TOKEWELL MAGAZINE ISSUE 08

the urban outlaws Meet the villains that robbed big tobacco of their victims and gave them back their breath.

With Anthony Bourdain.

the happy chef

undisclosed We take you inside one of LA’s most secretive artist compounds.

08

issue

We sit with model, activist and world famous Chef Danielle Russell to talk edibles, advocacy and the current canna state of the union.

november/december2015

november/december2015

24

contents features the road less traveled

24

With Anthony Bourdain.

the urban outlaws

12

Meet the villains that robbed big tobacco of their victims and gave them back their breath.

holiday gift guide

56

We bring the lastest and greatest of 2015 holiday must-haves.

the happy chef

42

We sit with model, activist and world famous Chef Danielle Russell to talk edibles, advocacy and the current canna state of the union.

columns 88 artisanal collective The Container Yard.

departments 5 Editor’s Letter 8 Vapelife: The World of Tomorrow

on the cover COURTESY CNN The legendary Anthony Bourdain. Page 24.

issue 08 november/december 2015

3

issue 08 | nov/dec 2015 Published by fr3shLAb creative group, llc President, Founding Partner Richard Coyle RICH@TOKEWELL.COM Creative Director, Founding Partner, Ryan Furuya RYAN@TOKEWELL.COM Editor-in-Chief Saul Goode Co-Founder, Senior V.P., Operations Cindy Galindo CINDY@TOKEWELL.COM Director of Finance Yvonne Morton YVONNE@TOKEWELL.COM Contributing Writers Leilani Anderson, Cindy Galindo, Rene Galindo, Mike Landers, Brandon Leidel, Maximilian Sterling Contributing Photographers Kenji Furutani, Leah Moriyama, Saul Vargas 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.

Š2015 Fr3shlab Creative Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. tokewell po box 444, alhambra, ca 91802 Ad Sales INFO@TOKEWELL.COM tokewell.com tokewell tokewell

4 tokewell magazine

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.

It’s hard to believe that we’re on our last issue of 2015 and the beginning 2016. So much has transpired over the span of 12 months in our respective industries in terms of innovation, technology, trends and legislation. As we head into the holiday season, it’s an opportunity to reflect and spend time with our loved ones. That said, we are extremely grateful for the all the positive response and the love shown to us from our iconic covers to our amazing features and

welcome

Welcome to Tokewell Magazine.

We strive to bring you to the cutting edge of technology, design, lifestyle, and culture for both MMJ and Vapor.

partners. We are truly blessed that so many of you share our vision and I cannot communicate enough that without each and every one of you, none of this would be possible.

I’m a firm believer in having a positive mental attitude (PMA) and that the universe will always find a way to work itself out. We hope you’ve enjoyed our efforts as much as we have enjoyed sharing them with you through our pens and lenses. In closing, remember to stay positive, remain vigilant and keep focused on the passion and culture that unified us as a movement. 2016 is just the beginning. #TogetherWeRise

Sincerely,

Saul Goode Editor-in-Chief

Stack Paper, Catch Vapors.

#PrayForParis

issue 08 november/december 2015

5

DEKA Vials is made from U.S. Ingredients and the CBD is from the world’s leading producer of quality hemp-derived CBD products: CannaVest.

(YHQ ZLWK TXDOLW\ ODE WHVWHG &%' '(.$ 9LDOV PDNHV VXUH WKH ÀQDO SURGXFW LV quality made for our customers. Every batch made is sent out to SC LABS to have it lab tested. Improve your well-being with DEKA Vials!

For more information, contact wholesale@vmdistribution.net.

the world of tomorrow vapelife

WORDS

BRANDON LEIDEL CEO, Vapor Shark

Smart Atomizers will have sensors that allow for much more accurate temperature sensing and limiting. They will be heated with great accuracy using alternative methods like laser or radio frequencies which require less than half the energy of today’s devices. This will happen and it’ll be completely safe. Sounds like The Jetsons, but it’s not.

I started working in this industry five years ago and since then I’ve watched it grow into something that I’m very proud to be a part of. We’re just barely scratching the surface of what’s possible with personal vaporizers and I can’t wait to see what lies in the not too distant future. In the coming years innovation will flourish and lead to advancements that will power the devices of tomorrow. Here are a few of the things we will see.

The atomizers of today will fade away and usher in a new era of Smart Atomizers. What we use today is very crude and based on resistance wire tech from the 1800’s. It was intended for use in toasters and room heaters, not for vaporizing e-liquid. Devices of tomorrow won’t use resistance wire and will eliminate the potential for any heavy metals in our vapor. Cotton will be replaced by a new synthetic material that won’t burn at high temperatures and will have better capillary function. Let’s leave the cotton in our socks.

8 tokewell magazine

The greatest hindrance to advancement today is battery chemistry. We will see great innovation in the coming years. This will lead to safer batteries with double the energy density of current batteries and more powerful batteries in smaller devices. Graphene based lithium ion hybrid batteries and ultracapacitors will certainly play a role in future devices. These batteries of the future will safely charge in around 30 seconds with a higher discharge current. Electrical components will shrink as well. Smaller and more powerful batteries will lead to much smaller devices with the performance of today’s larger ones.

In the future we will be able to charge our mods and other personal electronics without plugs or wall adaptors. Popular restaurants and stores will also have this technology. Everywhere you go you’re slowly topping off your batteries, wirelessly. No more battery anxiety.

If you do plug it in, your battery will charge in 30 seconds and we’ll say to ourselves, “3 hour charges are so 2015.”

WEB SI TE:

vaporshark.com

THE TH T HE H E

WO WORDS WOR WORD WO OR ORDS ORD R RD RDS DS DS

14 tokewell magazine

OUTLAWS OUTLA OUTLAW OUT OUTL O OU UT UTL U UTLAW UTLA TL T TLA TLAW LAWS LA LAW L AW AWS AW WS S

MAXIMILLIAN MAXI MAXIMIL MA MAX M MAXIM AXIMILLIAN AXIMI A AXIM AXIMILL AX XIMI XI XIMILL XIM X IM IMIL MILLIAN MIL MI M IILLIA ILLIAN IL ILL LLI LLIA L LLIAN LL LIAN LI L IA IAN AN STE AN STERLIN STERLING STERL S ST STER TERLIN TERLING T TER TE ERLING ER ERLI ERL E RLING RLIN RLI RL R LING L LIN ING IN NG N G

SNAPS SNAP SNAPS SNA SN NAPS AP A PS PS

LEA LEAH LE L EAH EAH EA AH M MORI MORIYA MO MOR MORIY MORIYAMA MORIYAM ORIYAM ORIYA ORIYAMA OR O RIYAM RIYAMA R RIYA IYA YA YAM Y YAMA AM AMA AMA MA

We sit We with sit the withvape the vape industries industries notorious notorious villains villains andand talktalk about about howhow thisthis couple couple builtbuilt a vape a vape empire empire outout of necessity of necessity andand consequentconsequently, helped pave way others a billion ly, helped pave thethe way forfor others inin a billion dollar industry which currently sit atop dollar industry which theythey currently sit atop the ruling elite. Meet the modern day as theas ruling elite. Meet the modern day BonBonnie and Clyde–Rich and Lisa Kellett. nie and Clyde–Rich and Lisa Kellett.

issue 08 november/december 2015

15

I

n the 1930’s, a couple by the names of Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Champion Barrow were notorious American outlaws from the Dallas area that trekked throughout the United States with their gang of outlaws robbing and causing chaos during the Great Depression.

