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inside
contents 8.2019
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REFLECTING ON RECOVERY
Ivan Moody, frontman and singer of Five Finger Death Punch, explains how his life changed after being introduced to CBD, which allows him to continue touring with his band and enjoy life with a sober state of mind.
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Preparing for Paradise Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii as a medical cannabis consumer.
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Leading the Charge These universities are making history with their monumental focuses on cannabis research and education.
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Chief Research Roger Adams was a famous U.S. researcher who was the first person to isolate CBD.
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Industry Insider VP of Business Development Derek Thomas of Veritas Farms is bringing CBD to the mainstream through national distribution at Kroger Co. Family of Stores.
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Inspiration Within Having experienced the healing properties of cannabis herself, Sheri Yanez created her company to help others do the same.
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departments news
10 News Nuggets 14 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Healthy Living reviews 20 Cool Stuff 22 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 54 À La Carte 58 Growing Culture 60 Colorado Now! 62 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d New Utah Cannabis Rules Spark Concern d Industrial Hemp Could Save the Bees
VOL 11 ISSUE 2
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Kern EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jacob Cannon, Alex Distefano, David Edmundson, Caroline Hayes, Carl Kozlowski, Alison Malsbury, Kiara Manns, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Nicole Potter, R. Scott Rappold, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie Callahan, Casey Roel OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Colorado Cannabis Sales Continue to Grow The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) details monthly and yearly sales for the state’s cannabis industry. After some ebb and flow in 2019 with low sales in the beginning of the year, the industry has reached its highest sales numbers yet. May 2019 has had the greatest totals in both medical and recreational sales so far since 2014, when recreational
cannabis sales began. According to the Marijuana Sales Report from the Colorado DOR, sales from January to May in 2019 totaled $665.6 million. To compare, sales from January to May in 2018 totaled $612.8 million. Recreational sales totals alone in May amounted to a little over $143 million, which is about $7 million higher than in April. Trends have shown that since adult-use cannabis was introduced to the industry, recreational sales bring in a decent amount of money compared to medical transactions. As a whole, the numbers in Colorado’s cannabis industry have increased every year.
$14 Million in Cannabis Taxes Goes Toward Improving Denver Schools Denver metro schools were granted $14 million to be split among them for building improvements, such as roof and boiler repairs and entire school construction. The money was raised by the Colorado State Board of Education for the Building Excellence school program. The $14 million comes directly from cannabis tax revenue, but more than $200 million was raised with money coming from other sectors. Jeremy Meyer from Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) Communication unit said, “The Building Excellent Schools Today 10
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(BEST) grant program is funded through local matching dollars and revenue from the Colorado State Land Board, the Colorado Lottery and marijuana excise taxes.” Each school was directed to apply for their portion of the grant, and applications were reviewed and approved by the Capital Construction Assistance Fund. Each school district must match the funds donated to receive their grants. A news release from the CDE states, “The grants are intended to improve health, safety, security and technology in public schools.”
Hawaii Decriminalizes Small Amounts of Cannabis Hawaii Gov. David Ige vetoed two cannabisrelated bills on July 9, but on the same day, he also approved House Bill 1383, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis. Those who are caught with three grams or less of cannabis will only receive a $130 fine, the equivalent of a driving ticket, instead of criminal charges, jail time and a hefty fine. “Beginning on January 11, 2020, this bill will make possession of three grams or less of marijuana punishable by a $130 fine. Under current law, possessing even a tiny amount of cannabis is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 and a possible life-altering criminal record,” said the Marijuana Policy Project. That makes Hawaii the 26th state to decriminalize cannabis, following a similar measure in North Dakota. The governor called the bill a “tough call” but eventually decided to let it go into effect.
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The amount of cannabis tax revenue, in millions of dollars, that is being split between Denverarea schools to fund projects such as roof replacements and building expansions: (Source: The Denver Post)
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The number of cannabis dispensaries that sell both medical and recreational cannabis in Fort Collins: (Source: The Coloradoan)
The percentage of 1,000 surveyed Colorado residents who said that consuming medical cannabis for pain was “very or extremely helpful”: (Source: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs)
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The estimated amount of money, in billions of dollars, that the state of Colorado has collected in total cannabis revenue: (Source: CNBC)
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The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that the U.S. cannabis industry will reach in annual sales by 2030: (Source: Arcview Market Research)
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The estimated number of cannabis convictions that are eligible to be expunged in Illinois following recreational cannabis legalization:
800,000
(Source: The Hill)
The number of medical cannabis patients registered in Montana as of late-June: (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
34,400
The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was collected in legal cannabis sales during the week of Fourth of July in the U.S.: (Source: Akerna)
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6th Annual CBOutlook WHEN: Wed, Aug. 14-Thurs, Aug. 15 WHERE: University of Denver, 2199 S University Blvd., Denver WEBSITE: cboutlook.com Now in its sixth year, CBOutlook is back at the University of Denver with 16 panels and presentations covering over 100 years of hemp and CBD history from top experts in the field. Panel speakers include Charlie Alovosetti from Vicente Sederberg, Steve Bean from GENCANNA Global, Larisa Bolivar from Bolivar Hemp and many more leading cannabis and hemp industry experts. The Half-Time Report 14
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on Wednesday will go through the top 20 states that are embracing hemp cultivation. On Thursday, panels discuss CBD for pets and finances, while another panel will discuss business opportunities in Canada. Hemp is returning to its former glory as a viable cash crop in the United States, and with the implementation of the latest Farm Bill, the possibilities are endless in this multi-billion dollar market.
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NEWS
LOCAL
DISAPPEARING DEALS
Dispensaries are cutting back on deals exclusively for medical patients
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By Caroline Hayes
longtime perk of the medical cannabis industry is going away. Ever since medical cannabis went into effect in Colorado, patients have favored a law that has allowed them to seek caregivership from a medical dispensary. The reason is this—each cannabis patient is allowed to cultivate six cannabis plants in their homes. If they chose not to grow them, the patient may sign them over to a medical dispensary of their choice, meaning they become a member at one store, in exchange for benefits, which varied from store to store. Members were offered anything from a price reduction to free product every so often. For example, Bonfire Cannabis in Denver offered $80 ounces of flower and $8 edibles. Doctors Orders on W. 38th offered its member patients a free quarter ounce every 90 days. So, every patient who signed over their standard six plant allotment to a dispensary meant that store could grow that many more plants and, in turn, patients received compensation of sorts. That law piggybacked with the vertical integration law, which stated that dispensaries were required to grow half of the cannabis they sold and could acquire the other half through wholesale deals. Plain and simple—the more patients a medical dispensary could sign up, the more product they were able to grow. Both the caregiver and vertical laws came to an end on July 1, leaving some patients to wonder if they will still get a break on cannabis.
