The Chocolatier: Medicate yourself while appeasing your sweet tooth.
Catch him if you can: This world trekking DJ tells us how vaping changed his life and his career.
The Artisan: Meet the man who’s blasted just about everything from esh to vapes.
01
issue
Going Platinum.
september/october2014
september/october2014
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contents features going platinum
16
We talk with actress and recording artist Christina Milian about her E-Hookah brand, Platinum E-Hookah.
renaissance man
24
RBTEK1 is the jackof-all-trades. Tattoos, Custom Colorway Baits and Vapes. And that’s not even his day job.
on the cover Recording artist and actress Christina Milian talks with us about her E-Hookah line, Platinum E-Hookah.
columns the herbsmith
32
38 horticulture A guide to hydroponics presented by Paul Darbro from WeGrowHydro.com
Jefferson Lu is the master when it comes to edible medicinals. They’re the munchie’s munchies.
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the turntablist
DJ Serafin claims his stake in the vape industry. We catch up with him at Page 71.
50 dabcity Concentrates: The optimal consumption guide 54 artisanal collective Beto “Two Tonz” Mendoza’s photographic masterpieces.
departments 6 8 10 64 68
Editor’s Letter Through the Wire New Products Gastronomics FindIt
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got app?
issue 01 | sept/oct 2014 Published by fr3shLAb creative group, llc
yup. there’s an app for that.
President Richard Coyle Creative Director Kenji Furutani Editor-in-Chief Saul Goode Director of Finance Cindy Galindo Contributing Writers Jefferson Lu, N8 Moriyama, Maximilian Sterling Contributing Photographers Rich Baldonado, Phil Cruz, Leah Moriyama
advertise in the premiere lifestyle magazine today. contact info@tokewell.com for more info.
Tokewell Magazine is published bi-monthly by fr3shLAb creative group, llc. Tokewell Magazine does not condone the illegal use or obtainment of cannabis. All content within this magazine is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in part or in whole without explicit written consent from the publisher. Tokewell Magazine is strictly for entertainment purposes only, and is not to be held liable for any misleading or inaccurate material produced herein. Š2014 Fr3shlab Creative Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. fr3shlab creative group, llc po box 444 alhambra, ca 91802 tokewell.com tokewell tokewell
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welcome
M
MJ has long bred polarizing connotations within modern society. Love it or hate it, marijuana is here to stay, thanks to a growing number of legislations and pending legislations which are not only bringing its legal use to the forefront of mainstream consciousness – they are forcing a societal revolution and redefinition among the perception of its users. Gone are the days when only “stoners” were seen as the herb’s main enthusiasts, today, many facets of society are benefitting from the medicinal and therapeutic aspects of marijuana. Given this current climate, we at Tokewell would like to introduce ourselves as a voice for the modern cannabis connoisseur. Our pages will go beyond mere advocacy and politics. Instead, we plan on focusing on the lifestyle behind the culture, bridging the gaps between marijuana’s diverse clientele and demographic proponents to showcase an all-encompassing vision. The fact of the matter is that we are living in an exciting time where information is paramount, and innovation is everywhere. From grow technologies to botanical innovations and consumption techniques; we felt it was time to communicate with the community itself, in order to bring our readers closer to the cutting edge of this historic era. One of the most exciting innovations within the scene has been the advent of portable vaporizers, widely referred to as “vapes.” From cannabis and tobacco based oils to flavored treats, this new market is revolution inhalation recreation tenfold, bridging the gaps between tobacco, cannabis, and hookah smokers, offering an unparalleled experience for the vape user. Tokewell is committed to bringing you up to speed on the latest technology from the vape community, as well as in showcasing the market’s best products. We’ll also be looking at the people behind these innovations, and those who are contributing to the progression of the marijuana movement, as they are invaluable to helping to guide the culture’s progression. Tokewell will remain committed to bringing forth ground breaking and entertaining content from all parts of the marijuana spectrum, and we greatly appreciate feedback and community interaction as we push forward on the beginning of a long journey together. Legalize it!
Sincerely,
Saul Goode Editor-in-Chief
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Welcome to the premiere issue of Tokewell Magazine. We strive to bring you to the cutting edge of technology, design, lifestyle, and culture for both MMJ and Vapor. Within both of these paradigms, we have come to a point where good ol’ home innovation and inventiveness is meeting real world design and production. The black markets have exploded upon the legitimate business world to the tune of billions of dollars. Regulation and legislation that we have fought long and hard for, are finally coming to fruition. Yet, this is only the beginning...We as a community must remain vigilant and ensure that these fledgling industries continue on the correct path on our way to freedom, health and wellness. We must monitor ourselves as well as our compatriots because we are living on the bleeding edge. There are no established experts but ourselves and as we carry our torches into the darkness, we must keep in mind that we are paving the way for all those who follow. Information is our most valuable weapon and our most precious ally. With this in mind, I invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and enlightenment leading to victory and liberty. Stack Paper, Catch Vapors.
through the wire
T
he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical drugs, and veterinary products. It employs roughly 15,000 people and has an annual budget of 4.7 billion dollars (proposed).
On April 24th, the FDA proposed it’s first official regulations regarding Vaping and E-Cigarettes. This 241-page document (https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection. federalregister.gov/2014-09491.pdf) is, at this point, only proposed. The next step is a 75-day open docket for public comments. This is where you, dear reader, and all people concerned with the future of Vaping must take action. I implore you to do your own research and see for yourself what these proposed FDA regulations mean to you and your own future. Very useful information as well as summaries and reactions to the proposed FDA regulations can be found at The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA)’s website (www.casaa.org). In my humble opinion, not all of the proposed regulations are bad. We cannot continue to progress unchecked and unregulated in the “wild west” scenario that has been the Vape industry and we cannot rely on manufacturers to police themselves. Do you really know what is in your juice? How about the “lab” that it was created / mixed in. Is it pharmaceutical grade, like some, or is it someone’s garage or kitchen? The proposed regulations will also set a minimum age limit of 18 years for all sales both in person and online. I can’t say that I disagree with that either. However, despite proposing these regulations, it is still unclear how the FDA will enforce these new rules. All of this is yet to be seen. I, just like many of you, have chosen this path as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes. Without regulation, this “safer” alternative may not turn out to be so. At this point, it is fairly safe to say that other than the age restrictions and the regulations on e-juice, the FDA’s 241-page document does absolutely nothing for the industry nor the consumers. “This is a classic case of government imposing a ‘solution’ and then looking for a problem,” said CASAA President Julie Woessner, J.D. “The regulations do nothing to address real concerns, and instead are a slow-motion ban of the high quality e-cigarettes that have helped so many smokers quit. The rules would mostly require busy-work filings that impose huge costs with little apparent benefit.” The huge costs that Woessner refers to are the FDA’s extremely expensive registration and approval processes. These fees would effectively eliminate small to medium sized manufacturers, innovation, progress, and selection and would ensure that only a few large companies who mass-produce small and disposable products would be able to survive. In addition to this, although the regulations do not immediately ban the variety of flavors for e-juice, they do indicate the FDA’s intention to do so in the future. It is a fact that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. It is estimated that as many as a million American smokers have quit or substantially reduced their smoking thanks to e-cigarettes. With this in mind, how can the FDA be protecting and promoting public health while using flawed and biased science and succumbing to Big Tobacco’s deep pockets and lobbyists? It is up to us, all of us, to make our voices heard. Please be proactive in this fight for the freedoms that we all deserve.