Their exploits have captured the attention of the American public during the "Public Enemy Era", between 1931 and 1935 and have been firmly cemented in modern-day pop culture. As a result, “Bonnie ‘n Clyde” has since become synonymous with becoming America’s first “power couple” and that moniker has been greatly used in today's music and film. Their legend is something that the average and lower class citizens can assimilate to because it’s a story about coming from the bottom and clawing their way to the top by any means necessary. It’s a familiar tale of hustling and doing what you have to do to make it to the top. Fortunately, unlike Bonnie ‘n Clyde, this story doesn’t end in death or tragedy, but in triumph and success.This is where the parallels end for entrepreneurs Rich and Lisa Kellett. Like anybody born and bred in Southern California, Rich and Lisa were exposed early on to the unforgiving streets of Los Angeles and the daily grind that the urban jungle commands from you. Unbreakable and focused they learned quickly about hustling hard and making it by any means necessary coupled with ambition. “The initial reason why we decided to make e-Liquid was for us to just make enough money to open up our own shop and the shit just took off,” said Rich when asked

What was the moment you were introduced to vaping?

R: Lisa and I were heavy smokers back in the day. I was about 2 packs a day and Lisa was a pack a day smoker. One of our good friends bought us a starter kit for Christmas one year and Lisa stopped smoking immediately and I quit about a year after. It was a Riva 510 and we both shared it. Then, we moved on to a Lava Tube and some Volcano products which were

16 tokewell magazine

about the catalyst was to start Villain. A few months later, Lisa quit her 9-5 working in the medical field and Rich followed suit resigning his position in the film industry. They were both committed to the dream enough to dive headfirst and allocate all their time and energy into this exploding business they had created. That gamble paid off in spades.

With success coming as fast as it did for the duo, they experienced an unfortunate negative side effect of their accomplishments - haters. During our interview, Lisa mentioned something to me a while back when we first met. She said, “it’s lonely at the top, always remember that”. When I asked Lisa to elaborate she said, “On a personal level it’s taken it’s toll on family and personal relationships. People think just because you own your own business that you can come and go when you please and detach yourself from work and as you know, that’s completely false. When you’re not working, you’re working.” The response was emotional and raw as her voice started to waver and they both exchanged reassuring glances to one another that everything was fine. Today, the brand embodies the notion that it’s okay to venture off the beaten path and go against the grain and what society expects.

It signifies the instance when you to root for the bad guys and want them to escape with the loot. That has been the narrative this whole time. Take what is yours. As a result of their determination and sweat equity, they have one of the vape industries most influential and successful e-Liquid brands. Meet Villain Vapors.

available and it made it easier to stop smoking cigarettes.

gauge the voice of the community and it was phenomenal.

When did you guys realize you wanted to get into the vape industry?

R: Back in 2012 we used to hang out at VapeRev a lot and we realized that we wanted to open up our own shop. There were other vape shops at the time, but VapeRev was the closest to us.

We started meeting these vape groups online and was able to

How did you guys get started with making e-Liquids?

R: A good friend of ours who was already in the industry got us going with making e-Liquids, The funny things is the initial reason for making the e-Liquid was for us to make enough money to open up our own shop and the shit just took off. It turned into a full-time job and within 2

issue 08 november/december 2015

17

issue 08 november/december 2015

19

months, Lisa quit her job a few months afterwards, I quit mine and went all in.

What was the concept behind Villain Vapors?

L: Our background is our influence to Villain (laughs).

Were Bonnie ‘n Clyde. We thought of the outlaws and bad guys succeeding. It’s also very wild west in an industry without rules. It just seemed to fit perfectly.

Did you guys think Villain would be as big as it is today?

L: We had no idea we would be as big as we are. It just took off so fast. We just expected to make some extra spending cash. Our dream was to make enough to open up a store.

What are the positives and negatives to your success?

R: So much to be thankful for. We’ve been able to travel across the world and go places I never thought we’d experience. We can make a great living and be able to help people quit smoking and help their health along the way. What more can you ask for? We’re living the American dream.

L: We’ve been fortunate to have run into some great people when this whole thing first started. People would tell us that your juice was the first juice that got me off cigarettes and it’s still amazing to hear that. We’re always willing to

20 tokewell magazine

help and mentor people. The good ones stick around and the others pass through. It’s lonely at the top. On a personal level, it’s been time-consuming. People think just because you own your own business that you can come and go when you please and detach yourself from work and as you know, that’s completely false. When you’re not working, you’re working.

Even distant family members come out the woodwork and contact you. It’s sad because you’re willing to help people as much as you can and when you hit the brakes, they’re gone. It’s sad but an unfortunate side effect of success.

In your opinion, what's the current state of the union?

R: It’s very exciting with all the evolving technology and ongoing mainstream acceptance. Unfortunately, a lot of people are in this industry for a quick buck and it’s evidenced by their marketing and trademark infringements etc..We’ve never had anything appealing to kids and always stayed original with our marketing and optics.

With all the looming legislation coming down on the vape industry, what needs to be done?

R: The way shits coming down now does not look well for vaping. It’s about corrupt politicians and money.

L: We need a lot more help

with SFATA. We will not survive without SFATA. We need to donate to them. It costs them a little over $2M to do everything they do from sending representation to all the call-to-actions and appeals nationwide. Our industry would cease to exist if it weren't for the hard work of SFATA.

22 tokewell magazine

R: People need to be more proactive. The general public needs to be educated about vaping versus being miseducated. People are being misled.

What are your thoughts on the legalization of MMJ? R: I think it’s great. 100% for it.

Alcohol is legal, why not cannabis? They're worse outcomes with alcohol.

L: We’re all for it. If it helps you medically and allows you to have a better quality of life, why not?

There are much worse things out here we should focus on.

24 tokewell magazine

The Road Less Traveled WORDS

MIKE LANDERS

SNAPS

COURTESY CNN

You’ve traveled to Parts Unknown with him.

You’ve gone on his trips with No Reservations. You’ve probably uncovered his secrets in Kitchen Confidential.

