E E
R G IN ER
TT
BE
EI S LIF
AUGUST 2022 ISSUE 07
N
Two Visions
According to recent estimates, by 2024 the cannabis industry in Asia will be worth 8.4 billion dollars. A continent where less than 2% of the population consumes marijuana, but from which the ancestral plant knowledge has spread, as well as the techniques for obtaining different extracts and resin varieties. In terms of industry, it is contradictory how regions distinguished
by
their
cannabis
traditions
can
In the case of North America (which indisputably dominates the global cannabis market), the awakening of the Asian continent should be interpreted in two ways. First, as a wake-up call for politicians in countries that maintain prohibitionist policies, since their lack of knowledge or interest in the subject is causing delays to people who could benefit from this plant.
be
by prohibitionist policies that prevent cannabis from being used as a natural resource.
But, in second place, it is a reason to celebrate for all those people who are already in the cannabis world, since their projects (artistic, business, political, or social) will have new communication bridges to the
It is important to analyze cases such as Thailand and
other side of the planet.
affected in terms of their potential and development
Malaysia, where the transition towards legalization is encouraging amazing projects to emerge, which not only boost the local market (providing employment
We must understand that ganja is a plant that serves
all
not only to make medicines, textiles or superfoods, but to link people in such distant points of the planet; as a link of empathy or communion. But this is not
The sense is to contribute positively to the local
interviewees, specialists and collaborators who made this August edition of Tu Vida Verde Magazine
opportunities),
but
responsibility
that
also
arise
should
with
be
a
sense
assumed
by
of
industries in this era.
economy, while generating the least environmental impact with a better use of resources. In other words, in the world of cannabis, environmental and social responsibility are non-negotiable.
new
legalization
political
and
the
leadership
penetration
in of
support the
of
plant's
global culture, with its distinctive symbolism and references such as 420.
possible. A project that reaches its seventh edition with new contents and more and more information. So,
without
further
ado,
Kon'nichiwa,
A n n y e o n g h a s e y o o r S̄ w ạ s̄d ī t o o u r r e a d e r f r i e n d s
For this reason, Asia is experiencing a knowledge boom around cannabis. This translates into a growing activism,
just me saying this, it is reflected in the voices of the
from the one continent we all stand on: the cannabis continent. Good vibes, green life, and lots of love for y'all!
President / Charlie Bravo Media Director / Salvador Vega Style Corrector / Clau Ocaranza Editors / Paola Galante, Antonio Romero, Gary "Toke" Thompson, Psycho Memes, Cynthia Olivieri, Gaby Arellano. Special collaborations: Alejandro Gutiérrez. Art and Design / Susana Romero. Photographers / Mr. Pipe, ELV TJ. Translation / Araceli Zetina Marketing Director / Crishtian González Social Media / Axel Delgado Sales Director México / Fernando Flores Sales Director Colombia / Johnny Torres Sales Director US / Andrew Simon
Contact Us +52 (55) 6783 9958 hablemos@tuvidaverde.com creatividad@tuvidaverde.com
Available in
Powered by: COPYRIGHT August 2022. Year 01, number 07. TU VIDA VERDE© is a monthly publication protected by the Copyright Laws of Mexico and by the UCC - Universal Copyright (Geneva and Paris Convention). Stock images used in this issue are fully licensed for commercial use and distribution. Reproduction, printing, or distribution of this copy without permission is prohibited.
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Milagro Pharmaceuticals Copyright Notice
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INDEX 04 Industry Voices Kaitlin Coghill Abelardo Bravo Aisha Méndez Israel Madrid
11 International The problems with Juicy Fields just seem to start and specialists suggest that it could be the biggest scam in the world of cannabis so far.
13 Puff of Medicine How can we deal with a family member's terminal illness? Dr. Enrique addresses a crucial issue for quality of life.
22 Front Page
18
Cannabis market in Asia seems to rise. Thailand, the first country on this continent to legalize the plant, is already facing problems in its domestic market
30 Local News International Cannabis Film Festival has come to an end and Joint With Us opens a spot in Mexico City.
36 Calendar
14 Stoners Trolley Are you going to the dispensary? We give you some basic products that should not be missing in your home.
Perfiles TVV
33
TVV Profiles César Hank Inzunza talks about cannabis, disruption and the eternal struggle to denounce the crimes of Babylon.
Outstanding events for the month of September.
37 Psycho Meme Will this be our last edition? Will we have to sell weed again to survive? These and other horror stories in our THC memes section.
Indusrty Voices
tuvidaverde.com
THE POTENCY OF THE CANNABIS STORYTELLER
Misunderstanding the alchemy of story medicine creates poisonous conditions for the minds of unwitting human beings. When it comes to the media, poisonous conditions shape the societies that take them in. This
means
responsibility
of
creating
medicine,
as
the one who tells the story is the one who paints a mental
by KAITLIN COGHILL / Editor in Chief
the
opposed to poison, is borne by the one who tells the story; picture
that
is
representative
of
a
specific
worldview. It is the worldview held by the majority that
Fat Nugs Magazine
determines everything. For the first time in history, cannabis is being written
The role of storyteller is a sacred role. Many have claimed
about as an “industry”. The cannabis industry is doing its
that role without truly understanding the responsibility
best to assimilate with the already existing components of
they hold.
formulaic
modern culture, and this includes the way it tells its story.
arrangements of half truths. Bylines for work heavily edited
Sometimes cannabis is discussed in terms of branding and
and rewritten by a wordsmith behind the scenes. Attention
investment opportunities; at other times it is discussed in
spans shortened, reducing true assimilation of well-rounded
terms of equity and law.
Pennies
per
word
in
exchange
for
knowledge. There are many ways in which a storyteller misses the mark on creating meaning with their musings.