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new products
If there ever was a luxury brand of hookahs, Lavoo is it. Each Lavoo glass hookah is a hand-crafted piece of art as evidenced by the exquisite attention to detail and craftsmanship on each unit. Some hookah purists might be disappointed by the contemporary and minimalistic designs but then again, Lavoo’s core mission is to revolutionize and modernize the hookah game. By producing opulent pieces that can be showcased in a home or office Lavoo has deďŹ nitely carved a niche in the hookah market which is going to be difficult for others to follow. From $179.99. lavoohookah.com
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glass of their own
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new products 12 tokewell magazine
Stoner Days is one of those brands that seems to get the whole grassroots conceptualization of fundamentally redeďŹ ning a culture and movement whilst maintaining the premise of medicating herbally, good vibes, creativity and innovation. Without following the trends of some of today’s intrusive and in-your-face designs, Stoner Days is has created the opposite. Without compromising their roots, the designs are clean, forward thinking and organic. The crew at Stoner Days are purveyors and ambassadors of the 420 movement as evidenced by their apparel and massive online presence. When asked about what motivates them as a whole, the response was, It’s about celebrating life with those around us with a Higher State of Mind. stonerdays.com
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new products
The Spartan is a full brass 22mm mod with adjustable copper contacts and recessed firing button. With roman numeral serial numbers I-L (1-50), this mod accepts 350 / 490 / 650 battery sizes. Exclusive to Vape Liquid Lounge 10402 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731. (626) 542-3331.
Fubar Juice A California based supplier dedicated to providing top quality, safe, and reliable e-Liquid. fubarejuice.com
Size does matter! Use the V-Ape Cap to make your IGO-W flush with your 22mm mod. Adjustable slotted airflow, 22mm outer diameter, fits standard drip tip. v-apes.com
Alchemist Premium E-Liquid/Juice is made for an all day vaping experience. Flavors include Fruit of Life, Mystic Mist, Arcane Air, Aqua Vita, Minion and more! alchemistejuice.com
Vaping Monkey Apparel includes snapbacks, hoodie with built in earbuds, and Monkey Sack. vapervenue.com
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G O I N G
Platinum Entertainment sensation Christina Milian catches the vapors and launches Platinum E Hookah WORDS
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TOKEWELL STAFF
C
hristina Milian is no stranger to hard work. Before she was even in her teens, the ingénue first heard the calling of the stage, and has since then spent a lifetime answering it. She has starred in television shows like Dancing With The Stars and The Voice, for which she won a prime time Emmy Award. She has starred in movies like “Love Don’t Cost A Thing,” and “Be Cool,” opposite John Travolta and Uma Thurman. As a singer, Milian has tasted Billboard success with hits like “Dip It Low,” “Between Me and You,” and “Say I,” while also scoring songwriting credits with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Paula DeAnda, and Justin Bieber. Simply put, there isn’t much this goregeous entertainer can’t do, but with all of that work and not much time to relax, what’s a girl to do? For Christina, the answer to that question came a couple of years ago–when she discovered personal vaporizers. “It’s a relaxation thing for me for sure,” Milian explains via telephone during a studio recording session. “I love vaping in my car or sitting and reading a book. It’s great in a social setting, too, like pool parties, or clubs. In general, I find that it’s a great balance for me. Sometimes people overdo the alcohol, it’s almost like vaping gives you that other option to relax.” So infatuated was Christina with
this newfound love of vaping, that she found herself buying vape pens for other people because they liked using hers so much. The experience has since added another hat to Christina’s beautiful head, as she has become an entrepreneur by launching her own company, Platinum E Hookah. my brand because from beginning to end I’ve been interested in it and it’s a passion for me. I can use myself as the face of it, but this is me doing something that I love. I am fully involved in this company and its been great to see something that I love find a degree of success. What made you take an interest in the personal hookah/ vape industry? I took an interest in the industry for several reasons. I’ve always loved to smoke hookah and when I found out you could have a disposable one or a portable one that you could carry on your own and not have to share with other people, I was even more interested. I first discovered them on instagram and I went down to a smoke shop and got one. Unfortunately it gave me a burning feeling in my throat and a headache, as it wasn’t a great model, but I still loved it so much that I continued to use it. I had people approach me constantly to find out where I got it, or wanting to try it, and it got to
the point where I started buying them for other people. After some research, I realized the first one I bought contained nicotine which is what gave me the headache and throat soreness, and I found out you could by flavors without nicotine. I thought, “I’m gonna do this, I want to make a business out of this. Every one is already asking me for them and I’m spending money on them to give to people anyway, so why not make my own?” When did you launch your line? We launched it a little over a year ago and passed our year anniversary on Memorial day weekend 2014. The development process took about three months. I did some research, one of my partners found two more partners that wanted to develop their own line as well, so we met and connected and we’ve been going strong ever since. How has the initial reception been within the marketplace? Obviously there is a lot of competition out there. This industry is growing, it’s getting big. If you drive around L.A. there’s more vapor lounges than there are Starbucks! It’s been good so far, we’re constantly evolving and we have a few different models. We started off with disposable E hookahs, and then we did one that was more high
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end, which we call Platinum LUX E Hookah, it has a diamond tip and its disposable as well – you’ll get about 600 puffs from it. We also have a standard one which is a little bit more masculine in the design without the diamond tip. Since then we’ve grown into doing vaporizers, which are all rechargeable. We have an Elite vaporizer pen and we’re also doing E-Juices. All of our E-Juices are non-nicotine based.
Where can people find Platinum E Hookah? We have all of our products on www.platinumehookahs.com, and we just actually opened up a big deal with Kmart, so we will be releasing our first E-Cigarette products as well as E-Hookahs with nicotine and non-nicotine E-Hookahs. Our first foray into that world will also be coming out through our website.
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What types of E-Juices does the company make? We have ten flavors so far, and my favorites are Cake Batter, Crushed Berry, and Strawberry Cream. We also have new flavors for our disposables, too. We’ve got a Banana Cream flavor for our Platinum LUX as well as Blueberry Cotton Candy and Strawberry Champagne. We’ve been very successful within a year, thanks to the celebrity appeal, not only from myself, but from my other celeb friends who post our products on their instagrams. It’s been very helpful in the growth of our business, and I appreciate them for doing that. What do you think sets Platinum E Hookahs apart from your competitors? I think the best thing we have going for our product lines is quality. With our products, you get a nice big cloud of vapor from our rechargeables, and even from our disposables. I find that they all have a very smooth pull as well, making them perfect to relax with. Who knows, I might have to come out with one for singers, we do have
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a menthol one which is mintflavored and its really cooling on your throat! How have you done any meet and greets or launch events surrounding the line? Yes, we’ve done some events. We’re doing an in-store launch with Kmart, you can find the info on www.platinumehookas.com and on my instagram @christinamilian. Right now we also have four meet and greets scheduled in Las Vegas, Arizona, and Los Angeles for our official launch with Kmart. We’ll also be doing them in the Harrah’s casinos, not the one in Las Vegas but in all the other locations, and I will be hosting some pool parties for the launches as well. You must be extremely busy launching the line while also maintaining your entertainment career as well! Yes, and I also have my own wine company called Viva Diva wine, which has distribution in over 25 different states at Walmart, and the big liquor and wine chains.
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With so much going on in your life, from motherhood to your entertainment career, to your entrepreneurial efforts, how do you balance everything? You must be under a lot of constant pressure to make everything function. I ignore the pressure. The pressure I feel comes within myself. I’m thankful everyday for my longevity in the entertainment business, and I realize that we are blessed to be in a time and age and generation where you can become your own entrepreneur. There are so many people ahead of me that I admire– it can be anyone from a Bethenny Frankel to a Puff Daddy or a 50 Cent or Dr. Dre. Those are people I look up to. I want to be my own boss and since I have become a mother, I’ve felt that much more of an importance in not relying on other people to help make your dreams come true, so you have to start doing it yourself. At the end of the day, I always like to know, win or fail - I don’t even like to use the word fail, because I think failure is a lesson anyways, but win or lose, I know it was on my terms and I was the one that tried and did everything in my power to make it work. I’m a very creative person, I love coming up with ideas and I’ve been very blessed with a great network of people and friends who have been very helpful in making a lot of my businesses succeed, and I feel very fortunate to be able to say that.
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WORDS
RICHARD COYLE
SNAPS
RYAN FURUYA /// RICH BALDONADO
t h e
Renaissance m a n
Rich Baldonado is a true renaissance man. A man of many talents, his artistic interests are as wide as the banks of the waters he fishes. Simply put, dude is a game changer with a hybrid artistic career that is quickly making waves in the waters of entrepreneurial business. As the creator and designer of RBTEK1 customized baits, Rich is bridging artistic creativity with fishing technique and functionality, as his baits not only look the part–they get results out on the open water.