Now, sit and chat with Emmy Award-winning CNN host and world renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain as he dishes out the perspectives he has gained throughout his life’s journey.

issue 08 november/december 2015

25

A

n often-said quote among travellers is that “the road can be unforgiving.” Touring musicians, suburbanite road-trippers and travelling salesmen are attributed this quote the most, yet an examination of its validity is still warranted − as in the case of many others, the road is quite the opposite. Travel is a sanctuary and an escape, a respite from the doldrums of the daily grind; with new environs come new adventures and so forth. The latter viewpoint serves as former New York chef Anthony Bourdain’s latest recipe for success, as his well-documented travels have upped the ante for reality television. Bourdain’s wildly successful “Parts Unknown” CNN series finds the former Park Avenue chef deeply entrenched in foreign grounds and cultural exploration. The contagious mix of Bourdain’s off-the-cuff East Coast chutzpah and inquisitive wonderment is certainly more Kerouac-ian than Kardashian in nature, as our fearless host and leader guides us across the globe to see and taste things we never have before experienced. Simply put; he shows up and does whatever he wants when he gets there. This is the kind of liberation that wins Emmys for CNN and draws the envy of Joe 9-to-5. In many ways, Bourdain is the version of us that we want to be. He is free. He asks the questions we want to ask, and he tries the things that we are afraid to try. For him, the road is actually very forgiving. Forgiving of all the sins of the kitchen, three decades of bringing your A-game to work every night, in

26 tokewell magazine

hot, cramped, close quarters hoping that the dishes you create bring some modicum of joy to the flavorless life of the rat racers and vacationers with high expectations. It can often be a thankless and nameless job. Think about it. When’s the last time you thanked a chef for a wonderful meal at a restaurant? Even better, when’s the last time you even knew the name of the chef or knew what he or she looked like?

For Bourdain, being a chef was never about that. It was about the love of the craft because no amount of food critic praise could ever justify the dues that get paid over thirty years in a kitchen. Instead, Chef Bourdain sharpened his culinary iron because he is passionate about the power of good food and its subsequent effect on good conversation.

It’s why you root for him. He cares.

He is not a brand. He is not a spokesperson. You might get brash, and you might get bold, but you will not get bullshit from him. Whether filming Parts Unknown for CNN, writing and publishing books under the HarperCollins imprint Ecco or grappling in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (he is a blue belt), he is doing it because he genuinely cares, because he wants to be there.

He is doing whatever he wants to do and seemingly finding success in every endeavor. His exploits make us think that maybe we should start doing the same. If Mr. Bourdain can teach us anything, it seems, it’s that the road of life can actually be very forgiving – if we let it. .

issue 08 november/december 2015

27

How has your former (and in many ways still current) experience as a chef molded the way you look at the world?

It’s a class thing, first. Working as a cook and as a chef, you’re basically in the business of making the same things over and over again under pressure. It’s working class work. It’s sort of a subculture in and of itself, and also a part of the service industry. I guess the way you look at everyone else, at the world and society is very much worn by that over the course of 30 years.

There’s an outsider perspective perhaps. I think it’s hard not to have a sense of humor, a sense of fatalism, a sense of humility, a sense of morbid slight cynicism romantic look at how things work. Of course, you also get an understanding of how food is made, how much it costs, how good it can be. On one hand, chefs are still sort of romantic about it, they see it as something that can still surprise them and have all those magical powers in spite of the fact that it’s something they work with day after day, thousands of times a day.

When we profiled Chef Roy Choi, he said something to the effect that the kitchen was where you went if nothing else worked out for you? Is that true?

Traditionally, that’s kind of true. If you look at the classic European family model, you were not the smartest kid in the family. The smartest or eldest would be sent off to university, you were packed off to be an

28 tokewell magazine

apprentice. The business was always pretty forgiving and a place where people were running away from other stuff – refugees and misfits.

While your Parts Unknown series has taken you to a variety of completely different places and regions, what perspective have you gained about food and cultural passion? Do you see differences between the U.S. and other countries in those respects?

Countries where people are passionate about food, I tend to like. Having a country where there is a ferocious pride in their food is a good sign, and having a country where they aren’t particularly passionate about their food is a bad sign.

Food is worth arguing over, and I like countries where people argue over food. Vietnam and Italy are very similar in this respect. People will be eating dinner and arguing about a meal they had last week and talking with anticipation about a meal they are having next week. That said, they aren’t like food nerds here – it’s not a cult of personality. For Vietnamese, Italian, and Lebanese chefs that is really kind of a foreign concept. I think its because those cultures understand that food, however important and vital and however passionate they might be about it, there’s a bigger picture, there’s other stuff, there’s sex and culture and music and family. Meaning that if you spend all of your time online on a food website

issue 08 november/december 2015

29

30 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

31

arguing about how to make a Bundt cake, there’s something extremely fucked about you. If you’re spending more than an hour a day worrying about who is the best chef on the Food Network, it’s a little disturbed.

32 tokewell magazine

Do you think the increased visibility of cooking shows and chef profiles on TV is good or bad for the profession?

I like that chefs are empowered in the sense that people are paying attention. As a function

of caring about who’s cooking, you might actually start to care about what’s cooking. That’s made things better for chefs and better for the dining public.

If you look at supermarkets in England post-Jamie Oliver and

what they were before Jamie Oliver – it’s a transformative event.

Life is much better after Emeril than it was before. Its funny and its hypocritical and as pretentious and silly as the phenomenon could be, it’s probably been

good to society as a whole. Chefs do something useful. They feed people; they nurture people. It’s food we’re talking about. It’s a creative enterprise with value – it’s certainly better than being a Kardashian.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu has become an integral part of your life, any chance of you competing?

Maybe. I mean now that I’m a blue belt, there’s an old dude division. I think about it. I would do it under an alias, I just like

issue 08 november/december 2015

33

34 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

35

issue 08 november/december 2015

37

to go out there and do it for me.

I’m not particularly interested in whether I win or lose, I just like to go out and see if I can do it.

How did you adjust to your life’s transition of being in a Park Avenue kitchen every day to suddenly travelling the world nonstop as a television personality? Do you miss a more stable life?

No, I don’t. I have 30 years of standing on my feet in a busy kitchen; this is a whole hell of a lot easier and a lot more fun.

would be embarrassing to me.

Quite frankly, I don’t give a lot of thought to what “my brand” is or isn’t, it’s always a quality of life issue with me.

Your partnership with The Balvenie “Raw Craft” and your publishing imprint via HarperCollins showcase a different side of you in the sense of trying to bring opportunity both and exposure to people you believe in. How important have these two journeys been for you? Will

My whole worldview has been formed by those years between the ages of 17 and 44, standing in a kitchen, making food for people who I didn’t know.

Given your increasingly wide audience, how have you dealt with the busy schedule in terms of filtering and controlling the messages coming from your “brand?”

Is it hard for you to keep up with the constant content? Do you feel more pressure in giving your honest opinion on camera than you did initially?

The messages coming from my “brand?” (laughs). I definitely don’t have a “brand.” It’s my Twitter account, my Facebook, and it’s my Instagram so it’s quite simple – if I didn’t say it then it doesn’t get said. It’s a defensive measure; I just don’t want somebody posting some bullshit. That

38 tokewell magazine

there be more of these types of endeavors for you in the future?

I like collaborating with people, whether is it’s a musician, a writer, or a TV star, I like making things. I’m a true believer in the printed word. These publishing enterprises that allow me to have fun and support voices I believe in and am enthusiastic about that I would like to see read and published. It’s fun, I guess it gives me pleasure; I like to be part of making things that I’m proud of.

Are you a supporter of Cannabis legalization?

It would be idiotic to be against

it, I am pro. I always thought it should be legalized. Those places where it has been legalized, it has clearly done no harm. Count me in as enthusiastic, I would vote “Yes” enthusiastically.