No
matter
the
circumstance
at
hand,
there
is
someone
writing about it. Every day, page after page is added to the Writers
and
speakers
have
been
trained
to
express
story of how mainstream cannabis culture came to be, and
themselves in very specific and, oftentimes, uncreative
much
ways so as to be taken seriously. In an attempt to remove
approved angles so as not to ruffle too many feathers.
of
it
is
nothing
more
than
hollow
parroting
of
personality, feeling and “bias” from “reporting,” society has removed the medicine from stories. Or, in other words,
Are you happy with the cannabis story that’s being told?
society has created a soul-poison by misconstruing the true
Does it feel to you that cannabis is being covered in a way
power of the words they share.
that serves the plant and its overall purpose as an ally to humanity? Or is the potency of the plant and all it brings to
Whether this was intentional or unintentional is a question
our world being diminished by lackluster, meaningless news
best left to those ready to face hard truths.
coverage that speaks only to profit-minded ears?
tuvidaverde.com
Regardless, at times, too much importance is being put on the drama of legalization, and not enough importance is being placed on the power of the people, or on the facts that access to this medicinal plant is a human right; that all cannabis use is therapeutic; or that cannabis heals human beings on multiple levels -mind, body, and spirit- when used with intention. The story that politicians and mainstream media do not determine our fate also needs to be told. These “powers that begin its next chapter - no, its next part. Part one, where they tricked us into thinking that we had to wait for permission to simply provide cannabinoids to our cannabinoid receptors has officially come to an end. What part two looks like isn’t totally clear to me just yet, but I know one thing is for sure. The people will rise in remembrance of the truth that the majority wins when it comes to determining society’s primary worldview, and the worldview that cannabis storytellers have is one of beauteous healing; conscious community; plantcreativity;
powered
forgiveness;
and
acceptance
of
the
shadow side of our culture at large. Personally, I’m not so sure that the final question asked can yet be answered. We are in an interesting place at the moment when it comes to telling the story of cannabis. In our modern age, news travels fast, and it changes multiple times throughout the day, sometimes being censored or obliterated altogether. In order to be taken seriously it must have a certain look and stay “politically correct,” even going so far as to pretend we should speak
benefits
of
to
our
general
cannabis.
practitioners alert:
Spoiler
about
doctors
the
health
didn’t
study
cannabis health benefits in medical school. The
instability
of
it
all
can
be
the
journalists
cannabis’
and
overwhelming.
artists
toward
journey
who
Luckily,
this
are
mainstream
documenting
acceptance
to
themselves determine the narrative, before powerful people with no true connection to the plant determine it on their behalf,
potentially
turning
the
medicine
of
truth
into
an
inverted poison. The storytellers who understand cannabis to be an entity with spirit, not a profit-making machine with leaves and roots, are the ones meant to be at the helm, steering us all toward beauty, stewardship and right relationship with our beloved plant and, most of all, with each other.
taking place during a movement of such epic proportions. Decriminalizing nature is perhaps the greatest feat of our News
coverage
of
the
movement
is
necessary,
even
though it must always be considered potentially compromised due to the fact that a handful of major corporations own the media in its entirety.
publication
culture,
tradition,
that
and
features
passion
content within
focusing
the
on
cannabis
community, I understand that it is my responsibility to give rise
to
a
narrative
that
serves
the
plant
more
than
the
corporations wishing to profit off of her gifts. I, along with Fat Nugs Magazine creator and editor-at-large, Dustin Hoxworth, prioritize the work of writers and artists who relate to the plant
on
an
intimate
level.
After
all,
only
those
who
that it is received as healing medicine in itself. It is an honor for
me
to
be
the
person
who
ensures
that
everything
published about this plant in the magazine I co-create is rooted in integrity and love. After all that she has endured, it is the very least I could do. The storytellers entrusted by cannabis know that she is not to be feared. It does not pose the same risks to us as alcohol, pills, heroin and the like - and it never will. They know that cannabis is plant medicine, just as their written pieces are story medicine. Cannabis is meant for us, for we are meant to live life with access to a plant that can, among many things, heal us from chronic ailments, help us to process and
It is, of course, important to get the full picture of what is
time.
cannabis
understand her nature could truly tell her story in such a way
instability can also be used to our advantage. Now is the time for
As the Editor in Chief of Fat Nugs Magazine, a U.S.-based
integrate trauma, connect more deeply with our family and
05
friends, sleep better, and dream bigger. My humble opinion is that the true story of cannabis is one of joyful healing and pleasurable living. It is with gratitude that I surmise part two of her tale has officially begun, and, at this point in the story, we actualize our ability to thrive.
August 2022 | Issue 07
still
Indusrty Voices
be” are but temporary pawns in an epic tale that’s ready to
tuvidaverde.com
Indusrty Voices
Indusrty Voices
A MODERN WAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR RIGHTS by ABELARDO BRAVO / Founder of Studio Berlin
cannabis-derived
To try it out, just go to their website and
products still so difficult? For the average
click on "Shop", or download it from their
consumer, getting top-quality products is
app. Upon entering, the user will be able to
still
explore the large catalogue that Tryp has
Why
is
getting
complicated
and,
in
many
cases,
impossible. There
are
available to ship to any part of the country. physical
Next September we will be celebrating the
points where you can get them and there
brand's first anniversary. And for this, we
are
will
really
few very
alternatives few
to
reliable
and
safe
be
doing
activations,
meetings,
options to order and receive products from
tastings, and other types of activities to
the comfort of your home. Tryp (tryp.mx)
promote responsible consumption with our
was born in this opportunity space and is
best customers.
positioning
itself
as
a
new
delivery
experience in Mexico.
During
the
month
of
August,
Centro
Cultural Studio Berlin, located at Tonalá 145, in the Roma Norte neighborhood in
the best cannabis products at home, at
Mexico
fair prices and sold by certified merchants
participating,
with high-quality options. Customers are
social
adults of all ages looking to enjoy a wide
@tryp_mex.
variety of products in a reliable and safe way.
City.
