Get Informed
WILL 280E EFFECT YOU?
Strain Review
>Blue Magoo SPECIAL FEATURE
>TOMMY CHONG
The cannabis legend speaks exclusively to DOPE
SEPTEMBER
2014
VI FREE
10
MARIJUANA NEWS 280E
12
EDIBLES Medi Maté
14
MARIJUANA NEWS Cannagraph
20
HEALTH Tinctures
28
FEATURE Tommy Chong
32
MARIJUANA NEWS Why Medical Should Stay
38
GROW Know Your Grow
40
GROW Mold Control
46
MARIJUANA NEWS Festival Gadgets
54
HEALTH PTSD
62
MARIJUANA NEWS Festival Fashion
64
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURE CO-OP Mt Hood Wellness Center
September 2014 The Anniversary Issue
08
This photo and cover photo by Roman Rivera co-creative directed by Michael Clinard
STRAIN OF THE MONTH Blue Magoo
DOPE is a free publication dedicated to providing an informative and wellness-minded voice to the cannabis movement. While our foundation is the medical cannabis industry, it is our intent to provide ethical and research-based articles that address the many facets of the war on drugs, from politics to lifestyle and beyond. We believe that through education and honest discourse, accurate policy and understanding can emerge. DOPE Magazine is focused on defending both our patients and our plant, and to being an unceasing force for revolutionary change.
JAMES ZACHODNI Editor-In-Chief
EVAN CARTER
TREK HOLLNAGEL
ALLIE BECKETT
RYAN JOHNSTONE
Editorial Director Photography
Sales Director
Oregon Director
JESUS DIAZ
Graphics/Operations
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Sharon Letts Michael Condon Jr Heath Laslo Simone Fischer Emmet Fraser Tony Thepkaysone Y.F. Roman Rivera Lindsey Rinehart Gunnther Hamilton
COPY EDITOR Alison Baird
WANT TO ADVERTISE?
EMAIL US AT ADS@DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
EMAIL US AT INFO@DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM Dope Magazine and the entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2014 Dope Magazine LLC, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or part without the written permission from Dope Magazine LLC. Published in Seattle, Washington 98109
STRAIN OF THE MONTH CANNABINOID CONTENT 22.8% THC
Blue Magoo
Provided by
WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER PHOTO BY TONY THEPKAYSONE
GENETICS Blue Magoo is a hybrid strain that was created in the 90’s by its mother DJ Blueberry Short, pollinated by William’s Wonder F2 (aka Major League Bud). Many people often mistake the magoo for “Blue goo”, but know these are two entirely different strains.
8
MEDICAL BENEFITS
LOOKS
The Blue Magoo is one of the most Blue Magoo is beautiful strains I probably one of my have seen to date. most favorite hybrid blends because of its The batch I received from High Minds medicinal benefits. Horticulture was I personally enjoy extremely purple in stoney indicas because of their vast comparison to BM pain reliving qualities. I have received in the past. This BM BM is great for any reminded me of patients suffering from insomnia or loss a mosaic, almost like a bowl of fruity of appetite because pebbles (I’m not even of the heavy-hitting kidding). The purple indica. The sativa’s sugar leaves blend effects also benefit those with anxiety or wonderfully with sea green buds and red forms of PTSD. Just hair accents. The buds make BM your new are big and robust MVP. due to the indica, but they are tight and extremely dense. Ultimately, getting the best of both strain genetics in one.
SMELL
FLAVOR
EFFECTS
Usually BM’s are typically florally & fruity, but I really enjoyed the funk of this batch. Like always, this BM was delicious and floral, but it didn’t have the same old sweet notes. I detected notes of fennel and licorice that set this batch of BM apart from the usual contenders.
I instantly detected butterscotch and floral notes. I sincerely believe that the floral essence of this BM is best detected in flavor. After my initial draw, the star anise flavor left and numbing sensation on my tongue and black of my throat. It’s like my mouth got high before the body & mental high followed.
I’m going to say it again, but I truly enjoy the stoney effects of BM. After a couple of bong rips, the body high immediately sets in. The BM is my recreational go to, or if I am experiencing pain or difficulty sleeping, although I wouldn’t suggest the BM as a morning option if you expect to have a productive day. It’s definitely best in the evening whilst winding down, or before bed.
info@bridgecitycollective.com
10% OFF
southeast center hours Mon.—Fri. 11 am— 7 pm
YOUR FIRST PURCHASE!
Photography by Daniel Berman; featuring woodworking by brace & bit
215 SE Grand Ave Portland, OR 97214 503-477-9532
north center hours M-Sat 11 am— 7 pm Sun. 12 pm—5 pm
YOUR SOURCE FOR ORGANIC, NON GMO VEGAN, SUGAR FREE, G-F AND HEALTHY OPTIONS!
EARN POINTS & FREE MEDS IN OUR FREQUENT BUYER REFERRAL PROGRAM!
DISCOUNTS! > BICYCLE COMMUTERS > MILITARY/VETERANS > SENIOR 65+
FEATURE CO-OP
10
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
FEATURE CO-OP
Mt. Hood Wellness Center Your Friendly Neighborhood Stop WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER PHOTOS BY EMMET FRASER
WHAT’S INSIDE
Mt. Hood Wellness Center is one of the original Portland dispensaries that has been operational since pre-HB 3460. Back in March of 2011 they opened up shop in their Division location. Since then, MHWC has been striving to provide all patients with superior customer service and education. MHWC pride themselves on the fact that they have been open longer than most dispensaries that have recently opened in 2014, post HB 3460. Even in the face of potential legalization, they have always centered their operation on the patient. MTWC has been testing their products through labs before it was necessary to ensure that medical patients were receiving quality medicine. When I arrived, I entered a waiting room and was quickly buzzed in by the bud tender on staff. MHWC now has two locations, the original location is located in southeast Portland on Division, but I visited the new Broadway location. The shop was smaller but provided patients with everything they needed. Their flower selection was well stocked and they had lots of edible options for those looking for smokeless ways to medicate. The concentrate selection wasn’t huge, but more stock is on the way. The new location is still being stocked with medicine, so if you are looking for their full selection make sure to visit their dispensary on Division. MHWC’s staff is knowledgeable and confident, and because they are not new to the medicinal scene, their staff can help any patient whether it is someone who isn’t familiar with cannabis, or a seasoned smoker. I sincerely appreciated that all test results were posted by all of their flower and concentrates on display. As a cannabis user, I do not appreciate digging for test results. Everything is clearly labeled and tested, giving patients the transparency they deserve. The staff and owner are wonderful, only seeking to provide the best experience for any Portland patient. If you are looking for a casual, laid-back dispensary that doesn’t skimp on experience, make sure to check out Mt. Hood Wellness Center.
ADDRESS: 2532 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 PHONE: (503) 946-1142 WEB: www.mthoodwellness.com
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
11
MARIJUANA NEWS
WHAT IS 280E, AND WHY IS IT SO SCARY? HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? WRITTEN BY LINDSEY RINEHART
12
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
MARIJUANA NEWS Let me begin this article with a disclaimer that I am not an attorney or a CPA but that I am here to discuss a very important, serious topic. This topic will affect many of us, but this article is in no way legal advice and shouldn’t be construed as such. “What is 280E?” should be the question for anyone in the cannabis industry that doesn’t already know the answer. Previously, one might remember Steven DeAngelo and Harborside having a spat with the Federal Government over back taxes to the tune of $2.7 million a couple of years ago; that was over 280E. Please don’t think it can’t affect you though, because if you use a dispensary, or work in the industry, it likely can and will, regardless of your size. 280E is a Federal Tax Code that was written in 1982 under the Reagan Administration to be a tool in “The War On Drugs.” Originally designed to penalize those who were breaking the law by drug trafficking it was supposed to not allow any business expenses to be deducted for drug trafficking, or anything related to it, under Federal Law, pertaining to a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 substance. This law was written far before any medical cannabis facilities were allowed to exist. Due to all of the newly legal cannabis dispensaries, the Federal Government has seen a way to get a chunk of the industry valued at $2.57 Billion (Value estimate from Arcview Group). The Federal Government has sought back taxes on facilities, as well as taxed current business very heavily. If you think it’s just going to affect dispensary owners, it doesn’t. Dispensary owners aren’t allowed regular deductions as a small business, but cannabis is a business expense that is allowed. Due to cannabis expense being allowed and dispensaries needing to make the deduction, many people in the industry, such as growers, may start receiving 1099s for their taxes as well! An anonymous grower in Southern Oregon reflected her concerns. “280E puts the grower in a precarious position. Either you have to produce a lot more medicine to cover the amount that will be paid in taxes or you risk not staying afloat. It makes a grower think twice about transferring their excess medicine to a MMF (Medical Marijuana Facility) (because
the grower may get a 1099 if they make the transfer), if at the end of the year the 1099 form from the MMF requires them to file a tax return. The tax system favors those growers who can invest in large scale production facilities which may end up compromising the quality of the medicine that is produced…” Mario Mamone of Maritime Café (Temporarily closed under Moratorium in Gladstone, OR) spoke to me to share his experience. “…I did not learn about 280E, until six months after I opened in early 2012. I received a letter asking me to attend a conference in Seattle on the topic of 280E. The literature they sent was
business.” Mario did find the advice helpful that he received at the conference so advice hunting I went! What I discovered is that if a dispensary uses their facility for anything other than cannabis, then they may take a deduction for that service. For example, one would calculate what the square footage dedicated to another service would be, and apply that deduction, such as yoga, massage, etc. Employees that don’t handle cannabis, shouldn’t be labeled as doing so, for tax purposes. There is good news on the horizon though! Representative Earl Blumenauer introduced H.R. 2240 The Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2013, and it has support of NCIA and other pro-cannabis advocates. It’s no wonder, as it has a very simple fix to this problem! The legislation seeks to amend the sentence and says “unless such trade or business consists of marijuana sales conducted in compliance with State 2 law’’ Please support this legislation! Until then though, Attorney Bradley Steinman, of Green Business Law in Portland, was kind enough to give some sound advice on the matter. “Anyone engaging in a state licensed marijuana or medical marijuana business would be welladvised to seek out the professional services of an experienced tax attorney and or CPA familiar with their state’s marijuana laws and the application of Section 280E. It is best to plan ahead for the application of Section 280E by seeking the advice of licensed and trained professionals. Strategic tax planning within the bounds of the law is desirable and appropriate. Tax evasion in-andof-itself is a crime. To a marijuana business, a tax attorney and accountant could mean the difference between failure and success.”
