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Contents october 2015
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46
38 BEN & JERRY CHILLIN’ WITH
The world famous ice cream duo, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, sat down with CULTURE to talk about ice cream, politics and cannabis. 56
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Feature 46
ON THE COVER: Photo by David Seaver
6 . Letter from the Editor
Departments
54 . Growing Culture 56 . Destination Unknown 58 . Profiles in Courage 8 . News Nuggets 60 . Recipes 11 . By the Numbers 14 . Local Doctor in Trouble 62 . News of the Weird for Using Cannabis 18 . legal corner
NEWS
. BON APPÉTIT
Prepare your taste buds, because this month we’re celebrating everything edibles!
reviews
MMA Women's Champion Ronda Rousey Slams Athletic Commission for Cannabis Prejudice
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22 . strain & edible
ReviewS
30 . Cool Stuff 34 . Entertainment Reviews
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WEB Exclusive!
New Tech Set to be Released at the Cannabis World Congress Business Expo 34
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CULTURE // October 2015
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Vol 7 IssUE 4
letter from the editor
/freeculturemag
/ireadculture
/ireadculture
Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett
Food is
Editorial coordinators Victoria Banegas, Jamie Durante
Love. A
ll animals eat, but humans are the only animals that cook. Naturally, cooking becomes more than a necessity to survive; it becomes the symbol of our humanity, what separates us from the rest of our natural animal kingdom. Our food is almost always shared; people eat together; mealtimes are events when the whole family or settlement or village comes together. Food is also an occasion for sharing, for distributing and giving, for the expression of altruism. Thus food becomes not just a symbol of, but the reality of, love and security. And because eating is almost always a group event, food is a unique symbol of our human existence. Who doesn’t love sharing a delicious and comforting meal with loved ones? And what about dessert? Our mouths water at the mere thought of our favorite sweet treat—a slice of cheesecake, an ooey gooey rice krispie treat, or a perfect scoop of Cherry Garcia . . . This month is our annual Edibles Issue, focusing on all the pertinent and wonderful innovation in cannabis-infused edible food and drinks, and the sincere appreciation and education in the cannabis culinary arts. Although we are still struggling in many states to organize and legalize cannabis edibles and get them to the people that not only want them but need them, the country as a whole is taking great strides toward this shared goal. This industry has been steadily expanding in reach and in innovation, and we are constantly impressed and thrilled about the edibles market growth. Even with labeling woes, taxes, titration issues and accessibility, the industry is still moving forward. Cannabis-infused drinks, condiments and seasonings are gaining
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momentum in the previously dessert-dominated market—and our taste buds as well as our bodies are so excited about it. Not everybody can handle smoking cannabis; depending on your condition, eating or drinking cannabis may be the best suited form of this natural medicine for you. However, whether your food is medicated or not, food can be healing. Your diet can affect your mood, your well being and your physical health tremendously. Ice cream innovators Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield started their ice cream company, Ben & Jerry, because of the love they had for this delicious and comforting, sweet and creamy concoction. Their passion and dedication to perfect ice cream creations helped them become multi-millionaires, and one of the most well known ice cream companies in the world. They pride themselves on using their products and success as a means to make the world a better place, investing in organizations, events, campaigns and education in important issues in our world, including climate change and justice, GMO labeling, political justice, marriage equality, cannabis legalization and many others. Ben & Jerry know the power food can have with people, and for people. I hope with this issue, you realize the power food can have as well, raw or cooked, grown or bought, recreationally or medicinally, as a solitary pleasure or a social experiment—food is love. c
Sincerely,
Editorial Contributors Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Denise Pollicella, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson, Rick Thompson Art Director Steven Myrdahl Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Tommy LaFleur Regional Manager Beau Odom Account Executives Greg Andes,Callie Belo, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Ryan Dunn, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Yolanda Imoberstag, Emily Musser, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, Paulina Porter-Tapia, April Tygart Office Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Video Editor Kristian Quintanilla Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Interns Brahim Gousse Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 20,000 magazines at over 500 locations throughout San Diego. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 3047 University Ave | #202 San Diego | California | 92014 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.iREADCULTURE.com
Evan A. Senn
Editor-In-Chief
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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_______________________
State
NEWS NUGGETS
Third applicant applies for medical cannabis collective in Ramona
The city of Ramona now has a third applicant vying for the open medical cannabis collective spot. Currently, Ramona already has two applicants that have received their building permits from the county and are in the process of obtaining their operating license, according to the Ramona Sentinel. The third is farther back in the process while currently working on obtaining its own building permit, which often takes over half of a year to receive. This is a unique circumstance compared to San Diego County’s current regulations on cannabis collectives, as these collectives will be operating within an unincorporated area of the county. This is only allowed when a Medical Marijuana Collective Facility Operating Compliance Certificate has been issued by the Sheriff’s Department. Alongside San Diego County’s rules and regulations regarding collective locations, these three collectives are required to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, recreation and youth centers, playgrounds, parks, churches and residential housing.
Potential Grantville collective moves forward
The Navajo Community Planners, a small planning group that represents the cities of Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, Grantville and San Carlos in San Diego County, recently voted to recommend that a conditional use permit be given to local collective, Grantville Greens. The vote included a specific set of restrictions, including an agreement for hours of operating, the presence of an armed guard at all times, no sales of hash oil or wax and that no vending machines would be permitted, according to San Diego Reader. The owners of Grantville Greens presented their application to the city in April 2014, but were later denied by the San Diego
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Development Services Department due to its location near the Mission Valley Riparian Dedicated Parkland. The very same parkland was mentioned in another permit denial for a different dispensary, Living Green, in June. However, Grantville Greens’ use of a surveyor to record exactly how far the park is located from its business makes its owners hopeful for a change of opinion. Grantville Greens’ appeal to the planning San Diego commission is set to occur sometime this month.
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Nation
Currently in Arizona, it is legal for outof-state patients to possess cannabis, but illegal to purchase it. However, it should be noted that cannabis use by non-local patients may be very limited, due to private ownership of major hotels in the Las Vegas area. Medical cannabis patients who come from other states may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis anywhere in Nevada and are required to sign an affidavit verifying that they have been approved to legally use cannabis in their home state.
Early Cannabis Sales Begin in Oregon
The early retail sale of cannabis became official on October 1, as per the state’s approval of Senate Bill 460. Measure 91 made recreational cannabis legal in July, however the measure also gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission until January 1, 2016 to implement cannabis regulation across the board, for production, processing, and commercial state. As a result, the state has agreed to allow any existing medical cannabis dispensaries to sell cannabis after October 1 as an attempt to keep black market sales from rising. As an added bonus, from now until the end of the year, all recreational cannabis sales will be tax-free.
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World Colombia decriminalizes up to 20 cannabis plants Out-of-state patients can now buy medical cannabis in Las Vegas and Reno
A new ordinance has made Nevada the first state to allow dispensaries to sell cannabis to out-of-state patient visitors. Now, any patient may visit Nevada’s two current dispensaries, which have only been open since mid-summer (with over 60 more applications for new locations currently being considered throughout the state). So far, a majority of the customer traffic seen at those new dispensaries are patients who traveled from Arizona, where over 80,000 medical cannabis patients are registered.