If
you
please
networks
are
interested
contact
us
in
on
our
@studioberlinmx
or
07 August 2022 | Issue 07
The goal is simple: customers can receive
tuvidaverde.com
Indusrty Voices
Indusrty Voices
WHY ARE WE NOT FREE TO CONSUME IT? by AISHA MÉNDEZ / Mother, Bachelor of Communication, Diploma in cannabinoid medicine and CEO of Salud Esencial In order to start writing something about a plant that has had 100 years
I was drawn to explore its effects and study about it. That’s how I
of prohibition and with which I lived a childhood listening to terrible
learned
news, jokes and advertising on TV with catchy songs about a world of
system just like a digestive system and a nervous system or the
drugs that showed teenagers lost in the street next to a syringe and a
respiratory system. We all have a system that helps us regulate the rest
mother crying or seeing images in the newspapers about crimes that
of the systems to generate homeostasis.
that
humans
and
all
mammals
have
an
endocannabinoid
were later confirmed in family gatherings and there the stigma was
Today, after 100 years of research, thanks to doctors and scientists who
created, and so on for years.
dared to go beyond prohibition and continued treating their patients At some point I came to think that cannabis was a plant that turned
with cannabinoids, it has been discovered that our body contains a
people into insensitive and heartless human creatures. I thought they
network of neurotransmitters in which 2 main receptors CB1, CB2
were dehumanized and could hurt other people without empathy or
stand out, which are destined to receive the endocannabinoids that our
compassion, but it didn't make sense to me.
body produces starting with the main molecule known as anandamide, the molecule of happiness.
Then I grew up and, like every teenager, I came across alcohol and tobacco: substances that are socially well regarded and accepted.
One fact that I love to mention is that when we women are mothers, we
What's more, I grew up seeing commercials on TV or advertisements all
transmit to our children the first endocannabinoids that our body
the time that showed me images of successful men and women drinking
produces, and it is thanks to those that newborns remain attached to
cola and alcohol in shiny bottles at parties, or holding a cigarette and
the mother stimulating the suction for breastfeeding and promoting
two women on each arm, riding in a fancy car and traveling in freedom.
emotional attachment and bonding between mother and child.
Those images stuck in my head and at the time had an effect on me
So, if we have an endocannabinoid system that requires cannabinoids to
ordering my first drink at a party and even after taking my first sip and
maintain
being repulsed by the taste of alcohol, I got used to smoking tobacco
prevented us from obtaining the necessary nutrition and thus having
when it made me feel dizzy and nauseous, to feel like I belonged and
an optimal state of physical and emotional health, why are we not free
get into a place where I could have fun without being judged. But I felt
to consume it?
balance
and
we
have
100
years
of
prohibition
that
has
there was something else.
Do you wonder why there is so much rejection and bad publicity for When I turned 15 years old, something in me started to want to look
the cannabis plant? It is tempting to think that the tobacco industry,
further
the
and
to
feel
attracted
to
medicinal
plants
and
plants
that
alcohol
industry,
and
the
big
pharma
and
fuel
industry
had
provoke alterations in the mind. Cannabis was one of the ones that
something to do with tarnishing the reputation of a plant that comes
caught my attention the most, in fact I remember the first time I was
out
looking through my grandmother's bookcase I found a book with a
cannabinoids and terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids, and omegas, which
striking red cover that had a green leaf with 9 tips, a cactus, and a white
serve to nourish the body, as well as proteins, vitamins, and fibers from
flower with the title of medicinal plants. I remember the first scientific
the rest of the plant kingdom that we consume and that our body also
name I learned was tetrahydrocannabinol and it was there that a
requires to survive.
of
the
ground
and
offers
chemical
components
such
as
calling, beyond what I could explain, began.
Unfortunately, I saw that the consumption and abuse of alcohol are deadly, leading entire families to fatal and tragic stories, so today as a mother I open myself to an alternative so that my adolescent and adult daughters personality.
have
an
option
so
they
can
freely
develop
their
tuvidaverde.com
Indusrty Voices
Indusrty Voices
THE WILL THAT IS NEEDED by ISRAEL MADRID / Director of Consejo Mexicano de Cannabis y Cáñamo
We live in a country where what is important and transcendent gets
A regulation for medicinal and research use, which has no secondary
bogged down in politics. It has been over 4 years since the Supreme
regulations and where all deadlines have expired for a production
Court of Justice of the Nation granted the Congress of the Union a
scheme but no way to obtain national raw material and no tariff
period of "90 days" to create a law that would allow all Mexicans to
fractions to import it. An end user is condemned to consume in the
exercise their right to freely develop and legally obtain medicines,
black market, a product that is already legal in the country. A scenario
industrial products and the possibility of buying cannabis for adult use.
where, in order to exercise the legality of cannabis, it is necessary to
The 90 days passed, and the extensions and then the COVID, confused
take legal action via “amparo”, (legal protection) of each and every one
the
of the permits and/or assume the costs of carrying out this activity in
deadlines.
Initiatives,
open
parliaments,
good
intentions,
and
positions came and went.
legal limbo.
In the absence of congressional action and once the legal deadline
In
expired,
of
established for the country, nowadays they speak of Lithium as the
self-
White Gold, as a product that could be another engine for our economy.
develop
It is estimated that we have one of the largest deposits in the world,
the
Supreme
unconstitutionality, cultivation,
but
Court,
to
congress
had
make does
to
legal not
formalize
a
procedure
self-consumption
have
the
capacity
and to
legislation or regulations, so it ordered Cofepris, to issue personal permits.