“Because of 280E, the effective tax rate for
many marijuana businesses is 50% or more,
according to Taylor West, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association,
and Henry Wykowski, a lawyer representing marijuana businesses.”
1
very scary as to the tax consequences I would be facing as a dispensary owner…. (It) made me think that opening a dispensary was not a good business move. At the conference, I learned how to minimize the negative financial costs of 280E. I then took this information and shared it with my accountant. We then applied this to our federal 2012 and 2013 taxes, and will do so until the law is changed. …Our tax bill, in my opinion, is very high! Our 2012 tax bill should have been zero, but it was over $20,000. Paying this large a tax bill yearly is an extreme tax burden for us and makes it very hard to operate a profitable
1. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/03/17/marijuana-tax-breaks-irs/6367137/
2. https://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/2240/text
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
13
EDIBLES
Medi-Maté Revitalize Your High
WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER PHOTO BY TONY THEPKAYSONE For this month’s edible review, I wanted to go beyond typical food items that saturate the edible market. Although desert edibles are in fact delicious, many of them tend to bog me down energy-wise. Effectively, ruining my motivation for anything but more food and a healthy dose of Netflix. For those looking for a stimulating edible experience I highly recommend PNW Potions “Medi-Maté”. If you are fan of Yerba Maté energy drinks, you are going to love this tincture. In case you are not familiar, Yerba Maté is a tea made from the dried leaves of the Holly tree, native to South America. Maté has been used historically as a stimulant in tinctures and tonics. Owner and creator Brigham Edwards explains, “It also provides minerals to support nervous C system function, and B-vitamins to relax M muscles. For these reasons, it produces a Y balanced, long-lasting physical and mental stimulation. Guayusa, the cousin of Yerba CM Maté, has been treasured for over 2,000 MY years for it’s unique balance of caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, CY which awaken the mind and fortify the CMY body. Guayusa has been found to balance K the body’s pH and blood sugar levels, detoxify the blood, improve the functioning of the kidneys, improve digestion and lower blood pressure. Guayusa has an extremely smooth flavor with earthy and floral notes.” Not only is cannabis used to medicate patients, but also Yerba Maté provides its own list of beneficial properties it brings to your health. When I first tried out Edward’s “MediMaté”, I took three droppers of it. To my surprise it tasted delicious! Hands down the best tasting tincture I have ever had. The Maté flavor is perfectly balanced and not overwhelmingly “green” tasting. After about ten minutes, I felt the energizing boost of Maté kick in before the effects of cannabis. As a professional busybody, I keep this medicated tincture on hand whenever I need a mid-day boost. The high itself is mild, but that ultimately depends on your tolerance level. If you are new to cannabis or use infrequently, start with one dropper full and increase your dosage from there if needed. PNW Potions also provides their “Plain Jane” version, which is the same tincture without the Maté for those just looking for the effects of cannabis alone.
14
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
Clean, Clear, Direct HANDS IN THE DIRT SINCE 1974
slow burning
AVAILABLE AT: LITTLE AMSTERDAM • THE GORGE GREEN CROSS PORTLAND GREEN OASIS • NW HEALTH SERVICES • PURE GREEN NECTAR • LOCAL HERB COLLECTIVE • PACIFIC GREEN
971.276.6100 ecofirmafarms.com
Saturday, September 13, 2014
U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Andrew Sullivan
Diane Fornbacher
Rich Masterson
Ed Rosenthal
Troy Dayton
Laura Blanco de Le贸n
Representative Peter Buckley
Tom Burns
Senator Floyd Prozanski
e r b 14, 2014 m e t p e S , y a d n u S Keynote Speaker Andrew Sullivan Renowned international journalist with the most popular blog on the internet, The Dish, with more subscribers than any other exclusivelyonline journalism site U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer Authored a report in early 2013 called “The Path Forward: Rethinking Federal Marijuana Policy” Diane Fornbacher is the publisher of Ladybud Magazine, member of the board of NORML, and co-founder and board member of the NORML Women’s Alliance (NWA) Rich Masterson Founder of Audience Partners, an online advertising platform for political and healthcare clients including Barrack Obama and Governor Chris Christie. Ed Rosenthal Cannabis guru and author Troy Dayton Co-founded The ArcView Group with cannabis pioneer Steve DeAngelo in 2010 and currently serves as CEO Tom Burns Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director of Pharmacy Programs/Medical Marijuana Dispensary Program Laura Blanco de León Serves as President of the Association of Cannabis Studies of Uruguay, has also served as a member of the advisory board of the Uruguayan National Drugs Council Senator Floyd Prozanski Sponsor of the Dispensary Bill and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Representative Peter Buckley Co-Chairman Ways and Means Committee, Sponsor of Dispensary Bill, Member of OHA Rules Committee on Dispensaries
For tickets and program, please call 888-920-6076 or visit us at InternationalCBC.com The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) delivers learning sessions of educational seminars and provides a platform for networking and discussions on current legislative issues. With over 30 expert speakers and dozens of professional vendors, this is an educational and networking “must do” for anyone interested or involved in the cannabis industry.
facebook.com/ internationalcbc
twitter.com/ intlcbc
EVENTS
International Cannabis Business Conference Bringing the “Canna-business” to Oregon WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER During the weekend of September 13th and 14th Portland will be hosting its first International Cannabis Business Conference at the Oregon Convention Center. Speakers that range from congressmen to long-time activists and legalizers, are coming to Portland to ignite the industry on the west coast. Keynote speakers such as U.S. representative Earl Blumenauer and Diane Fornbacher, co-founder and board member of the NORML Women’s Alliance (NWA) will be in attendance, along side many other cannabis insiders. The two day event will be hosted at the Portland Ballroom within the facility. The International Cannabis Business Conference is looking to showcase educational seminars for those looking to further build the industry within Oregon. Tickets start at $499 a pop, and if you want a chance to rub elbows with industry leaders you are welcome to buy a “VIP Keynote Luncheon” that will be held both days. For $249 you can dine down with Andrew Sullivan, a noted marijuana blog creator, or pay $100 for lunch with cultivation expert Ed Rosenthal, one of the world’s leading cannabis growers who has worked with other legends such as Jack Herer. The networking opportunities are endless and it provides the Oregon cannabis community access to expert opinion on how to navigate this booming, yet competitive industry. Throughout the weekend sessions and lectures will be held by cannabis activists and
reformers from all walks of this growing marijuana community. Brandbuilding to marketing and taxes to international cannabis issues (see: Uruguay) will be discussed to best direct those on the industry floor within Oregon. Saturday’s theme will settle largely around policy and reform. Federal tax reform and state-specific legislation will be addressed, along side international issues on how other countries have decriminalized and regulated cannabis. Be sure to check out Russ Belville from 420radio. org for his comparative analysis on what policy decisions have allowed states to thrive or falter, depending on how each measure was carried out. Sunday’s focus will center around marketing and dispensary level informational sessions. Talks about the cultivation of cannabis will take place in the latter half of the day, to include discussions about the potential of industrial hemp. Anthony Johnson, Chief Petitioner of New Approach Oregon who created Measure 91, will also be speaking on behalf of the Oregon Panel to garner further support before November. This event is a chance to bring everyone within the Oregon cannabis community together who are ready for the next level of industry practices. Uniting growers, activists, business entrepreneurs and policymakers from across the nation allows us to stand as one collective entity, bursting with potential and ready to rise to the occasion.
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO www.internationalcbc.com
18
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
MARIJUANA NEWS
c i h p a r g a n Can A DOPE States infographic. Retrospecting how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Written By Y.F.