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B
aits aren’t the only canvas this talented designer paints on either. Enthralled by the booming vape industry, this 10-year vet of the tattoo industry designed his own vape on a whim. The custom-painted beauty took Instagram by storm and the viral trail that followed left his custom designs in demand. A student of the streets, Rich’s hip-hop sensibilities and graffiti aesthetics led to influencing his vape designs with vibrant colorways that earned even more commissioned orders. Now he sits poised ready to expand his artistic empire on all levels, and despite the endless hours that it takes to paint a one-off piece, he took the time to chop it up with us about his career and where it’s headed. This proud member of the Bass Brigade certainly has his work cut out for him, but based on our conversation–he wouldn’t have it any other way. How did you get into art? It started for me when I was a kid. I always wanted to be like my dad, because he was always sketching crazy things; something he still does to this day. I remember when I was around five years old, he sketched a picture of his motorcycle and I traced it. I traced like 10 times.
I even traced it during class and got into trouble for doing it, so of course it got taken away from me and I never saw it again. I’ve been drawing ever since. Eventually, I started getting into painting, doing watercolors, oils, acrylics and stuff. My friends were always around me and they were big influences on my career. I’ve been lucky enough to have been around a lot of creative people like them. Call it ADHD, but I’ve always had to do something constantly - changing or altering what I do. I got into photography; I’m big into tattoo art, and also airbrushing. Art is just my release. How did you get into the vape community? I was tattooing this young guy
about a year ago and he would come in with all kinds of vapes. At the time I was smoking the Volcanoes. He came in and was like, “Man, you need to try this. This is like hookah in your hand.” I couldn’t believe it. At the time, there weren’t a lot of mods out, but Provari was the thing to have, so we went online and I ordered the V2 mod. They told me it was sold out after I had paid for it and I had to wait 2 or 3 weeks to get one, and I was like, “Screw this!” I went to a local vape shop and bought the mini so that I could have both. Baits are my main custom pieces, so it never really occurred to me to do custom vapes, at least initially. The more and more I went to shops, I saw that all the customizations in the market were either wraps
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or laser-etched pieces. They all looked weak. I don’t want to have the same thing as the next guy, so I went online and did all my research, sanded a unit down, and painted it. Right off the bat, Instagram loved it, and it went viral from there. Given the quick impact of your design, were you interested in partnering up with a manufacturer or have you collaborated with any known companies? A large company, which I won’t name, approached me and wanted to do some work but at this point, I want to do my own thing. I have full creative control. Once it’s in my hands, I can do what I want and not have to be at the mercy of some
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corporation. People have been hitting me up online and word of mouth really as far as my vape art goes. What about your interest in fishing? How did you get involved in that industry? I’ve actually been fishing my whole life; it’s just something I’ve always been into. When I started going as a kid, I remember following what the guys on TV were doing, as far as throwing crank baits and stuff like that. As I got older, I began seeing the guys throwing out giant baits and catching these huge fish and I wanted to get into it. Me being who I am, it was hard to find other people like me who were into fishing. Guys who
were involved in street culture, streetwear, hip-hop, and graffiti, like I was that were also looking to get into the fishing game. One of my friends on Facebook liked this group called “Bass Brigade” and started to look into them, and we immediately connected with those guys. They founded the company out in Modesto, CA. I’m personally involved with the brand and now our sales are worldwide. I’d like to think that we provide something different to the angler–Streetwear. It’s all couture. What is your personal focus in terms of products? I created RBTEK1 customized baits. It’s a name I’ve had for quite a long time, my handle.
How do you go about designing your custom baits? I’m going to throw a quote out here. “Match the hatch.” Whatever baitfish is in the water dictates whatever type of bait you’re throwing. There’s a science to this. There are different types of fish in different water environments, and my job is to match the type of baitfish in the water that they will be fishing in and targeting. You want to present bait that mimics what the target fish is eating on that day. I “match the hatch.” I sort of use the same approach with my vapes—I match customer’s cars, kicks anything, you’d be surprised.
What do you charge for the different customization options for your baits and vapes? It depends on the scale of the product, really. Generally my rates fall between $60-$100 for the customized one-off vapes, and $40 - $200 for the customized baits. What markets have been your most supportive in terms of bait sales? I’ve been selling most of my baits here domestically in the U.S., but recently, Japan has really caught on. I actually just got back from Japan and got to shake hands with some of the anglers there and their reception to my product was
phenomenal. I was really taken aback. It was life changing for me and I came back with a refreshed head and outlook. One thing I realized in Japan was their incredible work ethic and attention to detail. Everything is methodical and meticulous. I don’t see a lot of that here. What about vape products? Did you see a big marketplace there? I didn’t see vaping catch on there, but they smoke cigarettes like crazy. Hopefully, one day in Japan, vaping will catch on. I sure hope so, even just from a health standpoint.
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Do you think the fishing industry and cannabis industry are somewhat intertwined, at least in your experience? I think so. Weed in the fishing industry is very common. Nothing is wrong with enjoying life! Out there, there are a lot of guys who smoke weed and fish, others who smoke cigarettes and fish, and some who prefer to vape and fish. Actually, people are more inclined to vape in order to relax while fishing, like never before! I see it a lot and I know they all connect. Do you think smoking would have any adverse effects to fishing? No. I think people should be able to do whatever they want to do as long as it’s in a controlled environment. I think there are much bigger problems in this world. In fact, smoking’s not even a problem. What do you think about the popularity of vaping? Vaping is not a fad; it’s not going away. It’s only going to get bigger. It’s crazy to see what’s out there now, with all the new coils, etc. I can’t even keep up. I think it’s become a household thing now.
How is this year shaping up for you on the business end of things? I’m doing things a little differently. I was inundated with vape requests, and bait requests and now I have the lab environment, the equipment to keep up with those requests, and the management system in place to handle it all. What’s next on the horizon for Rich? I want to paint for the world! I want to paint everybody’s vapes, shoes, baits, you name it, and I’ll lace it up! I want to do things differently and really create some lasting art. I’m also ten years deep in the tattoo game as well and it influences what I do constantly. I learned at Originz Ink, and apprenticed under Tama Emelio from Big Island in Hawaii. Polynesian is my genre of tattooing. I like telling a story through ink. I think my next thing will be for the 420 communities. Be on the lookout!
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THE
herbsmith WORDS
MAXIMILIAN STERLING
SNAPS
JEFFERSON LU
KENJI FURUTANI
So Cal marijuana product developer Jefferson Lu uses science and research to develop some of the most effective and consumer-loved products in the industry. No wonder why they call him “The Herbsmith.�
The marijuana industry has grown almost exponentially within the past three decades. What was once thought by many within the mainstream to be a shady, if not illegal business is now a legitimate industry, bristling with scientific innovation and therapeutical advancements. This is in part due to people like Jefferson Lu, owner and founder of The Herbsmith, a Southern California-based research and development hub for cannabis-based products. “At one time, marijuana cultivation didn’t seem like a legitimate industry,” Jefferson explains, “but we have made great strides towards product advancement and conceptualization.” Jefferson credits his company’s success with the focus he shares as an enthusiast himself. “There is a cash-grab going on now in our industry, unfortunately,” he remarks. “The downside of that is that there are people out there more focused on profit than product quality, which is loading shelves with wrongly packaged and inferior
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products.” Jefferson hopes to change that through his Herbsmith creations, putting forth a focus on both an edibles line, and an oil line he calls “Essence,” which is a dabbing-style product far more sophisticated and pure than the wax-based products currently dominating the scene. “There is much work still to be done, but I am very happy with the products we have developed thus far,” Jefferson says. “Down the line we will have even more products out, but in the meantime, I hope our products help other companies and developers realize that we have the chance to really set the tone and forge ahead within this industry. I want The Herbsmith to be seen as a company willing to raise the bar for cannabis products and development for the community as a whole.” Jefferson spoke with Tokewell to offer his viewpoints on the company’s mission, as well as what sets them apart from others in the industry.
