearful of. Educating our next generation is going to be the most beneficial thing we can do for them. Children are exposed to everything in the world as one point or another. I would rather my child learn from me its responsible use than finding my marijuana with her friends and stealing it from me when she is in her adolescence. What was your own mother’s attitude toward marijuana and what have you learned from this? Four years ago, my parents found my pipe and told me “smoking pot is no better than smoking crack.” After all my holistic research for my pain and finding marijuana was the best for my ailments, I couldn’t believe they would have this viewpoint. They saw the years in the hospital and the many regimens of pills I was advised to take everyday and that none of it helped. Education is the greatest benefit you could ever give to anyone. After years of proof and education, they have come to the point of using topicals for their physical needs and hemp as a source of fiber. I have learned it is never too late to be able to educate someone on the benefits of marijuana in one’s life. Happy Mother’s Day ladies, and thanks for showing us all that being a good mother and a cannabis lover aren’t mutually exclusive. Hopefully, vocal moms like the ones we’ve featured here will help everyone else understand this simple truth. There are lots more examples out there, so let the cannabis friendly mom in your life know how special she is this Mother’s Day.
How do you discuss the use of marijuana with your children, both your own and potentially theirs? My daughter is 9-years-old and I have always spoken to her about marijuana in the capacity that it’s my medicine. She understands that marijuana assists me greatly in being able to assuage my pain and relieving it to a manageable degree. She has never stated that she wants to use when she gets older, and I have never suggested it. To her,
40 May 2014
happy mother’s day!
Love , The Hemp Connoisseur
Blank Stares To Loving Hugs A Mother’s Day Story Worth Sharing by THC Magazine
Chrissy Hetrick-Leonard is a mother of three and a nurse. Her fulltime job is caring for her oldest child, an 11-year-old girl with multiple health challenges.
“Within the first week, I saw her come out of almost like a closet,” Chrissy says. “I got eye contact, direct smiles at me … The improvement after six months is mind blowing.”
Those challenges are daunting and include Cornelia de Lang Syndrome, Dandy Walker Syndrome, autism, epileptic seizures, hip dysplasia, and other maladies.
Chrissy developed a wall board to assist in communicating with her daughter. After months talking through pictures, by hitting a button for audio descriptions of the picture, to now walking up to the board and indicating her desire to say something, her daughter is alive as never before.
“It’s hard having an oldest child with a laundry list of ailments,” Chrissy says, sharing the trauma experienced by untold parents in similar situations.
And Tehya no longer babbles “mama,” she calls her mother “mama” with a purpose.
Tehya is learning to communicate using an eye-tracking device called Tobii, which will give her the ability to control her environment for the first time.
“Her seizures six months ago were not very controlled, resulting in paralysis of her body,” she says, adding that her reason for trying alternative medicine was that, quite simply, traditional medicine wasn’t working. Chrissy emotionally recalls the blank stares and lack of eye contact from Tehya, her daughter. “The seizures were very hard on her body, to the point of breaking bones.” In addition to the “shot in the dark” and ineffective mainstream treatments, tests confirmed that her daughter’s cognitive abilities were generally that of a 2-year-old. After years of frustration with pharmaceutical drugs and conventional therapies, Chrissy turned to RiverRock Wellness and Tony Verzura’s proprietary program called A.C.T. Now. RiverRock’s Verzura has been assertively promoting cannabis as superior medicine, but did it do anything for Chrissy’s daughter? Do you believe in miracles? The A.C.T. Now program has nearly eliminated the seizures suffered by Chrissy’s daughter, which are at most one per month. It has improved her cognitive function test results by 200 percent, and reduced her paralysis by 80 to 90 percent. She no longer uses any pharmaceutical drugs.
For 11 years, Chrissy’s daughter wouldn’t hug her. She does now. “All I’m waiting for are those ‘I Love You’ words,” she says, holding back tears. “Then I’ll be complete.” This amazing result was achieved within five months utilizing the full spectrum of cannabinoids. It may have not been possible if she had been restricted to CBD-only medication. Since 2009, RiverRock Wellness has successfully served over 15,000 patients per year, and currently cultivate hundreds of medical grade cannabis strains, including more than 15 unique CBD dominant varieties. Verzura’s proprietary full spectrum cannabinoid program A.C.T. Now currently manages over 200 sponsored patients suffering from: chronic pain, drug abuse, inflammation, glaucoma, PTSD, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s Disease, seizures, epilepsy, paralysis, autoimmune, autism, tumors, HIV/ AIDS, and many types of cancer (or multiple types of cancer) as well. The A.C.T Now Program is not an approved FDA treatment for cancer.
Patient Story Sponsored by:
thcmag.com 41
Hands On This Info Cannabis Can Enhance Intimacy by Erin Hiatt
Couples since the dawn of time have been searching for ways to make love stay and aphrodisiacs have had a role in love stories. In fact, you could go to the grocery store now and fill your cart full of them, but chocolate, pretty much anything that smells like pumpkin pie, and oysters are the most wellknown. Ancient Romans documented using oysters as aphrodisiacs in the second century AD. High in zinc, they have been associated with improving a man’s sexual potency, but you’d have to eat a lot of oysters. If you took a trip to the bookstore you could pick up the “Kama Sutra,” probably the best known guide to sex and intimacy but more than 500 years old. Modern couples might be curious about Ecstasy, known for its tactile electricity, or cocaine for its ego enhancing king-of-the world qualities. Alcohol, the most available drug of choice, will ease inhibitions and likely make you more open to flirtations leading to a sexual experience. But they all have a problematic downside, negatively affecting sexual performance. They may get you in the bedroom but often don’t finish the job. And as for intimacy the bonds of friendship - forget it. Cannabis, however, may lower your inhibitions like alcohol without the next-day hangover, and enhance your pleasure, but gently, unlike molly or cocaine. And it could enhance your relationship outside of the bedroom. Intimacy is a big word, encompassing many qualities of healthy relationships; availability, openness, and willingness to explore, to name a few. Dr. Randi Smith is a licensed psychologist and professor working in the Denver area, and she sees a lot of couples that come into
42 May 2014
a
her practice looking to enhance their intimate relationships. When asked about cannabis, she explains that “there can be an enhanced physical pleasure for one or both of them that could heighten their physical experience and their intimate connection.” Psychedeliclibrary.org tells us that “marijuana is not an aphrodisiac. There is no chemical evidence that marijuana produces an increase in sexual desire. For most smokers, marijuana can and does increase sexual pleasure.” Marijuana may slow down the awareness of passing time, magnify pleasant sensations and intensify colors, sounds, and create a sense of well-being. How could all of that not be good for enhancing intimacy? The research on cannabis enhancing intimacy and sex is a very mixed bag. There hasn’t been a lot done and with the many strains that could be used, well, it’s tough to find a sure-fire recipe, where like fine wine, you may find one to up your sexual game. Marco and Alana have a home that feels lived-in, and you can tell they have two young daughters, both by the childlike artwork on the walls and the tiny Lala Oppsie dolls strewn across the floor. The cushioned ottoman in the living room sits slightly atilt because Marco and Alana don’t want to invest in new furniture until the girls are old enough to stop tearing the place apart. But that crooked ottoman serves as an excellent footrest, because after those little girls go to bed, they will put their feet on it, lean back, and smoke a bowl.
user habits are very compatible and very much part of their couple’s routine. Most days they have been stoned together. They even have hanging on their tiny pantry door a shoe organizer that holds all their munch candy. They make a special to trip to Costco to buy their goodies in bulk. Bryan says, “If we have the day off we’ll smoke first thing in the morning before coffee. But if we have to work, we wait until the afternoon or try to make it to 4:20 before we smoke. I get the best I can buy, one that will give really intense body highs or really incredible mental moments.”