This
action
of
unconstitutionality
makes
cultivation
political
trends,
new
financing
opportunities
have
been
but our potential is not fully studied.
and
personal consumption legal in the country, and yet we are still at the
With all this, but even more, with the will of only one person, in one
same point because without the regulation to issue permits, COFEPRIS,
weekend and two days of discussion in the congress of the union, the
refuses to issue them and the judicialization of any request, becomes
brand-new law that regulates Lithium was created. There was no need
necessary.
for
the
intervention
of
the
supreme
court,
or
the
generation
of
agreements and concessions. A law and a governmental structure were According
to
the
most
conservative
studies,
there
are
12
million
consumers and recipients of the legalization of cannabis in Mexico, an
created in order to supervise and exploit it. The rules were established in less than 5 days.
industry with a potential of 4 billion dollars and with a tax revenue via IEPS of 400 million USD (a quarter of what is collected from alcohol and
The industrial, medicinal, and adult use of cannabis, the Green Gold,
an amount similar to that collected in the tobacco industry). This
has immediate potential for public finances because it already exists
amount can be destined to anti-addiction and poverty social impact
and will continue to exist regardless of regulation. It has the ability to
programs.
directly reach the social base through investment, job creation, and community development. It has a proven medicinal advantage, which
In addition to this, legislation that gives preference in granting licenses
allows to create less harmful products. It has the ability to generate a
and permits to communities for exclusive production could generate
green industry, for the production of various textile products, bioenergy,
up to 1 million jobs, whose products range from industrial, medicinal
construction, and bioplastics. There is a world ready to invest in this
and, to a lesser extent, controlled adult use.
market and the capacity to collect money to create social programs
09
A country with incredible potential and tradition, but full of illegal, unregulated
product
that
is
imported
or
produced
irregularly
and
creates an unnecessary new black market. An international industrial hemp industry, which cannot be born entirely in the country and is developed only by the big capitals, who have invested time and money in judicializing their license applications. A molecule such as CBD, which is not psychoactive, but which the General Health Law condemns,
like
all
cannabis
standards of psychotropic drugs.
derivatives,
to
be
handled
with
the
What are we waiting for? The will of one person.
August 2022 | Issue 07
capable of mitigating any adult use impact. We find ourselves in this legal limbo and in the worst possible position.
tuvidaverde.com
WHAT HAPPENED TO JUICY FIELDS? Crowdgrowing platform faces accusations of scam and class action lawsuits. Specialists calculate 120,000 global victims for investments in this project.
Almost
a
month
after
the
experienced
its
internal
irregularities
surrounding
popular
Juicy
collapse,
the
as
case,
platform
Fields
structure
well
a
number
of
as
analyses
by
international market specialists indicate that it could be one of the most important scams in the cannabis industry in recent
years,
with
an
estimated
120,000
people
affected
worldwide. In the first half of July, Juicy Fields started to generate rumors due to a statement titled "Shutdown Announcement", signed by the remaining staff and personnel of the crowdgrowing platform, Shortly
thereafter,
this
tide
began
to
rise
and
the
organization's visible faces as well as its main promoters and investors from the countries where the project had the greatest penetration began to withdraw. Today, only in Spain it is estimated
that
40,000
people
have
been
affected,
being
Zaballos Abogados the firm that managed to organize the largest number of victims of this scheme for a class action lawsuit. Besides Spain, Juicy Fields had penetration in countries in Latin America where legalization is in advanced phases, such as Mexico, where the company currently accused of fraud sponsored
the
largest
cannabis
events
in
the
country
(ExpoWeed and CannabiSalud), as well as the program “Tiempo de Cannabis” broadcast on the open channel ADN 40. In this country, lawyer Erika Santana (who gained visibility as an advisor to the brand), shared a statement in which she described the situation as a "serious and confusing corporate crisis
that
undermines
the
trust
that
investors,
clients,
suppliers and collaborators have been placing in the company". She also noted: "I collaborated with my advice to Juicy Fields at some point prior to the beginning of this crisis, without any participation with them having materialized. I hereby state that I am not, nor have I ever been, a part of said company, nor do I provide my services to it, and I am equally dismayed by the actions that we are learning of, which may constitute fraud
in
several
countries
around
the
world,
for
which
reason I disclaim all responsibility and express my solidarity with the interested parties that have been affected". Other people who expressed public disclaimers were Zvezda Lauric, who was head of communications and the brand's main spokesperson in Spanish-speaking countries, and changed the status of her social networks, deleting most references to Juicy Fields. Also, the brand's former CEO, Alan Glanse, appeared in video
briefly
explaining
their
working
relationship
and
asserting to investors that he was innocent. "I never took their money," he said. Other countries where Juicy Fields had penetration with what would apparently be its international pyramid scheme were
Collective demarcations and the silence of the brand's collaborators in the countries where it operated, are signs of an exit scam according to specialists. Images: Juicy Fields and Canva Stock
Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay.
August 2022 | Issue 07
a
11
tuvidaverde.com
MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR TERMINAL ILLNESS
by Dr. Enrique Menéndez Santiago Medical Surgeon / Master in Phytotherapy drenriquemenendez@gmail.com
What to do when nothing can be done?... something can always be offered. The development of medical science has allowed the increase of therapeutic options with a surprising beneficial effect never seen before, however, there is a group of diseases that continue to be a real challenge and that inevitably lead patients to a rapid deterioration accompanied by physical and mental symptoms very difficult to bear for the patient and his family group, thus establishing the terminal illness, that of irreversible evolution. The classic example is end-stage cancer. For several years, formal studies have been conducted to validate the efficacy of smoked marijuana to mitigate suffering and improve the quality of life in patients with severe terminal disease in which the patient is expected to die within weeks or months. In this stage, intense body pain (somatic, visceral, neuropathic), insomnia, depression, anxiety crises, accelerated weight loss, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and a high degree of emotional suffering that transforms daily life into a real burden are usually characteristic. In these circumstances, the use of medical cannabis represents one of the best treatment alternatives. Most of the proven effects during the use of cannabis suggest that its use is relevant at this stage: decrease of pain and inflammation, muscle relaxation, improvement in mood, considerable increase in the sensation of thirst and hunger, considerable decrease of dizziness, nausea and vomiting; improvement of sleep and rest and not less important, the decrease of the fear of dying. By smoking the plant, the desired therapeutic effects can be obtained in a quicker but shorter period of time, the same happens with the inhaled forms. That is why it is worth considering different routes of administration, for example, full-spectrum cannabis oil (which includes all the plant's cannabinoids), which has a 6-8 hours duration in the body. When performing good medical practice, one should not lose sight of the fact that even when the evolution towards death is irremediable, one can always accompany the patient and his or her family group on this path in the most empathetic, sensitive and humane way possible.