What made you get into the industry? I’ve been an enthusiast since I was pretty young. In college, it became a thing and I became even more interested in the botanical and horticultural aspects of it. Eventually, I started growing and started working with dispensaries. I stopped for the last 5-6 years up until last year because I actually wanted to expand my career after graduating from UCLA. Cultivating marijuana didn’t seem like a bonafide industry at the time. What changed your mind and pulled you back in? I was working on a start up that burned out of money and I ended up partnering up with a company that had products in Whole Foods stores. They wanted to get into the cannabis industry and I helped to relaunch their candy line. That got me back into the industry and I started The Herbsmith back in September 2013. What is the premise behind The Herbsmith? The Herbsmith is all about raising the bar for marijuana products and bringing the standards in-line with the food and medicine industries. We want the same quality and consistency of our products that you’d find in
those regulated industries. We develop high quality products: edibles that taste amazing and are made from high-quality natural ingredients; with strain specific effects for different usage scenarios, and appropriate dosages for varying degrees of tolerance. Concentrates should be pure: solvent free, wax-free, and also strain specific so users can better control the effects. How do you intend to go about pursuing those goals as a company? We work with the Werc Shop because they provide very legitimate lab testing. They have a “Certified Cannaceuticals” process that helps to certify the safety, potency, and consistency of marijuana within the products. It’s very important to us to try and make the best medicine possible. We’re focusing on marketing and getting our brand out there, but we do want to expand our product line. Right now, we have our Essence line, and we only have two edibles, the Medlanos, which are gourmet chocolate filled shortbread cookies, and the Crowns, which are a chocolate, caramel, and almond bonbon style candy. We want to add a savory edible, and more allergen-free products as well, so we want to grow that side of
the business. It’s not just about making things taste good, it’s the full thought out aspects, like medical consistency, proper dosing, strain specific effects, non-refrigerated shelf life, etc. What do you think about the current edibles market? Is there room for innovation within it? Having eaten dispensary edibles for a few years now, its mind blowing to me how terrible most of them are in terms of consistency. If you had a scorecard to rate them, very few of them would do well in more than a couple categories. I think with edibles, there are a lot of edibles out there and I think people are trying to make money instead of making good products. The good brands out there are doing it right with good packaging, nutrition facts, and lab-tested medicine. That is very important, as there are edibles that don’t even accurately tell you how much marijuana is in the products. There is a lot of deceptive labeling out there to make it sound like a product is very strong when it isn’t. How do you go about developing the products in terms of consumer interest? One interesting thing about doing this business is that the market is largely controlled by
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dispensaries. So you have to know how to communicate with both them and the consumers separately. We love to do samplings at dispensaries and talk directly to patients to learn their needs. We also use social media, @theherbsmith on Instagram/Twitter and we are also on Facebook – if you talk to us, we will respond. Working with dispensaries is more about getting feedback from the shops who listen to their patients, and working with dispensaries who understand why we do what we do. Many dispensaries are overly focused on delivering the highest possible potency for the dollar, and that is unfortunate. An analogy would be like liquor stores only clamoring to sell beverages that are high in proof or alcohol content. The THC is the actual chemical, so a product advertising “grams of weed” in a product isn’t really telling you how much is in there because it can be skewed. Let alone if they aren’t advertising the strain, as that usually indicates the effects you will feel as well. Again those are based on generalizations but it’s more accurate than just saying “there’s 1g of weed in this brownie.” What are your goals in the edibles market? As the years go by, I’d like to develop as many different edible
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products as make sense. For now, I would like to have a handful of very strong edibles that are distinctive and fit different usage scenarios so that I can offer light and full strength products. Tolerance can lead to a need for almost exponential dosage amounts necessary for full effects, and consumers have a wide range of tolerance, so why not make products that can fill that full spectrum? What about your other product, the Essence? What is it, exactly? Essence is a purified concentrate. Within the last couple of years, dabbing and smoking vape pens has become very popular. These use concentrates, and most concentrates are made with butane. Most of it is garbage with tons of butane trapped within the material and people are putting that in their lungs. During the last couple of years, the process has begun to clean itself up, and Essence is about using super critical extraction in a lab to purify these types of products. We are actually removing solvents, and we’re actually removing plant waxes and plant lipids. Not only that, we are using the Werc Shop’s Cannaroma technology to add terpenes back in. Terpenes are the oils that make every strain taste different, smell different, and have different effects. We’re
actually fusing it back together with the purified cannabinoids. Through this process, we’re making a completely purified, contaminate-free dabbing product. There’s no plant wax, there’s no butane, and it’s a thick, viscous substance – like honey but thicker than honey so that it stays in place; the perfect consistency for dabbing. How important do you think this process is, in terms of the overall benefit to the culture? I believe the science behind Essence benefits more than just marijuana patients and users. Because of medical marijuana, terpenes are now really being looked into in other fields of health science. Now we are starting to understand why the different strains have their distinctively different effects, which are medically significant. Our studies of terpenes is going to teach us a lot about natural alternatives to drugs like anti-depressants or benzodiazepenes, for example. We’re learning about things like limonene, which are terpenes that are actually found in a lot of citrus plants. Some of the strains that have very good anti-depressant properties are very high on these terpenes. Science like that will be beneficial to society, outside of just weed itself. As a whole, legalizing weed is going
to be important beyond just the legislative aspect of it; it’s more about what can we learn from it. Do you think California will follow Colorado’s lead in terms of marijuana legalization? The legislation in California has way more money lobbying against marijuana than anywhere else, so while we may have more money for it, we also have more money that’s against it. Not everybody in the existing industry is interested in recreational legalization like people would expect. It’ll be interesting to see what Colorado is doing and whether or not California will be willing to follow suit. If it’s going to come out, the existing big pharmaceutical, tobacco, and alcohol companies will want their hands all over it. In every step of the way they will try to push it to their advantage. [Note: I removed the industries listed because it’s hard to cite. If you want, you can mention that in 2010, during the election for Prop 19, the top industries that contributed in the campaign against Proposition 19 were law enforcement organization and the CA alcoholic beverages association. That info is publicly documented.] Where can your products be found? We have a website called theherbsmith.com where you
can learn information about what we’ve developed; you can also look for us on social media (Instagram/Twitter @theherbsmith). Our products are found in a little over 20 dispensaries throughout Southern California. Some of my favorite locations we’re in are Supplemental Or-
ganic Solutions (SOS) in Venice Beach, Ultimate New Age Care on Melrose Avenue, South Coast Caregivers in Santa Ana, and West Coast Collective in East Los Angeles. I’m particularly excited about the last location because they’re launching The California Heritage Market this summer, which will be a farmer’s market for vendors. That’s really revolutionary. It gives us a regular opportunity to directly interact with and educate patients on the benefits of our products. They’re having a Canna-Carnival this summer to kick it off and it’s gonna be a great Cannabis festival, right here in Los Angeles. What are your goals for the future? I want to play my role and have The Herbsmith be a positive example so that this culture can move forward. Being in it for more than just money and being in it more for the movement makes me feel good right now; I like where we are at and where we are headed. I wanted the branding to be something that didn’t just cater to the stoner culture; I wanted it to cater to the whole movement and the entire consumer base, as we are lucky to have such a diverse demographic now supporting marijuana use and products.
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horticulture
You do not use a jack hammer to place nails, and you do not use a tractor to till your home garden. Likewise, indoor gardening is about using the right tool for the
conditioner that money can buy and ensure that you can keep that room cool, right? Wrong. Remember that your air conditioner is also going to be dehu-
Southern California you want 6,000 BTU of A/C per 1000w air-cooled grow light and 7,500 BTU of A/C per 1000w nonair-cooled grow light. Cooler
Bigger...