“There can be an enhanced physical pleasure for one or both of them that could heighten their physical experience and their intimate connection.”
Marco and Alana didn’t have time to really get to know each other before they had their oldest daughter. Alana laughs as she explains their marijuana use together, saying “I got pregnant like the second day I met Marco. It’s fun because we never had that chance to be a couple before we had kids. We can be silly and fun and kind of carefree.” Both of them are longtime cannabis users. Marco stumbled on his dad’s stash when he was 15 and ironically, knew just what to do with the joint because he had learned about marijuana from the DARE programs in school. Alana didn’t use pot until college, and she loved how it made her feel relaxed and chilled out. Now she waits for Marco to get home from work so they can use together. Marco notices that they feel a closer connection and “definitely joke around and humor each other more.” Alana, who has a tendency to get giggly and relaxed when she uses, notices that Marco can sometimes be introverted, inwardly focused and daydreamy. Cannabis works well for them. But an inward turn, Dr. Smith says, can be a problem for intimacy, especially when one partner is a regular user and the other isn’t and finds marijuana use objectionable or obtrusive. “One partner thinks, ‘My husband or my boyfriend is so busy smoking pot and sometimes we have great sex but he’s just checked out,’ or ‘I don’t feel like I have his entire attention or he turns inward and gets hungry and stupid and so therefore I don’t want to be with them [sic].’” Bryan and Jacob have been together for 16 years and live in a New York City apartment overlooking the Madison Avenue Bridge. Their
Jacob once quit cannabis use to get a job, and Bryan had to stop for a few months while under the care of a psychologist who prescribed antidepressants. During that time, they both continued to use out of each other’s company. They noticed a relationship disconnection, fighting more often and spending less time together. Bryan chose to walk away from psychological care, preferring to stick with cannabis, not only because of the pills’ negative effects on his sexual performance but because he believed that the pills were affecting his ability to connect with Jacob. He feels that marijuana “allows me to be in present in the moment and everything’s nicer.” Jacob agrees. “You forget about all the worries and all your daily troubles with the bills and it helps you connect with someone. You can let go of your brain.”
Intimacy and sexual fulfillment depend upon a person’s willingness to make compromises about their need to control a situation. Marijuana may be useful to people who have difficulty letting go of fixed ideas, when the logistics of living a life together can overwhelm the spirit of the initial partnership. Like any repetitive behavior such as video games, watching too much television, or the Internet, too much cannabis can disrupt intimate patterns if use occurs at the expense of more partneroriented activities. Alana does admit that if she “was putting the kids to bed and he was downstairs ripping a bong, it would be a problem.” But overall, both couples wholeheartedly agree that when on the same page, cannabis use only adds to their relationships, both sexually and emotionally. If a couple decides together that they want to include cannabis in enhancing their intimacy, Dr. Smith has a few words of advice. “I would recommend that they start off slowly and caution against edibles, which seems to be causing lots of problems because people ingest and don’t really know how much they’re taking before it’s too late.” Jacob and Bryan wish that they lived in Colorado so they could go to a marijuana retail store to buy marijuana. Perhaps you may want to take advantage of your resources and have a date night! Find and create your own intimacy mix. Turn off the phones and take an open and loving journey together, wherever that road may lead.
aeaeaeaeaeaeaeae thcmag.com 43
Denver’s 4/20 Feel Breathing In The Nation’s 1st Legal Marijuana Holiday by DJ Reetz
On a sunny April Sunday in Denver, the city is electric. A certain invisible energy pulses through the streets, an excitement shared by the bustling citizenry. The weather is cooperating too, the promise of afternoon rainstorms is only present in the fluffy white clouds that hang in the crystal blue sky. It’s no ordinary day. It’s Easter, and the magic of the resurrection of Christ is felt by all. Only joking. This particularly beautiful day carries its own magic, separate from the Christian celebration. It’s 4/20 in the first city in the country that has fully legalized the use and sale of marijuana, and the excitement is tangible. In the city center, groups of excited young people march hurriedly toward their destinations, any number of events around Denver; concerts, gatherings, festivals, medical and adult-use dispensaries having blowout sales. It’s hard to tell where they are headed, but the hopeful jubilance is apparent in their friendly nature. Today, we are united in a monumental victory of reason. More than other days, displays of the vibrant C of the state flag are present, every one a statement as clear as the image of the cannabis leaf adorned on some of them. At Civic Center Park, in the confluence of the city’s business and government buildings, the traditional Denver gathering is commencing. Here, among the pink and white flowers of the park’s crab apple trees, between the state capitol and Denver city and county building, a festival is taking place. Fences have gone up, cordoning off the park and the adjacent 14th avenue. The walkways in the park are lined with booths, some promoting smokewear, some selling food, some even offering official 4/20 rally merchandise. In the amphitheater a DJ spins tracks varying from smoked-out hip hop to reggae as the crowd awaits the next performance on the outdoor stage at the west end. In the diverse crowd, stereotypical hippies in tie-dye and dreadlocks mix
44 May 2014
with the skaters, and hip-hoppers in fitted caps. Tattoo sporting hipsters mix with plain-looking yuppies. Young people thrilled that their first experience with the electoral process has allowed for this day mingle with the grizzled vets who’ve smoked their way through several decades. An elderly man with a cane strolls through the park to a thumping dub beat, while young artists ply their craft on the grass. Some people even dare to bring their children. The event has shed the subversive feel of years past. What once was a counter-culture protest, flouting the law in civil disobedience, has become an event that welcomes families, promotes safety and order, and in all honesty feels a lot more like the People’s Fair, Taste of Colorado, or one of the other events that periodically claims the space than it does a scene of protest. Last year’s event was marred by the stark reality that a gathering like this isn’t without its idiots. When gunshots rang out in Civic Center Park it seemed as though the 4/20 rally might be done. Critics of marijuana got what they were hoping for, evidence that marijuana brings with it violence and chaos. But this year’s rally is taking no chances. At all entry points to the park officials pat down attendees, looking for weapons. Moving through the crowd are militarized security personnel in bulky body armor. At the parks’ center a scaffold has been raised, and perched on top are several of these 4/20 commandos, surveying the haze with binoculars as they search for potential troublemakers. Outside of the gates, police officers wait eagerly to ticket those foolish enough to try and light up outside of the designated area. For the most part, festival goers respected this uneasy truce and kept their revelry to defined areas. At the stroke of 4:20, a call goes out and the great, unified burn begins. A cloud of smoke rises across the park, so large it can be seen from blocks away. With a collective cheer the crowd led by rapper B.O.B. breathes deeply this moment of freedom. The first legitimate 4/20 rally.
thcmag.com 45
CAftera100nYears nOfaThreads, b i sWe’reCStilluWeaving l t The ur e Fabric by THC staff - Contributors to this article include, in order, Skyler Cannabaceae, Rick Macey, Scott Rappold, and DJ Reetz.