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Numbers show that the majority of medical cannabis patients utilized the caregiver system to receive benefits. So, how does this affect those patients? The truth is that some dispensaries have already done away with caregiver discounts, but those who still offer deals to patients say that this could be a good thing in helping lower overall prices to keep competition healthy. Others have said this will simplify the business by not requiring dispensaries to keep track of so much patient info. Lastly, doing away with caregiver rights could help boost supply and demand issues that the medical industry has been experiencing. Colorado medical cannabis patient Michael Carraco told CULTURE that he became extremely worried learning about the ending of caregiver benefits at medical dispensaries. He wondered if his medicine would still be affordable now that his member perks went away. Carraco, who lives with a fixed income, uses cannabis to facilitate pain relief and also help cope with post-traumatic-stressdisorder. “I looked forward to receiving my discount every month, and it kept me loyal at my dispensary,” he said. Nathan Myers, co-owner at Denver’s Bonfire Cannabis explained that his company would still honor discounts and strive for the best prices. “Now that there aren’t patient sign ups, everyone gets member benefits, which is super low pricing all around.” Bonfire has reduced the price of its flower, concentrates and edibles to match the caregiver discount once in play. It will take time for patients and dispensaries alike to get through this transition. Cannabis industry workers hope that the medical patients who really need cannabis come out benefiting from this change in the long run with lower prices. The Marijuana Enforcement Division reminded everyone that patient discounts and membership deals are not forbidden, but that they are no longer required for dispensaries to grow extra product. Patients are still allowed to sign their plants over to an individual grower who is registered with the Medical Marijuana Registry as a Cultivating Caregiver. c
2019 Marijuana Business Symposium Need a little clarity in the complicated world of cannabis business? Sometimes you just need to take a step back and consult with a certified public accountant. Sponsored by the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants (COCPA), the Marijuana Business Symposium will tackle subjects that affect the cannabis industry including risk management, liability concerns, regulation and business valuation for current and prospective cannabis business owners in Colorado. You’ll hear from experts in the symposium’s industry panel, and go through several other topics like hemp, federal legalization, business operations and updates with the Marijuana Enforcement Division. All of these issues impact cannabis businesses. The symposium is one day only, so sign up quickly. Members of the COCPA get a $200 discount on ticket packages. WHEN: Thurs, Aug. 15 WHERE: Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, 7887 Belleview Ave., #200, Englewood WEBSITE: cocpa.org
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NEWS
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HEALTHY LIVING
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CHOOSE WISELY
Compared to alcohol, cannabis is healthier, safer and more enjoyable
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By Lanny Swerdlow, RN
t’s Saturday night and you’re out with your friends, maybe hitting up a bar or club, but you’re surrounded by people drunk with alcohol. What a downer! Drunkenness, lewd behavior, diminished inhibitions, vomiting and loss of consciousness are sometimes the unfortunate results of public alcohol consumption. A recent study from Humboldt State University found a correlation between where alcohol is sold and where instances of violent crimes take place. What our communities need are clubs and businesses where people can consume cannabis for socialization, celebration, joviality and exhilaration. Whatever problems that cannabis may cause, pale into insignificance when compared to alcohol. In fact, studies regarding where cannabis is sold have shown a decrease in crime. In every state that has legalized recreational cannabis, the regulations for on-site consumption of cannabis at businesses like restaurants or clubs are so byzantine and complex that they are nearly impossible to comply with if they are allowed at all. This is beyond absurd. Commercial outlets for the on-site consumption of cannabis should be allowed in the same way commercial outlets are allowed for the on-site consumption of alcohol. The health and safety advantages to the individual and the community of providing on-site consumption businesses for cannabis are enormous. To understand this, it needs to be recognized that people enjoy altering their state-ofconsciousness. Humans have been doing it for so long there is probably a genetic component for wanting to do so. Alcohol has generally been the chosen adulterant to accomplish achieving this state. This choice has been a disaster. One-hundred thousand deaths a year, significant health-related harms such as pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, cardiovascular disease, cancer, fetal alcohol syndrome—all compounded by mental health problems are just a few of the common side effects of drinking alcohol. That’s not even considering the social problems resulting in domestic and random violence along with sexual assault, decimated families, drunken driving and loss of productivity. These affect not just the individual but their
families and the entire community with a cost of almost a quarter of a trillion dollars each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cannabis, on the other hand, causes effects that are the polar opposite of alcohol. There are very few negative healthrelated concerns in comparison, offering serenity in place of violence, awareness instead of inhibition and open-mindedness replacing intolerance. Plus, over-consumption of inhaled cannabis is practically nonexistent with far fewer consequences when someone inhales more than they are used to. High quality cannabis can make an evening with friends far more enjoyable, more stimulating and way more fun than alcohol ever can. Whether you’re attending a concert, a movie, a theatrical
“High quality cannabis can make an evening with friends far more enjoyable, more stimulating and way more fun than alcohol ever can.”