LEGALIZED
DECRIMINILIZED MEDICAL MARIJUANA STATES WITHOUT MANDATORY SENTENCING LAWS
20
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
MARIJUANA NEWS
WASHINGTON AND COLORADO ARE STATES WITH MANDATORY SENTENCING LAWS CONSUMPTION RATES: (Low to High) % of 12-and-over population using marijuana
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
21
MARIJUANA NEWS
24
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
MARIJUANA NEWS Across the United States, the legal status of marijuana has been in constant - albeit slow - transition. Decriminalization has occurred in 18 states; medical marijuana legitimized in 23; and legal recreational use has manifested in 3. Thus, there has opened up a space in the market which entrepreneurs across the country have diligently sought to fill. Aside from production, distribution and retail, the prevalence - and demand - for marijuana infused products has sky rocketed. Needless to say, the edibles market has seen a dramatic increase in both supply and demand. However, companies supplying edibles have encountered a serious obstacle to their future success - trademark and copyright legislature. As anyone who has stepped foot into a dispensary knows, there is an endless array of marijuana infused products to choose from. Products currently on the market such as Ganja Joy, Kif Kat, Stoney Rancher, Rasta Reese’s, Munchy Way and the like all happen to be modeled after their ‘conventional’ counterparts: Almond Joy, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Reese’s, Milky Way, and so on. Furthermore, their packaging mimics the original product that inspired them. Hershey’s is not too happy about this - as are many other large corporations - and has filled a number of trademark infringement lawsuits. For instance, Hershey’s is suing Colorado based marijuana infused candy producer Tincturebelle for its Ganga Joy, Hasheath and Dabby Patty which, the company argues, that dangerously mimic Hershey’s Almond Joy, Heath Bar, and York Peppermint Patty in both packaging and design. The chocolate giant is also suing Seattle’s very own Conscious Care Cooperative (CCC) for two products, Reefer’s Cups and Mr. Dankbar which the company states are packaged and branded in excessive similarity to Hershey’s conventional products. Hershey’s spokesperson, Jeff Beckman, released a statement outlining the company’s position: “The Hershey Company’s trademarks are iconic and among our company’s most important assets. They are recognized by consumers around the world, and our company has spent as many as 120 years building the trust and equity in these iconic brands. Consumers depend on our brand names to represent a level of quality and dependability. These entities have used Hershey’s trademarks, without authorization, to trade on Hershey’s goodwill and reputation, and to draw greater attention to their products; these unauthorized uses of Hershey’s trademarks also make the
products more appealing to children. We have always vigorously protected our brands and will continue to do so whenever we believe that others have infringed on these valuable intellectual assets.” Hershey’s is suing the CCC to stop selling these products, discard remaining inventory, correct their product’s packaging, to account and produce records for all gains and profits from sales of said products, and to pay for legal fees and damages. These damages, the company argues, are extensive as their continuing popularity has the potential to significantly damage the integrity of the Hershey’s brand worldwide. While these products are under strict regulation and
monitoring, the mimicry of their packaging does place Hershey’s in a relatively good position to make its case. However, Nathan Paine, a lawyer for the CCC, argues that the dispensary does not manufacture these products, but simply sells them - potentially transferring this lawsuit from the CCC and placing the burden instead, on the vendors who supply them with the products under scrutiny. But Hershey’s is not the only corporate giant unleashing its wrath Pepperidge Farm is considering the same with regards to marijuana infused crackers in the shape of goldfish.
Opinion regarding the legitimacy of these lawsuits - on either side - are varied. Some argue that the similarity in packaging not only violates trademark and copyright laws, but also poses a public health hazard. The probability that naive consumers could mistake a marijuana infused product such as Reefer’s for a traditional Reese’s is obviously correlated to the level of resemblance in the product’s packing. The visual appeal and familiarity of Hershey’s products for children and the risk is that brand mimicking - which edible companies have engaged in - is a central theme aimed at bolstering their argument. On the contrary, there have been assertions from the marijuana industry that while the packaging is similar, the products are heavily monitored and regulated, their accessibility restricted, and their packaging does have explicit and visible labeling which informs consumers of the nature of the product. And not only are big corporations getting themselves involved in lawsuits, so too are competing producers of cannabisinfused products. A leading example being the lawsuit which Colorado-based company Bridge Marketing is filling against Dixie Elixirs and Edibles. Bridge Marketing alleges that Dixie has failed to maintain, “conspicuous and responsible packaging,” for their MED-a-mints product. Instead, replacing the previous packing with a design that, “…promoted the Dixie Elixir brand more prominently then MED-a-mints,” as well as for the company’s failure to disperse royalty payments in a timely manner. Emerging legal battles of this type within the industry will undoubtedly complicate marijuana’s transition from a black to white market product - not to mention its future success and longevity. Although, in the same breath, there are likely hundreds of companies supplying the market with cannabis-infused products that have original designs and branding strategies. It appears likely that these companies will outpace those currently under scrutiny. Advocates for the marijuana industry and edible companies will probably not have the same political clout or lobbying capacity to assert their case as the nearly 120 year old chocolate giant will have. Anyways, if the public health argument is used to propel Hershey’s case - or any other cooperation that is massively appealing to children - edible companies will not get very far. But the bright side is that these types of products are only a small fraction of the options that consumers have to choose from. So long story short, edibles aren’t going anywhere - but look-a-like edibles most likely are.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
25
HEALTH
TINCTURE TALK
WHAT’S REALLY IN THE BOTTLES?
By Heath Laslo
Recently a friend of mine confided in me that she had been dealing with insomnia for years and had tried almost every sleep medication known to man to no avail. She hadn’t ever considered using cannabis for her insomnia and asked me for a recommendation. I suggested she try The Medicine Jar’s Sleep Tincture found in this review, ¬and she has been getting the best night’s sleep since. The use of tinctures for medicinal purposes has been around for a very long time. Until cannabis was banned in 1937, tinctures were the primary way by which doctors prescribed and sold cannabis medicines. If you look at some of the old images of tincture bottles you will see names of some American pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly, Upjohn, etc. So why are tinctures so unique when you consider the numerous ways a patient can consume cannabis? Tinctures provide patients with the ability to find the precise dose needed for their ailments. The dropper allows patients to slowly self-titrate their medicine drop by drop until they reach their desired effect. It should be noted that the effects of using a tincture could take up to an hour to take
28
effect when swallowed with your morning tea. The onset of action can be expedited if the drops are placed sublingually (under the tongue)¬. Sublingual administration increases absorption via the thin skin and numerous capillaries under your tongue and directly into your blood stream vs. the lengthy adsorption through the gut. I have tried a number of tinctures available to patients in Wa State over the last two years and frankly haven’t been impressed with the majority of them and wondered, “why?”. Typically most sit and soak, alcohol and glycerin based tinctures are weak. According to the folks at Steep Hill Halent, it has to do with the glycerin; “For most every chemical you can think of, there are solvents in which it dissolves very well, and those it dissolves in very poorly. In the case of Terpenoids (including Cannabinoids), they really dislike Glycerin, and as a result, the total amount of terpenoid dissolved in Glycerin will always be low, very low. Commonly, concentrations are seen in a range from 0.7 to 2mg/mL”. For recreational users without tolerances to cannabis, these less potent tinctures might
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
fit the bill. However for medical patients, the need to identify some of the more potent and unique tinctures that are readily available is needed. The criteria I used for selecting the tinctures to include in the review were two fold. First, the tinctures must contain high amounts of cannabinoids per vial compared with their peers. Second, they must be reasonably easy to find so you can actually get your hands on this great medicine. The lab results below are all recent and can be found on Analytical 360’s website for reference. Lastly, Sativa Valley THC tincture drops were not included in this review because of lack of lab results submitted to me. However, I can personally attest to the potency of these drops and they deserve to be mentioned. Sublingual administration of these drops provides a crisp, uplifting, cerebral effect typically associated with a Sativa strain, however, SVE uses an inhouse hybrid strain that balances this out. This is a unique feature that some anxiety prone patients might appreciate, plus the flavors they infuse into their tinctures are top notch, which tremendously helps with the sublingual dosing.
HEALTH MEDICINE JAR NIGHT DROPS TINCTURE – This tincture has been developed for sleep and offers a unique blend of Indica hash and Valerian Root (natural sedative) that will help put you to bed and tuck in the sheets. Serving Size: 1ml = 1.22 gram <0.01mg THC-A 3.96mg Δ9-THC 4.03mg THC-Total 0.07mg CBN 0.01mg CBD 0.20mg CBG 4.33mg Activated Cannabinoids-Total
Medicine Jar Pain Drops Tincture – This tincture is a hybrid blend of hash, paired with White Willow Bark (natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever). This tincture is an excellent choice for patients that need 24hr./day pain management. Serving Size: 1ml = 1.22 gram <0.01mg THC-A 4.94mg Δ9-THC 5.01mg THC-Total 0.07mg CBN 0.05mg CBD 0.19mg CBG 5.25mg Activated Cannabinoids-Total
The CPC – 6g Indica Agave Tincture - The CPC’s Indica and Agave tincture is made with cannabis concentrate that is then bonded to the agave. There isn’t a sit and soak process typically found with most alcohol and glycerin based tinctures here. This tincture is an excellent choice for evening or nighttime use due to its Indica origins. Serving Size: 1ml = 1.41 gram <0.01mg THC-A 5.64 mg Δ9-THC 5.84mg THC-Total 0.20mg CBN 0.17mg CBD 0.13mg CBG 6.28mg Activated Cannabinoids-Total
The CPC – 6g Sativa Agave Tincture – The CPC’s Sativa and Agave tincture is made with cannabis concentrate again that is bonded to the agave. The flavor and cerebral uplifting effects of this tincture make it a top-notch choice for daytime use. Serving Size: 1ml = 1.41 gram <0.01mg THC-A 3.16 mg Δ9-THC 3.64mg THC-Total 0.48mg CBN 0.22mg CBD 0.14mg CBG 4.20mg Activated Cannabinoids-Total
Kush Cream – Witch Doctor Pain Drops – This is one of the most potent sit and soak, glycerin and alcohol-based tinctures out there. While developed for pain, the high levels of THC-A contained in this tincture are unique and would be an excellent choice for epilepsy, spasticity, or other movement disorders. Serving Size: 1 dropper full = 1 gram 19.68mg THC-A 6.57mg Δ9-THC 26.69mg THC-Total 0.44mg CBN 0.39mg CBD 0.21mg CBG 7.31mg Activated Cannabinoids-Total
29
FEATURE
32
High Life
FEATURE
The
Tommy Chong Lights Up Seattle Written by Michael Condon Jr. Photos by Roman Rivera Co-Creative Directed by Michael Clinard
We all know Tommy Chong became a household name for his Oscar-Winning role in 1990’s “Far Out Man.” But did you know, before that magical endeavor, he was in a little-known stoner comedy duo titled, Cheech and Chong? They put out a few comedy records (complete with giant rolling papers), performed a few sets at small venues around the world and released some full-length feature independent films. Maybe you’ve heard of them…
marijuana enthusiasts like me and crosses multiple generations. I challenge you to find someone who doesn’t think Tommy Chong is “cool.” If you did, I’d look them in the eye, call them a damn liar and spit in their twisted little face. Not only a film legend but a comedy genius, a cancer survivor, a musical talent and a brilliant activist. This assignment could mean a Pulitzer Prize for me…Or at least some pocket change for a sack of chronic.