When people think about the 1920s and 30s, they tend to think of their grandparents living through the Great Depression, and alcohol prohibition. It was also the start of the war against cannabis. This was the calm before a storm calling itself the “Drug War.” States passed their own laws banning the substance. By the end of the 1930s, alcohol was once again legal, and the journey of cannabis culture in America had been born with the Harlem jazz scene.
who did not like the influx of Mexican immigrants. Cannabis culture in the ‘20s and ‘30s was mostly confined to jazz and other artists’ scenes in big cities. Anslinger and his FBN played on - and created - the fears of rural Americans. The FBN produced materials showing how harmful marijuana was to the masses. After the over-the-top propaganda film “Reefer Madness” came out in 1936, “The Marihuana Tax Act” was passed, requiring a stamp for production or sale. The government refused to provide the stamp. So the new cannabis culture was driven underground, supported by great music, but lacking a voice in American society. Enter the beatniks. The marijuana-fueled beatniks of the 1950s started out as a post-war New York City phenomenon before the movement put down its intellectual roots in San Francisco at Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s City Lights, the nation’s first all paper-bound bookstore.
Louis Armstrong rose to popularity and crossed over at a time when race was an issue. Jazz musicians, especially Armstrong, were known for their love of cannabis, which would not only relax them, but enhance their creativity. Armstrong made no effort to hide his love of cannabis, even after being arrested for possession outside the Cotton Club in Culver City, CA in 1930, the same year that the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN) was created. “Pops,” as Armstrong was affectionately known, was known to smoke cannabis before performing. “It makes you feel good, man.” Armstrong said. “It relaxes you, makes you forget all the bad things that happen to a Negro. It makes you feel wanted, and when you’re with another tea smoker it makes you feel a special kinship.” Twenty years later, Armstrong made similar arguments to thenpresident Dwight Eisenhower in an open letter. Armstrong and other members of the jazz scene enjoyed using cannabis during the ‘20s for their creative process or just to relax. Many other regular citizens, not only fans of jazz, consumed as well. This new culture precipitated a federal intervention, which grossly distorted the danger of marijuana while creating the life-destroying disease of cannabis prohibition. Harry Anslinger was the first head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and an ambitious politician. He made a name for himself by demonizing marijuana with a lot of support from xenophobic people
46 May 2014
Bohemian, counter culture, and rather narcissistic, beatniks shunned mainstream America while not quite disavowing its benefits and potential. Beatniks influenced our culture by making it a point to disapprove of it. Think of beatniks and the names Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg usually surface. In this writer’s opinion, that’s cool, but there’s an intellectual entrepreneur of free thought who towers above those guys. Ferlinghetti is best known for standing trial on obscenity charges for publishing “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg in 1956. However, his own poetry, especially the books “Pictures of a Gone World,” and my favorite, “A Coney Island of the Mind,” are without equal in literary circles influenced by cannabis. So let’s get to it and publish some quotes. “I Am Waiting” - A Coney Island of the Mind “I am waiting for the war to be fought which will make the world safe for anarchy” “I am awaiting perpetually and forever a renaissance of wonder”
Also from that book: “In the true mad north of introspection, where ‘falcons of the inner eye’ dive and die, glimpsing in their dying fall, all life’s memory of existence.” Ferlinghetti was influenced by Henry Miller. Intimate relationships, often coarse and sometimes meaningful. From “Pictures of a Gone World” “It was a face which darkness could kill in an instant a face as easily hurt by laughter or light ‘We think differently at night’ she told me once lying back languidly And she would quote Cocteau ‘I feel there is an angel in me’ she’d say ‘whom I am constantly shocking’ Then she would smile and look away light a cigarette for me sigh and rise and stretch her sweet anatomy let fall a stocking” Finally, but not least is Ferlinghetti’s insight into politics: “Pity the nation whose people are sheep, and whose shepherds mislead them. Pity the nation whose leaders are liars, whose sages are silenced, and whose bigots haunt the airwaves. Pity the nation that raises not its voice, except to praise conquerors and acclaim the bully as hero and aims to rule the world with force and by torture. Pity the nation that knows no other language but its own and no other culture but its own. Pity the nation whose breath is money and sleeps the sleep of the too well fed. Pity the nation — oh, pity the people who allow their rights to erode and their freedoms to be washed away. My country, tears of thee, sweet land of liberty.” As Ferlinghetti said, “If you’re too open-minded, your brains will fall out.” Hunter S. Thompson said, “San Francisco in the middle ‘60s was a very special time and place to be a part of. Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run, but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world.” How to sum up the hippie era, the 1960s and early 1970s, when
marijuana finally went mainstream? How does one explain how cannabis culture became popular culture, how this forbidden weed helped to energize an entire generation to embrace peace, free love, political action and rock and roll? I turn to my inspiration to become a journalist, The Good Doctor, Colorado’s own Hunter S. Thompson. Many writers have tried, then and now, to explain what it all meant, when a generation rose up against the old ways, when marijuana use and support for legalization reached a zenith not matched until, well, now. Thompson, who committed suicide at his home near Aspen in 2005, was there when it began, an observer and active participant in the marijuana- and LSD-fueled counterculture explosion that spread from San Francisco to the entire country. Marijuana was not the impetus. But it found a receptive audience among a listless generation, fed up with straight-laced society, outraged over the war in Vietnam and racial injustice in the South. People were in search of a new way of thinking, and getting high, the euphoria, camaraderie and empathy for others, provided that. In his literary masterpiece, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” memories of the ‘60s are intertwined with a bawdy tale of drugaddled misadventures in Las Vegas. Recalled Thompson, “No matter which way I went I would come to a place where people were just as high and wild as I was.” But I quote Thompson not just because he was there for this magical time, when “there was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning.” He, more so than any other writer, also chronicled its downfall, when the movement collapsed under its own excesses. He wrote of “all those pathetically eager acid freaks who thought they could buy Peace and Understanding for three bucks a hit.” The war dragged on. San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, ground zero of the movement, became a dangerous ghetto. Street kids who had started on marijuana were hooked on heroin. “’Consciousness expansion’ went out with LBJ … and it is worth noting, historically,
thcmag.com 47
that downers came in with Nixon,” he wrote. In the 1970s, popular culture adopted the style and music of the hippies, but not the peace and love. It also adopted the marijuana. According to Gallup, 12 percent of Americans reported having tried marijuana in 1973. The number was doubled by 1977. President Jimmy Carter even spoke out in favor of legalization. Thompson, meanwhile, became a counter-culture icon of his own, running unsuccessfully for Pitkin County sheriff in 1970 on the “Freak Power” ticket. He remained a prolific writer – and consumer of substances of all sorts – for decades. I smile when I imagine what he would think of Colorado today, with marijuana stores lining city streets, selling the most potent buds known to man. Despite his cynicism about the ‘60s, he remained a fan of the plant that helped inspire it all. “I have always loved marijuana. It has been a source of joy and comfort to me for many years. And I still think of it as a basic staple of life, along with beer and ice and grapefruits - and millions of Americans agree with me.” The next decade saw the Drug War get into high gear. The ‘80s was a particularly rough time for cannabis, and drug culture in general. Following the crackdown of the Nixon years, marijuana had gained a bit of a bad rap and the scheduling to go along with it. The decade saw the rise of the hard-lined attitudes of neoconservatives in the form of Ronald Reagan, most assuredly a reaction to the perceived (if somewhat unfair) lackadaisicalness of the Carter administration. But the resurgence of good ol’ American values wasn’t the only thing rising in the ‘80s. Among other things, the decade saw two other important cultural developments; the rise of crack cocaine, and the emergence of hip hop and rap music into the commercial arena.
the communities that were feeling the greatest burden, meant that marijuana’s place in music was tenuous. Unfortunately, cannabis was often lumped into the same bulk category as crack and rolled into the collective terror.