A Supreme Court ruling in Colombia last month decreed that having up to 20 plants of cannabis is not a crime. The court’s ruling came as the result of a case involving one man who was sentenced to over five years in prison after being caught by police with a “124 gram” plant, according to Colombia Reports. The current maximum amount of cannabis that can be carried at one time is 20 grams. However, because the man’s plant was to be used for personal use, the court decided that it shouldn’t be considered a crime. Possession of cannabis has already been decriminalized in Colombia, but this ruling further enhances the allowance of small amounts of cannabis. Later this year, the Colombian Congress will reportedly discuss the legalization of medical cannabis. c VISIT US AT
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by the numb3rs
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The number of votes that the Navajo Community Planners contributed to recommend the approval of a conditional use permit for a new collective in Grantville: 9 (Source: San Diego Reader)
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The number of years that one researcher at the UCSD admitted it took to begin his research in cannabis, from the time he received federal funding to the time he could enroll in his first course: 3 (Source: USA Today)
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The number of collectives that are currently waiting on an application to open a medical cannabis collective in Ramona: 3 (Source: Ramona Sentinel)
The amount of cannabis, in pounds, that was found off the coast of San Diego last month: 2,900 (Source: Peninsula Daily News)
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The number of medical cannabis regulation bills that were recently passed in the California Senate and Assembly: 3 (Source: San Francisco Gate)
The number of applicants who are currently being considered as candidates to open up medical cannabis dispensaries in New Mexico: 17 (Source: The Washington Times)
The estimated number of patients who qualify for medical cannabis in Georgia: 200 (Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
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The number of dispensaries that will soon be opening in Long Island, New York: 2 (Source: Long Island News 12)
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200
Cannabis Career Institute For those who have been searching for a new opportunity to learn and grow in the cannabis industry, the Cannabis Career Institute (CCI) is one of those places. On two separate dates this month, CCI will host its regular educational, all-day class. This particular form of cannabis education is themed around business technique, with a variety of emphasis on topics such as creating, branding and marketing a business, as well as more specific teachings related to cannabis delivery services, edibles operations, grow operations, etc. CCI boasts that its teachers are well versed in the industry, with varied experience in the realms of delivery, dispensary management, law, marketing/advertising, cultivation and culinary creation. There’s plenty of experience to go around here.
IF YOU GO
What: Cannabis Career Institute. When/Where: Sun, Oct. 11. 9am-7pm. Hampton Inn, 123 E Carmel St., San Marcos. Info: Visit www. cannabiscareerinstitute.com for details.
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Local Doctor “Accused” of Cannabis Use
I by Pamela Jayne
In recent local news, there seems to be a witch hunt going on. A neurosurgeon at UC San Diego has been accused of using cannabis while on the job and media is trying desperately to make her into a villain for using the herb. The Medical Board of California has filed a complaint against Dr. Gunjan Goel, who received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has been in practice for four years, alleging that she practiced medicine while under the influence of cannabis and that “she uses it daily, while at work, and on call,” according to court documents. The complaint filed on August 26, says the medical board first received a complaint about Dr. Goel in May 2014. Eight months later, in January of 2015, a state investigator approached Dr. Goel in the parking lot of her apartment complex to investigate her life, her career and what she does with her time and her own body. When asked to provide a hair sample, Goel admitted that she sometimes consumes cannabis on her days off. Goel admitted to using cannabis on three to four occasions between July and December of 2014. So, that means three or four times in a six month period. Considering the extreme pressure that comes with her chosen profession, that hardly sounds alarming. It is also worth noting that nobody seems to be concerned with whether or not she relaxes with a glass of wine after a long day of saving lives, or if she is prescribed powerful narcotics, pain relievers or other dangerous legal substances. Of course, this is just one example of the constant shaming and power struggle that officials push, when relating
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Shouldn’t doctors also be allowed to be patients?
to cannabis. Critics are quick to point out that Dr. Goel told investigators that she does not have a medical cannabis card. If she is qualified to write a medical recommendation for cannabis, why is it taboo for her to use it herself? Nothing negative has happened to her, her patients or the people she works with because of her minimal cannabis consumption. Additionally, they didn’t ask why she uses cannabis. She may have medical issues that are better treated with cannabis, rather than pharmaceuticals. As a doctor, a neurosurgeon nonetheless, it is safe to say that she is more than qualified to make her own health-related decisions. Her list of awards, scholarships and accolades is incredibly impressive. It was interesting
to learn that Dr. Goel was twice the recipient of the O.B. Weed Scholarship. In the midst of such a serious subject, the levity that fact provides is more than welcome. The current accusation against Dr. Goel includes the medical board accusing her of “repeatedly” possessing a controlled substance and engaging in unprofessional conduct. It is not unreasonable to speculate that perhaps the medical establishment, which depends heavily on funding from “Big Pharma,” would not hesitate to make an example of one of their own for daring to forgo the status quo of pill-peddling, and instead choose a natural and nondeadly alternative. But that’s a topic for another day. c VISIT US AT
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by Kimberly Simms
r e n r o c l a g e l
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Compliance is Key
alifornia is on the verge of a new frontier of a highly regulated cannabis industry. With the likely passage of state regulation for medical cannabis and ballot initiative for adult use in 2016, cannabis business owners will soon be operating under completely new regulatory frameworks. Compliance to these new rules will be make-or-break for many businesses. New and existing businesses should begin to prepare for these changes as soon as possible. It makes sense to look at how other states are implementing regulation and what types of costs are being incurred in order to become compliant. One of the most highly regulated areas is that of food regulation. Up until recently, the rule has been “Caveat Emptor,” which is Latin for “Let the Buyer Beware.” States like Colorado, Nevada and Washington have worked to create very strict regulations for edible manufacturers for the testing, packaging, labeling and food handling. Colorado faced its first major regulatory shift in 2015 when infused edibles had to follow new packaging, labeling and potency restrictions. This shift came after the tragic death of a college student who jumped from a Denver hotel balcony after consuming an infused cookie and a surge in the number of children brought to the ER for accidental ingestion of cannabis edibles. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments wanted to ban almost all edibles but instead, Colorado addressed the public concerns with strict regulations.
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The changes came from a work group that included representatives from the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division, the industry, parent groups, hospitals and law enforcement. Though not everyone is happy, overall, the industry is supportive because business owners agree that it’s critical to keep the consumers safe. California edible manufacturers should keep an eye towards Colorado in order to anticipate the kinds of regulations they might face. Colorado’s regulations include THC limits of 100mg per container or package. They also require manufacturers to ensure edibles can be broken up into 10mg sections, each stamped with the THC content or provide individually wrapped doses. In addition, there are new packaging, labeling and testing requirements. Some of these new requirements are that all cannabis-infused foods including cookies, drinks and candy “must have a distinct look” by 2016. For example, a gummy candy that looks like a gummy bear would not be allowed, but a gummy candy shaped like a cannabis leaf would comply. All edibles sold in Colorado must be “shaped, stamped, colored or otherwise marked, when practicable, with a standard symbol indicating that it contains marijuana and is not for consumption by children.” Before sale to a consumer, a retail cannabis store must place edibles in a container that is child-resistant, or place the container in an “exit package” that is child resistant. “Child resistant” packaging must conform to federal consumer product safety regula-
tions, be opaque so the product cannot be seen and be closable if not intended for single use. Proper labeling includes specific warning statements and containers for edible cannabis products must be labeled with all ingredients, if refrigeration is required, standard serving limit and expiration date. Many Colorado edible companies had to spend significant capital to make sure their companies were compliant. Marijuana Business Daily interviewed some top CEO’s of infused products companies to find out about the expenses incurred for compliance. Jamie Lewis, the CEO Mountain Medicine, said that he spent $20,000 for new kitchen machinery and around $25,000 for new packaging. Julie Dooley, president of Julie’s Natural Edibles, noted another major cost from new labeling requirements that include nutritional information. Cost for a label jumped from 7 cents to 42 cents. California edible manufacturers should consider building in the increased costs for labeling and testing now, to be prepared for the future. Colorado is considered the shining example of how a state can regulate the industry and ensure the safety of its consumers. California is on track to follow suit, with legislation such as AB266, which will require testing, specific labeling and packaging. It’s important to be prepared by staying up to date and educated and most importantly beginning to integrate specific labeling, testing and child resistant packaging into your business practices today. c VISIT US AT
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STRAIN + edible Korova 51/50 Bar
Weighing in at an insanely impressive 500mg of THC and 6mg CBD, containing 10g of dried hybrid cannabis, Korova’s 51/50 bar is 10 doses of pure medicated bliss. The brownie with cookie dough will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth, and provide many hours of medicated relief. Whether in need of pain management, deep sleep or a host of other ailments, Korova has got you covered! Call up California’s Kindest Delivery to experience the unrivaled potency of Korova products.