Within the cannabis world, much is yet to be developed in terms of flavor profiles and food pairings, although there is a lot of work being done in that arena. Do you have any interest in exploring that world given your culinary background? Do you think cannabis will ever be a significant part of mainstream cuisine?

No. I think there’s a lot to be said for edibles, I support them in principle and in practice, as a psychoactive element its there.

Do I think the flavor of marijuana holds out great hope for a new spectrum of cuisine? Not really. Does the addition of marijuana make something taste better than something without marijuana? I haven’t really come across anything where that is the case. I’ve come across items where I was happy there was marijuana in there, but that’s

40 tokewell magazine

because it made me high. It wasn’t because, “Wow I love the fresh taste of weed.” (laughs).

Not particularly. Same with hash. It’s an interesting novelty item, if I was to be visiting any cannabis product in food, it would be for the traditional reasons, not because it’s the taste sensation that’s sweeping the nation. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody did something really brilliant with it. Is there gonna be weed crusted salmon that’s better than any crusted salmon dish that’s come before? I don’t know.

Your writing comes from a very authentic place. How did you approach getting your messages, humor, and perspective across on film as opposed to your blogs, articles, and published books?

I don’t have a message. There’s no plan. I don’t control a brand, and I don’t give it that much thought. I try really hard to not think about it. I look at every day as an opportunity to do something creative that makes me happy, that makes my

creative partners happy, and we push ourselves to be as different as we can be in terms of what we have created before and that’s it.

Will people like it, or get it, or fully appreciate it? That’s really of secondary importance.

What is the easiest thing about being Anthony Bourdain and what is the hardest thing about being Anthony Bourdain?

The easiest thing? I get to pretty much go anywhere I want in the world and do whatever I want when I get there, as long as I make self-indulgent television about it. The hardest thing? If I want to sit in an Irish pub at four o’clock in the afternoon alone, listening to Tom Waits and having a pint by myself − that’s probably not gonna happen.

If you had to pick three destinations from your Parts Unknown travels to revisit; which ones would you choose and why?

Tokyo would be one of them for sure. I would also say, Vietnam and Beirut

42 tokewell magazine

the

HappyChef WORDS

LEILANI ANDERSON

C

SNAPS

DANIELLE RUSSELL // SAUL VARGAS

lassically trained canna-chef Danielle Russell, aka Chef Dee, is taking on the tastier side of the marijuana industry in a whole new way. She carefully combines ten years of restaurant expertise and cannabis knowledge to provide you with not only delicious recipes but education on how to properly medicate at home. Growing up in a weed-friendly household in not so weed-friendly Franklin County, Virginia, Chef Dee began making sauces and Happy Ranchers as a discreet way to medicate. After meeting B-Real at a show three years ago, she published a cookbook with his help and quickly developed a reputation as an outstanding canna-chef. That reputation got her working with Snoop Dogg on his documentary web series, Merry Jane, as well as crossing paths with others

in the canna-culinary industry, such as Chef Nugs. Chef, writer, producer, model, actress, clothing designer, activist - Chef Dee does it all, including running her own nonprofit clothing line, Marly’s Angels, whose proceeds benefit those suffering from addiction and their families. With ‘patients’ of her own ranging from professional business types and doctors to the elderly, Chef Dee puts together a wide range of recipes that make cannabis much more approachable to the everyday person, both visually and medically. Even with legalization quickly gaining momentum, she firmly believes that not only should it be regulated, but the more discreet the better. Not to hide its uses, but rather to maintain the dignity of a plant that has so many medicinal benefits and a wild and colorful culture surrounding it.

issue 08 november/december 2015

43

44 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

45

46 tokewell magazine

How did you get started in canna cooking?

Well, I was doing it back home in Franklin County, and of course, by doing so, fracturing a few laws. Or all of them (laugh). I worked at restaurants, and I would make salad dressings, Happy Ranchers, stuff like that. I had all the bartenders save their bottles for me, and I’d take them home, wash off the label, apply my own logo, and filled them with my dressings and my barbecue sauces and stuff. Then I moved out west, and I learned that I could do this for a living. I ended up working with food dispensaries out here, and now they’re opening up in Las Vegas, so I’ll be working with those.

Nine years in restaurant, it’s just always something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve just always loved it.

Who were your culinary inspirations?

That’s a hard one. People on TV and in the media are inspiring, but the people I find most inspiring are people I personally know. My mother is the first person who comes to mind and of course and Martha Stewart! (laughs) you can’t not - she’s just Queen Bee right there.

My chef inspiration would be my good friend Nico Santucci who owns Capos Italian Speakeasy and has been on the Travel Channel’s show Man finds Food.

Honestly, any chef. I know a guy named Dusty who opened a grill and smoke barbecue place called Rollin Smokes because there were no good barbecue spots in Las Vegas - none. No one even got close, and there’s barely any barbecue spots as it is. Being born and raised in the South, barbecue is kind of a necessity, so to go there and just see how he got started - just had a smoker out back of an old building - and it was so good that people just started checking in and talking about it. Now he just opened up his second location. Anybody that gives it

a try on their own - they’re the ones that inspire me, to be honest. That’s actually something I incorporated into my show with B-Real. Everyone always sees Vegas as just that - Vegas, parties, casinos, the Strip. People don’t realize we’re also number one for food - one great reason why I live there. A lot of really great restaurants are off the Strip though, and a lot of people don’t know that because a lot of people do not leave the Strip. I wanted to make sure people see that, like Rollin Smokes or Nico’s Italian speakeasy, mob style restaurant - has a secret entrance and everything. Best meatballs on the planet!

Do you have any plans to open your own restaurant?

No, I hope to eventually! I’ve just been so busy. I actually wanted to do pizza rolls, but the thing is it would have to be baking only, and having to bake everything would mean adding all these preservatives…I like to keep things as organic as possible.

I love all the little canna-corner pop-up dinners - speakeasies, if you will - that are showing up around LA. I’ve been to a few of them, they’re kinda like these secret meetings. We have one that I started in Vegas called The 702 - you check in, everyone leaves their cellphones at the front. It’s long table, family style, six courses, paired with wine, and you don’t know who else is gonna show up for dinner - that’s my thing. Could be a celebrity stop in - could be B, could be Snoop, and we have a photographer and everyone gets the group pictures.

So, tell us a little about your activism and what you got so passionate about cannacooking.

I lost my sister six years ago to a prescription drug overdose - she was first addicted to heroin, in and out of

issue 08 november/december 2015

47

rehab, and the doctors put her on methadone. She ended up dying of a methadone overdose on February 26, 2009. The thing that was meant to help her is what she OD’d on. When that happened, I kinda lost myself. I got depressed, I drank a lot, I was trying to figure out how to cope...It took moving from Virginia to Vegas to calm down. I started seeing somebody who didn’t drink, and it kinda got me accustomed to not drinking. It’s funny - alcohol actually started tasting bad to me. It started to really taste like poison. That’s the thing people don’t understand about alcohol - it’s a poison.