Where is cannabis in this equation?
Much of the emerging music fluctuated between light-hearted party anthems and bleak portraits of life in the ghetto. The increasingly desolate urban landscape was working its way into more and more of rap music, moving the genre from the disco-inspired acts of the late ‘70s like Sugar Hill Gang to the more hard-edged acts like Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five. With some exceptions, the mentions of drugs were mostly directed at cocaine and crack.
This confluence of factors, the rise of a drug epidemic, the will of conservatives to push back, and a genre of music that was rooted in
But that changed in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s with the emergence of gangsta rap as a subgenre. Rap pioneers N.W.A. punched America in the face with their “just don’t give a f*ck” attitude, an attitude that included openly admitting to use of marijuana. This culminated in the release of Dr. Dre’s 1992 solo debut “The Chronic.” This album may be the single most important moment in the fusion between rap music and marijuana, featuring cover art modeled after a Zig-Zag package and the first notable appearance of Snoop Dogg, who has since gone on to be one of hip hop’s most visible weed smokers. With these developments, marijuana became indelibly tied to the outlaw culture of rap music, a trend that continues. Legends like Tupac, Biggie Smalls, Bone Thugz n Harmony, and many others spoke openly about their use of marijuana in lyrics and in interviews, all paving the way for a genre-wide acceptance and even promotion of marijuana in hip hop. From the Jazz Era to Beat to hippie to rap, marijuana culture is woven in threads, and together, we’re still making the fabric.
48 May 2014
THERE’S A HEALTHIER
WAY TO SMOKE
N
IN
HA
NT I F
S
IE
IC
SC
Scientific Inhalations has developed a breakthrough filtration technology that filters out the majority of toxins and chemicals you normally inhale, while still maintaining the potency of your smoke.
L A T IO
530.274.3710 | www.SIpipes.com
thcmag.com 49
Know Your Dose Mandatory Cannabis Testing Is Here by Skyler Cannabaceae
“I had no idea that was something that people were into, something that people wanted,” says Nate Tuesday, the owner and Lab Director for CB1 Analytics, a Denver-based testing lab. He watched a cannabis documentary that showed people bringing cannabis to a lab for testing and it caught his attention. “I knew that was what I was going to do with the rest of my life and within six weeks I was in Denver,” he says. When the 27-year-old Tuesday moved to Colorado last July, after 10 years of lab work in Texas, all cannabis testing was voluntary. Most of the work he has been picking up relates to research and development, he says, rather than for marketing purposes. With changes to retail marijuana regulations coming down the pike requiring testing for potency and safety, business is likely to pick up. On April 25, the Director of the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED), Lewis Koski, issued a memo to the retail cannabis industry. The letter advised that as of May 1, retail cannabis products must now be tested for potency before sale. Other testing requirements are on the way and expected to take effect in October. Tuesday is ready for the extra business. He admits to a love of cannabis, but points out that he is a scientist first with a degree in neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. He believes this gives him an advantage over other labs. Now he expects that more labs will be popping up in the state due to the demand created by Colorado’s retail cannabis testing requirements.
Because cannabis testing available to the public is a relatively new concept, there is no overseeing body to decide what types of testing are allowed and what the deviations in the testing should be. CB1 solves this problem by following the guidelines designed by the United Nations for testing similar kinds of substances. Tuesday says this gives clients more standard and reliable results.
...as of May 1, retail cannabis products must now be tested for potency before sale.
Tuesday emphasizes the quality controls he has in place when he speaks with his clients. He feels this is what sets him apart from other labs. To keep everything out in the open, he allows his clients a number of “blind audits” to make sure his CB1 results are accurate. “Once every six months, they are allowed to show up, unannounced, and just have a sample of known concentration where they already know what the results should be and that way they can test us.” Tuesday says this helps to put his clients at ease since there are no regulation
50 May 2014
guidelines yet for these tests.
Tuesday highlighted the human error side of testing as well. Recent independent testing by Steep Hill Labs of 13 samples of cannabis-infused edibles resulted in a highly variable amount of THC compared to what was advertised. Most were lower on THC, but some were even higher than advertised. This raises concerns at the MED about people accidentally overmedicating. As the cannabis industry keeps growing, Tuesday sees many opportunities for the ancillary businesses, testing labs among them. A recent job fair in Denver called CannaSearch boasted 15 different companies who made a combined total of 130 job offers that day. Cannabis testing labs are not very common right now due to the tricky situation of handling a federallyillegal substance, but Tuesday expects others to get in on it as cannabis gains more legitimacy. He’s not worried about the competition. About the testing methodology
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the method used to test many cannabis samples. If you ever had a change sorter, that gives you insight into the basic method of separating compounds. By separating the target compounds (CBD, CBN, THC, THCA & CBDA), scientists are able to find out the concentration of each compound both individually and as total cannabinoids by adding them up.
thcmag.com 51
Hot Spots
Berkley Is Another Rising Denver Neighborhood
by DJ Reetz
On the northwestern edge of the city of Denver you will find yet another of the city’s rising neighborhoods. Those who have spent their childhood in the metro area will no doubt be familiar with the neighborhood of Berkley, bound on the west side by Lakeside Amusement Park and on the south by what was long ago the location of Elitch Gardens. What was once the undisputed amusement park district of Denver, Berkley now has a different feel. These days, the humble bungalows that have stood in the area for the better part of a century sit next to the colorful, straight lines of contemporary townhomes. The neighborhood might not be the thriving carnival it once was, but it’s hard not to feel the potential here. Although the neighborhood stretches along 38th Avenue from Federal Boulevard to Sheridan Ave., the centerpiece is probably the Tennyson business corridor. Here you’ll find an interesting selection of shops and restaurants, hair salons, athletic stores, and gift shops selling all manner of décor. On the restaurant scene you’ll definitely want to check out Hops & Pie, though these days getting a table at this craft beer taproom and specialty pizza shop during peak hours may require a bit of patience. Across the street, you’ll find Axios offering up traditional and contemporary Greek fare. Continue north up Tennyson and you’ll run into Big Hoss BBQ, a great spot to go if you’ve got the munchies, though you may make such a mess you’ll need a shower afterward. Offering up a casual Italian experience is Parisi on the corner of 44th and Tennyson, which has been a staple of the area. Visitors can find spots for brunch on a Saturday morning or an ice cream shop to cool down at after a hot day, and along 38th Avenue there are a number of authentic Mexican food places operated by authentic Mexicans. There are plenty of places to spend a night out on the town as well. Readers of this magazine will want to check out the West End Tap house for its outstanding beer selection, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, and hassle-free patio out back. People looking for a more traditional spot might want to check out Patrick Carroll’s Pub right up the street. There’s also Book Bar, where you can grab a glass of wine while you peruse its library. For those who don’t want to leave their canine companions at the door, The Bark Bar offers drinks and an outdoor dog area at 38th and Raleigh. There’s also El Chapultepec Too, and any number of dives that still hold onto the old feel of the area along 38th.