production, a dance party or just getting together at a friend’s house, there is nothing better than cannabis for celebration, socialization and safe consciousness-altering. Unlike the classic next-day hangover associated with even moderate alcohol consumption, the morning after a night of cannabis consumption, no matter how heavy, finds the reveler waking up well-rested and ready to get on with the day’s activities. Although our communities would greatly benefit from allowing business to provide for onsite consumption of cannabis, there will be ferocious opposition from interests inimically opposed to cannabis with most vociferous opposition coming from the alcohol industry. Some of the largest financial contributions opposing cannabis legalization initiatives have come from alcohol businesses as they are well aware that if cannabis is widely, easily and affordably available, that alcohol consumption will decrease significantly. The legalization of cannabis has multiple benefits, but the most significant in terms of health and safety is its ability to act as an effective substitute for alcohol. For that benefit to be fully realized the presence of on-site consumption businesses is to be encouraged. c
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REVIEWS
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1. ROOR ® Tech 18” Inline Tangie & Mint There is nothing more classic than a ROOR® bong as the centerpiece of your coffee table. Taking a step above the rest, this new design puts a spin on the traditional straight-line horizontal tube, allowing for maximum percolation and more diffusion per hit. Perfect for summertime, the ice catcher allows for cooler hits, complete with an 18.8mm joint, matching bowl and a built-in glass screen. Add this modern tangerine and mint-colored conversation piece to your collection. Price: $414 More Information: us.roor.com 2. Jayne Kalas is known for its beautiful glassware designs for smoking, and this latest offering of a beautiful, classy grinder stays on trend. Small enough to fit in your bag, but strong enough to grind up some serious nugs, the Jayne by Kalas is a truly eye-catching piece. Eighteen heart-shaped pegs make this grinder unique, while the magnetic cover ensures that your beautifully ground cannabis doesn’t spill. Available in yellow gold or rose gold, everyone will love feeling super fancy with this travel-friendly grinder. Price: $75 More Information: kalasware.com 20
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3. The Medusa Peak “Breathtaking” isn’t the first word that comes to mind when one thinks of vaping tools. However, The Medusa Peak instantly changed that, as reviewers could barely breathe following their love at first sight experience with this gorgeous dab rig. The beautiful rose gold band compliments the sleek and simple aesthetic of this piece. Beyond beautiful, its intelligent features like four unique user heat settings and smartware that automatically calibrate the temperature will have consumers feeling like they’re the dabbers of the future. Don’t forget to add on the Medusa Travel Pack to keep the party rollin’. Price: $399.99 More Information: www.puffco.com
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4. WONDERBOOM™ 2 Invite over your friends, and make a splash at your next pool party without having to pull off your ultracannonball trick from college. The WONDERBOOMTM 2 is an ultraportable Bluetooth speaker that is not only waterproof, it also packs huge sounds that will have you singing “The Boys of Summer” to your heart’s content. Creating the perfect soundtrack to set the scene for your summertime festivities, live the soundtrack of your life with this quality speaker. Price: $99.99 More Information: www.bestbuy.com
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REVIEWS
entertainment
BOOK
Cannabis For Dummies Kim Ronkin Casey and Joe Kraynak Pub. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
MOVIE
Pet Sematary RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 2 AVAILABLE ON: PC, PLAYSTATION 4 AND XBOX ONE
Nothing proves cannabis is mainstream like the For Dummies book series that delves into it as the most current subject. Cannabis For Dummies is one of the most straightforward resources for the cannabis-curious. Learn more about the science of the miraculous plant whether you’re interested in consumption for recreational or medical purposes. If you’d like to discover whether or not cannabis is right for you, this guide will help you gain insight on the effects of cannabis, as well as the legality surrounding the plant. Don’t be a dummy— this book helps readers understand why the cannabis industry is booming and why they should care. (Jacob Cannon) 22
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GAME
Madden NFL 20 Dev. EA Tiburon Pub. Electronic Arts Every summer when it’s too hot to play physical sports outside, a new Madden game releases—and every year it boasts a slew of professional players added to its roster and continually improves upon the game’s predecessors. This year, Madden NFL 20 features a career campaign called “Face the Franchise: QB1,” where players can create their own college-level athlete (hailing from 10 different college teams) and compete to earn their spot with the pros. (Nicole Potter)
Dir. Kevin Kölsch, Dennis Widmyer Paramount Pictures The horror novels of Stephen King are going through something of a film adaptation renaissance at the moment, and honestly, now is the perfect time. In the 1980s King’s work saw a similar flurry of film treatment, but many suffered from low budgets and a lack of special effects technology. Most recently King’s 1983 novel Pet Sematary, the chilling tale of the dead returning to life, was given a modern re-working to great effect. Helmed by rookie directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, the film serves the novel well by capturing all of the honest humanity of the character’s decisions alongside all of their dark, terrifying consequences. (Simon Weedn)
MUSIC
Mafia Music 2 WesDawg IslandBOI Productions Following up last year’s Underdog 2, Denver’s own WesDawg has returned to dazzle audiences with a new heater of a mixtape, Mafia Music 2. Brimming with thumping, synthy beats and rapping that marries old school attention to lyrical detail with modern trap-inspired rhyme schemes and simplicity, the mixtape showcases impressive talent from the Colorado rapper. In addition to interesting beats and clever rhymes, Mafia Music 2 does well walking new listeners through the broad capabilities of WesDawg as a rapper; there are bangers cocked and loaded to blow up any dance floor, but there is introspection and exploration too. (Simon Weedn)
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PACKIN’ A PUNCH CBD IS THE CENTER OF FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH FRONTMAN IVAN MOODY’S SOBRIETY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ENDEAVORS
By Alex Distefano
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“CBD helped me with maintaining a schedule to eat, as well as a healthy diet, which is not easy on the road.�
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I
van Moody hates being referred to as a rockstar. As frontman and lead singer of mega-successful American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch, he has performed in front of hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, and he has shared the stage with acclaimed heavy metal bands such as Judas Priest, Metallica, Korn, Lamb of God, Slipknot, Slayer and so many others for the past 15 years. He’s even dabbled as an actor in a few horror films. But this lifestyle came with its price for Moody, as he openly struggled with alcoholism for years, as the world of heavy metal watched. For several years, Moody’s selfdestructive ways made headlines in the metal world, including boozefueled incidents both on-and-off the stage. His disease even led his bandmates to temporarily replace him with a different vocalist, by the name of Tommy Vext in 2017 during the middle of a European tour, so he could seek treatment for his addiction. However, since then Moody has so many reasons to celebrate. Several months ago, he happily celebrated one year of sobriety, which was quite an accomplishment for someone who stated in past public interviews that he never thought he would be able to quit drinking. To aid in the process of his recovery, Moody recently launched his own brand of CBD products, mainly CBD throat sprays and CBD-infused water products. Known as Moody’s Medicinals, the brand launched in June in Moody’s hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, where both recreational and medicinal cannabis are legal under state law. Moody recently took the time to chat with CULTURE from his home in Las Vegas about his new line of CBD products, the role CBD played in his detox and recovery, his struggles not only with alcoholism but posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, his love of meeting fans and how CBD has kept him healthy on the road touring with Five Finger Death Punch.
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to calm my nerves; when you go through recovery the body goes through a lot of chemical changes. It was a dangerous time for me, because I went on the road. CBD was always a natural way for me to medicate certain ailments I wasn’t in the mood for prescription drugs. CBD can help on so many levels from physical to mental ailments. It helped me stay focused and with my appetite. It was something that made it possible for me to stay healthy out there instead of dwindling down to a toothpick. CBD helped me with maintaining a schedule to eat, as well as a healthy diet, which is not easy on the road.