That’s why it’s called alcohol poisoning. If you ever see someone who pounds a few shots and they’re fine, and then suddenly they’re kinda all over the place, that’s because their bodies are trying to flush their system. That’s why people die - sometimes there’s too much and the body recognized it too late. When you’re smoking or vaping, your lungs expand only to a certain point and you know when you’re done - you get that one big toke and cough and it’s like, “That’s it - that was the one, I’m done.” Now, I’ll drink wine with dinner on occasion, but I’m not really a drinker

48 tokewell magazine

anymore - of course I’m a toker, I do edibles, but I just feel like there are healthier options than alcohol. That’s the main reason I became an activist. What do you call a doctor that graduated last in medical school? A doctor.

And this same Doc-in-theBox that wants to make sure he’s prescribed you this drug and that drug and the other drug by the time you leave his office. You know what these drugs will do to you, but what do these drugs do when mixed with each other? Most people getting these prescriptions aren’t just on one, they’re often on two to three. And now you see all these ads with these lawyers saying how you may be a victim if you took this and that and they’re going to sue these guys and get you paid. All these prescription drugs that we thought were supposed to make us better what better scam in the world than that? Who wouldn’t pay every penny they have to keep their health? Cannabis doesn’t do that. There’s research proving its medicinal benefits.

Of course, if you smoke cannabis, you’re pretty much burning leaves and inhaling burned, charred plant matter, and there are definitely better ways of consuming it, like vapors, edibles, stuff like that. And honestly, at first

the whole activism thing was a little just for fun, but when you start meeting people that it really helps, it changes. I met this 87-year-old woman who bought herself some of my edibles, and she weaned herself off multiple prescriptions. She found cannabis to be her one true savior. Just hearing her stories, if that doesn’t turn you I don’t know what will.

If it’s legalized in all fifty states, what do you see for the future of canna-culinary endeavors? Do you see it making a big imprint, say in the next five years?

I would love to start seeing amazing figures in the culinary industry like Martha Stewart, Anthony Bourdain, Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, actually start infusing their own recipes, or working with canna-chefs who’ve already had years of culinary training and have got extraction techniques and getting dosage down.

That’d be amazing. As a canna-chef, I see more job opportunities for more people who have a love for it like me. I didn’t know I could grow up to do this!

I grew up in Franklin County, 12,000 population, middle of nowhere.

Who thinks when you’re in Virginia, “I’m gonna be a canna-chef when I grow up”? People will begin to realize that they can actually do what they want to do and to enjoy it. And you’re helping people - that’s the best part!

Do certain foods mask the flavor better than others?

A lot of foods mask it quite well. Anything with a lot of acids, or is tomato based, pasta. Olive and coconut oils are amazing. You can toss that on top of any pasta and just add any sauce you like.

50 tokewell magazine

Can’t get any healthier than that.

How do you know how to dose your meals?

I do it with solvent-free extraction. You can do it at home, and in my cookbook I try to break it down. Most standard cannabis cookbooks tell you take an ounce of cannabis and throw it in with like four sticks of butter, and you just put the same amount of ‘budder’ required for the recipe, but that just doesn’t make sense. There’s a medicinal break down - you need to know what the plant yields. You can do the math and break it down to get your dosage right. I don’t even have aspirin in my house - there’s no need. I have tinctures, I just add a couple of drops of that, I have Happy Ranchers, I have my salad dressings... there are a lot of other healthier alternatives to smoking. But some people get heavy handed. As a chef, I’m insulted. If you’re making a 250 mg Reeses cup - I’m sorry, I like to eat a whole Reeses cup. I mean really, who’s gonna eat a smidgen of a Reeses cup?

How do you tread the fine line between taste and effect? What makes a good chef?

Flavor. You can make anyone eat something healthy once. To make it taste good is how you get them to come back. There’s only so high you can go in milligrams before you start to taste it.

That’s why edible chefs need to start taking their jobs more seriously, some of them are getting out of hand with it. A 10 mg a candy is a good dose, even 5 mg is fine. Some people are making 150 mg kush pops, though, and that’s an extremely high tolerance level (not for beginner users). I met a guy once who made a 1000 mg cookie,

and I asked him, “Why did you destroy that cookie? Cookies are amazing, and here you ruined a perfectly good cookie!” As people are inducing medicine, and you want to make it as pleasant as possible, otherwise you might as well take a nug and start chewing on it. And that’s another thing I think people don’t get - I’m all for legalization, but the thing is, weed is not for everybody. It should be a choice. I think we’ve all met somebody that should not ever be on weed. Some people get very paranoid, very dizzy, those side effects are not pleasant. If you have a strain of weed that is low on THC but high in CBDs, you get the same relaxation, the same pain relief, without the negative side effects.

52 tokewell magazine

You’re right, it’s not for everybody, and that’s important to remember. You don’t hear it a lot, but it’s true. Everyone’s so happy with the legalization on the horizon and having fun with it that they forget that it’s not for everybody, just like alcohol isn’t for everybody.

There is definitely a fun side, and then there’s the medicinal side, and that needs to be taken seriously. Canna-chefs need to realize that they shouldn’t get heavy handed with their dosing and recipes just because they can. It’s beyond medicinal at that point. You should do a 5 or 10 mg candy, no candy needs to be 250 mg. You’re just overindulging and your tolerance is scary high if that’s what you need to get lit. Just

because it is becoming legal doesn’t mean that everyone should be a major pot head, it just means that after a tough week I should be able to have the option to have a joint. If people in the industry want to be proactive and be positive, then that’s what they need to be. Like the 420 nurses and the models with nothing but nugs covering them - there’s nothing wrong with it, celebrate your love for the plant however you want - just know that the stuff surrounding the plant are the same things hurting it’ chances of being legalized. I mean, break out a dab rig and blow torch in front of someone who’s never seen it before, and suddenly it looks like you’re doing crack to normal

Joe Schmoe. The timing for all of this stuff blowing up in the industry, and I know all these dab rigs and wires and stuff has been around for a long time, but it’s like, “Really? you couldn’t just wait until after it was all legalized before bringing out all the fancy hardware?” People are talking about doing wax and shatter, and it’s just something that is still outside of most people’s comfort zone. And then there’s the issue with properly labeling - there’s been a few brands that did it wrong. Hashees is one - they similarly mocked the Reeses cup. I just imagine my nephew when he was six years old, picking it up and thinking it was candy. I can only imagine how my heart would feel, six

years old and eating a 250 mg Reeses cup.

Very similar with the vaping industry - the biggest knock against both it and the 420 cannabis industry is the marketing behind it. It looks too playful, it’s hard for a lot of people to take seriously.

That’s not what it’s about.

It’s not! There is that part of the culture and that’s fine, but there is a very serious side too, and I’m tired of hearing people say marijuana is an “alternative” medicine.

Doctors are prescribing it to their cancer patients every day, and some even send their patients to California just to get it! So to treat it as anything less? Sure, you want to go out and get wasted with your

friends, and no one shakes their head at that. I say I had a really bad day at work and I want to go home and get stoned, though, and everybody loses it. I feel like where man went wrong was when he thought he could perfect nature in a lab.

Go to Thailand and you can literally pull coca leaves to chew on them and people use that as a natural source of caffeine.