52 May 2014
Unfortunately, the dispensary scene here isn’t as bountiful as some other parts of town. While there are currently no options for adult-use shops in Berkley, there are a limited number of medical shops. 420 Wellness has a shop offering a wide selection of strains on a three-tiered price system. Sweet Leaf Dispensary at 38th and Zenobia is another great choice, offering a nice selection served up by a friendly staff. For a funkier, boutique experience you can stop into Berkley MMC at 42nd and Sheridan, or At Home Remedies at 38th and Wolff, which have a momand-pop atmosphere. The list of things to do and cool places to check out in Berkley is too long for this short write-up. A sunny afternoon can be an excuse for a puff as you walk around one of the two lakes in Berkley, maybe followed by a trip to the Fish Den on West 44th to check out its massive selection of aquariums filled with exotic fish. Or perhaps a game of ping-pong on the concrete tables at César Chåvez Park after leaving a show at the Oriental Theater just up the street at 44th and Tennyson. It’s an interesting place that’s got no shortage of interesting businesses, but you’ll just have to find out for yourself.
Blazing a trail isn’t easy. But you don’t have to go at it alone.
The National Cannabis Industry Association is the only national trade association dedicated to representing legitimate cannabis businesses, from medical marijuana providers to ancillary products and services. Our mission is simple: Change federal law so that cannabis businesses can be treated like any other industry in the U.S. Is your business part of the solution yet?
Join NCIA today for... • Unified and coordinated industry advocacy • Educational events and B2B networking • Industry legitimization • Exposure to a national market If you share our vision for a responsible, legitimate, and prosperous industry, get involved today at TheCannabisIndustry.org or by calling (888) 683-5650.
thcmag.com 53
If Cannabis Makes You Stupid... How Do You Explain These Nerds? by DJ Reetz
Marijuana makes you stupid and lazy, or so “they” say. A key argument made by prohibitionists that persists today relies upon this prejudiced ethos. The ubiquitous perception that everyone who uses marijuana ends up slouched on the couch, blearyeyed, watching sophomoric comedies as life passes them by, this canard seems to be ingrained in society’s perception of chronic use of the chronic. But maybe, just maybe, there are some exceptions. Perhaps that stereotype is not even valid at all. People that use marijuana who are still on the upper cusp of mental function, who are in fact successful beyond dispute, whose lives and careers surpass the simpleminded prohibitionists who seek every opportunity to avoid any serious contemplation of their existence; perhaps these people do exist. What about the President of the United States? Toking in high school and college apparently didn’t impair Barack Obama’s rise to the pinnacle of politics. What of Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin empire? And shall we mention Colorado’s own Dr. Robert Melamede? Dr. Bob is one of the world’s foremost authorities on medicinal cannabis. In this spirit, we here at THC have compiled a brief list of other high-functioning nerds that use, or at least support, the use or legalization of marijuana.
Rick Steves
A renowned world traveler and travel expert, Rick Steves has built an empire out of his passion for exploration and wisdom. While Steves has an encyclopedic knowledge of world travel, he is also a persistent advocate for marijuana legalization. Steves – a board member of NORML and a regular speaker at Seattle’s Hemp Fest – is an impassioned advocate for the reform of drug laws, preferring the European approach of dealing with controlled substances as a public health matter rather than a criminal one. In 2012, Steves told the LA Weekly: “Marijuana refreshes your perspective and allows you to see things in a different way. It’s humbled me about my ability to really appreciate things. When you’re not high, it reminds you that there might be more to appreciate about something than you’re seeing, hearing or tasting.” So what makes Steves a nerd? Well, anyone whose knowledge of anything can be described as encyclopedic probably fits the bill. Besides, just look at the guy.
Carl Sagan
The original Alpha Nerd, Carl Sagan has set more minds adrift on a sea of wonder than possibly any other single person in history thanks to his television series “Cosmos.” A legendary advocate of human understanding, Sagan held a PhD in both astrophysics and astronomy from the University of Chicago. With rock-solid credentials like these it’s easy to categorize Sagan as a nerd. A little more mysterious is Sagan’s use of marijuana. Sagan had extensive knowledge of the plant through his own use, and credits cannabis with awakening a deeper understanding of our universe. In 1969, Sagan penned an essay under the pseudonym Mr. X, concluding that “the illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an
54 May 2014
impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly dangerous world.” Unfortunately, Sagan felt his views would ostracize him among his scientific peers and he largely kept these views to himself until later in life. Who knows what effect this towering intellect could have had on the prohibitionist’s argument had he been openly advocating marijuana use throughout his career. Seth MacFarlane The creator of “Family Guy” and its many spinoffs, MacFarlane is no stranger to marijuana (though he has claimed to no longer be using it.) Evidence of MacFarlane’s attitude toward marijuana is woven throughout “Family Guy,” perhaps most quotably in the catchy tune “A Bag of Weed” from the series’ 4/20 episode in season seven. The song features the family’s intellectual dog belting out a jaunty tune advocating the legalization of marijuana. Additionally, MacFarlane is featured among the Marijuana Policy Project’s list of 50 most influential marijuana users for 2013, earning him a definitive spot on this list. So MacFarlane’s weed credentials are in order, how about his nerdom? A guy who has the gravitas to release a completely non-satirical album of oldschool crooning is way too cool to be considered a nerd, right? Perhaps not. MacFarlane’s nerd status is confirmed by his undeniable reputation as a Star Wars fanboy. He’s even gone so far as to create three hourlong sendups of the classic series using his Family Guy characters, often highlighting many of the gripes held by longstanding Star Wars nerds. Oh yeah, did we mention he is the executive producer of the new “Cosmos” series? Don’t let his silkysmooth exterior fool you, MacFarlane is a nerd at heart, and one who appreciates marijuana at that. Neil deGrasse Tyson Ok, disclaimer time: Neil deGrasse Tyson has never publicly advocated or admitted to marijuana use. In fact he has been on record decrying the negative effects of conscious altering substances as a pathway to understanding. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin the wild speculation that is such a hallmark of modern journalism. With a mind like a hammer that cracks rocks of ignorance and a persona that makes learning as enticing as tipping back a cold Colt 45, Mr. “Da Grass” really is the Billy Dee Williams of astrophysics. Recently, a video of Tyson slowed down so as to appear stoned has been circulating the Web. While this video is clearly altered for the sake of humor, what is telling is Tyson’s reaction to the video. Instead of shunning the video, Tyson has shown a certain appreciation for it, clearly finding the humor in the speculation that he gets stoned rather than trying to distance himself from it. Tyson now helms the resurrected “Cosmos” series (quite a staple on this list, I know) and in a recent episode he went out of his way to mention that Robert Hooke (discoverer of the cell) experimented with cannabis and found no reason to fear it – a fact that was not at all necessary to the episode. Additionally, Tyson
consistently advocates for reason and understanding to be the guiding forces behind our civilization, a stance that would seem not to allow for the prohibition of marijuana.
It is rumored (and confirmed in at least one biographical account) that Gates used marijuana in college, and his support for the legalization of weed in his home state of Washington is no secret.
On an even more speculative note, those interested in seeing what Tyson might actually be like stoned should consider watching the documentary “Apocalypse How” which features a red-eyed Tyson throwing out an oddly spirited rant about the ease of the cosmic destruction of all life on Earth.
MC Chris A bit of an underground sensation in certain circles, MC Chris is one of the founding rappers of a genre known as nerd-core. Known for raps from the perspective of Batman and Bobba Fett, MC Chris doesn’t shy away from his nerd persona. The high-voiced MC even has a recurring role on the Adult Swim series “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” as an oftenresurrected evil spirit that uses rap music as a method of snaring unsuspecting listeners in his machinations.