What is the origin of Moody’s Medicinals? When I got out of recovery, I went straight out on the road. I was told from day one I would not make it, I would be surrounded by bad influences and people were counting on me to come back to rehab. I had to stop using throat sprays, because they had alcohol in them. This is where CBD came in, and I got the idea for the throat spray and infused water. When I first began using, I added CBD oils to water. This really helped keep me focused, tame my anxiety and also [helped] with my appetite. I had to figure out a way to eat on the road, with my busy schedule, I didn’t want to force myself. CBD helped me come up with a schedule I could eat regularly on. CBD was helpful for me from day one of me hitting the road, to this day. I think people could benefit from it. I’m not saying it’s the end-all-be-all, or the cure for everything. But it gave me positive results, and if it can work for some people, I see nothing but positive in that. How has consuming CBD helped you? I grew up in Denver, Colorado, and we were at the forefront of legalizing cannabis. I’ve been around this sort of natural love for cannabis for my entire life. I suffered from anxiety and PTSD, and being a public figure doesn’t help going on stage. CBD is something I really began to get into after I stopped drinking and got into recovery 30
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“CBD was helpful for me from day one of me hitting the road, to this day. I think people could benefit from it. I’m not saying it’s the end-allbe-all, or the cure for everything. But it gave me positive results, and if it can work for some people, I see nothing but positive in that.”
What are your personal favorite CBD products? I prefer the water. It has to do with absorption of CBD. It is a more natural way of intake, with not as much added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which so many CBD products and THC products for that matter contain. I also wanted a product with no alcohol, which is where my throat spray came from. A lot of the throat sprays available have alcohol in them, and being in recovery, I wanted to stay away from this, which is where I thought of CBD throat spray. It impacts you at a faster rate and doesn’t linger in your stomach, which disrupts your digestion. Lots of people who suffer from anxiety also have ulcers and other stomach issues; it’s very common. For me though, the water is hands down the most effective way to ingest it, but I also love the throat spray. I use them both regularly. How important is it to meet your fans on the road? That’s one part of my day—believe it or not—that I don’t get anxiety over, for multiple reasons. I don’t get a chance to be a social butterfly too much when we are out on the road. But, when I get to meet my hardcore fans, and the Five Finger Death Punch fanbase, whether at the shows or at events for Moody’s Medicinals, it’s a huge deal, for me to be able to sit there and talk to them about the benefits of CBD, or share other personal stories about the music or whatever. But also to have that chance to use this platform in a positive meaningful way is so important to me. It’s a crucial part of my recovery as well, which is an added benefit.
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Can you tell us about other sober musicians who have helped you? We have read in past interviews that you got support from Jonathan Davis of Korn, Rob Halford of Judas Priest and others. Of course there’s a connection there. Those are my people. But sadly, still, there are so many people out there ashamed to admit they have a problem. This is a disease that has been shunned in our society, but it needs to be approached as the problem it is. I absolutely love meeting with and speaking to people in recovery. But, I also admire “normal” people who are able to have a beer, put it down and walk away content. I’m just not made that way, my body reacts to alcohol in a different way, but I’m never judgmental of anyone’s situation. The world is too small, and we are all far too connected [in] this day and age for that.
trying to live their lives. But I just want everyone to know that I stood my ground and am capable of fighting my inner demons. That will not be my legacy to take my own life. CBD has helped me throughout this, especially with all the initial chemical changes I was dealing with. What I like about it, is the dosage. You can choose the right amount for your individual use. CBD was a direct, more natural way for me to decide on my own terms what was going to help to alleviate my symptoms, be
Tell us about the new Five Finger Death Punch song “Blue On Black,” which features country music icons Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Brantley Gilbert, along with the legendary guitarist Brian May from Queen. Even though I am in a heavy metal band, I have always been a fan of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and country
“. . . I just want everyone to know that I stood my ground and am capable of fighting my inner demons. That will not be my legacy to take my own life. CBD has helped me throughout this, especially with all the initial chemical changes I was dealing with.”
Can you talk about the connection between mental health and addiction? There is absolutely a connection between mental health and any kind of drug or alcohol addiction. Depression is real, and of course with the high profile suicides of Chris Cornell, then Chester Bennington, I guess now people are starting to wake up and realize this is a huge hidden problem. It’s been out in the open and has been for decades among musicians, movie stars, celebrities and average people out there just
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it PTSD, social anxiety or whatever. With the help of CBD, I accepted the problems I had without over-medicating myself.
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music. Kenny Wayne Shepherd is simply an icon in country music. The song we did with him meant a lot to me, lyrically and musically for that matter. It was never my intention to do a cover song. I wanted to do a collaboration. Kenny agreed and brought Brantley to the table, which was awesome. Then, we had management somehow get the great Brian May from Queen on there with us, and it just came out as an amazing track. We were all satisfied with the end result. But, to say that I wasn’t affected by it on a personal or career level would be a lie. I would have to say that it was one of the most amazing highlights of my career so far. It speaks volumes to our fans and fans of country music and rock music in general. What does the future hold for Five Finger Death Punch? Well first, I want to thank all the loyal fans of ours for supporting the music and myself all these years. I also want them to know we’re coming. It’s a whole new us, a whole new band, and we’re ready. I’m excited as I have ever been with this band. It’s a whole new me for sure, and as a band, we have a lot of energy and excitement. We’re so eager to get out there on the road and play some shows we have and others that are being lined up. But, we are coming to a town near you, so all I can say to our fans is that we will see you this summer. I can’t wait to face this ride head-on. c moodysmedicinals.com
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A C A N N A B I S - F R I E N D LY H AWA I I A N VA C AT I O N AWA I T S By Jacob Cannon
Serious cannabis consumers know that it’s hard to travel when access to cannabis isn’t a sure bet. Maintain those dreams of a tropical Hawaiian vacation and make them a reality! As of March 5, cannabis patients from outof-state are eligible to apply for a state of Hawaii medical cannabis card. This easy guide will make sure you’re enjoying the effects of safe and legal medical cannabis on your next Hawaiian adventure.
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Registration Before you enter in credit card details to secure your flight to Hawaii, make sure you’re registered for a temporary Out-ofState card, issued by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Visit medmj.ehawaii. gov to find out if you’re eligible to apply for the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program. Applicants must have a valid medical cannabis card issued by the U.S. state or territory that they live in. Any type of private recommendation will result in a denied application. The medical card must also be issued for one of Hawaii’s debilitating medical conditions. Some of the conditions include
severe pain, severe nausea, seizures and cancer. A full list of conditions can be found on health. hawaii.gov. Next, create your account and start your online application. Keep in mind that applications can be submitted as early as 60 days prior to the desired start date, and each applicant is allowed only two registrations per calendar year. There is a non-refundable application fee of $49.50.
Islands and Dispensaries Access to cannabis was not created equally across all Hawaiian Islands. That’s why it’s important to make sure your destination has
legal medical cannabis dispensaries that you can conveniently visit. The Hawaii State Department of Health has a list of all the licensed dispensaries for easy reference. According to the department’s website, Big Island Grown is located in Hawaii County. Hawaiian Ethos is also set to open soon, but it is not yet operational. Honolulu County is home to the largest number of dispensaries with three currently in operation. The dispensaries are named Aloha Green, Cure Oahu and Noa Botanicals. Kauai County has one dispensary listed,
Photo courtesy of Noa Botanicals in Honolulu, Hawaii
Green Aloha, while Maui County has two, Maui Grown Therapies and Pono Life Maui.