Available THROUGH: California’s Kindest Delivery.
Available AT: California Coastal Collective in Pacific Beach.
Super Silver Haze
The Super Silver Haze from California Coastal Collective is a prime example of why this strain is so iconic. It is covered in large diamond like trichomes and draped in thick red hairs. Its aroma is sweet, floral and piney. The flavor is mouth watering, and tastes almost exactly like it smells, just a bit more earthy. The hit is smooth, yet powerful with an exhale that smells better than any air freshener on the market! Be prepared to share, because anyone who gets a whiff of this is going to want to try it. Tested at 28 percent THC by SC Labs, this legendary strain provides both a full body effect and an uplifting cerebral effect.
GET YOUR CLICK HERE Available WHEREVER: Dixie products are carried.
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Dixie Elixir’s Toasted Rooster Dark Chocolate Bar
There’s something so special about dark chocolate; maybe it’s the fact that the guilty pleasure packs loads of antioxidants and goodies for the body and mind, making it a worthwhile temptation on many different levels. but let’s talk candidly; when adding roasted pumpkin seeds and the medicinal wonders of cannabis into the dark chocolatey mix, you know you’re gearing up for something good. That’s why Dixie Elixir’s Toasted Rooster Dark Chocolate Bar is a sweet and salty fusion of perfection. Made with 70 percent cacao chocolate, and expertly blended with toasted pepitas and artisanal sea salt, this perfect combo fulfills every dessert craving we’ve ever had, on top of relieving our pain, and it’s infused with 84mg of THC. Prepare to feel the tension in your shoulders release, and for your migraine to go goodbye after just one block of this 12-block phenom.
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Available AT: collectives throughout California and Colorado.
Edipure ORGANIX Night Crawlers EdiPure’s ORGANIX Night Crawlers are vegan, gluten-free, nonGMO, organic gummie candies from the highly esteemed EdiPure brand of products. The new ORGANIX line of gummie products from EdiPure are a great way to medicate organically. Keep an eye out for these delicious ORGANIX treats for your next edible purchase. Individually infused pieces make it very easy to control the level of THC consumed. These are sweet, great tasting and also very potent. Expect several hours of intense physical and cerebral effects. These edibles are perfect for insomnia and pain relief.
Available AT: Meds For Less in Clairemont Kearny.
Kaneh Co. S’mores Brownie
The S’mores Brownie by Kaneh Co. is a decadent indulgence, topped with dark chocolate ganache and lightly charred marshmallows. Medicating has never tasted so good! All Kaneh Co. products are produced locally by gourmet chefs using only the finest quality ingredients and organically extracted cannabis. They offer 20 different flavors at 100, 250, 500 and 1,000mg options. All are hand crafted and lab tested to ensure patients receive only the highest quality product. Check out Meds For Less to indulge yourself with this amazing edible.
Available AT: Left Coast Collective in Ocean Beach.
Ganjalato Cookies & Dreams
Ganjalato Cookies & Dreams from Left Coast Collective is a cannabisinfused gelato made with activated CO2 extracts and is available in both 50mg and 100mg doses. This edible is perfect for medicating on a warm San Diego day. Cold, refreshing and potent, it’s no wonder it recently took first place for Best Edible at the Chalice Cup. All patients will enjoy this product, not only for its superior flavor, but also for the nearly instant relief of pain it provides. Ganjalato is also available in salted caramel flavor.
GET YOUR CLICK HERE
Available AT: Outliers Collective in El Cajon.
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Sour Band
With striking contrast of coloring, from bright lime green, to deep emerald, an incredible amount of thick red hairs, and a few diamond like slivers of trichomes shining through, this Sour Band from Outliers Collective is a top shelf selection, no doubt. Aromatically, it is pungent and gassy, with a good amount of lemon. Flavor wise, it is a knockout, the Sour Diesel in the cross really comes through. The exhale of even the smallest hit fills the room with an intense Sour Diesel scent. The effects are mentally calming and physically relaxing, a winning combo that makes this strain ideal for both anxiety and pain relief.
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Indus-Altai’s Sea Salt Caramel Bon Bons
Available WHEREVER: Altai brands products are carried.
Indus-Altai’s Sea Salt Caramel Bon Bons are a visual and sensational delight. Integrating both the artistry of cannabis cuisine with the flair of craft dessert creations, these bitesized bon bons are a beautiful way to achieve physical and mental relaxation. Altai’s culinary creations come in varying doses to treat and soothe a variety of common ailments. You can choose between sativa and indica variations and also decide between bon bons that pack a 10mg or 25mg punch. The sight, smell and taste of these Sea Salt Caramel confections are enjoyable for each sense, equally. Made with Mediterranean sea salt, and all natural chocolates, these things impressed us beyond belief. With swirling white, milk and dark chocolate on the gorgeous outside, and a chewy caramel center, these sculptural works of art will melt in your mouth and disperse some quite prominent effects for chronic pain and anxiety. We were completely relaxed within 40 minutes, and had to stop ourselves from eating them all up. Available AT: Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative in Point Loma.
Punch Edibles Punch Combo Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Caramel
Punch Edibles offers 225mg edibles in many flavors, both with and without peanuts, to accommodate those with allergies. This particular piece, Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Caramel, is perfectly sweet and satisfying, with a nice, long-lasting sedative effect. All Punch Edibles are made with lab-tested shatter and are made in a nine-piece grid, to allow each patient to easily adjust to their desired dose. The bite size portions contain only half the calories of leading competitors, making it a great alternative for health conscious patients who are in need of strong medicine. Punch Edibles also offers a full line of popular concentrates, available at Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative.
POT-O-COFFEE
A new study found that cannabis and caffeine may go together as well as a horse and carriage. Apparently caffeine reinforces the effects of THC, making it even more pleasurable. Whether you want to literally “wake and bake” or become the office “superstoner,” the cannabis infused coffee from Pot-O-Coffee can do it. Each easy-to-use K Pod contains the perfect handcrafted blend of premium fresh Arabica coffee and natural cannabis oil. The flavor is full, robust and easily compares with other quality coffees. Tailored to the individual cannabis consumer’s needs, Pot-O-Coffee can provide mild, medium or bold effects with pods containing THC concentrations of either 10mg, 50mg or 100mg. The company also manufactures Pot-O-Tea which contains 10mg CBD derived from agricultural hemp and a truly scrumptious Pot-O-Coco available in the same THC strengths of 10mg, 50mg and 100mg.
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Available wherever: K Pods are carried.
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cool stuff Recipe Dice
Tired of making decisions at the end of your day? We know the feeling. Luckily, we found Recipe Dice! Roll the dice to create your dinner—12 little wooden dice feature more than 60 seasonal vegetables, grains, meats, spices and herbs. Fun and food—double win!