Seth Green Some people may recognize Seth Green from his rolls in the Austin Powers films or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The guy has consistently been typecast as the outsider and nerd, and in every one of these roles he seems to fit right in. Green is such a nerd that he’s even made a long-standing television show out of his love of action figures, a show that is consistently among the highest-rated on Cartoon Network. For those not in the know, “Robot Chicken” is a stop-motion series that uses classic action figures, and it can be an absolute riot when baked. As for marijuana use, Green has always been one of those guys that tacitly admits to it with out actually coming right out and saying it. In an interview with Time Magazine Green stated that, “An alarming number of people want to smoke pot with me. A lot of things I’ve done, people who smoke a lot of pot find funny or entertaining. I wonder what that means.” What indeed. Bill Gates With the ability to leap a chair from a standing position and more money in his bank accounts than some countries have in their treasuries, the Gator may seem like a genuine badass. However, few people will deny that the Microsoft founder is a nerd. He famously said that people should be nice to nerds, as you will one day most likely be working for one.
For evidence of the MC’s love of marijuana we can turn to a song titled “Wiid,” which is a love song to the plant’s use. The song’s hook states clearly, “Weed is by my side, it’s always been there.” If you ever find yourself at one of MC’s shows, don’t be surprised to be surrounded by cosplayers dressed as video game and television characters. Just don’t expect him to hit your weed, as in the song he claims “I used to smoke with kids at shows, but I had to stop because they all had colds.” Steve Jobs Former CEO of Apple and the man who brought you the iPod, iPad, iPhone, and nearly every piece of cool technology you can’t explain your desire or need for. According to an interview conducted by the Department of Defense later obtained by Wired Magazine, Jobs was a somewhat regular user of marijuana back in the ‘70s. In the interview Jobs stated, “The best way I would describe the effect of the marijuana and the hashish is that it would make me relaxed and creative.” If Jobs’ cerebral prowess and tech savvy don’t earn him a spot on our list of nerds, certainly his iconic nerd attire of a black turtleneck tucked into acid-washed jeans does. I mean, James Dean couldn’t even make that look cool.
2014 High Times Cannabis Cup
1st Place Sativa
thcmag.com 55
Pushing To The Limit
Should Colorado More Closely Regulate MMJ Plant Count? by R. Scott Rappold
Physicians and medical marijuana caregivers in Colorado are pushing back against an effort by the state to crack down on patients with high plant counts. In April, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sent letters to more than 2,000 physicians who have recommended medical marijuana. While the state constitution limits medical marijuana patients to six plants, grown by themselves or a designated caregiver, doctors can recommend more when such amounts are “medically necessary to address the patient’s debilitating condition.” The letter indicated doctors and caregivers would need to show justification for a patient’s high plant count, including progress notes, test results and research showing why the high plant count is needed for their particular condition. Many patients have high plant counts because of the number of plants needed to make concentrated oils. For Dr. Margaret Gedde, who specializes in medical marijuana referrals, the letter came as a surprise. “I’m going by the law,” she said. “The law says there’s a standard amount and if patients need more, they’re allowed to have it and they can make their case in court if they’re challenged.” Dr. Gedde said the change could most impact rural patients who may not have access to a dispensary and those who can’t afford to buy marijuana at a dispensary. She also noted that doctors who give marijuana referrals typically are not that patient’s primary care physician, so having to provide so much documentation would be onerous. Martha Montemayor, general manager of Healthy Choices Unlimited, with 10 locations around Colorado, replied in a letter to the state that there is no set formula for converting plants to medicine and amounts can vary widely from strain to strain. “Asking doctors how many plants it will take to manufacture a given amount of cannabis medicine is like asking the doctor to decide how much birch bark Bayer needs to make an aspirin,” she wrote. “Colorado has had 14 years of physician discretion in determining plant counts without any major problems. Please continue to allow doctors to help patients as they believe is needed: without the onerous burden of proof your April 1 letter imposes.” According to the state, as of Jan. 1, 2014, approximately 27 percent of the 111,030 patients on the state’s medical marijuana registry have authorization for high plant counts, from 7 to 99 plants. Since Colorado voters approved medical marijuana in 2000, state officials have tried several times to crack down on caregivers, some of whom skirt the limit of five patients and 30 plants by taking on patients with high plant counts. The executive director of the state health department was not available for comment. A spokesman provided a statement: “The Department is currently reviewing public comments, physiciansubmitted documentation and available research to restructure its procedures (around medical necessity.) More information will be available soon.” In the meantime, doctors like Gedde, as well as some patients, are in limbo. While she understands the concerns that some doctors might
56 May 2014
be “selling plant counts,” she said the state’s proposed crackdown has some of her patients worried. “We had to change what we do in plant counts while we wait to figure out what the state’s going to do,” she said.
DISPENSARY GUIDE by DJ Reetz
DENVER
59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products 62 Southwest Alternative Care
COLORADO SPRINGS
*
SCAN THE QR CODES AT THE TOP OF THE PAGES FOR MORE INFO AND SPECIAL OFFERS!
58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell
thcmag.com 57
L I T T L E T O N
www.the-hemp-center.com
2430 West Main Street Littleton, CO 80120 303-993-7824 Monday-Friday 10:00am-7:00pm Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm Sunday
N O R T H G L E N N
The Hemp Center is a hemp boutique as well as a top-shelf medical marijuana center, offering a myriad of holistic health services. Our educated and friendly staff strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. By offering many different products and treatment options — Each personalized to an individuals‘ needs — we reach a wider spectrum than your ordinary medical marijuana center. Our dispensary section provides top shelf cannabis, concentrates, a wide variety of edibles and topical solutions. Our other passion is holistic health and the versatile uses for hemp. We offer vitamins, supplements, holistic health treatments, hemp purses and other textiles, body care products, storage containers, delivery devices and much more!! We have great member benefits accompanied by daily deals that make anytime you visit us a good day. There is also a rotating variety of our very best strains on special as our MDTHC Features. The Hemp Center is handicapped accessible, with two convenient locations one in Historic Downtown Littleton or check us out in Colorado Springs at 25th & Co Ave.
www.pppmeds.com
1st Place SATIVA
Patient’s Choice SATIVA
Connoisseur’s Choice SATIVA
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!
2100 East 112th Avenue Suite #5 Northglenn, CO 80233 303-974-5966 Monday-Saturday 10:00am-7:00pm
58 May 2014
We are extremely excited to be a part of this historical time for the Medical 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 for your MMJ needs. Up front, our Bud-tenders strive to continually update their knowledge of strains and products in order to provide you with the most educated MMJ shopping experience around. In the back, 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. We feel this combination of customer service and absolute dedication to quality amounts to a superior MMJ experience!
www.thecliniccolorado.com The Clinic is an award winning medical marijuana center with six 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 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
Pre ‘98 Bubba Kush
2011 High Times Denver Medical Cannabis Cup highest CBD strain winner
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.
Budder & Shatter The Clinic offers both budder and shatter, which are butane extracted concentrates, from 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 Spring 2010 Colorado Caregiver’s Cup Winner: Patient’s Choice, Best Aroma,
CannaPunch, Dixie Elixirs, Keef Cola, Green Dragon, and MarQaha
Seeds
2013 High Times US Cannabis Cup 1st place best sativa winner
9:00am - 7:00pm Daily
Concentrates
Grape God Bud
Edibles Beverages
Tangie
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 Capitol Hill 745 East 6th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 720-536-5229 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
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 ChoiceTangie
Baked Goods/Candies
Sweet Grass Kitchen, Julie & Kate Baked Goods, Mountain High Suckers, The Growing Kitchen, Mile Hi, Incredibles, and Cheeba Chews.