Responsible Consumption Securing a safe place to consume your cannabis depends on your preferred method. Hawaii has smoke-free laws in place that forbid public smoking of tobacco and medical cannabis in all places, including beaches and parks, so flower might not be your best bet if you plan to consume on-the-go. Many dispensaries offer tinctures and edibles for more discreet cannabis consumption, but those who prefer flower over everything else aren’t completely out of luck. Some vacation rentals in Hawaii advertise that they’re 420-friendly. Beautiful properties, from cozy cabins to a treehouse, are available on the cannabis-friendly vacation rental booking website, Bud and Breakfast. Each listing has unique rules, such as some allow smoking cannabis indoors, while others require all smoking be limited to outdoors on the lanai.
Travel Smart Follow the laws when it comes to cannabis and travel. It is illegal to travel by any means between islands, back to the mainland or internationally with cannabis in your possession. c CultureMagazine.com
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HIGHEST EDUCATION
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Public universities continue to lead the charge of America’s cannabis research and education By Addison Herron-Wheeler College used to be thought of as a time when young adults would experiment with cannabis behind closed doors. Now, cannabis is becoming so normalized that it’s not uncommon for universities to offer cannabis programs and engage in groundbreaking research of the plant. Here are a few of the best universities across the nation that are revolutionizing the knowledge of cannabis—even if not all of the students are old enough to consume it legally.
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cannabis and its properties. The research agreement will take place over the next three years and will provide input and guidance into expanding education and developing more research about cannabis as medicine.
Stockton University Colorado State University-Pueblo Colorado State University-Pueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) is a partnership between the university, the State of Colorado and Pueblo County, which was established in June 2016. The program’s current studies include a study on cannabis for adults who suffer from seizures due to refractory epilepsy, the effects of eating hempseed and applications of industrial hemp, among many others. “With initial funding support from Pueblo County and the state of Colorado, the ICR is the nation’s first multi-disciplinary cannabis research center at a regional, comprehensive institution,” its website states. “The primary function of the Institute is the generation of knowledge that contributes to science, medicine, and society through investigation of the benefits and risks associated with cannabis.”
This New Jersey university recently partnered with the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association and the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association earlier this year, both of which advocate for the cannabis industry throughout the state. The partnership will bring in key individuals to speak with Stockton students about different problems and opportunities facing the industry. “Students in the program come from a variety of majors,” said Dr. Ekaterina Sedia, a Stockton Associate Professor of Biology. “The new partnerships will allow our students to apply what they are learning to their field of interest.” Those who started the program predict that New Jersey will expand its medical cannabis program, and they see recreational cannabis looming in the future as well.
University of California, Irvine The University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine was awarded a $9 million grant in 2018 to study cannabis and its impact on teenage brains. The grant came from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the four-year study is examining the effects of cannabis on the endocrine system. “The [endocannabinoid] system is the main point of entry of THC into the brain. Now that cannabis is legal in many states, it’s very important to understand whether excessive activation of this signaling system during adolescence can produce alterations in cognition and motivated behavior that lasts into adulthood,” stated Dr. Daniele Piomelli, director of the UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis.
University of California, San Diego Harvard University On May 28, the Alberta, Canada-based Atlas Biotechnologies Inc. partnered with Harvard Global Health Catalyst on International Phytomedicines and Medical Cannabis Institute at Harvard (Harvard IPI) to create a program that will look into the use of medical 40
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The University of California, San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) has already conducted a variety of important studies on cannabis. Its current studies include the effects of CBD on children with severe autism, cannabis as a treatment for bipolar disorder and the effects of cannabis and endocannabinoids on neuropathic pain caused by HIV, among many other topics. Starting in 2018, the university partnered with the California Highway Patrol for a study, which examines how driving is impacted by cannabis use.
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“If you smoked this morning, are you impaired throughout the day? Are you impaired for a couple of hours? Or are you not impaired? We’re trying to answer that,” said Dr. Thomas D. Marcotte, who is co-director of the CMCR and in charge of the study along with Dr. Barth Wilsey, according to the study. Dr. Marcotte stressed that determining when someone is under the influence of cannabis can be tricky, and this study aims to clarify this issue.
University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Boulder (CU Boulder) Center for Research and Education Addressing Cannabinoids and Health (CU REACH) is currently studying cannabis According to CU Boulder’s website, the center “is devoted to the development of evidence-based knowledge regarding the effects of cannabis that will improve the lives of those who suffer from disease states that may be alleviated by cannabis.” The CU REACH program is offering a scholarship to a cannabis research scholar, and those who study there are involved in work that examines CBD, the cannabis genome and more.
industry, add to existing research in the field, and develop well-informed medical cannabis policy.” The program is the first-of-its-kind to offer a master’s degree in cannabis, and it will cover issues such as public health, science, clinical use and cannabis laws on the state and national levels. “The goal of the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program is to provide students with a broad knowledge of what’s currently known about the science and therapeutic use of the cannabis plant as well as an understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape related to research and use of medical cannabis,” said Leah Sera, PharmD, MS, BCPS, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and director of its Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics degree program, to CULTURE. “We anticipate that graduates of our program will be in a position to advance scientific and clinical research, support and educate patients, and help develop well-informed policies to shape the future of medical cannabis use.”
University of Connecticut The University of Connecticut (UConn) is now offering a new cannabis course called “Horticulture of Cannabis: From Seed to Harvest.” This introductory class requires no prerequisite courses and is an introduction to all things cultivation. “UConn is providing students with an opportunity to be absolutely at the cutting edge of a growing field,” said Gerald Berkowitz, who teaches the course, according to the school’s website. “Companies hiring people who learned in their basement will have an opportunity to hire people who were educated based on a curriculum that’s founded in hard science.”