B U T N O T N E C E S S A R I LY B E T T E R BROUGHT TO YOU BY
job, not the biggest. Now days there is a mentality of ‘biggest is best’ but when you are trying to create an ideal environment for your plants going too big can actually have adverse affects on your environment and/or plants. With some planning and proper calculations you can accurately decide what equipment you do need and often times save money on what would have been unnecessary items. Environment is your number one priority in any garden. Plants have a climate that they prefer and it is a must to create this climate if they are going to do well. This leads us to your air conditioner. This should always be your first piece of equipment for any indoor garden. If the temperature and humidity are off, then your plants are not going to function as expected. So why not just get the biggest air
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WEGROWHYDRO.COM
WORDS PAUL
midifying your room. If your air conditioner is larger than it should be, it will cool the room too fast and shut itself back off before it has spent enough time removing humidity. So not only have you spent too much money
on an air conditioner, but now you will have to spend more on a dehumidifier. The right size air conditioner will cool your room at a steady rate while being on long enough to also get the humidity level back to where it should be. As a general guideline, in warmer climates such as
DARBRO
climates, such as Colorado, often need the grow light heat to counter balance the cold and will use dehumidifiers instead. This will require an even smaller air conditioner, if at all, and a proper sized dehumidifier applicable to the size of the grow room. This brings us to my next item, your lighting. Growth rate, not quality, is proportionate to the amount of watts your grow light puts out. More watts equals more growth. Ideally we all want to have 1000w grow lights to get the most growth we can, but more watts also equals more heat. If you do not have the proper air conditioner to keep your room at the correct temp and humidity then you would be better off going with a 400w or 600w. Environment being key, your plants will actually do better with less watts
as long is temp and humidity are on point. The additional growth you would expect to see with a 1000w light will not happen if the environment is off. Once you know how many watts you want to grow with, you will need to decide what reflector you want to house it. The choices, as with everything else, are endless. Many people end up looking at all the reflectors available and usually get excited as soon as they see one of the “mine is bigger than yours” options. Remember, there are many different garden set-ups and many reflectors are designed for specific set-ups. Some are designed for 3’x3’ spaces, others for 4’x4’ spaces, and a few that are specifically for green houses that are hung higher and cover a much larger area. Some are
designed to spread light further, while others are designed to send light straight down to your grow tray/area. Making the wrong decision will definitely affect the amount of light your plants are able to absorb. Most manufacturers will tell you what their reflector is designed for so read up on them before you make your purchase. Now you are ready to maintain a perfect environment, you have your lighting system, and have chosen the proper size grow tray to go with your lighting choice..... the next question I often hear is “how many plants can I fit in that space?”. More plants equals a larger yield right? Wrong again. The lumens coming from your grow light are only capable of producing so much. So as long as you have enough plants, properly
spaced out below your light, to absorb all of these lumens you will maximize your yield. Whether it takes 6 plants or 20 plants, they are only going to be able to absorb a definitive number of lumens. So if the results will be the same, would you rather have to care for and harvest 6 plants... or 20? Work smarter not harder. Now nutrition. Plants are 95% water and 5% solid. The 5% solid is then made up of 95% sugars and 5% nutrient/mineral content. So 5% of 5% of your plant is actual nutrients. Plants do not require a whole lot, a little goes a long way with plants. If you are afraid that you are not giving your plants enough food, just remember that you can always add more but if you give them too much... it is too late. At minimum too much nutrients will cause burn
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horticulture throughout the plant, leading to plant stress, ending up in lower yields and slow-to-no growth. It can also cause lockout. The plant sensing that it is absorbing too much mineral content will force it to shutdown and lockout nutrient absorption, again stopping growth. Err on the side of caution when feeding your plants. Using a PPM meter is always best, but if you do not have one you can always start off with half of the recommended dose for nutrients and then ramp it up little by little each week as your plants grow, eventually ending up at full strength by the time your plants start flowering/fruiting. There is always an exception of course. The one time I am all for going bigger than necessary is with your air filter. You can never have too clean of air, or too much odor control. As long as you make sure and get the right size fan to match with the filter, there is no filter too big. Overkill in this aspect
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of your grow room is definitely recommended. Now, if your fan is too big for your filter than it will minimize odor control and filtration. If your filter is too big for your fan, you will burn out your fan. As long as they match however, it is completely acceptable to go big with your filtration. As you can see, it is mostly about finding the right tool to fit the job. If you are unsure, you can always check with your
local hydro-store professional and they can help you figure out what is the best fit for your application. No two grow rooms are alike so going with your friend’s “it works for me” equipment will not always work for you. You are trying to create an indoor environment for your plants that matches the climate they grow in naturally, so do your calculations and get it right the first time. Your plants and pocketbook will thank you.
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WORDS
MAXIMILIAN STERLING
SNAPS
KENJI FURUTANI
T H E
Turntablist Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating music using direct-drive turntables and a DJ mixer, as defined by Wikipedia. Meet DJ Serafin - the Turntablist who has the unique ability to synthesize a sonic concoction utilizing all genres of music in perfect harmony. He’s mixed and produced tracks for a myriad of top 40 artists that you hear today. DJ Serafin takes time out of his hectic schedule to sit with us to talk jet setting, Turntablism and the burgeoning Vape culture, as well as his own stake in the industry.
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“From Uptown, we have the challenger. The fly man of the turntables. DJ GQ!” announced Queen Latifah during the DMC competition in the 90’s cult classic Juice. Who didn’t want to be a DJ after that epic battle scene that ensued between DJ GQ and DJ Majesty? The title of “Turntablist” is employed to differentiate a DJ, whose primary skillset is to play records, and a true artist who executes musical composition by actually touching and moving the vinyl records, styli, and mixer to manipulate sound. Serafin stays true to that notion whenever he performs. “I still use timecode vinyl. I’d rather perform on a turntable as much as I can versus a CDJ,” explains the venerable turntablist. While technology has allowed differences in the traditional DJ platform, Serafin acknowledges the fact that there is a certain nostalgia about hauling crates and turntables, and believes that today’s DJ’s should have a better appreciation for that rite of passage. He draws parallels to the computer program Photoshop, as being a tool to supplement or enhance imagery, but not to substitute the fact that the photographer still needs to be able to posses the skill to shoot, compose, and communicate a mood visually. Serafin spent the better part of the late 90’s and early 2000’s honing his craft of turntablism to become the jet setting DJ he is today. Fast forward to 2006,
when things got serious for a young Serafin when he decided DJ’ing would be a fulltime gig, and not just a hobby. His dream became a reality, and his skill in DJ’ing garnered him critical acclaim and residencies all over the world, from Ibiza to Las Vegas. Jet setting seems the most appropriate label for his lifestyle, since Serafin spends most of his time airborne and tweeting to his thousands of faithful followers about which airports he’s currently vaping. Being on the road and having multiple residencies is definitely a testament to his dream and subsequent success, and it is safe to say that he has elevated his position in the industry as one of the world’s most highly sought after DJs. Serafin’s talent eventually captured the ears of many artists, most notably, West Coast staple DJ Skee. Skee was such a fan of Serafin’s mixes that he reached out to Serafin and offered him his own radio segment on SKEE Live after their first meeting–as if Serafin’s time wasn’t already occupied enough with his busy schedule. Not one to be lackadaisical, Serafin knew his Hollywood lifestyle would eventually take a toll on his body, thus, he quit his habit of smoking at least a pack of cigarettes a day and picked up vaping. “Vaping changed my life. I can play with my kids without worrying about smelling like an ashtray anymore. My health is better and I know I’m setting a good example and
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being a positive role model,” says Serafin. He cautions the rigors of being a part of the nightclub lifestyle and the physical and mental damage done by constantly being on the road and within the party lifestyle. “As the DJ, you need to mingle with your audience and drinking, drugs, and smoking are a big part of that culture. Fortunately, I don’t do drugs or smoke anymore. I’ll have a few drinks and vape to be social,” says Serafin. Vaping has clearly been a positively life-changing experience for the turntablist, both personally and professionally. He’s extremely grateful for vaping and the culture, and he’s releasing his own line of elixirs rightfully called “Remix Vapor” by DJ Serafin. That said, my impression of Serafin is that he’s a hustler, an entrepreneur and a visionary. One could even say he’s akin to the DJ version of Ryan Seacrest in the sense that he is the hardest working turntablist around. I think we all can all say is that Serafin has got the Juice now. How long have you been spinning for? For a really, really long time (laughs). Do I have to tell you my age? Been spinning for over 20 years. 2006 is when it got real and I started really travelling a lot. Is DJ’ing your only gig? I don’t have a day job if that’s what you’re asking me. My day job is music from making remixes to movie soundtracks. I also have other ventures I have a stake in.