Reserva Privada Colorado: The Clinic carries the full line of Reserva Privada Colorado’s Confidential Collection and Sour Series.
thcmag.com 59
S T A T E W I D E
www.livwellco.com LivWell, the cannabis industry’s largest employer, was founded as Broadway Wellness in 2009 in Denver.
livwellco
The company has grown from that single store to ten locations across Colorado’s Front Range, serving Denver, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Garden City, and Fort Collins. Breeding, testing, as well as research and development, are central to LivWell’s approach, with proprietary genetics making up a large part of its cannabis selection.
@livwellcannabis
LivWell has established itself as the industry’s leader in value, both in price and quality. An infused product line adds additional product diversity, as well as a wholesale division which serves licensed businesses in Colorado, with products ranging from edibles to topicals.
@livwellcompany
LivWell has become a standard in state and local compliance, and is involved with the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture’s cannabis safe cultivation and handling practices advisory board.
9 Locations Available
LivWell Broadway Post Modern Health Broadmoor Wellness 432 South Broadway 5660 W Alameda Ave. 1414 S. Tejon St. CO Springs, CO Denver, CO Lakewood, CO 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 719-634-0420 720-428-2550 303-922-9479 White Mountain LivWell Boulder 2863 Larimer St 3000 Folsom Street 3234 N Nevada Ave. Denver, CO CO Springs, CO Boulder, CO 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 10:00AM-7:00M Daily 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 303-484-1662 719-622-6652 720-389-4920
Denver Patients Group
LivWell Evans LivWell Murray LivWell Garden City 2193 W. Evans Ave, 570 N. Murray 2647 8th Ave. Denver, CO CO Springs, CO Garden City, CO 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 9:00AM-7:00M Daily 8:00AM-7:00M Daily 720-361-2981 719-574-8443 970-616-6007
Fort Collins Coming Soon!! 60 May 2014
Patient Favorites 303 Kush
Blurple
Knights of Templar
Amnesia Haze
CBD3:1
Purple Cotton
Blue Dream
El Diablo
Zeta Sage
Concentrates
Strain specific wax and vaporizer cartridges made inhouse from our proprietary genetics for both traditional and disposable vapor pens.
Edibles
Beyond Mars Canna Punch Cheeba Chews CO Cannabis Company
Seeds
Full Melt Incredibles Mad Mint The Growing Kitchen
Weed Seed: Comprised of exclusive genetics sourced directly from LivWell’s research and development gardens.
www.nlnaturalrx.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! 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.
E D G E W A T E R
2045 Sheridan Blvd. Suite B Edgewater, CO 80214 303-274-6495 9:00am-7:00pm Daily
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”!
Top Strains
Cannatonic 50/50 Flavor: Citrus and peppers. Effects: Our award winning high CBD strain has a 50/50 to 70/30 ratio of CBD to THC. The medicinal effects are extremely clear headed and utterly unlike a “normal” high THC strain. Uses: Perfect for muscle spasms, appetite stimulation, anxiety or chronic pain. Sour Diesel Sativa 90/10 Flavor: Strong diesel flavors, pungent, leaving an oily taste on the tongue Effects: Sour Diesel taste combined with its effects may be considered an “extreme sport” version of cannabis; the stone pulls smokers into the sky fast with a viscerally uplifting pleasure and lots of consciousness expansion in the direction of spirituality. Uses: ADD, Alzheimer’s disease, psychosis, bi-polar disorder, depression, Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stress. Chernobyl Sativa 60/40 Flavor: With a lime slurpee or sherbert flavor, this bud is an extremely potent smoke--just a few bowls is an adventure to your brain waves. Effects: This bud provides a calming and relaxing effect. Uses: Strong and pleasant very good for pain relief without paranoia Durban Poison Sativa 100 Description: This subtropical sativa is named after the South African port city of Durban where thousands of kilos of this dark, distinctive sativa are produced every year. Smokers everywhere know her to be a sativa like no other; she will shoot your head straight to the clouds and leave your body behind. Flavor: Sweet licorice Effect: very trippy Kaboom Sativa 80/20 Flavor: It develops deliciously and displays a variety of scents and flavors including tart lemon, spicy hash, sweet berries, sour pineapples, and good ol’ skunk. Effects: Speedy, trippy, intense, motivating, pain relief. Uses: The high that results from smoking Kaboom medicinal cannabis is intense and fast-paced, almost paranoid, but overall motivating; Kaboom marijuana also has enough indica in it to make it very effective pain relief
58 58February February2014 2014
Hawaiian Banana Sativa 80/20 Flavor: Hawaiian sativa’s citrus flavor and menthol tingle will go to your head. Effects: Because the high leaves your brain wide-awake and functional, she’s a good candidate for those who can freely toke all day Uses: Hawaiian sativa possesses analgesic properties that have increased its popularity among medical patients seeking pain relief; anecdotal evidence suggests that Hawaiian sativa provides good visual ocular release, making it a preferred variety for glaucoma patients Ace of Spades Indica 70/30 Flavor: Skunk, Berry, Sandalwood, Lemon Effects: strong and hard hitting with a fast onset of laughter ending in a strong body high. Uses: very powerful medicine for pain and depression. Sweet Tooth Indica 70/30 Description: Sweet Tooth is famous for its incredibly high THC content and large yields. Sweet Tooth is the result of a long and rigorous breeding program. It grows medium tall with strong side branches that need room to grow. Buds develop in large sticky resinous colas. Flavor: The taste like the smell is very light with a sweet candy like after taste that stays for a while. Effects: Its effect is powerful, relaxing and cerebral. Uses: Sweet Tooth is a candy-coated bomb to the senses, not recommended for daytime functionality, but terrific for inducing sleep, soothing pain or indulging in a languorous, mellow relaxation.
2nd Place CBD FLOWER
thcmag.com thcmag.com 6161
D E N V E R
www.southwestalternativecare.com Southwest Alternative Care, your neighborhood medical marijuana center. Their mission is to provide Colorado patients with the best alternative medicine and services at the lowest possible prices. At Southwest you’ll find a large selection of top shelf medicines and edibles, all at affordable prices. Southwest Alternative Care provides the most potent Earwax and Shatter BHO in Colorado. We work with 2012 Cannabis Cup winners Top Shelf Extracts, to stock our shelves with the best of the best. We also provide high quality cold water, full melt, extracted bubble hash. We offer a variety of strains from 25 micron to 190 micron.
1075 South Fox Street Denver, CO 80223 303-593-2931
We haven’t met a center yet who didn’t claim to grow “fire” but unlike many, Southwest can back it up. With an award-winning grow team, legendary genetics, and perhaps the cleanest facility in the state, Southwest Alternative Care has redefined what it means to produce top shelf medicine.
3937 West Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80204 720-287-3934
Southwest Alternative Care has over 25 top shelf strains, all hand trimmed, including Glass Slipper, Kool Aid Kush, OGre 99, Bubba Kush, Golden Goat, Moonshine Haze, Tangerine Haze, Dairy Queen and many more. The extracts they cull from these high-grade selections set a new standard in terms of quality. Find ‘em on Facebook for a current menu. Check out our coupons in the back of the magazine.