THE CALL The DOPE Magazine hotline installed in my home library was sounding off like an ambulance siren on a warm night through the walls of my house. It’s a red, corded telephone with rotary digits, a classic ringtone and no internet capabilities. Very JFK White Houseesque. Its primary use is direct calls from the top dogs at DOPE HQ and has only previously rang when I’ve been devastatingly late for deadlines or when someone at the office has been held hostage by a fleet of radical prohibitionists sent by Patrick Kennedy and Kevin Sabet attempting to sever the journalistic bloodline to the masses. But that only happened once and I didn’t believe deadline was near. What sort of hubbub, haberdashery, halitosis or hypnosis is taking place to make this godforsaken phone ring? I pick it up slowly, hesitantly, as if simply answering would cause federal agents to break down my door and throw a grenade into a baby’s playpen or a throng of policemen will shoot me while I’m unarmed and my hands pointed skyward. This stuff happens, I watch the news. Maybe it’s a wrong number. Maybe an obscene caller. The latter wouldn’t be so bad. “You’re interviewing Tommy Chong tomorrow, Michael, be prepared.” The cryptic voice informed me in a hushed tone from the other end. “Is this Deep Throat?” I questioned with a crack in my voice, unsure of the current year. “No, it’s your editor. Tommy is hitting the media circuit with gusto tomorrow to promote his strain, dispensary partnership and medical marijuana. You’re to be tagging along.” The voice was now more distinct, recognizable and, yet, still a tad harsh. “Aye, aye.” I responded and hung up the phone. The name Tommy Chong holds so much power, so much meaning for millions of
THE MEETING Tommy’s Seattle itinerary was delivered to me the following morning by an unkempt but rather polite courier pigeon. It read in Sanskrit that he was to be staying at the waterfront Marriott and hitting all the major Seattle media hubs, KING 5, KOMO 4, and, of course, a few medical dispensaries along the way. The plan was for me to meet up with him at the stop of my liking and ride along with him and his entourage as he answers the same questions from the same bleach white-teethed talking heads. I decided to head to their first stop as Tommy was to be interviewed on a morning show. One of the last of its kind. As I entered the first communications building, smelling like I just woke up in a pot field and bathed myself in BHO, I was greeted by a friendly, if not, oaf-like security guard who rightfully questioned my motives. I responded with a swift, “I’m with the media, sir, I’m here to meet with Tommy Chong.” This seemed to satisfy him and he told me to check in with the front desk lady. I artfully scooted past his wide frame and moved on to the next obstacle. I was fifteen minutes behind schedule due to a joint lighting fiasco which nearly set my beard aflame, but the lady told me that Tommy and his crew was even later than me. I took a seat in the lobby and watched as the audience for the show, mostly elderly women and their grandchildren too young for school, hobble towards the bleachers facing the set. I monitored the front door closely hoping to catch Tommy as he walked in but soon got distracted by a raven-haired vixen with a slight frame, sinewy legs and a kill-‘em-all smile wearing tight jeans and a black blouse. She was heading directly for me. “Are you the one who’s here for Tommy Chong?” She asks with a
brisk, fresh voice. I notice her badge is labeled “intern” and nod, unable to speak out of such thirst. “Follow me.” She orders as I stand up to obediently trail her up the stairs and through a hallway of NBC TV show posters. She asks about my credentials, I tell her I write with DOPE Magazine, the leading cannabis magazine in Seattle. She coldly tells me she hasn’t heard of it and points at a camera station. “Go directly to our producer over there and tell her who you are. She’s expecting you.” I jump over a few camera wires and do as commanded by the beautiful intern. The producer proceeds to tell me to wait until Tommy’s segment is over before I talk to him so he can focus on the show but she allows me to watch from backstage. There I’m greeted by Tommy’s people as the audience is queued to applaud and the show begins. Tommy is the first guest, as his interview progresses the audience of women his age is becoming giddier as he charms the pants off of them with witty answers and personal stories. He bravely talks about his battle with cancer and even tosses out mentions of Rick Simpson Oil on daytime TV. Take that housewives of Seattle! Marijuana can be used fucking medically. Once his interview wraps up the audience applauds voraciously. John Witherspoon is awaiting in the background. Tommy stays for a few photo ops and selfies with audience members, then heads backstage where I was first introduced to him. His smile brightened his face and, although he’s 76 years old, he didn’t look a day over retirement age. I would’ve pegged him at fifty-something if I didn’t know any better. He shook my hand and we skedaddled to the waiting elevator which took us to the rooftop parking garage holding the rented Tahoe. The SUV was black and strangely similar to a federal agent’s ride and we hopped in. THE QUESTIONING We skipped across Seattle to Fischer Plaza for a few radio interviews. Tommy’s people were trying to explain why we were there, “We are with Tommy Chong.” “Tommy Chung?” “No, Tommy Chong.” While this was happening Tommy pointed at
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
33
FEATURE me and said, “Tell them you’re Tommy Chong. They won’t know.” Outwardly I laughed but inwardly the thought of being Tommy Chong, in a weird “Being John Malkovich” kind of way, gave me a strange thrill. Oh the havoc I could cause being Tommy Chong. I asked him about his prison time and how he feels about John Ashcroft and Operation Pipe Dreams. “There’s never been a hatred.” Tommy begins to tell me. “Bush and Boys needed a distraction because the Iraq war was raging and I was the best that they could do. They even tried to bust me in the joint. People would offer me weed all the time but I didn’t take the bait. I stopped smoking for three years.” Astounding. I assumed it was the worst three years of his life. He said it wasn’t so bad. Marijuana isn’t exactly known for severe withdrawal symptoms like heroin or alcohol. Jail for Tommy wasn’t so bad either. “I used it as a spiritual retreat. I ended up doing an Indian Sweat Lodge, learned about Catholicism and studied the ‘I Ching.’ The first time I did it, you know, I threw the coins at the hexagrams, and it said that I was in jail for a reason. It shocked me.” Drawing the religious connections to the Iraq war he continued, “It was two religions fighting over a concept of God and they’re both totally wrong. This marijuana movement is really the antidote to war. (When you use it) you talk, you don’t fight and you agree. The original peace pipe was used to mellow everyone out. The bible said ‘the meek shall inherit the earth,’ well we’re the meek.” The wisdom poured from his bearded mouth like a fountain. “Marijuana calms the mind, when you calm the mind it allows the immune system to function better. With our minds, we can affect weather change but we can only affect ourselves. You understand?” I did understand. I did… Our conversation traveled to a time in the past, back when he owned some clubs in Canada. “The first one I owned was called the Blues Palace. It opened with Ike and Tina Turner performing.” But it was the improv club in Vancouver that was the cash cow and the fateful place where he was to meet his cohort in comedy, Cheech Marin. “Comedy itself, you can function on pot forever. Not like alcohol or some other drugs.” We both began listing some comedians and entertainers who passed too early due to addiction or overdose. Belushi, Farley, Joplin, Jackson…“They searched Michael Jackson’s house and the only illegal drug they found was pot. But it was the legal drugs that killed him.” There was a time when Tommy was fearful of an early demise. During his battle with cancer which he fought alongside the powerful allies of medical marijuana, healthy living and clean eating. “I don’t eat any sugars any more. No
34
sugar, period. Sugar feeds cancer. Mostly a fish and salmon diet.” Just as Tommy began pontificating about surviving cancer, a stooge from KOMO rudely interrupted us and took Tommy to be interviewed for their radio show. “The people that know me and love me,” Tommy said, explaining his longevity and notoriety, “they’re all potheads. There’s a frivolous view of Cheech and Chong or Tommy Chong, that’s why I always lead the interviews with cancer.” He smiled as he followed the radio host. THE CONTINUATION Back in the ride I asked him some easy questions about pot, something the mainstream folks haven’t asked him yet. His favorite strain, “Buds and Roses or White Widow,” his favorite smoking method, “I like the bongs or onehitters. I like the burnt taste,” and if marijuana legalization happened as fast as he thought it would back in the 70’s, “After Woodstock, in my mind, it was legal. I’ve always considered it legal. They need to decriminalize it and get the fuck out of the way.” Then we moved on to some more current banter. “They should disband the DEA, they should’ve years ago.” Tommy suggested as our conversation slipped towards the state of the government, adding, “This is the young people’s world. The old fuckers, send them out on their yachts and let the young people take over.” Our motor vehicle kept rolling as someone mentioned the Fremont Troll and Tommy said we should visit it, along with the statue of Lenin. As the only Seattle native it was my duty to navigate us to Fremont where we’d stop and check out the sights and grab some lunch as noon was approaching us. We drove by the Lenin statue and pulled our DEA-looking SUV right in front of the Troll. There were a few other visitors to the VW-clutching monster and they recognized Tommy immediately. With a smile and grace, Tommy took a few photos with the fans, ages ranging from 17 to 70, and we piled back into the car. Tommy rolled down the window and yelled at the other visitors, “Smoke legal now!” THE DISPENSARY Our next spot was a new dispensary along Lake City called C&C for a meet and greet with patients. Awaiting us at the location was a long line of fans and photographers. Everybody wanted a piece of the Chong. Inside the dispensary Tommy took a few action photos of him behind the register and cleaning the glass shelves humorously. As the line of meet and greeters moved through, I snuck outside for some air, some contemplation and to play with an adorable Bulldog puppy. The line died down to the final guest and Tommy was positioned for a few cover shots
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
for our magazine. He sat down for yet another interview, this time with a gorgeous, shapely young female reporter before he was offered a copious joint. I pulled out my Seattle Mariners lighter with hopes of igniting a joint for the legendary Tommy Chong only to have it snatched out of my hand by a photography director. The lil’ prick then used it not only to set Tommy’s joint on fire but even had the audacity to pocket the lighter. I ignored the insult and drooled a bit over the gorgeous interviewer. Tommy took a few puffs, passed it to the interviewer, she took a few puffs and passed it back. Tommy called for a few foreign fans in attendance. One from Afghanistan and one from Pakistan. Tommy then declared, “This is C&C’s first Peace Conference.” He passed the joint to the Pakistani man. “This is a symbol of friendship from my country to your country.” He was always smiling, despite the grueling day of driving and answering corny questions. One of his people remarked, “Tommy, compared to most celebrities you’re an angel.” To which Tommy smiled and replied, “It’s because I’m high.” THE FINALE We saddled back into our Tahoe and maneuvered to a nearby Cannabis farmer’s market. The staff was warned that no pictures could be taken and he only wanted to check it out. We followed our security escort around the market to the shock of the vendors and patients. One vendor, clearly stupefied, remarked, “Am I dreaming? Is this real?” Pretty much the same thoughts that have been pounding in the back of my head since I first saw him in person. Although Tommy was getting tired from the day and his manager said there were to be no pictures in the market, Tommy couldn’t resist when fans requested a few pics. The ride back to his hotel was cheerful. I even cracked a few witty lines that made Tommy laugh, something I never thought I could accomplish. The carload of us were beat to the point of delirium from the heat and long day. How has he managed days like this for so long? Just one day riding with Tommy had me exhausted. “I stay active.” He told me, “I do whatever I have to do in front of the camera to stay active.” Once we arrived at the hotel, I thanked Tommy and his people as Tommy quickly evacuated the car and headed towards his hotel room…It wasn’t until the next day set in when I finally, firmly understood that it wasn’t a dream. Tommy Chong is a great comedic mind and there won’t be anybody like him for the rest of eternity. The high point of my life and career as a journalist thus far…
“They should disband the DEA, they should’ve years ago. This is the young people’s world. The old fuckers, send them out on their yachts and let the young people take over.”