How did you get your own show on Skee Live? Skee used one of my remixed tracks called, “One More Trap” using a Trap track. ESPN used it and so did Mountain Dew for one of their videos. As a result, Skee tracked me down and reached out to me. He didn’t know I was from L.A. and he said to me over the phone, “I’ve been using your stuff and I’m a fan.” We met at his studio in Hollywood and he asked me if I wanted to host my own show, but I was nervous because I’ve never been on radio and I don’t even like talking. He said, “Just give it a try,” walked me through the process and it’s been dope ever since. The Serafin Show was born and we just had our one-year anniversary pass in July. You’ve developed quite a following. What would you say your genre of music is? I don’t really have a genre. I’m really formless and I’m a big fan of old school and oldies, for that matter. I like flipping old stuff to make it modern. That’s tough to do as an artist. I’m a very open-format DJ. I can’t stick to one genre. I’ll play 80’s, Country, top 40 to Hip-Hop. I never stick to one genre or BPM. Is music today harder to mix because of lack of originality? Well first off, everybody who’s called a “DJ” doesn’t even play original stuff. Right when a track comes from the record label, it’s almost instantly remixed and edited. That’s how you can tell
if a track is gonna be big, by the quantity of remixes. If Britney Spears releases something, you can tell it’s going to be remixed like crazy. For instance, Nicki Minaj released “Anaconda” which is a sample of Sir Mix-a-Lot. She did it in half-time and I’ve heard at least 10 remixes just yesterday. Technology is good as a DJ because we don’t have to wait for a record to be pressed. I’ll just go and edit it on my computer and I’ll rock tonight at the nightclub. What’s the biggest transition from vinyl and what people use now? I still use timecode vinyl. I’d rather perform on a turntable as much as I can versus a CDJ. As far as MP3’s and laptops or the Serato that we’re using goes, it changed the game. Everybody’s a DJ now. People just got Serato and downloaded music from iTunes and went to work. The difference is the talent and creativity. The tools are available, it’s just about how you use them to separate yourself. When I think of DJ’ing to this day, Juice comes to mind. Hell yeah! DJ’ing is an artform. I get super excited anytime I spin a gig on vinyl, with crates and turntables. It’s all you and a controlled environment. No buttons or computer. What separates a good and bad DJ? First off, a good DJ can read the crowd. It’s not about tempo. It’s not about mixing. It’s about the
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vibe and ambiance of the place. If I walk into a bar a 10pm, I don’t want to hear, “Throw yo hands up!” I don’t want to fucking throw my hands up. I want to talk. I want to mingle and get my buzz on. After that, vibe it out. A good DJ looks around, age group, and creates a good ambiance and experience. Take them places. What else besides DJ’ing and producing are you into? I just got back from Camp Spinoff, which is the world’s first DJ camp. We teach kids between ages 12-16 the fundamentals of DJ’ing. These kids are so damn talented. I teach the producing side of the curriculum and we have Scratch Academy teaching the DJ’ing side as well as Tracktor. These kids are sick on the computer when it comes to laying down crazy sounds. How did vaping come into your life? My boy DJ Ronix introduced me to vaping. He had a mechanical mod and I took a drag. I remember thinking it was an electronic hookah. I loved it - especially with the variety of juices and flavors out there. He took me to a vape store and picked up a beginners kit. From there, I graduated into atomizers and was curious, so I bought an iTaste pen. I thought I was cool. When the reality kicked in and I found out it was crap, I started vaping other peoples drippers, which I have now.
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What’s the biggest difference between your original vape and your current mod? I love the cloud blowing. I have OCD when it comes to anything I’m into, so I got all of it. I now got a mechanical blade mod and a dripper with 4 coils. Word on the street is you’re releasing your own line of juice. Yes. I’m releasing my own line of juice called Remix Vapor by DJ Serafin.
The difference is the talent and creativity. The tools are available; it’s just about how you use them to separate yourself. Where do you see the vape industry headed? I think it’s going to be big. It’s a multi-billion dollar business. I mean I can vape in airports like Arizona and Washington, to name a couple off the top of my head. There are at least 10 different airports I can currently vape in. I’ve been tweeting the names of airports to let people know which ones I’m currently vaping in. They don’t say anything, and you just can’t do that with a cigarette.
Do you see a social stigma when it comes to vaping? Oh yeah of course! Just be courteous and aware of your surroundings and utilize common sense. If you’re at a restaurant or around kids, don’t be a dick. Would you want vapor blown around your kid or while you’re enjoying a nice meal with your family? Practice common sense. Do you vape while you perform? Absolutely! Some of the club owners will tell me I don’t even need a smoke machine. We got you! Another positive is that most clubs don’t let you smoke in the club anyway. Vaping is fine for most venues I’ve been a part of. What’s your opinion on cannabis? I love it. I don’t smoke as much as I used to. They should legalize cannabis in every state in my opinion. I think in the cities where it’s legal, the culture is different. They’re more chill, relaxed and open-minded. I don’t know if that’s just a coincidence, but it has been my experience. I can tell you that I’ve never been afraid of being robbed by a stoner. A crackhead or meth head; that’s a different story (laughs). I’m a go for it. It’s not synthetic and it cures all types of ailments. I’m all for anything that betters your quality of life, so long as it does not affect other people or your surroundings negatively.
Concentrates: dabcity
OPTIMAL CONSUMPTION GUIDE
There are many published guides that teach 420 enthusiasts how to shop for good concentrates. In general, you look for products that are light in color, translucent (see-through) and stable in texture (isn’t gooey, sticky, or runny). However, everybody out there has different budgets, different preferences, and different product availability. We’d like to show you how to maximize the experience you get from whatever concentrate you have on hand! WORDS JEFFERSON
LU
SNAPS
KENJI FURUTANI
1
Pick the right Tool for the job: The dental-instrument looking tools that are used for handling concentrates are commonly known as Skillet Tools. Choosing the right skillet tool is primarily a matter of matching the head to the type of concentrate you are using. Crumble, Honeycomb, or other Dry Waxes (Large scoop head is optimal) This skillet tool has both a small and a large size scoop head on both ends. The large scoop head allows you to easily pour loose, crumbly concentrates directly onto your nail. Large scoop heads are not recommended for sticky or clumpy concentrates as they will get trapped on the scooper (thus causing waste).
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Budder, Soft Wax, or CO2 Oils (Small Scoop Head) The smaller scoop head is useful for gathering balls of budder or softer waxes. Smaller scoop heads allow you to easily drop a dab onto a nail or vapor element where larger scoop heads may be obstructive or wasteful. Shatter or Essence (Small flat tips or poker heads) With shatter and other stable waxes, it is optimal to have the dab on the end of small, pointy tool. This minimizes the amount of substance that may cling to the tool and also prevents excessive “nail wiping” that sucks heat off the nail and may possibly cause damage.
2
Pick the right heating element: In general, concentrate are used for either dabbing or vaporizing in a pen. There are also many people who enjoy them in conjunction with flowers, either topping a bowl or rolled into a blunt/joint. Here we will cover the most common ways to enjoy concentrates by themselves; there are other lesser known tools out there which aren’t covered here, but we encourage you to explore your local headshop! Nails to use with a dome: Titanium or glass In general, nails require a torch to heat up. You drop your concentrate onto a heated nail, whereupon it vaporizes. Glass nails tend to taste better than titanium nails but they are more fragile. Both are available in standard 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm sizes. Once heated up to temperature, you have to cover your nail with a glass dome to capture the vapors that come off the nail. Domeless Nails: Titanium, Quartz, Ceramic These nails are designed to be hit without a dome–generally through small slits or holes in the nail. Quartz nails and ceramic nails taste better than titanium nails (Ti nails tend to have a slight metallic taste) but are more fragile. Ceramic nails are especially fragile, being sensitive to moisture or drastic temperature changes. Many domeless nails are designed to fit more than one size of connector, though you should always measure or try it on your rig before you buy.