K-Vape Micro-DX
PRICE: $16.50 MORE INFORMATION: www.leafcutterdesigns.com
PRICE: $199.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.vapornation.com
Those who love the original Kandy Pens vape pens will get even more excited to discover the K-Vape Micro-DX—a brand new KandyPens vape pen that comes with advanced temperature control. Not only does the MicroDX sport a sleeker and more portable design (boasting to be one of the smallest currently available on the market) but it heats herbs like a boss without ever making direct contact with the heat source. This device has up to 80 different temperature settings, and can be heated up to 430 degrees with its easy-to-use OLED display, delivering pure vapor every time.
PRICE: $24.95 MORE INFORMATION: thatinventions.com
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Personal Butter Churner
PRICE: $39.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.uncommongoods.com
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Making your own pantry staples is very rewarding—and can help anyone maintain a healthier lifestyle. With this simple design, you can churn your own butter (with or without cannabis) in just 10 minutes, and impress all your dinner guests. Simply pour the whipping cream into the churner, turn the handle, and enjoy a fresh batch of butter with a little personal touch. Try adding your own herbs in there too—rosemary white truffle butter? Yes please!
Scoop That! Heated Ice Cream Scoop No more waiting for the ice cream to thaw a little bit so you can scoop it out with ease. The Scoop That! ice cream scoop uses thermo-ring technology and heat from your own hand to heat up the edges of the scoop for a perfect round of your favorite ice cream every time. Paired with the awesome Scoop That! ice cream bowl—which allows the insulated scoop bowl to keep ice cream in its perfectly frozen state—this will keep your ice cream looking and tasting great, regardless of the temperature around you.
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entertainment Release Date: October 27 Available on: Xbox One
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Green Buds and Hash: A PotFilled Parody Dana Larsen Hairy Pothead Press
Halo 5: Guardians Dev. 343 Industries Pub. Microsoft Studios
It’s been three years since the world has received a new game from the Halo franchise, but rest assured fanboys and girls, the wait is over. Halo 5: Guardians is one sequel you can count on to bring famous characters, weapons and worlds of the Halo universe to life. Players will get to experience a new story, classic matchmaking and four-player online campaign co-op modes on a beautiful 1080p display at 60 frames per second on Xbox One. Good luck, Spartans!
GO:OD AM Mac Miller Warner Bros. Records
Mac Miller has returned with GO:OD AM, which marks both his first new album since 2013’s Watching Movies With The Sound Off (and the 2014 Faces mixtape) and his major label debut. GO:OD AM not only sees Miller in top form lyrically and execution-wise, but also shows off a much more polished, mature sound and style. His flow still mixes the classic with the contemporary in an accessible way, and his choice of producers, collabs and overall vibe of the album follows Mac’s reputation for making music that is both fun to party to and rife with depth. (Simon Weedn)
“The Art of Music”
Author Dana Larsen and artist Chip Crumb recreate the format of the children’s book Green Eggs and Ham in a delightful parody. Mister Stash is concerned for his friend, and goes to great lengths to convince him that not only are there many different ways to enjoy cannabis, but that it could help him feel much better. No forcing, pushing or berating, just a friendly and informative conversation, all wrapped up in well-crafted illustrations and clever, poetic verse. (Alex Bradley)
Love & Mercy River Road Entertainment Dir. Bill Pohlad
In many circles, it’s well-known that the Beach Boys’ most visionary member and primary songwriter, Brian Wilson, suffered from prolonged periods of mental instability exacerbated by heavy substance abuse in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It is this period of Brian Wilson’s life which serves as the back drop for Love & Mercy. The film captures all of the bizarre twists and turns in Wilson’s life under the direction of Dr. Landy, while also excellently showing what caused Wilson to need major psychological care in the first place. Love & Mercy is an incredible film. (Simon Weedn)
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In celebration of the centennial of Balboa Park, which is home to the San Diego Museum of Art, “The Art of Music” expresses the cross-section where music and art meet and overlap through three exhibit themes. The first theme is a closer look at the motif of the musician in various diverse settings seen in everything from Greek terracotta figures to portraits of famous western musicians. The second examines the function that music serves in society, both in a private and public setting. Finally, the third is the representation of sound, emotion and sights of music. Together, these three themes present attendees with a diverse selection of works that expresses how music and art have become an inspiration to how they work together in mainstream society.
IF YOU GO
What: “The Art of Music” exhibit. When/Where: On view through Feb. 7, 2016. The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, San Diego. Info: Visit www.sdmart.org or details.
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I
n 1978, Brooklyn-born Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield chose a dilapidated gas station in Vermont to open the first Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop. Frosty weather and shady Häagen-Das dealings sought to thwart their rapid rise, but the childhood friends finished their first decade together as President Reagan’s U.S. Small Business Persons of the Year. Unilever, a European consumer giant with brands like Axe, Dove and Lipton, purchased Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 with an understanding that the company could maintain its social values and activism. Ben and Jerry continue to work at the company, but they now spend considerably more time advancing social issues like cannabis legalization and a better environment. The ice cream moguls recently gave CULTURE the scoop on everything from cannabis-themed flavors to the Stamp Stampede for campaign finance reform.
You recently said you would be game for making cannabis-infused ice cream. What kind of reaction did that provoke? Ben: Our comments were the most widely circulated thing that we have ever said. Jerry: I think Ben said that. Ben: A decision like that at Ben & Jerry’s would not be ours to make, but personally, once it goes fully legal, sure, I would make ice cream that
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has marijuana in it. As with all edibles, it is important that they be properly dosed and labeled so that consumers are aware and a child does not eat them. It has been proven that marijuana is very efficacious as far as medicinal uses, and it is crazy not to allow that use. It has also been proven that recreational marijuana use is a lot safer and better for your body than alcohol. I think it is unconscionable that there is this drug war and prisons overflowing with people prosecuted for marijuana offenses. The
really unfortunate part is that, despite the fact that marijuana is used by a whole lot of rich white people, the prisons are overflowing with poor not-white people. That is unjust, unfair, unAmerican and something that we have to change.
In a 2013 podcast, Ben said you stayed out of the legalization issue because you thought it would be used against your
work to reduce the Pentagon budget. Do you feel cannabis is a stigmatizing issue in political circles?
Ben: Less so than it used to be. The handwriting is on the wall that it is going to be legal. What is it, 19 or 20 states legalized medicinal use, and more and more states are going to make it legal recreationally. A whole lot of law enforcement, former and current officials, favor legalization. I recently asked the campaign director for VISIT US AT
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Stamp Stampede–my major focus lately for getting money out of politics–if it would hurt the cause if I took a public stand in favor of legalization. He said nothing will be more widely distributed than my quote about marijuana ice cream, and that did not seem to hurt us, so take whatever stand you want to take.
An urban legend on the internet suggests you started out selling cannabis green tea ice cream at California music festivals in the ’60s and ’70s. Ben: If only! No truth to that at all. Jerry: I think that is the best rumor I have ever heard about myself. >> Photos David Seaver
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interesting, though, what recently happened in Indiana with that ridiculous law that lets people discriminate against gay people. It is the first time I can remember that companies without a direct stake in the issue took a firm, public and rapid stand opposing a law. Jerry: It is understood in the agreement between Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s that we would be able to take positions on issues that they might not. An example is the issue of mandatory labeling of GMOs in food products here in the United States. That is something that Ben & Jerry’s actively campaigns for in different states. That is a position that Unilever does not agree with, but they recognize that it is within Ben & Jerry’s values.