PIECES
36
PIECES
APPROVED
HAPPY DADDY “GENESIS” The New Standard of Nails WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER PHOTO BY TONY THEPKAYSONE
Happy Daddy Products has finally released their latest technology for nails in the world of dabs and concentrates. The “Genesis Nail” made its debut on August 4th and is officially available to the public via online. We endorse all Happy Daddy dabbing tools because all of their products are made with non-toxic materials, plus the innovative creativity of their products keep us on the cutting edge of necessary dabbing accessories. Any concentrate enthusiast must check Happy Daddy Products and stay up to date on all of their new releases. The Genesis Nail is made out of medical-grade titanium, and can be used on almost any oil rig. Happy Daddy engineered a female-to-male set up that can slip fit an 18mm male rig, or a 14mm female rig. The nail can be assembled either way, making it an extremely versatile product. Finding quality nails that actually fit your glass can be a pain to find, but Happy Daddy has you covered. The Genesis Nail fit on my 14mm female no problem. After I properly seasoned my new nail, the heat retention of the metal alone blew me away. I use a torch because fancy e-nail set ups can be pricey, but are money well spent. Usually after a dab, you have to reheat the nail again to provide the next user with adequate heat. Before my Happy Daddy upgrade, I used a domeless ceramic nail that of course cracked, and racked up reclaim oil like you would not believe. I choose the ceramic nail because of the heat retention, but the Genesis put my old nail to bed. I could easily dab 3 or 4 times without having to reheat. If using a torch, heat the nail for 30 seconds and you’re ready to go. The Genesis Nail also comes with a quartz centerpiece, in case your torch isn’t powerful enough to heat the entire nail properly. Happy Daddy makes sure all dabbers are accounted for, no matter how big or bad your torch (or electric nail set up) may be. What makes the new Genesis Nail design so cutting edge is how it
utilizes every last drop of your concentrate, with virtually no reclaim left over. In order to successfully dab, air must pass over the oil to actually vaporize. In the nail chamber, Happy Daddy patented a 3-hole carb cap that chokes the airflow into the nail to effectively vaporize the concentrate. The second patent is the built in “heat sink” below the nail, which sublimates any residual oil that drips from the upper nail allowing you to make the most out of your concentrates and save a ton of money. Since using the Genesis Nail, I have cut my dab size in half because of how effective this product is, due to the carb-cap patented technology. The heat retention puts any ceramic nail on the market to shame, and won’t crack on you (FYI: ceramic is notorious for cracking if heated unevenly). When I visited the Happy Daddy Ranch for the Genesis Nail release, we decided to dab an entire gram to put this new product to the test. We effectively “wormed” the BHO and torched the Genesis nail. Six contenders lined up to hit it, and the oil rig went around twice before it was done... and the nail was still hot! After our serious and intensive “test session”, I dubbed this product the official Dope dab nail to be used for all future concentrate reviews. It’s really that good. I would highly advise this product for all serious dab enthusiasts, but here is the twist: it can effectively vaporize flower products as well! I have not heard of any other nail that can properly process flower, but the Genesis Nail can do it all. Now all forms of marijuana can be enjoyed using this safe, Happy Daddy Product. The Genesis Nail is currently being sold online at: www.happydaddyproducts.com. Be sure to check out all of their dabbing accessories and customizable products. Happy Daddy Products are Dope Approved and the official tools we use for any concentrate review or concentrate-related article.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
37
MARIJUANA NEWS
WHY OREGON SHOULDN’T GUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA IF RECREATIONALLY LEGALIZED WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER
38
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
MARIJUANA NEWS The end of recreational prohibition is nearly at its end now that Measure 91 is on the November ballot. Full blown recreational use could go into effect as early as 2016. After watching Colorado and Washington handle their medicinal programs after ending state-level prohibition, there are definitely a few tips Oregon could take away from these scenarios. After recreational prohibition ended in Washington under the I-502 initiative, lawmakers recommended gutting the existing medicinal marijuana program without understanding the consequences that leaves on Washington patients. One of the first problems is that Washington lawmakers basically put the State Liquor Control Board in charge of enforcing I-502. Unlike alcohol, marijuana has medicinal benefits that are vital to certain patient’s health. No prescription drug on the market would be taxed as much as marijuana would because of it’s recreational capabilities. Some go as far as to say that the recreational tax future medicinal marijuana patients would have to fork over is discrimination. It is not fair that patients who choose prescription drugs not only are covered by insurance companies, but can get a bottle of opiates for less than twenty dollars. The state has suggested that all existing and future medicinal marijuana patients will be tax-exempt for all marijuana purchases, in order to forgo the extra expenses. Of course, this action comes with a cost. Patients would only be able to possess three ounces of marijuana instead of twenty four, and it would also remove the ability to add new medical conditions as they happen. The kicker is Washington also recommends that patients cannot grow their own medicine, probably a ploy to eliminate any medicine finding it’s way back into the black market. Now that Oregon is one the contenders for full-blown legalization in November, it is vital to understand why our existing medicinal marijuana program should remain untouched in the face of new recreational laws being put into place. There are sick people who need cannabis, often on a life or death basis. The taxation that original OMMP patients receive would be unfair. No other pharmaceutical drug would be taxed like
cannabis. It is not fair that people who choose to use cannabis over pills also face a steep financial burden. Lawmakers fear that if the medial program is kept in place, people will commit fraud by solely seeking an OMMP card to evade recreational taxes. But that’s just the thing. People using cannabis out of recreation can deal with a sin tax, but patients must remain protected. People outside of the cannabis community forget that unlike other forms of treatment, insurance companies do not cover anything to do with cannabis. Not only do OMMP patients receive zero help from insurance companies, but the possibility of being forced to pay a recreational tax on top of being virtually unassisted is unfair. Medicinal prohibition ended in 1998 in Oregon once the OMMP program was put into place, but recreational prohibition must be mandated in its own separate lane. Washington ultimately set to gut their medicinal program, in order to snuff those who might get a card to avoid paying extra fees. This has wreaked havoc on patients and those looking to grow their own medicine. It simply comes down to treating patients like actual patients, not recreational users. Not only does the medicinal program need to remain intact in Oregon, but additional health conditions and diseases must be allowed to petition to become a qualifying condition. More and more research around cannabis is surfacing and it’s not fair that a select few conditions were grandfathered into the program before full legalization hit. I am not saying you can’t add conditions left and right, but a procedure should be put into place in case patients want to advocate for another condition to be added to the list. Measure 91, backed by New Approach Oregon, under recreational law states that “the production, processing, keeping, or storage of homegrown marijuana at a household by one or more persons 21 years of age and older [is permitted] if the total of the homegrown marijuana at the household does not exceed four marijuana plants and eight ounces of usable marijuana at any given time”. If Measure 91 passes, you may have no more than four mature plants and a half pound of pot. This does not apply to anyone within the medicinal sphere, but these are the rules recreational growers would have to follow, unless you want to pursue a state-regulated grower’s permit. For the most part, Measure 91 does not touch the medicinal program in Oregon majorly. It’s important that we keep it that way for the sake of our patients.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
39
GROW
KNOW YOUR GROW! WRITTEN BY ECO FIRMA FARMS UNDERSTANDING YOUR PLANTS’ ROOT SYSTEM IS THE FIRST STEP TO A HEALTHY, HEARTY GARDEN. ROOTS ARE THE HIDDEN KEY TO SUCCESS IN EVERY GARDEN. SO LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING.