Vaporizer Pens – Skillet or Glass Globe Vaporizer pens are a major reason why concentrates have increased in popularity. It provides a convenient and relatively discrete way for people to consume cannabis. It’s also easier to control smaller hits versus taking a dab. Most concentrate pens give you either the option to use a skillet inside a metal tank, or one contained within a glass globe. Both require you to smear your concentrate onto a small heating filament. Metal skillets are the most discrete, but tend to taste a little harsh in comparison to the glass globe type pens. You can see the filament heating up through a glass globe. Both require regular cleaning, however, the filaments must be replaced when dirty. E-Nails E-nails are generally much more expensive than regular nails and require both a heating element connected to your rig as well as a ballast. E-nails allow you to maintain a stable, precise temperature throughout the duration of each dab. The ballast requires plugging into an outlet due to the large amount of power needed to heat up to dabbing temperatures. Health Stone Health stones allow you to use your concentrate like a traditional bowl piece. You simply lay your dab on top of the health stone, which looks like a circular piece of brillo pad (at right), then light the concentrate with a torch and inhale; just like smoking a bowl of flower. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you use a smaller flame with a highly refined butane.
Domeless Nails
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dabcity
3
The Process – Final Tips: A. Heating Your Nail: Use a torch with a large flame (larger than a cigar torch) that’s preferably filled with highly refined butane. Heat your nail until it is just glowing red – there is no need to get it hotter than that. If you have a dome, be sure to put it on quickly. If you have a brand new nail, it may not glow red until heated thoroughly multiple times – there is a seasoning process that takes place with new nails, and they do not reach optimal performance until done so. Most nails retain some level of “manufacturing taste” and many veterans dabbers will first season their nails with reclaim to avoid inhaling it. B. Optimal Dabbing Temperature: When using a torch to heat a nail, make sure you heat it until it’s slightly glowing red, but not bright red. Overly heating your Titanium nail will deteriorate the metal alloy, reducing its heat retention capability over time. Glass, ceramic, or quartz nails will simply become more fragile. Once heated, hover your pinky about 1-1.5inches above your nail to feel how hot it is: it should feel hot, but not burn your finger if you hold it in place. At this temperature, you can properly taste a dab rather than scorching off many of the terpenes. With an e-nail, you can manually adjust between 700-800 degrees, depending on what concentrate you’re using and what your personal preference is.
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C. Using a Carb Cap: You’ll notice a skillet tool sticking out from the picture of the three different sized male and female Titanium domeless nails. The base of that skillet tool is a “carb cap” which allows a large dab to slowly and evenly heat up across a nail and prevent waste. A carb cap is placed on top of a heated domeless nail after dropping your dab onto it. D. Wiping off your tool: Make sure you wipe your tool clean immediately after use, while it’s still hot. Use a lint-free cloth or card paper that won’t leave fuzz! Or check out the number of dab wiping products out there.
artisanal collective
lens T H R O U G H
WORDS
TOKEWELL STAFF
SNAPS
Beto “Two Tonz” Mendoza is an award winning photographer, editor and brand ambassador for the Lowrider culture. Hailing from a small town in CentralCalifornia called Delhi, Beto has always remain true to the game and his Lowrider roots. Beto has made a name for himself through branding, hustling and most of all his exquisite photography. Through his lens, he’s been able to attract the eyes of
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T H E
BETO ‘TWO TONZ’ MENDOZA
Lowrider Magazine and as a result, he freelanced for them temporarily which eventually garnered him a job as the Editor in Chief of Lowrider’s Art magazine aptly titled Arte. He’s one of the most recognized and respected figures in the Lowrider community all across the globe. Beto has been gracious and benevolent to offer us some of his artwork that has never published...until now.
Apple of My Eye
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Clockwise from Top Left: Exhale; La Luchador; Bulletproof Saint
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Clockwise from Top Left: Gone Green; El Jefe; Cali Life
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Legendary Parallel
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OPEN 100% Organic! Exclusive Strains! FREE Joint & Gift Bag to New Patients! FREE Edible & Candy with Every Delivery! Don’t waste time, money and energy, using gas, fighting traffic, driving to a dispensary to wait in line. Don’t take time away from your busy schedule when you don’t have to. We’re here to help you, with discreet free delivery of medical marijuana, concentrates and edibles to your home, work or studio.
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(818) 397-7707 www.CharityCollective.org
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RICK POON
pot // line hotel As a testament for his affinity of cannabis and good eats, Chef Roy Choi of the Kogi food truck legend is the mastermind behind the uber boutique Line Hotel’s slew of eateries – POT, Pot Lobby Bar, Cafe and the new Commissary. Choi’s concept behind POT is “Koreatown and Korean food through the eyes of an American with Korean Blood.” The menu especially makes no apologizes with craft dishes like Boot Knocker, BBQ Spicy Pork, Noodle of the Day and, of course, White Kim Chee. Dining at this restaurant, you’re instantly sucked into a culinary time warp with a 80’s and 90’s soundtrack from H-Towns ‘Knocking boots” and Jodeci’s “Forever my Lady” emitting from the speakers just to name a couple. Recently opened, Commissary emphasizes plant-based food and drinks, all within a greenhouse environment. Situated on the pool deck of the Line Hotel, patrons dine amongst each other on communal tables. All are open 7 days a week. Regardless what your gastro-preference is, these restaurants are nothing short of amazing and pays true homage to LA-culture and culinary prowess.
The Line Hotel 3515 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles (Koreatown) (213) 368-3030 eatatpot.com
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gastronomics
curry up cafe Nestled deep in the San Fernando Valley in the plush and affluent neighborhood of Woodland Hills lies a diamond in the rough. Located off the busy and worldfamous Ventura Boulevard, Chef Chris Wong serves up some of the most mouth-watering California Comfort food or as the food snobs love to coin it, “Fusion”. From his delectable Bulgogi-laced hot dogs to his creative ramen concoctions, the menu isn’t tailored for vegans or for those on a diet. What it is targeted to are for those who want to sinfully indulge. That said, if you’re in the area or anywhere in the 818 for that matter, this place is a must try. 21912 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills (818) 347-4116 curryupcafe.com
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CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE BOUTIQUE
5302 VINELAND AVENUE, N. HOLLYWOOD 91601 | 818.487.8889 WWW.FXAUTOSPORTS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/FXAUTOSPORT
Vape Shops 310 Vapers 4908 Virginia Ave Long Beach 90805 (855) 310-VAPE
Downtown VAPE Electronic Cigarettes 1301 S Main St Los Angeles 90015 (213) 748-8273
AQUA VAPE 9678 Las Tunas Dr Temple City 91780 (626) 291-2547
E-Cig City 1970 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach 92651 (949) 715-5100