University of Maryland The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is offering a master’s degree in medical cannabis, which is a major step for cannabis education in the U.S. The program, known as The Master of Science (MS) in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, stated in a press release that its goal is to “provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to support patients in the medical cannabis 42
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University of Mississippi The University of Mississippi Medical Center is conducting a very important study on children with severe epilepsy. For the investigation, researchers looked at 10 Mississippian children with serious seizures. The study began in 2018. “[We are] targeting the sickest of the sick. The early parts of this research are targeted at making sure this is tolerable by children who have failed all other medical therapies,” Dr. Brad Ingram, a pediatric neurologist, told Mississippi Today. This research is important, because scientists and doctors are seeking to understand as much about medical cannabis for epilepsy as possible. For many youth, this is the only medicine that helps relieve their symptoms without a lot of side effects. c
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PIONEER OF THE PAST
Dr. Roger Adams’ pivotal early cannabis research helped to pave the way for modern studies By Benjamin M. Adams
Dr. Roger Adams
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While Israeli researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is typically credited with isolating THC in 1964, a lesser known, but highly influential figure isolated CBD and synthesized THC over 20 years earlier. American chemist and researcher Dr. Roger Adams was the first to isolate CBD and the first to synthesize THC in a lab during the peak of World War II. Throughout the course of his esteemed career, Dr. Adams published 27 studies on the properties of cannabis in the American Journal of Chemistry, long before most other cannabis-related scientific research took place, and in spite of the rabid “Reefer Madness” attitude of the time. Coincidentally, Dr. Adams is also considered to be influential in the development of postgraduate degrees in America and plant chemistry in general.
He conducted research at prestigious schools like Harvard University, Radcliffe College and headed the chemistry department the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for decades. During World War I, Dr. Adams helped to develop chemical warfare assets with a position under the National Research Council in Washington, D.C. From there, he mostly focused on biochemicals. Just two years after cannabis was first banned federally from pharmacies and drug stores under the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, Dr. Adams received an exclusive and rare license from the Department of Treasury to obtain cannabis oil for research purposes. By 1939, cannabis was the sole focus of Dr. Adams’ work. Shortly after, he presented a paper to the National Academy of Science on “The Chemistry of Marihuana.” Many more would follow.
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F U N I V E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S AT U R B A N A - C H A M PA I G N
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Overcoming Hurdles Dr. Adams’ research into cannabis is one of the chief reasons he became a target of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Director J. Edgar Hoover. In addition, anyone who could’ve been considered a Communist sympathizer, including Dr. Adams, was deemed a threat due to the political climate of the times. Hoover temporarily blocked Dr. Adams’ security clearance because of his cannabis research and alleged possible ties to Communist authors, but eventually caved and granted him clearance. Harry J. Anslinger, the nation’s first “Drug Czar,” is widely regarded as one of the galvanizing figures behind the “Reefer Madness” era. Dr. Adams’ research fell under the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, of which Anslinger was appointed commissioner. Dr. Adams and Anslinger personally— and publicly—disagreed on whether people should consume cannabis. Dr. Adams believed it had “pleasant effects,” as well as useful analgesic effects, while Anslinger outright rejected the consumption of cannabis in any shape or form.
Discoveries Dr. Adams isolated CBD from hemp oil in 1940, with help from his colleagues Madison Hunt and J.H. Clark. “In this investigation, Minnesota wild hemp, cut after flowering had begun and before the seed had ‘set’ in the female tops, was used as a raw material,” Dr. Adams wrote on Jan. 1, 1940. “It was extracted with ethanol and the so-called ‘red oil’ containing the active principle or principles was obtained by distillation under diminished pressure.” In 1942, Dr. Adams won a patent for his method of isolating CBD. While he was unable to isolate THC from the cannabis plant, he synthesized it by converting the molecular structure of CBD to a THC acetate 46
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“Because of the groundbreaking cannabis research of Dr. Adams at the University of Illinois, dozens of other chemists were able to study the plant. . .” in a lab. Dr. Adams also documented THC analogs in his lab before technology like a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer was available to future scientists like Dr. Mechoulam in the 1960s and beyond. Shortly after World War II broke out, the Office of Strategic Services— which would evolve into the CIA—considered the properties of cannabinoids as a possible “truth serum” that could be used on U.S. soldiers for the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was, of course, the U.S. government’s ultra-classified mission to develop the atomic bomb. Over time, the U.S. government would experiment with various chemicals on the county’s own military forces— which is now viewed as completely unethical.
The Legacy Because of the groundbreaking cannabis research of Dr. Adams at the University of Illinois, dozens of other chemists were able to study
Dr. Roger Adams
the plant including Dr. H. J. Wollner, consulting chemist of the U.S. Treasury. Dr. Adams’ fingerprint in plant chemistry, especially cannabis chemistry, can be seen today. The “Adams Scale” measures the potency of cannabinoids, and it is still used in research settings. While there are dozens of potential medical applications from cannabis, Dr. Adams was among the first to observe cannabis’ analgesic effects. Dr. Adams’ extensive research paved the way for the modern scientific research of cannabis. Beginning in 1916, he granted around 200 Ph.Ds to students and helped to redefine postdoctoral research. He passed away peacefully in 1971. Dr. Adams played a crucial role in the beginnings of cannabis research. c
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Industry Insider
SEALING THE DEAL Derek Thomas of Veritas Farms secures a major CBD retail deal
By Jacob Cannon Derek Thomas has always been a natural born leader. For over a decade he focused on fundraising and business development consulting for multiple cannabis firms, until he finally found his home as VP of Business Development at Veritas Farms. He is now responsible for bringing the company’s CBD products to a national corporate scale through a partnership with Kroger Co. Family of Stores. Thomas is responsible for expanding Veritas Farms’ distribution, leading it to make such a large retail distribution accomplishment. While 48
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“I’m passionate about cannabis, its versatile use and humanity’s intimate history with the crop.”
his resume speaks to a strong backbone of professional experience, Thomas’ monumental success in the cannabis industry is also a result of developing his personal beliefs and feelings on the plant. “I’m passionate about cannabis, its versatile use and humanity’s intimate history with the crop. With my time in the space, I’ve become a more conscientious environmental advocate and embody a low carbon footprint lifestyle,” Thomas told CULTURE. Thomas’ environmentally conscious approach, business savvy and leadership background has helped Veritas Farms climb to the top rung of the ladder of success.
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Changing Times
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Perfectly Poised
Veritas Farms was not coincidentally in the right place at the right time; the company’s leadership was strategic in its approach to make Veritas’ products as accessible to customers as possible. Five years ago, Veritas Farms’ CEO Alexander Salgado foresaw issues, like a lack of quality and transparency, which were sure to plague the CBD industry. From this vision, he decided to create a fully vertically integrated CBD company, which would allow him to operate in the CBD market for the long run. Then, when the Farm Bill passed in late 2018, Salgado, Thomas and their team noticed that the conversation shifted in regards to CBD being sold at traditional retail chain stores. “We recognized this movement and began implementing strategic conversations to secure partnerships with larger chain stores to not only improve sales and revenue, but overall brand awareness,” Thomas explained. “We took the necessary time to understand the needs of our consumers and how/where they shop. In doing so, we wanted to ensure that we had a presence in all three markets—independent retailers, e-commerce and in national stores.”