40
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
GROW
says... Clones versus seeds: In this lesson we’re going to focus on clones, however, much of this applies to seeds as well. If you take your own clones, then you get a great opportunity to see the roots as they develop; these roots should be clean and white. Once the roots start to appear, approximately 10 to 14 days after the cuttings have been taken, they should grow quickly and not stunt. When growing in soil, the time to plant those clones is critical. If they’re planted too soon, the plant takes longer to begin its vegetative growth and is even subject to drowning if the root structure is not mature enough to support wet soil. If they’re planted too late, the plant has a hard time adjusting from a hydroponic environment (clone box) or a flood drain system (trays). The best time to plant clones is when the roots have a good set of spines on over 75 percent of the roots showing (those little fishbone-looking roots growing perpendicular to the main trunks). This is easily recognized in a clone box, but can also be seen in rock-wool cubes or rapid rooters. Once these little babies are put into their home of good soil or media it’s time to help them along. Start off by giving your roots a head start by adding beneficial bacteria and fungi directly to the soil when planting. Use a number-one container, something small enough to prevent overwatering, but not so small as to be outgrown in only a few short days, and water them immediately with a good helping of reverse-osmosis water. These babies are sensitive to the change in environment, and waiting even five minutes to get several planted before watering them can cause shock, and occasionally leaf or even whole plant death. As for the reverse-osmosis water, don’t feel like you have to run out and spend a bunch of money on a fancy RO system. Let’s talk about water for just a sec. If you are using city water from your tap, it contains chlorine and some minerals. Our city drinking water is under constant change; it’s treated several times a year to prevent things like algae blooms or harmful bacterial outbreaks. This is usually done with chlorine, which will not only
change the pH of your water, but also affect your plant’s ability to take up nutrients. The chlorine is there to help keep our drinking water free from bacteria, but that same bacteria-killing chorine that’s keeping our drinking water safe is also killing your beneficial bacteria that you just spent SO much hard-earned money on. Wouldn’t it be nice if they printed that on the label?! There are two ways to remove the chlorine from your plants’ water: One, through carbon filtration, separately, or as part of your RO system (about $100 for a good small scale RO system) or two, by letting your water sit out with an air stone bubbling in the water for 24 hours prior to using it. This will evaporate all the chlorine out of your water; those minerals will still be present, though not a huge problem, but it’s something to keep in mind for a larger discussion about plant nutrition and feeding. Now we have some happy young clones that have been put in a fresh medium, planted with beneficial bacteria and watered with chlorine-free water. This makes for some happy roots from the start; the key now is to baby them so their roots grow strong and healthy. Overwater in the early stages and they could drown; underwater to the point of wilt, and capillary roots will die. Transplant too soon, and the plants can stunt due to not having a mature enough root system to handle the move; transplant too late and they will stunt due to root binding. Welcome to vegetative plants. This is the most crucial stage of your plants’ life, and when they need the most attention! Keeping roots healthy is the first step in creating a lush, hearty plant for your future harvest and the best way to begin a fruitful garden. If you would like information on Eco Firma’s fall or winter Grow classes, please email to info@ecofirmafarms.com Happy Growing, Eco Firma Farms
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
41
Visit our website to learn where you can purchase the Dopen and Dope Oils! FOLLOW US
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY LUXURY PEN DESIGN
@THED OPE N
CARTRIDGE COMPATIBILITY
#THED OPE N
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
AB OUT GOLDE N LEAF OIL PREMIUM C02 CA NNABI S OIL VAPORI ZER CA R TRIDGE _____
C02 EXTRACTION FOR 100% PURE CANNABIS, NATURALLY • We only use medical grade C02. Butane and other toxic gases are never used • Our products are pure and natural. We never use carcinogens in the production of our extracts • Purity means you can trust our product is right for you and our process is carbon neutralt CONCENTRATED AND DEWAXED • 10:1 ratio, that means 1 gram of Dabbable product equals 10 grams of medical cannabis • Dewaxing means that our personal vaporizers flow well and will not clog or thicken NEVER DILUTED OR MIXED WITH ANY OTHER SUBSTANCEONLY PURE, NATURAL CANNABIS
• We never use glycol or fillers. That means 1g of our product means 1g
• Many cannabis suppliers provide 500mg of extract and 500mg glycol or filler
E
H DT
FIN
N PS E P -O
O GON C DO E R N E OR
F I OSS T A CR A
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON OUR WEBSITE
WWW.THEDOPEN.COM _________________________________________________ POWERED BY
Sealed room, pressurized C02, Open bulb 11,000 Watts, 5 TONs packaged unit with ducting for climate control
GROW
PROPER CLIMATE CONTROL VS. MOLD Say “No More” to Spores WRITTEN BY JEREMY ELKINS (www.climagrow.com) Often I am asked two questions in regards to cannabis and state mandated consumer safety testing regulations for both recreational and medical. 1.) What percentage of product is being rejected as per the states testing standards? 2.) What can be done to reduce that percentage, and increase production? As most are well aware, for many years there has never been a need to regulate the growing of marijuana because it was illegal to begin with. Now that cannabis has slowly become legal on a state by state basis, producers are finding themselves faced with a dilemma. How can they ensure that the product they have been growing for many years, now meets the states requirements for testing of toxic molds and other containments?
based certified legalized marijuana testing laboratory). Steven McNalley went on to explain how outdoor and greenhouse cannabis operations located in eastern Washington, and other warmer climates, are experiencing similar issues with gray molds such as Botrytis Cinerea, more commonly known as “Bud Rot”. Wine vineyards located in these areas actually enjoy the benefits of this type of mold, which produces a better tasting grape, as opposed to cannabis producers who are harmed by them, and produces profit loss. What can be done about mold effecting your bottom line production as a producer? Prevention is your best option. There has been a growing shift amongst producers towards more of a
“There has been a growing shift amongst producers towards more of a sealed room environment for growing across all states, who are mandated by law to have their product tested by the government certified agencies.” According to Bjoern Fritzsche (Sr. Chemical Engineer) at Rose City Laboratories out of Portland OR (www.rosecitylabs.com), on average 15% - 20% of all cannabis being tested as required by the Oregon state legalized medical marijuana law HB 3460, is being rejected due to testing positive for high levels of toxic molds. The most common toxic mold being found through testing is Aspergillus. According to the CDC (www.cdc.gov), “Aspergillus is a common fungus that can be found in indoor and outdoor environments”. They go on to say “Aspergillosis is a disease caused by this fungus” and “The spectrum of illness includes allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs”. However, Bjoern also brought up a good point that the above mentioned statement about product loss does entirely reflect the larger issue at hand. Testing facilities such as the laboratory he is working at, only tests product that is submitted by producers. They do not test the product that producers have already identified on their own as having mold contamination, and therefore have already disposed of before ever submitting their final product for testing. The actual numbers of product that is lost due to mold is hard to calculate specifically due to this factor, but is much greater than 20%. Oregon is not alone in this matter. Washington State’s cannabis producers for the I502 legalized recreational law, are also feeling the effect of the regulations mandated by the state for testing of toxic molds and other infectious containments such as E. coli and Penicillium chrysogenum, which both pose great health concerns for consumers of cannabis (Steven McNalley, Sr. Micro Biologist at “Analytical 360” www.analytical360.com, Seattle WA
sealed room environment for growing across all states, who are mandated by law to have their product tested by the government certified agencies. Drastic measures would have to be taken in order to ensure a 100% sealed environment for your plants, lesser steps can be taken to reduce your overall risk of crop loss due to outside containments. In lieu of ventilating a room for the purpose of temperature management, invest in a good closed loop climate control system which will ensure that no outside air, along with molds, never have the chance to enter your environment in the first place. Vented lights reduce BTU load counts by up to 30% depending on the outside ambient temperature, but also increase your risk of contaminates being able to sneak their way into a room through many different points of access along the way. Vented lights also reduce the efficiency of your light bulb, which in turn reduces your production levels by up to 30%, in the end taking money out of your pocket. Pressurized Co2 delivery methods, or Co2 burners are more than sufficient enough to supplement your natural outside air Co2 levels for your plants as well. Ultra Violet lights are another great way to help eliminate mold from being able to take hold and spread within a room, but are still being developed and have a heavy price tag as of now. If you implement a few of these operational procedures, you will help increase production, reduce risk, and have a system that you can rely on for consistency. The bottom line is that by limiting outside exposure in any way possible, you limit the chance of having molds and many other outside harmful elements, being able to set root and thrive amongst your perfect petri dish, also known as a grow room. Visit www.climagrow for more info.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
47
MARIJUANA NEWS
The
Times
Sept 2014 Edition
by Michael Condon Jr
POT AROUND THE WORLD Veteran Journalist Chooses Marijuana over CNBC Good ol’ Al Olsen, who has nearly 40 years of experience in the mainstream press (see: Propaganda), has left his position as Senior Editor at CNBC and NBC to become the Managing Editor of Marijuana.com, a news site owned by the giant, flaming dollar sign known as Weedmaps. In a press release, Al stated, “I’ve been a journalist for as long as I’ve been a marijuana advocate – my first byline was at the age of 14 the same age I smoked my first joint. Since then I’ve been frustrated with the uneven media coverage of the marijuana industry. I don’t think the mainstream media has done a good enough job covering it which is why I’ve joined Marijuana. com.”
Reckless Résumé
An aspiring Massachusetts Medical Marijuana dispensary, New England Treatment Access (NETA), is facing some bumpy roads on their bid for licensing. With the passage of Question 3 this past electoral season, Massachusetts Health Department has awarded 11 provisional licenses for dispensaries and NETA was the only company to receive two of them. Both of which are on hold (as of printing) due to the…we’ll say…embellished résumé of the company’s Executive Director Kevin Fisher, who erroneously claimed on applications that he had a college degree. Not an uncommon practice in America…I mean, how much does college really matter? Also drawing suspicion to NETA are the resignations of two leading names attached to the company, US Senator Barney Frank and Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam. The new MMJ system in Massachusetts is tightly controlled and this could certainly prove to be damning to the company.