Free Cone Day is usually within a week of 420, and flavors have included Half Baked, Satisfy My Bowl and Magic Brownies. This is not a coincidence, is it? Jerry: Ha! I never associated Free Cone Day with April 20, and those flavors you mentioned were not flavors that came out on my watch. Ben: Those are flavors that came out since Unilever took over the company.
You temporarily changed flavor names to Hubby Hubby and Apple-y Ever After in certain markets to celebrate gay marriage legislation. Was that under Unilever as well?
Jerry: Those happened inside the company. Ben and I had nothing to do with that.
You must appreciate that Unilever supports Ben & Jerry’s values and activism.
Jerry: It is helpful to understand that Ben and I work at the company, but we are not involved in the management or operations, so we do not really make decisions about those things. People really care about what happened with Ben & Jerry’s since Unilever acquired it. The company has stayed strong
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with issues like marriage equality as a human’s rights issue, and the company transitioned to all fair trade and 100 percent non-GMO ingredients. Good things happened with the company, and it is no different than when Ben and I were running it. Ben: There are occasions in which the parent company can feel–nervous is not the right word–but concerned that Ben & Jerry’s maintains positions that the company does not agree with, and that is not unusual for Unilever. Most businesses shy away from taking any type of position on social or environmental issues unless it is something that will make them more money. It is
You mentioned Stamp Stampede, which involves stamping messages on paper currency. Was this effort started in response to Citizen’s United?
Jerry: A very large movement in the country is focused on getting money out of politics, and several Supreme Court decisions led to the current situation, but Citizen’s United was the straw that broke the camel’s back. That was what catapulted the movement and added a lot of momentum to it. Ben: We are essentially turning money into media. We call it monetary jujitsu, using money to get money out of politics. Every bill you stamp–once you spend it and put it into circulation–is seen by 875 people. One person stamping three bills a day for a year can create a million impressions, and that is very powerful. We are essentially saying that if the Supreme Court said money is free speech, we are going to make our money scream. The corporations and ultra-wealthy are using their money to buy politicians, and the rest of us should make our voices heard to create an undeniable demand to get money out of politics. The idea is to infiltrate the money supply–this is all legal, by the way–and so far we have over 50,000 people stamping, and we are growing at about 100 people per day. By the end of this year, we should have 80,000 people stamping. You can get your very own stamp at StampStampede.org. >>
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Jerry: There is a range of non-profits working on the issue, and they are working on one level. What Ben did, which is brilliant, is to find a way for the average person to get involved and have their voice heard without having to join an organization. More than 80 percent of the people in the country, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents, want to get money out of politics. They understand that all the money in elections comes from these giant corporations and extremely wealthy people, and it is undermining the entire democracy. This is a way for average people to get engaged.
Ben & Jerry’s got a [Tesla] that is going into different markets around the country with the goal of signing up people to join Avaaz [with its 100 percent Clean Power Petition] for the upcoming climate summit in Paris, and they are doing that by giving away free ice cream and talking about the issue. We are trying to use the deliciousness of Ben & Jerry’s to activate people on important issues.
If money were removed from politics, what type of financing structure would you prefer? Public financing?
Ben: Um, uh, you know, I think you are free to speculate.
alas, I think the ideal solution and the one that I would most prefer, but there are various other proposals. One is a voucher system in which everybody in the country gets a voucher on their taxes, like $100, to give to whatever politicians they want, and that would be the only money for the purposes of elections that politicians could use. Another good example is the one passed by the city of New York and the states of Connecticut and Maine, which is basically a small donor match whereby politicians pledge not to take large donations in exchange for having their small donations matched on a six-to-one basis by the government. The cost of public financing is about $6 per person, so getting money out of politics does not cost that much.
The company also has the Climate Justice campaign and Save Our Swirled Tour.
Jerry: This is a campaign the company is doing to engage people into policy issues like climate change. We partnered with the nonprofit Avaaz, one of the big organizers of the climate march in New York City last fall, and they are working towards ending fossil fuel use and getting to all renewables by 2050.
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Ben: Where did you hear that?
Is that still a secret?
So, no denial?
Ben: I would just say feel free to speculate.
Ben, I read that you once did a diet of French bread and butter. How was that supposed to work?
Ben: Ha! It was actually French bread and garlic butter. It was garlic bread. It worked great. It was delicious and cheap, and I was not too fat, right, during that period of time? I think I was reasonable. One time it caught fire in the toaster oven.
“
“It has been proven that marijuana is very efficacious as far as medicinal uses, and it is crazy not to allow that use. It has also been proven that recreational marijuana use is a lot safer and better for your body than alcohol.” Have either of you ever considered running for office?
Jerry: [In 1993,] I ran for [a seat on the Board of Selectmen] in the town of Williston where I live, and I lost. I think the reality is that I could not get elected as a dogcatcher.
You were both teens living in New York in the 1960s, but neither of you attended Woodstock. How is that possible?
Ben: When the Woodstock festival was happening, I was actually an ice cream man. I was running a truck with a friend of mine where we were ringing bells and going up and down the street in the neighborhoods
“
Ben: Public financing is one solution, and
I heard that you might launch a Climate Change ice cream flavor. Is that true?
selling ice cream to little kids. Jerry: He was a mobile ice cream vendor. He was the Pied Piper man. Ben: I was. That was the brand, the offbrand, the competitor to Good Humor. You know, there was some talk around the yard that we should take our ice cream trucks to Woodstock, but people started to talk about the traffic and how we would resupply. I just kept going up and down the streets in the neighborhood. I didn’t make it to Woodstock.
Jerry: I think we have to say that the diet didn’t catch on.
What is the next thing you would like to do with ice cream? Maybe a Led Zeppelin flavor?
Jerry: Ben and I are not really drawn to celebrity-type flavors or popular cultural things. When we were doing the company, Jerry Garcia [with the Cherry Garcia flavor] was an unusual thing. It happens more frequently at the company now. Ben and I both think that connecting ice cream with social issues and activated people, particularly marginalized people, is the highest use of ice cream. We want to connect with our customers over delicious ice cream and making the world a better place. c VISIT US AT
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Edibles Issue
Your CANNA Cookbook Reading List We’ve got some favorites—now, you will too
*
Sweet Mary Jane: 75 Delicious CannabisInfused High-End Desserts
By Karin Lazarus Avery Author Karin Lazarus runs Sweet Mary Jane bakery in Boulder, Colorado, but now offers the public access to her amazing and delicious cannabis dessert recipes. Lazarus has won legions of loyal fans with sophisticated treats like Smashing Pumpkin White ChocolatePumpkin Bars, Sweet Temptation Mango Sorbet and Chocolate Almond Delights. Lazarus provides a simple primer on making essential canna-staples like cannabis-infused butter, cannabisinfused coconut oil and THC-infused sugar; a chapter on dosing and how to make sure your edible treat is the exact potency you want; and, of course, 75 delectable and deliciously-infused recipes from one of Colorado’s most beloved cannabis bakery.
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*
Cooking with Marijuana: Interesting, Delicious and Easy Recipes you can make with the Magical Herb
By Gordon Rock CreateSpace Publishing We are all familiar with using cannabis as medical therapies and treatments, and of course, most of us are familiar with some simple recipes for cannabis cooking. But this book by Gordon Rock focuses on simple and easy recipes that have nutritional value as well as medicinal. He not only explains the recipes clearly and simply, but he also goes into detail about which recipes are best suited for particular ailments and why. In this book, the author focuses on healthy home remedies for a variety of illnesses including anxiety, depression, cancer and autoimmune deficiencies, among others. Best of all, these recipes can be prepared by just about anyone—a great starter guide for any budding cannabis home cook.