August 2022 | Issue 07
Lovingly dedicated to those who walk the path of pain. In memory of Sara Luz Rodríguez Sáenz.
Image: Cortesía Dr. Enrique
Providing this knowledge along with this therapeutic option could imply the inclusion of a safe, economical and highly effective resource in the palliative care options.
13
tuvidaverde.com
S R E N O T S Y E L L TRO by Gary "Toke" Thompson Although smoking on an apple or some other improvised pipe are part of the good traditions or mature moments of any ganja lover, it is time to evolve and know how to choose the right products to enhance the consumption experience to the maximum. For this reason, the Tu Vida Verde team took on the task of selecting 10 basic items that should be in any cannabis kit (known by some of us as the "first aid kit"). Products that will help you taste your herbs in a better way or that will work as an excellent gift.
Disclaimer: In TVV we are aware that an important part of the cannabis culture (especially regarding responsible adult consumption), moves outside the law. For this reason, we do not safeguard information, direct contacts or elements related to the collaborators of this section. The opinions, activities and products shown here are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of our media. In accordance with Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, as well as Article 06 of the Mexican Constitution, the information expressed is for the exclusive reading of adults (21+) and for informational purposes only.
tuvidaverde.com
FLOWE RS ARE SOLD SEPARA TELY
1.- Size does matter (Rolling Papers) The first and most relevant item. Try to choose brands that offer versatility in size, type of manufacturing material (resistance) and aesthetic values.
Images: Cortesía RAW, OCB, Onorok and Canva Stock
It is important to preserve your herbs in a better way. Here, the discussion will revolve around the type of material, the capacity to store humidity and the filtration of aromas. Having all these aspects covered, choose the most beautiful one that suits your style and personality.
15 August 2022 | Issue 07
2.- A place to rest (Jars and containers)
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3.- Part of the base (Trays) It is an item that for many is not indispensable, but when you have it, you realize how useful it is. Consider it as a gift for a friend who is not used to it so that the new habit will change his life.
4.- The perfect texture (Grinder) Have you ever wondered where all the remains and pollen of your plants go when you grind them with your hands, exactly: straight to waste. For that reason, it is important that you choose a good grinder, if possible, with three compartments and several sized filters so that the flowers are better used.
5.- Set it on fire (Lighters) There is not much to say, is there? Every good smoker knows that an inadequate flame or intensity directly affects the flavor of the product. So, try to keep classic options and also some alternatives such as lighters and small torches, more suitable for dabs and resins. Images: Cortesía King Palm and Canva Stock
6.- Cannabis Origami (Filters) You will be surprised to know the incredible variety of options that exist in the industry today.
Always keep in mind: the aroma of marijuana is not everyone's cup of tea. Try having incense, diffusers or flavoring options that neutralize the smoke and help generate a more pleasant and comforting atmosphere for your sessions.
17 August 2022 | Issue 07
7.- No evidence (aromatizer)
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by Axel Delgado
Sushi with cannabis, what could go wrong? This recipe is for Asian food lovers, but also for those who want to spend a nice evening with a different experience. It is very easy to make and does not take too many ingredients, but you have to be ingenious to be able to add the secret ingredient: THC. We will do this through a topping of mayonnaise called Spicy Mayo, which is what will give it the final "magic". The Spicy (cannabis) Mayo is very easy to make, you only need to mix cannabis mayonnaise and Kimuchi sauce, and don't worry about the mayonnaise because it is also very easy to make. We explain it in detail:
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Sushi with Fine Herbs
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Ingredients White rice for sushi Medium tempura shrimp Cucumber Seaweed Spicy Cannabis Mayo (topping) Sesame (topping) Cured salmon (topping)
Step by Step 1.- The first step is to infuse cannabis in olive oil, for that we will clean the flower with hot water to remove the bitter taste of chlorophyll, and then we will pass it to a pan with olive oil heated in a bain-marie for 1 hour and then we strain it. With this cannabis oil, we will make the Spicy Mayo. In a deep bowl we will add an egg and 150 ml of cannabis oil, with a hand blender we will beat
it
until
we
have
a
homogeneous
consistency, then we will add salt, a little sesame oil, and the Kimuchi sauce. 2.-
To
make
the
sushi,
we
use
a
mat
called
Makisu, this will serve to shape our roll. On it we will put first the seaweed and then a fistful of rice with a wet hand. Spread it and then turn it over. 3.- In the seaweed, we will put the filling of your choice, in this case, we chose cucumber to give it a crunchy and fresh texture, and also tempura shrimp. 4.- We roll it with the mat carefully until we have the desired shape and cut the rolls with a very sharp and wet knife so that the rice does not
21
Mayo cannabis and sesame seeds as a topping. This is how you make excellent sushi with a special touch. Enjoy and remember: don't let a bad trip separate you from natural medicine. Images: Axel Delgado and Canva Stock
August 2022 | Issue 07
stick. Finally, place the finely cut salmon, Spicy
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by Gaby Arellano
The first seeds of an expanding cannabis market began to germinate in the East. A mix of potential for development, laws that favor the use of a natural resource, as well as a new vision driven by activists and consumers is leading to a new appreciation; a new conception about marijuana's role in Asia. Despite having a millenary tradition in cannabis use and its derivatives, it is only until 2022 that the continent celebrates its first country's arrival to legalization. The first steps for the awakening of a continental industry whose revenue generation capacity is estimated at 8.5 billion dollars for the next two years.
Ilustración: Fivver
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With less than two months since the start of its new regulations, Thailand has taken the lead in the so-called "emerald economy". But specialists are also looking at countries such as Malaysia, South Korea, China and Japan, which are now emerging as potential emerging markets. These are regions where the plant and all the knowledge derived from it have already begun to drive real changes in societies. According to the Asian Cannabis Report by the consulting firm Prohibition Partners, in the case of medical cannabis alone, China and Japan represent the two fastest growing markets, with 4.4 billion dollars for China and 800 million dollars for Japan by 2024. This is despite the fact that both nations maintain restrictive laws against THC or recreational plant consumption. Recent data from the UN in its Drugs 2022 report indicates that Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal increased their plant production from 2018 to 2020. While Afghanistan, Lebanon and Central Asian countries continue to dominate the cannabis resin market, accounting for a third of the global production and distribution of these derivatives.