48
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
MARIJUANA NEWS
Minnesota Marijuana is Maladroit Angela Brown’s son was pitching in a baseball game when a line drive zipped towards young Trey’s head causing severe brain injury. After years of unendurable pain and suicidal tendencies, Angela gave Trey medical marijuana, in the form of a cannabis tincture, which has noted neuroprotective qualities and saw instant relief. Though they live in Minnesota, a newly elected Medical Marijuana state, Angela is being charged with two criminal charges, both gross misdemeanors, one of which is Child Endangerment, for giving her son marijuana before the law takes effect…NEXT July. Angela says the fight is worth it and eventually she’s probably just going to move to Colorado anyways. The family has reached out to the Governor who signed the medical marijuana bill into law to no avail.
In Hong Kong, Bong’s Are Wrong
China has been dropping a dime on dastardly drug dealers as of late and this list now includes Jaycee Chan, son of Martial Arts and Film superstar Jackie Chan. Jaycee, named after the initials of Jesus Christ, was not just charged with possession but “accommodating drug users” as it roughly translates. If convicted, Jackie Chan could single-handedly take down the Chinese government, man by man, with cool flips and all his own stunts, until his son is freed. But more realistically, seriously and unfortunately, Jaycee could be put to death for less than half a pound of pot. Free Jaycee Chan! Let’s hope Chris Tucker can help out by telling jokes along the way.
Marijuana Ads In The NY Times
Fresh off of the announcement that the New York Times is officially pro-legalization, the paper now shows why they decided to publicly take that opinion with a marijuana advertisement for the Seattle based company Leafly, the cannabis website and smart phone app, which decided for some reason or another to call itself the “Yelp for Marijuana.” In their nationwide Sunday paper no less! This proves journalism has come a long way since the Reefer Madness rags of Hearst’s day. I would comment on the ad but I still haven’t finished that edition’s crossword puzzle…
Marc Emery Freed! The legend himself, Marc Emery, who has served more than four years as a prisoner of the drug war in a US prison has finally been released and is back in his homeland of Oh Canada. Marc was convicted of selling seeds to Americans and while he was imprisoned, his wife Jodie worked indefatigably to spread the word about marijuana legalization throughout Canada and the United States. Marc Emery says he was fortunate that he was never mistreated while in the Louisiana prison and has his eyes directed towards a possible nationwide legalization measure a-bubbling in Canada aiming for federal elections next October. Thank you, Marc.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
49
ARE YOU DOPE? Get your new DOPE gear now!
WWW.DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM/SHOP
FEST GADGETS
Geared for Greatness
EVENTS WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHARON LETTS Entrepreneurs, inventors, and artists have come out of the woodwork with legalization of the plant. They bring good ideas to the table with good intentions and a dream to make a niche for themselves in this ever growing industry. Things to smoke with, things to grind with, things to grow with – if it can be configured to do work surrounding recreational, medical or otherwise, it makes its way to a table at the fest. What was not expected, at least by this writer, were hitech materials from NASA and nearby Boeing. Stainless steel indestructible bong’s were a given, but materials used to make smoking implements from Washington State’s other industries aviation and space technology? Bring it. I’m all ears. Silicon has taken over even the most benign kitchen isle at markets, and company “Pipe Hugger” has engineered a simple sleeve from the stuff, able to grip and make waterproof, a lighter. More than that, what if you fill your bowl, take a hit or two, then must scoot? “No worries,” say the Pipe Hugger peeps. Simply slip the sleeve over the bowl and it snuffs it, seals it, and saves it for later in a multitude of colors, no less. Another seemingly simple little invention is the “Perfect Pipe”, a small glass tube the size of a cigarette, outfitted with a filter, a screen, a poker for cleaning, and caps to keep everything in order. The makers say it’s designed to be unbreakable and made of “laboratory grade borosilicate glass, incorporating more than 40 years of scientific glassblowing experience. The irony is thick. 40 years of technology while 40 years of failed drug war misinformation made its way to the people. But, the people prevail with products to please. One pipe straight from Boeing is made of a material its makers say is “beyond fiberglass”. Made in Seattle, the “NEV” bong is light as a feather and made to last forever. At $400 a pop, it’s young makers are confident their invention is the next wave of smoking. Another invention that is as novel as it is functional is made by the “Smell My Finger Lighter” guy, and is an iPhone holder with a place for a pack of papers and a concave area to roll a fatty. Its maker states they are more than a tool, but a conversation starter as well – a way to change the world one light at a time. The “Toker Poker” is another classic lighter holder in lovely colors, imprinted with a cool design with the plus of a built-in poker for pipe cleaning, teeth picking – whatever and whenever a poke is needed (pun intended). Hemp is everywhere, of course, with uses demonstrated for building, boxing, baking, and just about every use you can imagine. The material the Protestival was built around, Hemp, continues to amaze as festival goers (and hopefully industry makers) learn it’s many uses. So whether you’re an artist carving useful implements from the earth, or pouring space age materials from a mold, or innovative in bringing Hemp-based products back to market, the sky is the limit on the innovations that are building an industry from this healthful, healing, and industrious plant.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
55
EVENTS
Fest Fun with Food WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHARON LETTS
58
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
EVENTS Just as legalization has stepped up the knowledge of health and healing within the plant, so have festival food makers stepped up to the table with a more healthful fare overall. Yes, there are still vats of bubbling oil cooking lumps of dough-slathered processed meats, producing gastronomical delights and demons; including the ever popular minidoughnut, being toted away by the dozen. This year’s topper; a burger served inbetween not one traditional bun, but two Krispy Crème classic sugar doughnuts. Festival eaters said, while the hedonistic hamburger was good (add cheese and bacon for effect); they would probably not be ordering two.
and veggies. They typically add cannabis leaf to the mix, but activated ordinances prohibited them to bring this writer’s daily dose to the fest. It’s a shame, for the leaf juiced is not heated and not psychoactive. Hopefully, one day, education of the cannabis plant will be as abundant as information on Hemp for this
seed and subsequent oil to be used in many personal products, free of persecution. Of the many Hemp CBD infused items at the fest, one table top display included edibles for sale by “The UC,” offering up health without the high. Those curious to the effect (or not) of CBD from Hemp could also purchase raw oil,
A close second to the doughnut laden burger was last year’s standout made by “Peanut Butter Goodness,” a jam-packed, deep fried PB&J filled with everything from classic jam to bananas and Nutella. A mix of nutrition with traditional fare came from a 15 year old young man who decided to follow in his father’s footsteps (also a food vendor), serving up Hawaiian grilled pineapple burgers with fresh-cut fries, and fresh cut and battered onion rings. The ambitious entrepreneur was accompanied by his mother, but fully in charge with lines to make the family proud.