Leave it up to some dumbass that decided, “Let’s add acetone and chop it up and make it a powder and snort it up our noses because we haven’t done that yet!” and bam, you’ve got cocaine. The man got so greedy that we had to mess with something that was already naturally okay for profit. I feel like the same thing is starting

issue 08 november/december 2015

53

to happen with marijuana - you have to be careful, people are tampering with Cannabis natural form for a profit employing unhealthy methods. Dabs for some are too strong. I’ve seen some people, especially their first time , take one hit and pass out. I don’t think anything should be that high. I’ve seen people who’ve taken a hit and passed out. If you want to get that milestone of ‘first person to overdose on marijuana’, this is the way to do it. Or if someone takes it badly and gets behind the wheel thinking they’re okay, and then boom!

When things get that strong, I get nervous. It needs to be regulated. Also, the whole purging process. You’re working with butane, a highly volatile, flammable substance - it’s very difficult to work with. It should only be done in laboratory conditions by professionals, and a lot of people are just making it in their basements and that worries me. But all these advancements in the cannabis and vaping industry, like this new Vapor Cup I picked up? I’m really happy about those. I think vaping and edibles are the safest and most discreet ways you can go.

WEB SI TE: breal.tv thehappychefthc.com merryjane.com

54 tokewell magazine

Introducing

CVC Select

call now for samples and wholesale information 858.333.1249 WWW.CALIVAPECO.COM

SEARCH: CALIVAPECO

CBD

MODS

JUICES

2O15 Holiday Gift Guide P R E S E N T E D BY

HIGH ROLLER SWEETS Complex avors packaged in a glass dice container shrouded by real shredded government notes? Who does that?! High Roller Sweets does. All you have to do now is roll a natural 11 on your parlay. thevapetheory.com

issue 08 november/december 2015

57

JUICES

ILLUMINATI VAPORS

With a brand like Illuminati you’d expect their liquids to be shrouded in secrecy, but there’s no mystery why these guys are on their way to the top. Boasting names like “Power”, “Money”, and “Live Forever”, these e-Liquids are sure to illuminate your taste buds. illuminativapor.net

THE SCHWARTZ

The name already exudes nostalgia for those of you who know where it comes from, but the flavors these e-liquids pack take you to a galaxy far, far away. Memories will come flooding back with names like “Ludicrous Speed” and “Comb the Desert” all the while creating new memories of bliss so, prepare to vape yogurt. theschwartzeliquid.com

TRADITIONAL JUICE

There’s nothing traditional about these flavors. From the berries with a hint of pineapple that “Black and Blue” gives to the sweet and savory ice cream topped with powdered sugar “Indian Giver” brings, these e-juices are packed with their own unique taste.

58 tokewell magazine

2O15 Holiday Gift Guide

PRESENTED BY

CALIFORNIA VAPING CO

With California producing most of the world’s produce, you’d expect a Vaping company with its name in it to bring some of those fresh flavors to the plate. Well, the folks at California Vaping Co have done just that. Bringing fruity flavors like “Tropical Breeze”, “Green Apple”, “White Mango”, and “Cut Strawberry”, that feel like you’re biting right into the fruit itself. With its array of other flavors, you’ll always have a flavor that suits your mood.

EPISTLE

Epistle is a project created to support NotBlowingSmoke.org and the vape industry. Their flavors of hand-crafted Carrot Cake capture the familiar flavor of this beloved age-old dessert in a conveniently sized bottle and their Mango Lassi is an exotic flavor experience that mimics freshly sliced mangoes blended with a silky smooth yogurt finish. epistleeliuid.com

BEARD VAPE CO.

With a bevy of e-Liquid brands lacking authenticity on the market today, Beard Vape Co. stands as men among boys. All the flavors are formulated and produced in the USA and responsibly sourced utilizing food-grade products and flavors. With a roster of some of the most delectable flavors we have ever vaped, the bearded fellas are on a path to greatness www.beardvapeco.com

issue 08 november/december 2015

59

JUICES

PAPER STREET VAPE CO.

Handcrafted in small batches to maintain the stringent palate of the discerning vapor, Paper Street Vape is tantalizing sensory overload.

Employing only USP and food grade ingredients, you’re now able to enjoy their recently released ‘Diamond’ line sans the calories. paperstreetvapeco.com

D-LUX VAPORS

Crafted with the concept of mimicking a time when things were much less hectic. You might want to give this e-Liquid line a vape which features flavors reminiscent of everyone’s favorite rice crispy treat or your favorite fruit-flavored milk to name a couple.

D-LuxVapors.com

VAPE ORGANICS

Vape Organics offers the first USDA-certified organic e-liquid made from only the purest and sustainably-sourced ingredients. You can vape with complete confidence and peace of mind knowing that the organic e-liquids you’re inhaling harmoniously honor the connection between your well-being and that of the environment which sustains us. pureorganicvapors.com

62 tokewell magazine

2O15 Holiday Gift Guide

PRESENTED BY

KILO

The fellas at Kilo have absolutely hit the jackpot with their roster of an impeccable, creamy and delectable line of nimbus producing bliss. Staying true to their palate and to the flavors on their labels, you’ll find that each bottle you vape becomes your favorite. kiloeliquids.com

I LOVE DONUTS

If you have an aversion against the world’s favorite baked treat, turn to the next page because this isn’t for you. If you’re still reading this, cop yourself the most authentic and decadent Blueberry sugary-glazed confection you have ever vaped. You’re welcome. newhere.com/mad-hatter-juice

SUICIDE BUNNY

From their branding alone, you would never guess this was a vape company. Suicide Bunny e-liquids are born of imagination and attention to detail to create layered, complex flavors to provide a rich, smooth taste experience. Their wide range of premium e-liquids offers a unique and unbeatable vaping experience. Vape outside the box. thesuicidebunny.net

issue 08 november/december 2015

63

AWARD WINNING FLAVOR

ROTTEN ROPE VAPE SUMMIT III 2015

FOR WHOLESALE INQUIRIES CONTACT

BROKENBOTTLECAPECO.GMAIL.COM

ROTTEN ROPE

TERRIBLE TANG

“BETTER THAN REAL RED VINES”

“GUILT FREE ORANGE CUPCAKE”

DIRTY STRAWBERRY

DUMMIES

“LIKE MAMA’S PB&J ALL DAY”

“IT’S A SMARTIES MOUTH PARTY”

JUICES

PRESENTED BY

KINGS CROWN

Brought to you by the makers of Suicide Bunny, Kings Crown e-juices are blended for maximum flavor — and maximum impact. Some take you gently along familiar paths, others thrust you into exotic realms filled with new discoveries, but all are excitingly unique.

THE CLOUD COMPANY

Cloud Company is another exciting installment from the creators of Suicide Bunny.

Designed with blowing massive clouds in mind, max VG was used. With four bold flavors to choose from, you can guarantee even Lando Calrissian would be jealous.

LOIRE VAPEUR

From the artisans of the legendary Skeleton Key, they bring you France in a bottle.

Loire’s vapeur liquide embodies the true essence of a French lifestyle where class and sophistication meet relaxation and siestes.

Take a moment and enjoy a macaron. loirevapeur.com

66 tokewell magazine

JUICES

OLD FASHIONED ELIXIR

If you’re looking for old-school flavors with a contemporary twist?