Territorial extension of the Asian continent, as well as its history of use and exploitation of cannabis, greatly favor the development of a continental macroindustry.. Image: Canva Stock
India, South Korea and Malaysia are considered, along with Thailand, as pioneers in the region by taking the first steps in the development of local industries, stimulating the demand for medical, textile and recreational products among their populations.
8.5 billion dollars
is the estimate of the value of cannabis in Asia by 2024
4.5 billion inhabitants
Imagen: Twitter @KirsteDrew
makes up the approximate population of Asia, of which 2% are consumers of the plant.
Image: Instagram @cannabis.thailand.community
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Social Stigmas Images: Instagram @highwide_yuuki / Canva Stock
Despite the fact that in Asia there is a generalized cannabis boom as an alternative to revitalize local economies, it is true that each of the countries act independently, dealing against their particular political systems. In the case of Japan, although in the last 5 years the use of CBD products has been regulated and embraced by the local culture, the country's laws remain very strict against recreational use. The country's cannabis control act (which dates back to the 1940s) stipulates penalties of up to 6 years in prison for simple possession and up to 10 for cultivation, importing or exporting the plant into the territory. However, this has not prevented consumers from seeking alternatives in unregulated cannabinoids, such as THC-O, or driving legalization campaigns through a new sense of collectivity among young people. "I think the young generation, like 20-year-olds, is starting to open up to it. But most people still think it's a bad drug. The government is trying to make the law stricter, but it's trying to open up the path for medical use," commented the activist Yuuki, creator of the channel High Wide (@highwide_yuuki) in an interview for Tu Vida Verde Born in Hawaii and raised in Japan, Yuuki grew up with the social stigma that the plant was harmful or simply "a bad drug". But it wasn't until he had a hands-on approach to cannabis culture through his friends that he decided to change the course of his life. "Should I listen to Japanese education or a trusted friend? I chose my friends and I am very grateful for that decision," he said. In this role as a content creator for his YouTube channel, Yuuki has had the opportunity to explore legalization in different regions of North America (which remains the plant's most powerful global market). For that reason, he says the movement to legalize marijuana in Asia, although it may not seem like it, is maturing in a way that is not happening on other continents. And he is confident that in addition to pioneers like Thailand, Japan will be a key region for this industry. "Japan has a 16,000-year history with cannabis. Unlike other countries, Japan used cannabis more like hemp. Village life was based on cannabis and so Japan has a unique perspective on it. Because THC is illegal, they seemed to be more knowledgeable than in legal countries to explore other rare cannabinoids. I believe that if marijuana prohibition is lifted in Japan, it will bring huge benefits to the marijuana industry. Also, it will be better enjoyment of Japanese food and scenery," he said.
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Industry challenges The role of marijuana in Asian culture is undeniable. From the earliest archaeological finds of hemp seeds and fibers, or as part of traditional healing techniques, the plant has been present as part of Eastern cultures' transformation. Today, with the first fully regulated cannabis market opening in Thailand, new macroeconomic opportunities are coming to the region, but with them also the challenges and foreign capital interests. According to Kitty Chopaka, who is an activist, entrepreneur and part of the Highland Nework network (an organization dedicated to the legalization of cannabis in Thailand), there is an enormous opportunity for Asia to begin to experience the benefits of integrating into this new economy. However, there are situations that only two months after regulation are becoming huge red flags that are worth pointing out.
Images: Instagram @kittychopaka
"In Thailand right now we are not producing enough for our local consumption, but I think by the end of the year, with the outgoing harvests, it should be enough for local supply and maybe for tourists coming in during our high season. So, I would say that until next year we are not going to be ready to export, because we don't have enough for the local market. That is why the market remains open for all the illegal merchandise coming from Canada and the United States," she commented in an interview for this edition. Kitty points out that at the moment the arrival of merchandise produced in North America has the purpose of overcrowding the Thai market, so it is essential to put limits so that the legalization benefits local farmers, businessmen and consumers in the first place, instead of giving profits to foreigners. "They (United States, Canada and European countries) have already grown their markets and now they want to come and grow ours and we have only been here for 50 days! Oh, my God, it's only been almost two months and they are already here, and the problems are already being felt. It's not like we don't have good growers in Thailand; it's not like cannabis has never existed here. It's not like it came out of nowhere.
According to Prohibition Partners' market report, although the number of consumers in Asia is the lowest in the world (approximately 2% of the total population use marijuana), the fact that it is a continent with 4.5 billion inhabitants makes it a relevant region. Countries where education, public policies and business opportunities are at their peak.
Imágenes: Canva Stock
25 August 2022 | Issue 07
Sometimes we need new knowledge on how to industrialize it, but at the same time, I wouldn't want our cannabis market to become a replica of the U.S. market, where it's already too industrialized and then it even loses meaning," he said.