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* Wake & Bake: A Cookbook
By Corinne Tobias Wake & Bake Publishing A slightly older cannabis cookbook, but still one of our absolute favorites, this book is unassuming at first glance, but don’t be mistaken, Corinne Tobias is a hilarious and witty writer and chef, and creates an open and healthy atmosphere for any learning canna-chef. Geared toward the health-conscious and veganfriendly audience, this is the first vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free cannabis cookbook that we’ve seen that also comes with a handy conversion table—and gorgeous pictures—so you can make these recipes with dairy or meat too!
* Herb: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Cannabis
By Laurie Wolf and Melissa Parks Inkshares Coming out next month, Herb has one major boost over most of the other cannacookbooks we’ve seen—reducing the taste of cannabis in these recipes. Chefs Melissa Parks and Laurie Wolf have developed recipes that specifically complement and downplay the taste of the herb so that each appetizer, entrée and dessert will be enjoyed to the fullest. Herb also goes into detail about dosing, which is essential for cannabis home cooks and is jam-packed with mouth-watering pictures that will make you hungrier as you move through the book.
*
Cooking With Marijuana: Mega Munch Recipes
By Sean Riley CreateSpace Publishing Cooking With Marijuana is laid out in a very simple format with very simple instructions. Easy to follow for any level of canna-chef, each dish comes with an easy list of ingredients, followed by numbered, concise, step-by-step directions. No muss, no fuss. These satisfying, munchies-worthy recipes will impress your friends and keep you cooking with love and appreciation for your favorite herb.
* Marijuana Cookbook: 50 Comfort Foods from the Marijuana Chef
By Gordon Rock Amazon Digital Services, Inc. An e-book written by the self-proclaimed “Marijuana Chef,” Marijuana Cookbook: 50 Comfort Foods is a great addition to an already established cannabis cook’s stable of digital cookbooks. It is packed full of easy recipes, tips and tricks to revitalize your canna-cooking. Aside from helping you to transform standard recipes, it’ll help you to breathe new life into your normal go-to recipes and bring them up to a new level.
*
* The Cannabis Kitchen
By Sandy Moriarty Quick American Archives No canna-cookbook reading list would be complete without our own recipes writer, Aunt Sandy’s Medical Marijuana Cookbook. This cookbook compiles Sandy’s favorite recipes with easy instructions, tasty looking photos and even has a chapter on how to cater to dietary restrictions, and alternatives you can use. Sandy goes into great depth about safety in cannabis cooking, the medicinal properties of cannabis, the history behind it, and she even delves into her tips and tricks for better cooking all together! This book is a great starter guide for any cannabis chef—plus it’s the official course book for Oaksterdam University.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence Skyhorse Publishing In The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook, chefs in the know from Amherst to Anaheim share their secrets for infusing everything from oil and agave to soups and cocktails. This book provides step-by-step instructions on preparing cannabis for use in any kitchen, as well as advice on personalizing dosage. The author offers tips for trimming, processing, storing and preserving cannabis too, along with a “buyer’s guide” that sheds light on the many varieties of cannabis flavor profiles, showcasing strains based not only on feel-good levels, but more importantly, taste-good levels. c
Aunt Sandy’s Medical Marijuana Cookbook: Comfort Food for Mind and Body
Cookbook: Feel-good Food for Home Cooks
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Edibles Issue
The
Big
Scare Edibles, Candy and Halloween
L
By Addison Herron-Wheeler
ast Halloween season, there was a scent in the air besides fall leaves, roasting pumpkin seeds and candy corn. It was the smell of fear. With the recent legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes in some states, many were worried that children would accidently get into edibles on Halloween and mistake them for regular candy. Others feared that menacing, anonymous individuals would give out laced Halloween candy on purpose, hoping to plunge the children who received it into crippling horror. Many news outlets ran outrageous scare stories showing how difficult it can be to tell the difference between edibles and regular candy, and there was a general feeling of panic as the dreaded holiday approached. As the date rolled around, what exactly happened? Nothing. There were no cases of tampered-with candy, or even suspicion of such, reported to the Denver police. In fact, according to a story from Forbes entitled “The Mythical Menace of Marijuana-Infused Halloween Candy,” this has been a potential worry, or at least on the radar of police, since
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the first instances of medical cannabis being legalized in California back in 1996. No cases have ever been reported of this, but there are news stories dating back to this year warning about this potential threat alongside razor blades in apples, and all of the other typical Halloween concerns. “Personally, I think there was never anything to worry about in the first place,” Nancy Whiteman, co-founder of Wana Brands, an edibles company based out of Colorado, told CULTURE. “To deliberately set out to hurt a child would obviously be the work of a very sick individual and frankly, there is no way we can ever completely prevent that—but there is also no particular reason to think that such a person would choose edibles as their method to put kids at risk. Many other options would be less expensive and more toxic. It is more likely that anyone who did such a thing would have had the idea put into his or her head by the sensationalized and continuous media coverage.” However, this of course does not mean that you should not practice good safety etiquette. As is always the rule with Halloween candy, a child should never eat anything that has been opened or looks tampered with, and adhering to this simple rule should stop any potential
criminals who want to harm children. Additionally, the introduction of edibles to the legal market does create a new temptation for children, albeit one that would more than likely come to play due to boredom or mischief on the child’s part or carelessness on yours, not evil intentions from an unknown stranger. In order to insure that children don’t get into edibles that you may have purchased for personal use, there are a few precautions you can take. “First, all retail edibles now come in child resistant containers,” explains Whiteman. “Multi-serving products come in child resistant packaging that retains its child resistant properties even after it has been opened. So, for starters, if you want to consume edibles, and you have children, buy legal edibles, as opposed to black market products. Legal edibles are lab tested and in proper packaging so children can’t access the edibles. Secondly, as with any substance that you are concerned about, keep edibles out of the reach of children. That’s just common sense. Lock them up if you are concerned about access. Third, don’t make edibles at home or allow homemade edibles in your home. Unregulated edibles have not been tested for potency and are generally not going to be in child resistant packaging. Unregulated edibles present a much bigger risk to children than legal edibles.” This Halloween, make safety your first priority, but before you lock your kids in for the night with a bag of store-bought Snickers, remember that there have been no reported cases of cannabis-spiked Halloween candy, and that sometimes the media hype can be scarier than the reality itself. c
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Canna-
Edibles Issue
Beverages Catching Our Attention and Quenching Our Thirst By Addison Herron-Wheeler
The growing edibles market within the cannabis industry is becoming not only a highly sought after arena, but an innovative cesspool of expert invention with a high-end culinary edge. One of the most enjoyable trends right now is the appearance of infused beverages. These refreshing treats are tasty, lower in calories than eating sweet treats, and easy to treat as medication, or use as a replacement to an alcoholic beverage. Here are just a few of the cannabis drinks that are getting some national attention.
Wana Drink Mixes A really new and exciting way to medicate and relax with cannabis drinks is to use powders and drink mixes instead of purchasing something in a bottle. Wana Drink Mixes offer options for both the cool and hot weather. Wana Hot Cocoa can be mixed with warm milk or hot water for a deliciously decadent winter treat. It is gluten free, and you can sub soy or almond milk to meet with dietary requirements. The packets also come in 200mg doses–that’s some strong cocoa! If that amount is too much, you can break up the contents of a packet and save half of it for later. For summer months, or if you just prefer something cold and fruity, 50mg Wana Drink Mixes come in flavors like lemonade and tropical punch. These can be mixed with cold water in order to dose up and get refreshed on the go.