Look no further than the artisans from Old Fashioned Elixir.

Hand-crafted with the distinguished palate in mind and made in the USA, you can’t go wrong.

GLAS

Every batch of Glas™ e-liquid is mixed to the highest standards for consistency and quality of flavor using the best flavorings and ingredients. From their elegant and exotic flavors, they’ve created the perfect combination of opulence.

GQ

GQ is the hustlers vape anthem. It’s synonymous with the jet-setter, tastemaker, and ballers lifestyle. Vape their roster of 8 flavors and live the GR8 life.

70 tokewell magazine

2O15 Holiday Gift Guide

PRESENTED BY

VAPING MONKEY

From the makers of the e-Liquid that “started it all” of some of the most popular brands on the market today. The Vaping Monkey line has carefully-crafted flavors that absolutely tantalize the palate without monkeying around. vmdistribution.net

ALLOY BLENDS

Their Electrum Signature Flavor Line are hand forged premium blends and liquids.

These are signature flavors that are blended in a complex, multilayered formulation that you won’t find anywhere else. alloyblends.com

HIGH VOLTAGE

This is must have for the action sports junkie in your life. Imagine an e-liquid with a perfect blend of energy and flavor with each toke. They even have a melatonin-infused liquid as well to help relax you. highvoltagevaporz.com

JUICES

PRESENTED BY

NKTR BY SQN

Your next all-day vape is here with NKTR by SQN. These three juicy, mouthwatering flavors taste just like the freshly picked and perfectly ripened fruits each flavor was named after. NKTR is the very first e-liquid line to be made with 100% Tobacco Free Nicotine, giving you a purer flavor that will elevate your vaping experience to a whole new level. shop.vaperev.com

BROKEN BOTTLE VAPE CO.

After winning “Best in Show: Candy Award” at The Vape Summit, there’s no denying that tongue in cheek humor and spot on flavors are the formula to their success. Grab a bottle or 4 and indulge.

Remember, they break it, you buy it. craftvapery.com

MODMEN

Make it hard to spot the general by working like a soldier. That’s the mantra behind Modmen’s newest release. Constructed with drippers and cloud chasers in mind, you can rest assured that you’re fully equipped to go to battle with these amazing flavors. modmeneliquid.com

72 tokewell magazine

JUICES

PRESENTED BY

ISM VAPE

ISM e-Liquids are manufactured here in the USA in an ISO 7 certified lab to ensure a clean and sterile e-Liquid.

With a bevy of tantalizing flavors to choose from, you can rest assured knowing that you’re vaping a premium product that won’t break the bank. ismvape.com

CHARLIES CHALK DUST

Charlie is an anomaly and his legend has been brought to light by the purveyors of his tale. The artisans at CCD have successfully created some of the world’s most delectable flavors coupled with intelligent branding. With a pair of award-winning flavors already on their roster, you can guarantee the legend is true. charlieschalkdust.com EPOTHECARY BY ELIXIR VAPE CO.

Not everybody that vapes is trying to quit smoking. Epothecary gives us an alternative option to vape–wellness. Epothecary Elixirs was created to provide pleasant, reliable and almost instantaneous effects. They use certified organic herbs along with vitamins and organic flavors to deliver their Awake, Breathe, Calm and Enhance elixirs. #VapeForWellness elixir-vape.com

74 tokewell magazine

JUICES

PRESENTED BY

TSL FLAVORS

Brought to you by the legendary Seventh Letter, TSL Flavors reflects the streets of Los Angeles and the heartbeat of urban culture. TSL’s carefully cultivated e-liquids are now available from their palette to your plate. tslflavors.com

BOILERMAKER

The brand itself symbolizes our nation’s “blue collar” working class pillars of quality, ingenuity, and passion as evidenced in their lineup. Not only does Boilermaker reflect true American grit, but incredible flavors that we love. boilermakervapor.com

CROW AND CHEMIST

Purveyors of craft small-batch e-Liquids, the artisans at Crow and Chemist have created some of the most sought after flavors on the market today. From their branding to their bottles, treat yourself to this microbrew. crowandchemist.com

76 tokewell magazine

JUICES

PRESENTED BY

VILLAIN VAPORS SALOON SELECT

From the makers of the legendary Villain Vapors line, they bring you Saloon Select. With three new premium profiles added to their gang, you’ll be sure to “draw” your mod and vape perfection with this new line. villainvapors.com

HOLY GRAIL

One of our personal favorites and most flavorful brands partly because we’re all foodies and love to vape. With flavors like Blueberry Waffles and Cream Supreme, what more can you ask for? holygrailelixirs.com

BAD DRIP

Hailing from Empire state, meet Bad Drip –the flavors you mother warned you about.

It was sacrilegious to have dessert before your main dish or the old adage, “having your cake and eating it too.” Now, you can with some of the most decadent flavors on the planet. You’re welcome, but don’t tell your mama. baddriplabs.com

78 tokewell magazine

CBD

PRESENTED BY

CBD (Cannabidiol) brought to you by Top Flight Distribution Countless studies across the globe have been made on the positive effects of CBD regarding its healing and wellness properties. 100% legal, millions are medicating and delivering the benefits of cannabinoids without the psychotropic/euphoric effects of THC by vaping. Here are some of the finest CBD e-Liquids on the market today. #VapeforWellness #VapeWithPurpose LOIRE VAPEUR

The artisans of the Skeleton Key and Loire Vapeur now offers a new line of Premium e-Liquids that are infused with only the finest CBD. Now you can enjoy France in a bottle and heal. loirevapeur.com

CROW AND CHEMIST

Aimed to enhance your vaping experience, the gentlemen from Crow and Chemist have elevated the game and now offer their reserve line of their amazing e-Liquid infused with CBD. www.crowandchemist.com

DE’KA VIALS

The vape industries newest and most transparent CBD e-Liquid on the market is here - De’ka. Each vial of de’ka dent Cookies and Cream contains the highest quality CBD and goes through stringent 3rd party lab testing before it hits shelves. Enjoy!

CBDFX

If you’re a fan of CBD and its countless benefits but your favorite e-Liquid brand hasn’t produced it yet, wait no more. CBDfx is an additive to use on your favorite e-Liquids.

Available in 20mg and 60mg doses, you can now heal with your favorite flavors. cbdfx.com

MODS

G-CLAPTON 24K COILS

The vape game is constantly evolving and it was only a matter a time before another game-changing innovation occurred. If you want to blow intense billowing clouds and experience the full potential of your flavor, look no further than these 24K coils. atomvapes.com

VAPOR SHARK VORTICE

The Vòrtice 2 still has the same two post design as the original, making it easy for both single and dual coil builds. This newly updated version now has a Gold Plated firing pin for even better conductivity. The key feature of the Vortice 2 is the air flow. This revolutionary design creates a vortex of indirect airflow that maximizes the depth of flavor that usually goes missing with the use of your average RDA.

VAPOR SHARK DNA 200

The long-awaited DNA 200 is everything you’ve been looking for in a mod. Sleek, pocket-friendly, powerful and completely customizable.The finish starts with a black anodization process, and Zip Charging is on board to make sure charging is done in a flash when plugged into a 2A power source. There are 8 customizable profiles that allow you to save your settings for a variety of builds ranging from your standard coils to the most complex.