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According to Kitty Chopaka, who is also CEO and founder of Elevated Estate (the region's largest cannabis-focused exposition, consultancy and business incubator), these are not just estimates, but realities that are perceived in the immediate future. "The opportunity (to propel Asia as a cannabis powerhouse) is great. And that's one of the reasons why everyone is coming in: because they want to capture the whole market, not just Thailand. Thailand has like 70 million people, and then we have Malaysia and Indonesia. To be honest, even if we only focus on local, and not all of Asia. We have been in this space for a long time. We existed even before legalization, when people would come with me and offer me products under the table. I had to say no because it wasn't legal. I'm a person who tries to test people and tell them “You can do it, following the rules and the laws, and still make money." Kitty defends the idea that, whatever the country, legalization should be accompanied by a sense of social justice and reparation for all those people who fought for years for access to cannabis knowledge, medicine or products. They will be the first to benefit from the flexibility and market opening. "For example, you in Mexico may have a better opportunity to legalize it in a way that people want and need. More than what was done in the United States, Canada, or even Europe," he said. Images: Instagram @kittychopaka
"The opportunity to propel Asia as a cannabis powerhouse is great. And that's one of the reasons why everyone is coming"
Images: Canva Stock / Instagram @kittychopaka
August 2022 | Issue 07
27
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Bridges of understanding Regardless of region or continent, the truth is that the immediacy in communications, access to knowledge of the plant and the artistic and cultural expressions surrounding cannabis continue to cross borders around the world. For this reason, growers like SHOMA (originally from the Miyazaki prefecture in Japan) come to Mexico to learn and exchange knowledge not only about cannabis cultivation, but also about methods of generating conscious activism and participation in the cultural transformation of their countries. "I don't do enough to call myself a cannabis activist, but I am a grower. And the reason I started growing cannabis was simple: I just wanted to change my life and the way I was spending my money. Cannabis has always been illegal in Japan, but in recent years the use of cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN has been legalized," he said. In an interview for Tu Vida Verde, Shoma added that nowadays cannabinoids such as HHC, which have strong psychoactive effects and increased popularity in the East, have been subject to legal restrictions and are now recognized as illegal. "Today, CBD and CBN are mainstream, and legal cannabinoids with psychoactive effects are very popular. More and more, celebrities and others are using them as a business. I think this is beneficial in every way." He also says that the goal in improving cultivation techniques is to get ahead of an industry that will come sooner or later. Because regardless of whether it is Mexico or Japan, SHOMA says legalization is imminent. "After legalization, the cannabis industry around the world will enter the market, and I think there are many companies that have already entered the market. Our goal is to improve the growing quality together with the Mexicans, incorporating elements of both cultures. In the case of Japan, what it is absolutely about is increasing the number of cannabis growers. That will lead to legalization. I believe we should plant seeds and take actions like Planton420. All people should fight for it, claiming their human rights. And I think the best way to get closer to legalization is for people who want to protect Japanese farming culture and people who have been saved by cannabis to unite and claim their own human rights."
Images: Instagram @shoma_de_japon
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JOE PROMISES AGAIN, BUT NO ACTION The president of the United States once again declared himself in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana. A stance that is not matched by actions.
On July 16, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, once again took a pro-marijuana stance by affirming that no citizen should be in prison due to the consumption or possession of the plant. A position that was part of his campaign proposals, but that almost two years into his term, has yet to become a reality through amnesty laws or reparations for affected communities. When asked by reporter Steven Nelson of the New York Post, the president responded: “I don’t think anyone should be in prison for the use of marijuana. We are working on the crime bill". However, two weeks after this statement and more than a year and a half after expressing the promise to release people imprisoned for non-violent crimes related to the plant, the Biden administration still has
29
an interest in decriminalizing the plant. In the United States, the number of arrests for simple marijuana possession have grown exponentially since 2019, eventually surpassing the bulk of arrests for violent crimes as a whole. This means that more people are in this country's jails for carrying the plant than are for murder, robbery or high-impact crimes. This according
Biden claimed to be currently working on a bill to release prisoners for simple possession of marijuana. Image: Twitter @stevennelson10
to data provided by the FBI.
August 2022 | Issue 07
not implemented concrete measures that demonstrate
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SMOKE, ART, AND COMMUNION: FEICCA 2022 The festival that combines cannabis culture with the seventh art exceeded all expectations in Mexico City.
Cinema and the cannabis community met for the fifth
time
at
the
International
Cannabis
Film
Festival (FEICCA) 2022 in Mexico City. A sample of short,
feature
films
and
documentaries
about
marijuana and the culture around it. "This
Festival
cultural
as
and
such
cinematography
and
exchange.
to
playful
It
has
social has
spaces,
two
characteristics:
responsibility as
art do
but
well
with
as
opening
also
through cultural not
teaching
only
spaces.
Workshops, talks, interviews and master classes with doctors and specialists who talk about the benefits of (for example) CBD and all that hemp can offer you," said Swald Huerta, director and producer of FEICCA 2022. According
to
the
organizers,
the
International
Festival not only offers a link between art and cannabis culture but also a space to demystify an industry that is expanding in countries such as Mexico. "We are known for being a festival that does not allude to unnecessary recreational consumption. We are not an apology to drug addiction or other things.
I
can
assure
you
that
the
International
Cannabis Film Festival is informative. We are going to find documentaries, digital animation themes, with a wonderful psychedelia, but always talking from a point of view or link between the plant and alternative
medicine,"
Swald
commented
in
an
interview for Tu Vida Verde. With a kick-off at Marketeatro's headquarters in the mythical La Roma neighborhood in CDMX, FEICCA 2022 was replicated in Huerto Roma, Falling Piano, the Faculty of Cinema and Cine Tonalá. Screenings were attended by filmmakers and spectators from more than 23 countries, in both in-person and digital formats. "It is a festival that has been breaking paradigms for five years. And now the point of FEICCA in its fifth edition is not only that many people fill the theaters (as they have done in previous years), but that they come to Huerto Roma, where they can meet and share with the specialists. There are many films that we are going to screen related to the society that uses cannabis as a means of subsistence. It generates a legal economy, which has to be known and shown," said the director. In addition to the promotion of cannabis themes, FEICCA has been characterized by its integration of genres such as horror, animation, documentaries or with contents close to communities such as LGBT+, which indicates the strength of the project thanks to its integrative nature. Swald Huerta also commented that the International Cannabis Film Festival is the only one of its kind to have monthly activities, from February to December. With continuous lecture series at the Film Faculty.
Images: Mr. Pipe
Cannabis, popcorn and collective experiences, what could go wrong?