Of the more healthful choices was simple grilled corn on the cob, stalk-on, enjoyed along pic-nic-style along Puget Sound. Falafels, veggie plates, healthful Asian and Thai plates, were good options enjoyed with a scoop of Hemp ice cream provided by barkers with attitude and style. Juicing is quickly becoming popular and one vendor, “The Organic Farmacy,” waxed poetic advising from its banner, “live to juice, juice to live,” serving up refreshing blends of cool fruits
always enlightening event. Hemp was in abundance in both food booths and clothing alike, but a real treat was “Hemp I Scream!” and its traveling vendor’s, adding a scoop of humor to every purchase, encouraging revelers to spoil themselves rotten. CBD or Cannabinoid are rising stars in the entourage effect of the Cannabis plant. When derived from the lower registering Hemp plant, the vote is still out whether this is a strong enough dose to be a viable healing supplement, but the lack of THC qualifies the
tinctures, and salves. While fast food habits fluctuate, healthful Hemp is here to stay. Whether your burger is dripping in goo, or infused with CBD, everyone walks away with either a full belly or a full head of knowledge for the plants growing for our use.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
59
HEALTH
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND CANNABIS BY HEATH LASLO
62
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
HEALTH Throughout our lives we are all faced with, or exposed to, varying degrees of stress and traumatic events. Examples include – loss of a loved one, car accident, physical assault, war/ combat, or a terrorist attack. For some folks the old adage “time heals all wounds” applies both mentally and physically given the proper amount of time. Unfortunately for others, time does not heal all wounds and people are left with physiological scars that progress
returning from Afghanistan and the Middle East suffer from PTSD. Another 22 American veterans take their lives every day because of PTSD. Unfortunately, the healthcare system responsible for taking care of our unsung heroes is grossly deficient in the area of mental health. The VA or Veteran’s Administration is understaffed and under-resourced to provide proper mental healthcare to our Veteran’s,
representative decision on a federal level, VA physicians caring for our troops can’t even discuss/recommend medical cannabis for pain or any other medical condition for that matter. However, they can prescribe addictive opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), and anti-psychotics. Unfortunately, this cocktail of prescription drugs leaves many patients in a stupor and inability to enjoy life’s pleasures, let
“So long as PTSD is not a qualifying medical condition in states like Washington and Colorado, veterans do not appear to have that protection, and will be particularly wary to discuss the use of the drug with their physician.” into something much more serious and debilitating, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. While most people will recover from a traumatic event after a period of a couple of months, others will continue to experience the event for months or even years afterward. PTSD is a psychological disorder that occurs after a traumatic event and can have symptoms of persistent flashbacks, heightened alertness (anxiety), major depressive disorder, nightmares (night terrors), insomnia, and irritability/inability to control one’s emotions. Our brains are intrinsically hard wired to respond to severe duress, commonly referred to as our “fight or flight response”. When you feel your heart rate race, chest tighten, and perspiration rolling down your temples, that is your fight or flight response kicking in. It is an autonomic bodily response, meaning you don’t have control over it, it just happens. This response has kept us alive as a species throughout the millennium. From a neurobiological perspective, people that suffer from PTSD have incurred an injury to the region of the brain responsible for mood and emotions. PTSD is less of a disorder but more of a neurochemical imbalance/injury. Specifically, the Amygdala that is responsible for responses like fear, pleasure, feelings of punishment, and awareness of behavior is injured. As a result, PTSD patients will typically have an inability to control their thoughts, emotions, and ability to maintain their “cool” when introduced into stressful situations. The devastating mental and physical affects of PTSD are most prevalent and well understood amongst our veterans. It was recently reported that 20 percent of our troops
which is really a shame. I haven’t served in a war, but I sure wouldn’t be too thrilled if I laid my life on the line and then came home and didn’t receive the care I needed to reintegrate back into society. The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Psychotherapy, in which a therapist helps the patient learn to think about the trauma without experiencing stress, has proven to be an effective form of treatment. There are also medications that can be helpful in treating the symptoms of PTSD, although they carry their own set of negative side effects that many patients cannot tolerate. Lastly, veterans have used cannabis to manage the symptoms of PTSD since the Vietnam War. Currently only 11 states have PTSD as a qualifying medical cannabis condition. Most interestingly, in the two states where cannabis is legal, PTSD isn’t on the list of qualifying medical conditions. Unfortunately, the federal government’s suppression of research on cannabis has been centered particularly on PTSD. For veterans, medical cannabis is not an option under the federal Veterans Affairs Program because of it’s scheduling by the FDA. In fact, it used to be the case that any veteran using medical cannabis could lose their VA benefits. In 2010, the department released new guidance stating that veterans receiving medical cannabis under a state program would not lose their benefits. So long as PTSD is not a qualifying medical condition in states like Washington and Colorado, veterans do not appear to have that protection, and will be particularly wary to discuss the use of the drug with their physician. Many of our wounded solders suffer from PTSD but also struggle with chronic pain. Unfortunately, due to a recent house of
alone reintegrate back into society. While the use of cannabis for PTSD in the US has all but come to a standstill, other places in the world have been studying the effects of the cannabinoids in this disorder. For all intensive purposes, the epicenter of cannabis research is in Israel. While the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the DEA have continually hindered research efforts in the US, the Israeli government is funding and supporting breakthrough research on the many healing potentials of the cannabis plant including PTSD with their soldiers. The most recent study supporting the use of cannabis, specifically THC, in PTSD was published in the journal Clinical Drug Investigation in June of 2014. Researchers from the Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem assessed the safety and efficacy of oral THC as an adjunct treatment in ten subjects with chronic PTSD. What they found is “The intervention caused a statistically significant improvement in global symptom severity, sleep quality, frequency of nightmares, and PTSD hyper arousal symptoms.” They concluded, “Orally absorbable delta-9-THC was safe and well tolerated by patients with chronic PTSD.” While I can appreciate the advertising efforts of some pro-cannabis companies to decrease the use of opioid pain medications in the NFL, lets not forget about our Veterans. These are the men and women who put their lives on the line for the freedoms we take for granted. In my mind shouldn’t we be putting a full sized ad in the NY Times for them first, versus a group of professional athletes who get the best medical care that money can buy…something wrong with this picture.
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
63
Hempfest Fashion Fusion WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHARON LETTS
Cultural worlds collide and mingle at Hempfest, with crowds representing decade’s worth of devotees. Twenty-somethings in handmade tie-dyed ensembles shout “Free the Plant,” beside seniors from the sixties seemingly still clinging to the Grateful Dead with messages of peace and love; next to teens sporting the scientific symbols for THC and CBD, screaming, “No more lies!” The fashion statements made include a call to protest, and the delivery of the message is as creative as the person giving it. In the legal State of Washington the message for education and enlightenment for the plant come with pleads to release POWs, or prisoners from the failed War on Drugs, with the icons becoming as iconic as rock stars. Shades of the sixties are everywhere, bringing inspiration to the table via handmade items of natural materials, contrasting with the sparkling bling and plastic “Candy,” coveted by the younger Ravers. Two high-schoolers were found piling on handmade multi-colored adornments by Cassi of “8-Bit Babe,” with the only message conveyed being, “Fun!” Not a bad message at all, really. The usual India imports of paper thin, colorful floral dresses hang side-by-side to vendors making handmade patchwork Hippie clothes for a new generation of free-spirited activists. Blanket space is offered up for the small crafter, offering flower power, peace, and a little bit of happiness for the day via floral head dresses, assorted bling, and handmade patches made with love. Small dogs as accessories continue to be stowed away in designer purses, with children becoming an extension of their
parents message, adorned with Hemp clothing, growing up with the hope of a better world – or to re-coin the phrase, “Better living through Hemp.” Mainstream style-makers aren’t spared from the plethora of household items sporting quotes from activists (or the enlightened), with a favorite purchase of this writer’s fallen (but not down) idol, Martha Stewart, on a tea towel boasting, “Of course I know how to roll a joint!” Also purchased from the ever provocative “Natural Threads”, a pillowcase printed with the favorite expression, “Wake & Bake” in avocado green. Canna comic Ngaio Bealum was found by the “Mind Honey” booth picking up a surreal shirt made by Portland artist Sage Berry, helped by partner Jason Pennington. Berry uses beautiful photos she’s taken of cannabis, fruits, vegetables, and other eye candy, tweaking them in digital and using a unique process for a mind-bending effect. Another photographer using the plant with style is Karen Averill of Cannaflage Designs. Her fabulously rich shots of the ganja dripping in crystals and color are put on common items such as playing cards, mugs, and coasters, but clients also blaze entire walls, bedspreads and furniture with her artful photos. Tats are as expressive as the myriad of messages on t-shirts, and as the cause for Hemp and Cannabis grows, so do the personal messages of health, healing, industry and well being tell the story of decades of struggle toward a common goal. It’s fashionable now to be healthy and aware. So, stand up straight, adjust your logo, and show the world where the good stuff is with style.
PRODUCT
KLEAR 5-IN-1 CLEANER Your Non-Toxic Go To
WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER PHOTO BY GUNNTHER HAMILTON I love just about every aspect of cannabis except cleaning it. Whether it be cleaning out a dirty bong or reclaiming oil, dealing with sticky tars and resins suck. I recently started getting into the concentrate game, which can at times be extremely messy. I review concentrates for Dope, so as you can imagine, my rig gets gnarly. Soap isn’t strong enough and often leaves my glass sticky. Finally, I was introduced to Klear, a non-toxic cleaning product that reclaims any rig. Klear is a non-toxic, non-abrasive patented clay formula that works to absorb all of the sticky resins and oils that collect in glassware. Owner Trish Hamilton boasts that Klear products are less than 3% VOC, and meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards in order to ensure that their product will not harm the environment. Klear cleaner does not require any additional water. You simply coat the inside of your oil rig, or glass bong with the green cleaner. I let my oil rig sit for a half hour and wash it out with warm water. Literally, all of the oil comes out of my rig and is all absorbed into the green clay formula. If you are a true dabber, you probably understand the frustration of trying to clean sticky floors plagued with lost concentrates. My floor certainly fell into this category and mopping with hot water and soap did not cut it. I instead spot cleaned all of my “dab spots” and they came up with little to no effort. I really cannot stress how much easier this safe cleaning product has made my life as a concentrate enthusiast. Spot clean any surface with Klear and oils and resins of all sorts will dissolve in seconds. I am truly impressed with this product’s efficiency, while managing to remain environmentally conscious, which is what this industry has been missing. Did I mention it works on clothing too? The bottle is shaped like a bong, which turns into a functional bong if you add a bowl piece (for added incentive). Go to www.klear420.com to pick up your bottle today.
Please visit www.klear420.com to purchase your bottle today.
68
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH
Blue Magoo Wax Single Solvent De-Waxed
Flower provided by
Concentrate produced by NEXT LEVEL WELLNESS
WRITTEN BY SIMONE FISCHER PHOTO BY TONY THEPKAYSONE
GENETICS
LOOKS
SMELL
FLAVOR
EFFECTS
Blue Magoo is a hybrid strain that was created in the 90’s by its mother “DJ Blueberry Short”, and pollinated by “William’s Wonder F2” (aka Major League Bud). Many people often mistake the Magoo for “Blue goo”, but know these are two entirely different strains.
Fragrant goldenyellow nuggets. The stability of the Blue Magoo wax was flawless. The coloring was consistent and unblemished. Low quality waxes are often discolored or uneven due to improper purging, thus resulting in excess solvents left in the finished product. This wax was perfect. Crumbly and resistant, melted like a champ.
It’s amazing to smell the raw flower and the resulting concentrate next to each other. The sweetness of the BM wax is preserved immaculately. You lose the plant-y smell if you will, and truly experience the essence Blue Magoo has to offer in wax form.
It’s like taking a bong rip, but erase all burnt plant matter from the equation. Once a tolerance for concentrates is established, I believe it’s the tastiest way to experience cannabis. The flower alone was wonderfully smooth, but the wax adds a velvety quality. I experienced the sweet, fruity aroma on the inhale, but when I exhaled I was left with an aniselike tingle. Simply astounding.
Be prepared for blast off. Dabbing 90.6% THC is a real commitment for those up to the task. Dabbing versus smoking the flower naturally resulted in a much “headier” high. The body high settled within myself a good five to ten minutes, post-dab. I was adequately medicated for a good two hours, to put it lightly. Still stoney as all get out, but lasted much longer in duration. Obviously, 90% THC versus 22% will do that to you.
CANNABINOID CONTENT 90.6% THC
70
DOPEMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
Summer Seminars July 26 / Aug 16 / Sept 16