80 tokewell magazine

PRESENTED BY

VAPOR SHARK DNA

When the original VaporShark® DNA was released, it took the vape world by storm. Never before had an ultra compact device been packed with so much power and battery life, or so many revolutionary and groundbreaking features. Fast forward to 2015, and we are reprising our performance with the release of the new and redesigned VaporShark® DNA 40.

From the new tactile, rubberized finish to the self-adjusting solid stainless steel 510 connection; the VaporShark® DNA is a completely new device for a completely new era.

VAPOR SHARK RDNA

Introducing the latest evolution of the VaporShark® rDNA; now with the Evolv 40D board under the hood!

This rDNA is the most powerful, yet also the most efficient version ever released; providing up to 40 watts of power while actively conserving battery life. Incredibly, this device is able to seamlessly transition between using coils wrapped with traditional resistance wire (Kanthal, Nichrome) as well as Nickel wire. The term most frequently used to describe this new technology is “game-changing”; and to say that this device will do anything less than completely revolutionize the way we vape, would be an epic understatement.

VLS RAGNAROK

The Ragnarok was produced from a firm belief of value that, something exquisite and refined does not have to be unreachable. The Ragnarok triumphs beauty and performance in the most effortless fashion.

issue 08 november/december 2015

81

MODS

PRESENTED BY

VLS JAYBO COMP CAP

VLS and Jaybo have collaborated on one of the finest caps. With beauty coupled with unparalleled craftsmanship and high performance in mind, your search for the perfect cap just ended.

VECTOR RDA

The Vector RDA signifies precision and quality. New in the Vector are eight vertical intakes, precisely angled and aligned to directly hover above the build; sending a strong and focused airstream onto and around the coils. The result? A rich, dense mixture of air/flavor ‘scooped’ up as you pull through the wide-bore AFC drip-cap.

ISM MODS

ISM mods are 100% American made and are for advanced users only. The Bandit Mod is a purely mechanical device with a unique recessed button design to prevent misfires. The EZ Mod is a hybrid device that is extremely well made with a unique design, as well- the spring is completely removed from the equation. Each mod holds a single 18650 battery, but The Bandit Mod utilizes a 510 atomizer connection, unlike the hybrid EZ Mod.

82 tokewell magazine

Visit the ORIGINAL Vape Shop established 2010

THE VAPOR SPOT Sunset Strip Sherman Oaks, West Los Angeles Sacramento

www.TheVaporSpot.com

MODS

HEIR ATTY

The Heir is a bottom air, top adjustable system RDA. The dripping system allows your juice to be dripped and will ow directly onto the coils. It uses a split center post with the negative post milled as part of the deck. The insulator and drip tip are made out of PEEK. It also has a heat sink milled to the base of the atty to help keep the temperature down.

CASTLE BOX MOD

The Castle features a unique one button design that acts as the ďŹ re button and doubles as the temp/voltage control wheel. Sure to be a conversation piece, this mod can be described as classy, sleek and unique.

PRAX1S MOD 18650 & 18350 MECHANICAL MOD

This 18650 mod and its younger brother in 18350 mode. This mod is guaranteed to be one of the most compact and hardest hitting devices on the market. At only 82mm tall its the ideal stealthy, pocket-friendly device.

84 tokewell magazine

PRESENTED BY

SPITFIRE SUB-OHM TANK

In true praxis vapors spirit, they designed a sub ohm tank centered around clean, minimalistic aesthetics with a great balance of flavor and vapor. A must-add to any collection.

VULTA SURVIVAL KIT

Praxis vapors have designed the perfect complement to it’s product line aimed at the beginner-level vaper.

DECIMUS DUAL 18650 REGULATED BOX MOD

Meet Decimus. A dual 18650 regulated box designed by praxis vapors. This sleek mod delivers truly affordable, ergonomic and powerful performance at an exceptional price.

issue 08 november/december 2015

85

MODS

PRESENTED BY

DERRINGER SS MINI RDA

The derringer atomizer was created to be the smallest possible device with the best possible combination of vapor and flavor production. At only 17mm tall (including the drip tip lip), it is smaller than an American 1¢ penny.

SKELETON KEY AND SWAROVSKI DRIP TIP

The masterminds behind the Skeleton Key are back at it again with their latest installment of luxury vape art - The Black Edition Skeleton Key. To marry the impeccably crafted masterpiece, the artisans of the Skeleton Key offer a limited-edition Crystal Chalice drip tip made of 12 carat Swarovski Crystal and precious metals. The Crystal Chalice was designed to add continuity to the theme of the Skeleton Key’s opulence by expanding on the infamous Ermine symbol. The Crystal Chalice is available in a standard stainless steel base or if you have deep pockets, silver, gold, platinum and black diamond plating options await. skeletonkeymech.com

STASHBOX

The OG fully custom high-end box mod is still a must have - if you can find it. Each piece is precision hand-crafted to perfection complete with an Evolve DNA 40 board and the patented internal atomizer slot.

86 tokewell magazine

A R T I S A N A L

C O L L E C T I V E

Container WORDS

88 tokewell magazine

RENE GALINDO

SNAPS

LANDON TAYLOR // LEAH MORIYAMA

Yard

ALL CREDIT TO THE RESPECTIVE ARTISTS SHOWN

issue 08 november/december 2015

89

Y

ou’ve seen it while driving through the artist district in DTLA. You know, the compound shrouded in secrecy with the surrounding walls blasted with some of the most visually stunning murals. There’s a certain mystique of the unknown that piques your curiosity into what is known as the “Container Yard”. You can’t help but wonder, “what is this place and what goes on here?” So, what is the concept of Container Yard? The whole thing came to fruition about 2

90 tokewell magazine

years ago when a couple of guys from technology and culinary business backgrounds purchased a building that used to be a mochi factory called Miyakawa. The concept was simple at first, bring all different kinds of containers, small businesses and purpose each one to have a modular market. That model has since changed and they are now looking into bringing in smaller curated businesses, artist shops, clothing and food businesses to name a few.

A open concept micro market if you will. Catering

to what the neighborhood really wants and needs is the right way to elevate the area by keeping everything locally sourced and organic. Consequently, of the containers there even had a fully sustainable Tilapia farm that yields a nursery of organic herbs and spices. Just like the concept, the walls at Container Yard change every few months with new artwork. World famous artists have traveled from all over the globe to bless the walls. That’s part of the magnetism of this spectacular place.

The proprietors want to keep the Container Yard art and design centric in hopes it facilitates artists in creating and trying new things. So, how can we define this compound of dope artwork epitomisIng what LA culture is all about? There’s really no other way to define the concept of it other than it being a living, breathing, evolving habitable piece of art itself. Who can argue with that?

I N STAGR A M:

@thecontaineryard

issue 08 november/december 2015

91

92 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

93

94 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

95

96 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

97

98 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

99

I N STAGR A M:

100 tokewell magazine

selfuno // tewsr

issue 08 november/december 2015

101

102 tokewell magazine

issue 08 november/december 2015

103

104 tokewell magazine