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JOINT WHIT US LAUNCHES A UNIQUE SPOT OF ITS KIND The legal cannabis association premiered the opening of its first club and anticipates expansion phase. They went from being a 100% digital community to having a physical meeting point for all weed lovers in Mexico and the world. Today, Joint With Us is not only one of the most relevant (completely legal) cannabis associations in the country, but also has its first recreational and business center in Mexico City. The founders of the project, Iván Vallejo, Rafael and Manolo Castro, managed to materialize what until now had been a dream for the nearly 400 members that make up the association: a safe place for consumption, but also for educational activities and business incubation in an appropriate and fully regulated space. This August, “Joint With Us” will continue its work on phase 1 of this new venture, which involved upgrading the various areas of the club. The goal is to increase comfort and amenities for attendees, associates and occasional members. However, the aim does not stop there, since it is estimated that by the end of this year, the three floors and terrace will be fully equipped and functional. Cineclub, restaurant, urban horticulture and even sports activities and spa are some of the options that JWU members will be able to enjoy for the last quarter of this year. In addition, there will be space for product displays and plant-related business ventures.
The club has spaces designed for comfort and recreation. There will also be a variety of products and space for new brands to promote themselves among club members.. Images: Mr. Pipe
August 2022 | Issue 07
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Musician, activist and recently appointed state leader of a political party in Baja California. With a sui generis personality, César tells us about cannabis, disruption and the permanent fight to denounce the crimes of Babylon. by Paola Galante
His last name is known throughout the state. So is his history of participation in countercultural movements. His hairstyle, usually displaying a turban, reflects respect for Jah, while his current position as leader of a traditionally conservative party has raised eyebrows of suspicion. But Cesar has been used to that since he was young, when the search for what he calls the primordial sense of belonging brought him closer to a world he now fights for, builds and creates from a new sphere. "I always leaned towards the art side, specifically towards the music side. For me it was like my escape and my salvation," says the current leader of the Partido Encuentro Solidario (PES) in Baja California in an interview for Tu Vida Verde. César Hank Inzunza narrates how the subject of cannabis was linked from its origin in music and artistic expressions. Above all, in the world of reggae, a culture that has accompanied him for two decades and now connects in the political arena of his home state.
The transition from singing protest reggae to being the leader of a party in the Baja California region has not been easy at all. But neither is it an alien experience since it is guided by a sense of coherence and the peace of knowing that the struggles and interest in the causes of the marginalized people are still there. "On the one hand, it seems that it is not coherent and one thing does not combine with the other, but the reality is that the feeling, the claim, and the essence of my personality are the same. I was commenting to a reporter the other day that if you listen to a Somos Uno song from 15 or 20 years ago, and you listen to a political speech by César Hank, leader of the PES, they still have the same theme: they are still the same claims, we are still in the same struggle as in adolescence." However, Hank Inzunza recognizes that the years' wisdom has transformed the youth's cultural and artistic demands into active participation in new spheres. "Today, after a process of maturity, evolution, and life experiences, I end up in a tribune where I realize that in order to do things and to achieve changes, it is not only necessary to say them or express them, but they have to be developed and carried out. That is what we are doing. We continue to denounce the injustices of Babylon, raising our voices for those who have no voice and representing what we are: musicians, art, culture, and activists representing the cannabis movement," he says.
Images: Cortesía Víctor Gahbler Madera
"Cannabis is a common thread. It's very curious, but it unites many worlds that normally don't go together, which is ultimately a bit like I am or the way I am: one participates in worlds that traditionally don't go together, such as politics and art or music," he mentions.
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César is part of a generation of activists who for more than 15 years have been pushing for cannabis regulation in Mexico. And the virtue of being close to the cannabis capital of the world has allowed him to direct his political project with the strength of the pro-legalization discourse. "Here from my office, I am 20 minutes away from the best cannabis in the world, in one of the most advanced societies and strongest economies, such as California. Where for more than 20 years it has not only been legal, but part of the culture. But here in Mexico, it seems that everything is the other way around. We live in a country where the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that the prohibition of cannabis use is unconstitutional. But the Federal Criminal Code continues to classify it as a crime, that is, it is still prohibited. So, what kind of world are we living in when the highest authority of justice rules in support of free development personality, but at the same time it is punished", he comments. For the leader, his participation in politics may be disruptive, but his struggle and arguments are logical and backed by reality. Something that has allowed him to coincide with legislators and present his arguments in a formal way. " We have taken the conversation to that degree and level. The highest spheres of the country: are the Senate of the Republic and the Congress of the Union. Now with my new assignment, we are going to take it to the Chamber of Deputies in Mexicali and to the Government of Baja California. To put the issues on the table, but with expertise and support from specialists such as Richard Polanco Sr, who was president of the California Senate 20 years ago when it was legalized". Among the projects that César Hank plans to promote in the state are permanent forums or exhibitions in favor of marijuana. Approached from a general aspect and nothing segmented.
Images: Facebook César Hank Inzunza / Fotograma Somos Uno, Amor en Evolución
The plant is so loving and inclusive that even in music (which is a matter of taste) it unites us. Reggae, electronic, rock, and hip hop have their tastes and subculture, but cannabis reaches everyone. When there are cannabis festivals it is impressive to see how, once again, at first glance, nothing would combine. But it has a common thread that is the same; a real and not invented common thread which is the plant".
35 August 2022 | Issue 07
"We want to make an exhibition of all the spheres where the plant enters and penetrates. From the highest levels of government to the most hidden streets and alleys of the country. From the highest-level forums in the local Congress (with the most representative specialists from the countries where it has been legalized); to medical and scientific forums, culminating with a cannabis festival or cup. A permanent display of everything related to the plant's culture.
WHAT COMES DURING SEPTEMBER Do you have an event, social or educational action coming up (in Mexico or around the world) and would you like to announce it? Do not hesitate to contact us! We offer you the space so that your activities reach more people.
Contact Us
hablemos@tuvidaverde.com
You've just finished smoking. You're flying through the universe, beyond the regions that the James Webb telescope can photograph. Suddenly, a terrifying thought comes into your head: "damn, I forgot to do something". Please, when you read these horror stories, imagine them as real cases (anecdotes that really happened). Because the only way to overcome traumas is to make memes out of them.
You smoked so much that you lost the ability to distinguish the intention of your dog's bark and now you don't know if he wants to attack you
When you realize you forgot to send an important email from your company.
-Your phone rings: it's a video call from your mom or other relatives.
August 2022 | Issue 07
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