Chai High For those who prefer coffee and tea to the fruity or soda-inspired drinks, there is Chai High, by Solace Meds. This tasty treat comes in 12oz bottles, and is 100 percent naturally brewed. The drinks are infused with a blend of organic indica and sativa buds, and the flavor is sweet and milky, and a bit like a “dirty chai,” chai with espresso in it. It contains 316 cannabinoids, and is perfect for if you are feeling under the weather and want a sweet, comfort drink with a little pick-me-up, or as a study aid for pulling an all-nighter, due to the small amount of caffeine found in the drink as well. Plus, the name is a catchy pun, and the big drink size gets you a lot of bang for your buck.
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CannaPunch This drink is one that is making serious headlines in the world of edibles reviews, and it is also sold in almost any dispensary that carries infused products. The kicker with CannaPunch is that this drink is not a soda–it’s a punch-like beverage infused with fruity goodness, like pineapple, black cherry and watermelon. These beverages are super tasty, and range from 30 to 100 and 200mg of THC. If you’re a lightweight, here’s a tip–try putting a shot or two of CannaPunch in sparkling water for a delicious and refreshing beverage.
Dixie Elixirs This Colorado-based brand of delicious beverages is also one of the best if you want to drink your cannabis. With flavors like Wild Berry Lemonade and Sparkling Blueberry, these concoctions are so delicious that your biggest problem will be trying to drink just a few sips and not dosing too heavily. Their most popular drink series is a line of 90mg beverages that are just perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a day when you need to medicate for pain. They also make “Dew Drops” which you can add to other drinks in order to make them tasty, and laced with a little bit of THC goodness.
Canna Cola Sodas For those who prefer straightforward sodas, Canna Cola offers some great options for you. They of course have their classic cola flavor, and they also offer such creative name puns as Orange Kush, Sour diesel for sour apple, Grape Ape, and Doc Weed instead of Dr. Pepper. Each bottle offers up 12oz of tasty goodness. The downside? They don’t list their THC content, and the product is a bit hard to come by. Still, as one of the first ever cannabis colas, it certainly deserves some attention.
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by Ed Rosenthal
growing culture
EXPERIMENTING WITH
E
LIGHTING
arlier in the season, I set up an experiment to see whether I could hasten flowering using far-red light at 730nm after dusk to flip the plants’ chemistry. The experiment was not successful, but I think that the results were inconclusive because the lights used weren’t intense enough. However, I had inadvertently created another experiment that I mentioned in my last column. I had placed a 320-watt induction fluorescent light against the wall of the greenhouse, just over the plants, in the center of the garden. The light turned on each day in the afternoon for four hours as the garden phased into shade. It turned off hours before dusk, so all the plants in the room received the same length of photoperiod. However, the plants on either side of this light were powered only by natural light. Last month I noticed that the flowers of the plants receiving the supplemental light were ahead of those of the side plants. Now, it’s the first week in September, one month later, and the plants are showing marked differences based on their placement, rather than on variety. The buds closest to the bulb and in direct contact with sunlight were the first to ripen. Buds on the same plant that received less light were a few days behind, but the side plants, which received no supplemental light, were two weeks or more from ripening. This outcome is consistent with other studies regarding DLI (daily light integral). It represents the total amount of light usable by the plant over
a 24-hour period. The theory is that growth and maturity is dependent upon the amount of light the plant receives. In this experiment neither the enriched light plants nor the controls were receiving the maximum light they could process, but the enriched light plants were receiving considerably more than the controls. Therefore, any difference in growth or maturity not variety related would be attributed to the increase in light of the experimental group. The result was that the experimental group did grow larger and mature faster than the control group. The result of this experiment has practical applications: Supplementing natural light with additional intensity from electrical sources increases the yield while shortening ripening time. The light can be used to supplement the whole garden in the fall, when natural light intensity is diminishing day by day. Increasing light to the shaded part of the garden, especially when the plants are maturing, is even more beneficial. Supplementing the natural light with light from induction fluorescents, white LEDs or metal halides adds brightness, but is usually not noticeable to casual passerby since all of their spectrums are close to natural light. I’ve now harvested all of the plants that were under the lights. They are drying in the drying room. The plants that were growing without supplemental lighting are now maturing under the lighting. In the next few weeks they too, will be hung to dry and cure. c
TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK ED® Time for fall planting
I
f you live in the lower third (latitude wise) of the country, where the sun is still intense in winter, you have greenhouse protection or an unobstructed south facing window, you can plant a fall crop. Place clones in 6-10 inch pots. Use high quality enriched
planting mix. Then place them in the sunniest part of the garden or greenhouse. Because the plants are getting long nights they will immediately start to flower. They will stay small, single bud plants. In about eight weeks, they will be ready to enjoy. Options: If you give them supplemental light, they will grow bigger.
If you break up the dark period with bursts of light a couple of times each night during the dark period the plants will continue to grow larger. When you stop, the plants will start to flower. If you extend the light period to 18 hours, they will grow faster and continue to grow vegetatively. As soon as the light period is decreased to 12 hours daily, the plants will begin to flower.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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1 The plants receiving additional light from an induction fluorescent were mature September 10. The others needed several weeks to ripen.
2 A mature bud. Since all the buds of the experimental plants were receiving both natural and supplemental light, they matured simultaneously.
3 Bud close-up.
4 Control bud. These received no extra light and are weeks behind.
5 A farmer’s favorite moment—Harvest!
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destination unkown
Connecticut
by Sheryll Alexander
Autumn Harvest in Connecticut
IF YOU GO:
Fun-Filled Facts 1 Romance is in the air when traveling to
Connecticut during the chilly falling of the leaves season. Cozy B&Bs dot the state to provide romantic respites complete with fireplaces, homemade breakfasts and even couples’ massage. 2 Skip the shore, and head to
the center of Connecticut up river via New Haven and Hartford. This hilly country is not only incredibly scenic, but also full of colonial history, art and architecture as well as such venerable cultural institutions as Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hill-Stead Museum, The New Britain Museum, Yale Center for British Art and the Mark Twain House & Museum.
3
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Surprisingly, Connecticut is home to 25 eclectic wineries, which together form what is called the Connecticut Wine Trail. CULTURE // October 2015
Even when offering New England’s only “pharmaceutical” medical cannabis program where no smoking is allowed, Connecticut’s all-organic powdered and edible cannabis dispensaries have doubled their growing customer base since going legal in 2012, so says Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan A. Harris. In fact, medicinal cannabis patients and their advocates have been lobbying as of late to get three more dispensaries licensed and opened as there’s only six “cannabis clinics” operating at this time. The number of doctors dispensing oral cannabis meds is also expanding although they can only prescribe pills, creams and edibles to those who can conform to a list of just 14 medical conditions.