Monday-Sunday 10:00am-6:50pm
Edibles
Canna Punch Incredibles Sweet Stone
Canna Cappuccino At Home Baked Edi Pure
Concentrates Earwax and Shatter BHO 2012 Cannabis Cup winners Top Shelf Extracts Full Melt, Bubble Hash Vape Pens
Staff Favorites Glowing Goat Bubba Kush Dope Diagonal
Tango Chem 4 Purple Trainwreck
Testimonials
Best Meds in Colorado Southwest Alternative has the best meds in Colorado hands down. Pricing is spot on with the meds. All the employees are amazing. Makes you feel like you are a regular your first time in. AWESOME!!!!! - seige55, weedmaps.com This place is the best kept secret in Denver I have been a member with Southwest for about a year now, and have nothing but raving reviews. But the original shop wasn’t very close for me as I do not drive. With this new location in the heart of Denver has made buying my meds even easier. Best benefits in town, they give out the most free stuff for members by far. - FACEwreck5360 weedmaps.com
62 May 2014
thcmag.com 59
thcmag.com 63
64 May 2014
21+ Retail Store 17 The Cannaseur 2, 59 The Clinic 60 LivWell 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 5, 41 River Rock ATM On Site 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products 5, 41 River Rock Award Winning 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products 5, 41 River Rock 55 Standing Akimbo Body Care Products 58 The Hemp Center 58 Physician Preferred Products Books & Education 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 The Hemp Center 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products Cash Only 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 5, 41 River Rock Charity/Community Outreach 2, 59 The Clinic 5, 41 River Rock Clothing Items 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products 5, 41 River Rock Business Couriers 45 Green Cross Couriers Consulting Services 49 Mile High Media Credit Cards 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 The Hemp Center 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products Daily Specials 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock 55 Standing Akimbo Educational Classes
61 Northern Lights Natural Rx
9,62 Southwest Alternative Care
Evaluation Clinic/MMJ Doctor 35 Healthy Choices Unlimited 63 Relaxed Clarity
Member Loyalty Program 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 Physician Preferred Products 5, 41 River Rock
Events 16 Bong-a-Thon 07 The Clinic Golf Tournament Free Parking 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care 55 Standing Akimbo Grow Products 31 Bison Soil Solutions Happy Hour 55 The Organic Seed Hemp Products 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 River Rock Holistic Health 58 The Hemp Center 55 The Organic Seed Infused Products 45 Canyon Cultivation 35 Dr. J’s Hash Infusion 25 Essential Extracts 13 Incredibles 60 LivWell 13 Medically Correct 45 Mountain High Suckers 55 Standing Akimbo Internet Wi-Fi 58 The Hemp Center 12, 13 Natural Remedies 55 The Organic Seed 5, 41 River Rock Live Music 16 Bong-a-Thon 55 The Organic Seed 5, 41 River Rock Local Artist Program 5, 41 River Rock Massage Therapy 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 River Rock Member Discounts 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock
MMJ Doctor/Evaluation Clinic 35 Healthy Choices Unlimited 63 Relaxed Clarity Multiple Locations 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 5, 41 River Rock 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care Nutritional Consulting 58 The Hemp Center Pain Management Consulting 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock Parking Validation 10,11 Natural Remedies Patient Appreciation Events 5, 41 River Rock Private Dispensing Rooms 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care Pre-Order Medication 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care Seeds 2, 59 The Clinic 60 LivWell 5, 41 River Rock Senior Discounts 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 2, 77 Northern Lights Natural Rx Signature Concentrates 45 Canyon Cultivation 2, 59 The Clinic
25 Essential Extracts 76 LivWell 5, 41 River Rock Signature Edibles 45 Canyon Cultivation 35 Dr. J’s Hash Infusion 58 The Hemp Center 13 Incredibles 60 LivWell 13 Medically Correct 45 Mountain High Suckers 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 53 The Organic Seed 5, 41 River Rock Signature Strains 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care 55 Standing Akimbo Smoking Accessories 68 Cloud Penz 21 Indica Vape 49 Scientific Inhalations 49 SI Pipes 04 VapeXhale Specialty Glass 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 5, 41 River Rock Specialized Treatment Programs 5, 75 The Clinic 5, 41 River Rock Topicals 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 2, 59 The Clinic 58 The Hemp Center 10,11 Natural Remedies 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock Trimming Accessories 67 EZ Trim 03 The Trimmer Store Vegetarian 45 Canyon Cultivation 35 Dr. J’s Hash Infusion 13 Incredibles 13 Medically Correct 45 Mountain High Suckers Veteran Discounts 58 The Hemp Center 2, 77 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 5, 41 River Rock
thcmag.com 65
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS 31 Bison Soil Solutions 16 Bong-a-Thon 17 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 37 Cannabase 49 Cannabistube.net 17 The Cannaseur 45 Canyon Cultivation 2, 59 The Clinic 07 The Clinic Charity Classic 68 Cloud Penz 35 Dr. J’s Hash Infusion 25 Essential Extracts 67 EZ Trim 45 Green Cross Couriers 35 Healthy Choices Unlimited 58 The Hemp Center 66 iCannabisradio.com 13 Incredibles 21 Indica Vape 60 LivWell 13 Medically Correct 49 Mile High Media 25 Mountain High Suckers 10, 11 Natural Remedies 53 NCIA 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx 55 The Organic Seed 58 Physician Preferred Products 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 63 Relaxed Clarity 5,41 River Rock 49 Scientific Inhalations 49 SI Pipes 9, 62 Southwest Alternative Care 55 Standing Akimbo 03 The Trimmer Store 04 VapeXhale 66 May 2014
Boulder 60 LivWell Colorado Springs 45 Canna Caregivers 45 The Canna Center 58 The Hemp Center 60 LivWell 55 The Organic Seed Denver Central 2, 59 The Clinic 60 LivWell 5, 41 River Rock 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care Denver Downtown 76 LivWell 10,11 Natural Remedies 66 Standing Akimbo
Denver North 5, 41 River Rock 03 The Trimmer Store Denver South 2, 59 The Clinic 60 LivWell 09 Preferred Organic Therapy 5, 41 River Rock Denver Southwest 9,62 Southwest Alternative Care Edgewater 61 Northern Lights Natural Rx Garden City 60 LivWell Lakewood 60 LivWell
Denver East 2, 59 The Clinic
Littleton 58 The Hemp Center
Denver Highlands 2, 59 The Clinic 55 Standing Akimbo
Northglenn 58 Physician Preferred Products Pueblo 17 The Cannasseur
EZTRIM RENTALS
WORLD’S BEST LEAF TRIMMERS Wander Trimmer
“The Wander Trimmer is two and a half times faster than hand trimming and doesn’t damage our flowers or byproduct. It has improved our efficiency an increased our yields. It is now an integral part of our business model.” N at e – C o M pa s s i o n at E p a i n M a n ag E M E n t
Speed | Quality | Control Call TODAY to Reserve Your Rental — 303.635.6281 Ext. 3
The
The
Satellite
Drone
“The Satellite provides the closest thing to hand trim quality. It doesn’t damage plant material while processing. In the extraction business, it is key not to rupture the membranes in plant material, that leads to releasing extra chlorophyll into your final product. This is where tunnel trimmers fall short. The Satellite trimmer is what we use in our production grow & recommend to our clients, we know because we’ve used them all.” B r e t t – M a h at M a E x t r E M E C o n C E n t r at E s for
B E s t C o n C E n t r at E
FREE First 24 Hour Rental
On-Site Demo or 50% OFF*
Rent directly from the manufacturer
303-635-6281 | www.eztrimming.com
thcmag.com 67
*Restrictions Apply
2 013 h i g h t i M E s W i n n E r
68 May 2014