Beyond Technologies, Inc. 420 Mckinley St, Ste 111-216 Corona 92879 (951) 254-9498
E-Cig City 4 1400 University Ave, Ste 107 Riverside 9250 (951) 682-3422
Beyond Vape 9455 Firestone Blvd Downey 90241 (562) 291-2704
E-Cig City 7 1229 W Foothill Blvd Upland 91786 (909) 946-4333
Beyond Vape 141 N Atlantic Blvd, Ste 111 Monterey Park 91754 (626) 782-7693
E-Vape Mods 401 S Glenoaks Blvd Burbank 91502 (818) 802-8288
BSP Vapes 1012A Hacienda Blvd Hacienda Heights 91745 (626) 961-3333
Ecommerce America 5419 Hollywood Blvd, Ste C364 Hollywood 90027
Cig Easy 2851 S LaCadena, Ste 121 Colton 92324 Cloudscape Vape 17494 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance 90504 (310) 371-7100 Coastal Vapes 1834 Newport Blvd, Ste E Costa Mesa 92627 (949) 478-0965 Craft Vapery (888) 631-6650 craftvapery.com Doux Vape 3018 S Figueroa St Los Angeles 90007 (213) 744-0789
Golden State Vape Shop 1925 W Temple St Los Angeles 90026 (213) 989-6903 Great Ecig Deals 3311 Barham Blvd Los Angeles 90068 High Voltage Vaporz 13437 Pumice St Norwalk 90650 (562) 916-6482 highvoltagevaporz.com
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Local shops, lounges, collectives and dispensaries. Local Vape LLC 1525 Mesa Verde Dr E, Ste 116B Costa Mesa 92627 (657) 600-8911 Majestic Vapes 8326 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills 90211 (323) 782-1813 Nana’s Vape Shop 10957 Venice Blvd Los Angeles 90034 (310) 736-2247 NicQuid (855) 642-7843 (NICQUID) nicquid.com nJoye Vape 425 W Valley Blvd, Ste 103 San Gabriel 91776 (626) 281-1404 Smokeless Delite, Inc. 3325 Cochran St, Ste 108, Simi Valley 93065 (800) 320-1380 Stag Vapor Co. 57 California Ave, Suite I Pleasanton 94566 (877) 750-4769 stagvapor.com The Vape Source 3832 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles 90010 (213) 739-9265 The Vape Studio 3300 Overland Ave Los Angeles 90034 (310) 842-8273
Interstate Vape 21050 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 91364 (818) 883-8273
The VAPE Supply Co DTLA 129 E 6th St Los Angeles 90023 (877) 240-8273
Liquid Barn 4545 Industrial St Simi Valley 93063 liquidbarn.com
The Vape Theory 420 S Brand Blvd Glendale 91204 (818) 243-3499
issue 01 september/october 2014
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The Vape Unit 2099 S Atlantic Blvd Monterey Park 91754 (323) 318-2408
Vape On 633 S San Gabriel Blvd, Ste 106 San Gabriel 91176 (626) 213-3286
Vape Supreme 2501 Colorado Blvd Los Angeles 90041 (323) 999-7192
The Vapor Loft 1001 N Main St Orange 92867 (714) 289-2827
Vape On 3714 N Figueroa St Los Angeles 90065 (626) 213 3293
Vape Supreme 918 Williamson Ave Fullerton 92832 (714) 519-3955
The Vapor Spot 2378 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles 90064; (310) 280-9652
Vape Place 2705 Artesia Blvd Redondo Beach 90278
Vaper Venue 7607 Melrose Ave Los Angeles 90242 (323) 988-0873
The Vapor-Mart 7308-1/2 Melrose Ave Los Angeles 90046 (323) 939-1406 Vape & Juice 747 E 10th St Los Angeles 90021 (213) 985-5401 Vape Noize 4732 Eagle Rock Blvd Los Angeles 90041 (323) 375-8475
70 tokewell magazine
Vape Revolution 15971 S Piuma Ave Cerritos 90703 (562) 653-4730 Vape Spot 4632 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles 90029 (213) 210-9928 Vape Sox 1211 W. Imperial Hwy. #102 B Brea 92821 (800) 840-3602
Vapor Bar 658 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks 91360; (805) 777-1001 Vapor Bar LA 4051 W 3rd St Los Angeles 90004 (213) 820-6311 Vapor Craze 3837 Atlantic Ave Long Beach 90807 (562) 366-1150
Vapure USA, Inc. 10769 Woodside Ave Santee 92071 (619) 638-8777
Vapor Intelligent 3506 Unit D West Lake Center Dr, Santa Ana 92704 (714) 513-5324
Villian Vapors 11542 Knott St Ste 3 Garden Grove 92841 (714) 891-6537 villainvapors.com
Vapor Range 15210 S Western Ave Gardena 90249 (310) 817-8088 vaporrange.com
Worlds Finest Vapors 2633 Lincoln Blvd Santa Monica 90405 (310) 212-3111
Vapor Viper 9464 Artesia Blvd Bellflower 90706 (562) 507-9074
Xplicit Vape Shop 7502 Foothill Blvd Los Angeles 91042 (818) 339-1549
Vapor Viper 8426 C Laurel Ave Whittier 90605 (626) 316-0371
Xtreme Vape 447 W Foothill Blvd Monrovia 91016 (626) 256-9034
Vaporhood Vape Shop 24020 B Vista Montana Torrance 90505 (310) 373-4978
Collectives/ Dispensaries
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Vapor Delight 1855-A Lincoln Blvd Santa Monica 90404 (310) 986-2076
420 For The People Cooperative Inc. 15300 Devonshire St, Ste 1 Mission Hills, 91345 (818) 810-5353 Absolute Herbal Pain Solutions 2201 S San Pedro St Los Angeles 90011 (323) 932-6263 Advanced Patients Collective 1580 Gower St Los Angeles 90028 (818) 200-8198 Apothecary 420 330 N. Western Ave Los Angeles (323) 836-0420 Buds and Roses 13235 Ventura Blvd Studio City 91604 (818) 907-8852
T he t cоv atiо оe cup at a t e LIVE MUSIC | BULLETPROOF COFFEE | GLUTEN-FREE CONFECTIONS
137 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 | (323) 888-4201 issue 01 september/october 2014
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California Health Remedies Inc 8777 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles 90035 (310) 724-8124
Kushmart 1343 S. Hill St Los Angeles 90015 (323) 464-6465
Venice Medical Center 9636 Venice Blvd Suite A Culver City 90232 (424) 603-2133
Canna Collective Long Beach 4010 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach 90807 (562) 492-6091
La Brea Compassionate Caregivers 735 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles 90038 (323) 933-4372
West Coast Collective 1500 Esperanza St Los Angeles 90023 (323) 266-7116
Los Angeles Wellness Center 312 W. Olympic Blvd Los Angeles 90015 (213) 746-3355
Misc
Charity Collective Medical Marijuana Delivery Service (818) 397-7707 charitycollective.org City Compassionate Caregivers CCC 606 E. 4th St Los Angeles 90013 (213) 935-8996
Mary Jane’s Collective 4901 Melrose Ave Los Angeles 90004 (323) 466-6636
Culver City Collective Pre-ICO 10887 Venice Blvd., Suite #A Los Angeles 90034 (310) 838-5888
New Day Health Center 4309 Crenshaw Blvd Los Angeles 90008 (800) 610-0420
Exclusive Caregivers of California 2157-1/2 W. Century Blvd Los Angeles, California (323) 754-2209
Patients Republic Collective 1903 S PaciďŹ c Ave San Pedro 90731 (562) 745-7271
Exhale Med Center 980 N La Cienega Blvd, Ste 102 Los Angeles 90069 (424) 279-9497
Perennial Holistic Wellness Center, Inc. 11705 Ventura Blvd Studio City 91604 (818) 505-3631
GEC Green Earth Center 2100 S Santa Fe Ave Compton 90221 (310) 605-0600
SCI Caregivers 7301 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga 91042 (818) 353-1006
Green Miles 5K Experience NOS Events Center 689 S E St San Bernardino 92408 greenmiles5k.com
SCQM Delivery Huntington Deliveries Only Huntington Beach 92646 (855) 420-2420
HBCG 17416 Beach Blvd Huntington Beach 92647 (714) 475-5502
Southern California Caregivers Collective (SoCal CC) Medical Marijuana Delivery Service Los Angeles 90015 (310) 210-1832
Herbal Healing Center 5507 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Suite #C Valley Village (818) 505-9772
TGE 7948 W 3rd St Los Angeles 90048 (323) 782-8022
Iris Gummies (310) 863-1436 irisgummies.com
The Herbsmith Available at various retailers. theherbsmith.com
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Curry Up Cafe 21912 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 91364 (818) 347-4116 curryupcafe.com FX Autosport 5302 Vineland Ave N. Hollywood 91601 (818) 487-8889 fxautosports.com FUCR fucr.info Lokwerkz Fabrication 2746 N. Durfee Ave, Ste H El Monte 91732 POT/Pot Lobby Bar/Cafe/ Commissary The Line Hotel 3515 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles 90010 (213) 368-3030 eatatpot.com US Garden 417 Agostino Rd San Gabriel 91776 (626) 285-5009 usgarden.com The Daily Brew Coffee Bar 137 N Montebello Blvd Montebello CA 90640 (323) 888-4201 We Grow Hydro 3350 E Los Angeles Ave Simi Valley 93063 (805) 624-4566 wegrowhydro.com
track tested, street certiямБed.
2746 N. DURFEE AVE, SUITE H EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA 91732
september/october2014
liquidbarn www.liquidbarn.com
liquid barn - los angeles