Time to Go: Fall, spring and summer Weather: Cool and breezy in the fall and spring with hot, humid summers Budget: $$$$$
SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE
Y
et another New England state has gone medicinal thanks to Connecticut’s “pharmaceutical” cannabis program (only pills, creams and edibles are sold). Even though you can’t smoke flower buds, what could be better than orally medicating on a chilly autumn day along a stretch of lonely lake with what seems like millions of orange, red and yellow leaves fluttering in the wind and reflecting back to you upon the still water? Connecticut is the southerly-most New England state, although some of its most southwestern cities near the New York border are considered part of the Tri-State Area. To the south, Connecticut is known for its maritime past and present as it hugs the more peaceful Long Island Sound in such chic seaside towns as Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Madison, Old Saybrook, Mystic (as in the Julia Roberts’ classic chick flick Mystic Pizza) and, perhaps not so ironically now, Stonington. October is the perfect time to visit Connecticut. September’s country fairs have all but vanished from the scene to be replaced with Halloween happenings and holiday boutiques in charming by-the-sea towns and river valley villages. Fall’s raging colors are in full force by mid fall and so are other enjoyable things to do in this vibrant state such as: Hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, apple picking, art gallery hopping, designer shopping, casino gambling, fine dining, wine tasting and road tripping through quiet and quaint New England-style towns. c
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William Cioci profile in courage
Age: 46 Condition/ Illness: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD
Using medical cannabis since: 2009
Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
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CULTURE // October 2015
Why did you start using medical cannabis? I had anger and violence issues that eventually led me to be involved with the criminal justice and mental health systems. I was put on numerous pharmaceutical medications that had multiple negative effects on my health, resulting in me needing in-patient care multiple times per year. At the end of one of my appointments, as my doctor gave me a handful of trial size boxes of pills along with a written prescription for more, he asked me if “I had ever heard of medical cannabis.“ I had smoked a little as a teen, and never thought of it as medicine. I was on probation in a state that had no legal protections for medical cannabis, so I used the next few years to do as much research as I could on the subject. When I got off of probation, I sold all my belongings, left my friends and family, and moved to California. I am now pill-free and haven’t had any need for institutional care for seven years. Did you try any other methods or treatments before cannabis? Yes. I was on a multitude of pharmaceutical medications and was involved with therapy and counseling. Most of the pills actually made my conditions worse. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Educate yourself, talk to patients that use this medicine. If you can’t find a patient, the internet is full of good information. There is no reason to remain ignorant in this age of information. The truth is out there. c
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recipes
Menu: CARAMEL APPLES
CANNA-CANDY CORN SEVERED WITCH’S FINGER COOKIES
CANNA-CANDY CORN 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar 6 1/2 teaspoons nonfat dry milk 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 3 1/2 ounces canna sugar t (about 1/2 cup) 3 3/4 ounces light corn syrup, (about 1/3 cup)
2 1/2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons unsalted canna butter t (room temperature) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 to 3 drops yellow and orange gel paste food coloring
Directions Combine the powdered sugar, dry milk and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 4 to 5 times until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside. Combine the canna sugar, corn syrup and water in a 2-quart pot. Put over medium heat, cover and cook for 4 minutes. Add the infused butter, clip on a candy thermometer, and bring the mixture to 230°, about 1 to 2 minutes. When the sugar-syrup reaches 230°, take the pot off the heat and remove the thermometer. Add the vanilla and the dry mixture, stirring continuously with a silicone spatula until well combined. Pour onto a half sheet pan lined with a silicone baking mat. Cool until the mixture is cool enough to handle, about 10 to 15 minutes. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Add 2 drops of yellow food coloring to 1 piece and knead the dough until the color is consistent throughout. Add 2 drops of orange to the second piece, and knead until the color is consistent throughout. Leave the third piece white. Roll each piece of dough into a strand, about 18-inches long. Cut each strand in half. Roll 1 of the white pieces into a strand that is about 1/2-inch thick and about 22-inches long. Repeat with a yellow piece and orange piece. Lay the strands side by side and press them together using your fingers. Cut the strand into 4-inch pieces. Lay the strands, one at a time, onto the silicone mat and press into a wedge shape, like a triangle. Use a wire butter slicer to cut the candies into pieces. If you don’t have a wire butter slicer, use a knife, metal bench scraper or pizza cutter to slice the dough into small pieces. Repeat the procedure with remaining dough. Lay the finished pieces on a piece of parchment or waxed paper to dry for 1 hour. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer.
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CREEPY CONFECTIONS
Now that fall is in full gear, it’s time to dive into our favorite time of year. This month, it’s all about the sweets. We’re not talking about individually wrapped, “fun sized” candy bars. Instead, put on your culinary cap and embrace some delicious, homemade adult desserts made even sweeter with cannabis. The kids have to work for their candy this holiday, but adults get to consume some nostalgic and timeless treats. Gooey caramel apples, sweet and fun candy corn and severed witch’s finger cookies, now at your fingertips—no doorbell ringing required!
SEVERED WITCH’S FINGER COOKIES Vegetable oil cooking spray 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon fine salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted canna butter t (room temperature)
1 cup sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 28 large sliced almonds 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Directions Place your oven rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a standing mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the canna butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until a dough forms. Using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll the dough between your palms into 5-inch-long “fingers,” about 1/2-inch thick. Firmly press a sliced almond into the end of each finger to make fingernails. Make several horizontal cuts, about 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch long, in the center of each finger to make knuckles. Press the dough on either side of the cuts to shape the knuckles. Arrange the fingers on the prepared baking sheet and bake until light golden, 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer the fingers to a wire rack and cool completely. In a small saucepan, heat the jam over low heat until warm, about 2 minutes. Dip the blunt ends of the fingers in the warm jam and arrange on a platter. Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.
t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com
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CARAMEL APPLES by Aunt Sandy
2 cups sugar 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup infused canna butter t 1 cup milk 1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 apples of your choosing (we prefer Granny Smith Apples) Optional: Nuts, sprinkles, infused-melted chocolate for drizzling, etc.
Preparation Combine all mixable ingredients, except vanilla, into a heavy 4-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 15 to 20 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking 25 to 30 minutes, or until candy thermometer reaches 244째. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract. Remove stem from each apple and press a craft stick or popsicle stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. Roll each apple quickly in heated caramel sauce until well coated. Place on wax paper-lined sheet to set.
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—PETS OF THE 1 PERCENT u “The worshipful treatment of
pets may be the thing that unites all Americans,” wrote an Atlantic Magazine blogger in July, describing the luxury terminal for animals under construction at New York’s JFK airport. The ARK will offer shower stalls for traveling horses, “conjugal stations” for ever-horny penguins, and housing for nearly 200 cows (that might produce 5,000 pounds of manure every day)—and passengers traveling with dogs or cats can book the Paradise 4 Paws pet-pampering resort. The ARK is a for-profit venture; said one industry source, quoted in a July Crain’s New York Business report, “You hear stories about the crazy money that rich people spend on their (animals) ... they’re mostly true.”
GOVERNMENT IN ACTION u Officially, now, it is
“unreasonable” for a federal agency (the Bureau of Land Management, in this instance) to fail to say yes or no for 29 years to a drilling permit application. (Before July’s federal court decision, BLM had been arguing that 29 years was not too long).
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CULTURE // October 2015
A company had requested to drill just one exploratory well in Montana for natural gas in 1985, but the bureau had delayed the proceeding six times since then. The judge ordered the bureau to set a deadline for deciding.
u Georgia, one of six states that
make taxpayers shell out huge fees to access its databases of public records, tries so relentlessly to control its archive that, recently, in a federal lawsuit, it said opposition to its policy was basically “terrorism.” Activists (Public.Resource.org) have been establishing workarounds to free up some databases for citizen use, and Georgia demands that they stop. Georgia even claims “copyright” protection for one category of important legal documents that were initially drafted by state bureaucrats, audaciously calling them “original” and “creative” works.
u Mandatory Inaction: In July, the mayor of the town of Ador, Spain (pop. 1,400), officially enacted into law what had merely been custom—a required afternoon siesta from 2 to 5 p.m. Businesses were ordered to close, and children were to remain indoors (and quiet).
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