Many CBD companies would love to have their products sold nationwide in major retail locations. That is the dream. Veritas Farms is now making that dream a reality, with many thanks to its leadership and vision. However, the structure of Veritas Farms is another huge reason why it is able to accomplish and fulfill this impressive distribution opportunity. “Veritas Farms is one of a few fully vertically integrated companies in the industry and operates a 140-acre farm and production facilities in Pueblo, Colorado,” Thomas said. “Here, the brand controls all of its growing, extracting, manufacturing and bottling to ensure the quality, potency and freshness of its products.” Thomas continued to compare Veritas’ approach to growing hemp to that of a quality wine vineyard, and he explained that the company also similarly focuses on conservation and sustainability. “We are committed to our community, sourcing locally whenever possible. W e practice sustainable farming methods, reducing our impact on the land, remembering that future generations of farmers will follow us,” he said. “We never use any pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, and create our own
“We recognized this movement and began implementing strategic conversations to secure partnerships with larger chain stores to not only improve sales and revenue, but overall brand awareness.”
organic fertilizer that helps balance the local ecosystem. We are part of the sustainable agricultural revolution, the phytocannabinoid hemp farm revolution and Colorado farmers who say they are ‘Colorado Proud.’”
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Advocate for the Future
The CBD industry will continue to grow, and Veritas Farms hopes to see additional retailers join in with Kroger to offer CBD products on their shelves. This is because CBD companies face issues with advertising and marketing, which includes their inability to classify CBD products as medical treatments. “When more retailers get into this space, it will help reduce roadblocks,” Thomas stated. Thomas recognizes the potential that CBD has to impact the health and wellness industry in a huge way, and his company is proud to help pave the way. “If we can move people away from NSAIDS and opioids and into healthier more holistic options, it would be life changing for countless people.” c www.veritasfarms.com CultureMagazine.com
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When did you start using medical cannabis? I started taking medical cannabis about six years ago when I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I had no idea what was going on with me, or what my future would be like, and I was terrified.
PROFILE IN COURAGE Sheri Yanez is proud to share that CBD saved her life
Many people find themselves in the CBD industry because they’re looking to make a ton of cash. However, others find their way to the industry through experiences of miraculous healing. Sheri Yanez is the latter. As the owner of CBD company, Rose Botanicals, Inc., Yanez is changing lives by providing people with CBD. She is also living proof of how CBD has been the most effective treatment option for her ulcerative colitis (UC), which is a common disease that causes inflammation in the large intestine. Yanez opened up to CULTURE about her incredible journey of true healing with CBD.
“Cannabis saved my life. It gave me the quality of life back that I had before I got sick.”
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Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I did. I was prescribed several harsh medications by my doctor, including chemotherapy. The side effects of these medications were horrible. I didn’t know which was worse, the side effects or the disease itself. During my time on these medications I never truly felt well. Besides the symptoms of ulcerative colitis I was living with, I also began losing my hair; I was weak. I was so nauseous some days I couldn’t get off the floor or take care of my child. I had several week-long hospital stays, which took me away from my family. Are your doctors supportive of you using cannabis as a treatment? They were not. I told my doctor that I could no longer tolerate living with the side effects of his treatment plan and that I was going to stop all medication and only take CBD. He said there was no way he could support that.
Three months later I scheduled a full exam, and the doctor was stunned by my results and said everything looked so good, it looked like I never even had UC. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Stigma. People still think of cannabis as something that just gets you high. There are so many benefits to this miracle plant. This plant heals you naturally, with no horrible side effects. You don’t have to poison your body to brink of death like you do with traditional medications. Cannabis is a gift to us all. What would you say to those who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? Give it a chance. Take it properly, start low and slow to find your personalized dosage, and stick with it! Consistency is key when taking CBD. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Cannabis saved my life. It gave me the quality of life back that I had before I got sick. That is why I started Rose Botanicals. I want everyone to experience the life changing effects of CBD in a safe and trusted form. I would recommend it to anyone. Young, old and in between! c www.rosebotanicalsinc.com
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TASTEFUL TREATS
Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal bakes with love and cannabis
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By Addison Herron-Wheeler
s the edibles industry grows and changes, the bar gets pushed higher and higher. It’s not good enough anymore just to bake some brownies that do the job but still taste like raw cannabis. Culinary crafting is an art, and especially if cannabis is involved. Mindy Segal, owner and consulting chef of Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles, is one of the creators who is driving the industry forward. One of the reasons Segal is such a force to be reckoned with isn’t just because she comes from a cannabis baking background. She’s an experienced pastry chef who is known for her famous non-infused goodies as well as her edibles. “I’ve been baking for 35 years,” she told CULTURE. “I discovered when I was young that I had a knack and decided to pursue my passion as a career. I worked really hard to find my place in the culinary world and was celebrated for my accomplishments with the James Beard Foundation Award in 2012. I’ve always been an advocate for cannabis for its medicinal properties and for adult use for lifestyle purposes. I see it as an extension of the hospitality I provide in my restaurant now. When Cresco approached me, I knew I wanted to take a stand.”
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Segal now works with Cresco Labs, a cannabis company based in Chicago, Illinois, where she was already established as a baker and well-known pastry chef. Her portfolio of cannabis products represents top-of-the-line products for all types of consumers, so it’s a big deal that Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles is representing the best of the best in Chicago. Her line of artisanal edibles is based on products that originated without cannabis. They are inspired by desserts featured on the menu of her Chicago-based restaurant, Mindy’s HotChocolate, or they come from her cookbook, Cookie Love: More Than 60 Recipes and Techniques for Turning the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary. She bakes using locally available and seasonal ingredients, and then adds clear distillate from Cresco’s in-house lab, allowing for incredible taste and a focus on the ingredients. “They are developed through the eyes of a pastry chef, which means they are ingredient-driven from the flavor to the chocolate and produced in a way that keeps the customer’s experience top of mind. I just want to make people happy,” she said. Some brands fail because they focus on either only the cannabis or only the culinary content, leading to edibles that either work well or taste great, but not both. Because Segal is such a talented and experienced chef who has access to extremely clean concentrate, Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles is able to do both. “I think excellence should be an important feature of any product that sits on the shelf,” she continued. “Cannabis edibles have a reputation of being overly potent and providing a bad experience. I believe we can do better. We have an attention to detail and focus on flavor and consistency as the main element of our product line.” Segal has already experienced a lot of success with her product, but there are even bigger things in store for her company and Cresco Labs in general, with the dawning of cannabis legalization in Illinois. When that happens, Chicago will become another cannabis mecca. “We’re looking forward to lots of growth on the horizon, including legalization in our home state of Illinois,” she added. “We can’t wait to become hometown heroes. We’ll also be expanding the brand into California and Massachusetts in the next few months.” In addition to having her eyes on the prize as
“They are developed through the eyes of a pastry chef, which means they are ingredient-driven from the flavor to the chocolate and produced in a way that keeps the customer’s experience top of mind. I just want to make people happy.” far as local cannabis commerce is concerned, Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles is set on expanding nationwide and reaching
an even bigger audience. “I’d like to be on a beach in Fiji!” She laughed. “Just kidding; I’d like to see Mindy’s Edibles as a national brand leading the industry with the best tasting edibles and made available to all adults who want to partake.” As far as words of wisdom for other business owners, her advice is simple. “In running any type of successful business, I think compassion and culture are essential factors as well as setting a clear vision for the future and supporting the folks that help to bring it to life,” she said. Already reaching a high level of sure success, Segal’s journey of bringing award-winning artisanal cannabis confections to the masses is just the beginning. c www.mindysedibles.com
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GROWING CULTURE
GARDEN FEVER
(PART III)
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By Ed Rosenthal
ast month, I placed some seedlings that I had started about 15 days earlier in cups and planted them in my 32 square-foot water garden. The experiment suffered from a number of problems. First, the hydrocorn supporting the seedlings didn’t hold the seedlings securely enough to develop much of a root system. When the seedlings were placed in the water tray, they began to suffer. The first symptom was drooping leaves. That is an indication that roots are suffering from oxygen starvation. The tray was outfitted with an oxygen generation system using hydrolysis, but it wasn’t generating enough oxygen for the plants. I replaced it with six lines of irrigation tubing with holes 6” apart. This is attached to an air pump with an output of about 350 gallons of air per hour. This system solved the problem. Next, I noticed that the plants were suffering from both a magnesium deficiency and a slight calcium deficiency. These deficiencies were caused by a lack
The water unit is recovering from oxygen, pH and nutrient problems. 58
of these elements in the tap water. The reason for this is because most fertilizers are formulated for use with “average” water. For example, San Francisco Bay cities use runoff water, which has very little dissolved salts. Finally, I noticed that my pH meter was not performing correctly and was giving me incorrect readouts, resulting in plants suffering from a solution with a pH below five. This was just corrected a couple of days ago, and the plants are already in recovery. I have better news regarding the greenhouse garden. The plants there are doing fabulously. I have plants in two different systems drawing water from the same tray. The first uses clay pebbles. The 8” tall colanders are submerged 2” and above water 6”. A pump constantly delivers a gentle stream of water that flows over the pebbles, creating a water/nutrient film. Large air spaces between the pebbles provide the roots with plenty of air. The other group of plants uses a planting mix and is irrigated using a wick system. Nylon rope hangs from holes in the bottom of the containers into
One of the plants in the unit that has already started to recover.
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The greenhouse unit and tray on a table.
the tray. Water is drawn up to the container as it’s used by the plant by capillary action, the same way a tissue draws water. In addition, the container receives about eight ounces of water three times daily using a timer to regulate a small submersible pump. The plants have been doing really well, but are close to the 9’ ceiling. Looking at the situation, I realized the tray was sitting on a table. So I had some friends help me empty the tray of the plants, drain the water, remove the tray from the table and then place it on a Styrofoam board to stop heat transfer with the greenhouse floor, and then reassemble the unit. Then the tray was put back together. In late July, the plants were light-prepped for a midSeptember harvest. c
GARDEN TIP
It isn’t too late to plant with seed or clones outdoors or in a greenhouse in areas where it stays warm through the end of October. In other areas, plant in containers that can be moved outdoors on warm days and lit indoors on cool or rainy days. The plants will immediately start to flower as they grow and will be ready to harvest in 60-70 days.
The water systems are installed and tested.
The tray (now positioned lower) with plastic covering installed.
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COLORADO NOW! EVENT LISTINGS
Medical Provider Cannabis Forum, Aug. 8 Karen Randall, D.O., Libby Stuyt, M.D. and Brad Roberts, M.D. will provide three seminars on healthcare provider basics, potency problems and legal cannabis in emergency rooms. This forum is ideal for those who are serious about the benefits of cannabis and want to learn more about medical providers. Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment, Pueblo county.pueblo.org Telluride Jazz Festival, Aug. 9-11 Telluride is not only home to its annual Telluride Mushroom Festival, a psychedelic mushroom event, but it’s also home to the Telluride Jazz Festival, too, which showcases some of the country’s best jazz talent. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lettuce and Robert Randall & the Family Band will headline, along with dozens of other artists. Telluride Town Park, Telluride telluridejazz.org The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Aug. 16 The late John Lennon’s youngest son Sean is busy making strange and beautiful psychedelic music with Les Claypool, formerly of Primus, carrying on the tradition his father began as one of The Beatles. The duo is not afraid to fully support 60
cannabis efforts, after headlining at the latest High Times Cannabis Cup NorCal in Santa Rosa, California. Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue themishawaka.com 4th Annual Steers & Beers Whiskey and Beer Festival, Aug. 17 Hundreds of brews and whiskeys will be available as samples from dozens of vendors and booths, so things are most likely going to get turned up. As a bonus, get VIP status to arrive early, or enter to win the 2018 New Belgium cruiser bike, which will be at the DJ booth. The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, Colorado Springs steersandbeersbrewfest. com The Future of Cannabis, Aug. 21 Join General Assembly for a conversation with cannabis entrepreneurs, marketers and investors on the future of the cannabis industry. Cannabis legalization continues to explode in America, as it’s now legal recreationally in 11 states, which is bound to drive growth and line pockets with money. Industry RiNo Station, Denver generalassemb.ly Marijuana & Real Estate, Aug. 22 Discover how to deal with issues that may arise when
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featured event
STEVE MILLER BAND, AUG. 13
“I’m a joker; I’m a smoker; I’m a midnight toker,” vocalist Steve Miller famously sung in 1973, sealing his spot among noted rock ‘n’ roll smokers. If you’re tired of the current autotuned junk and mindless pop music on the radio, tune into yesteryear with Steve Miller Band—one of the mostloved, defining rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Mission Ballroom, Denver missionballroom.com selling or buying a property that is utilized for cannabis businesses. Best of all, this class offers two continuing education credits to all students or realtors who attend! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Innovative Real Estate, Denver herbanplanet.com Breckenridge Hogfest, Aug. 23 This festival is exclusively focused on bourbon and bacon—two of our favorite wicked indulgences. Live a little and try some whiskeys and bourbons from the event’s sponsor Buffalo Trace Distillery, plus sample spirits from over
30 distilleries from around the world while devouring delicious samples of bacon and pork dishes. Main Street Station, Breckenridge mainstreetstationbreck. com 420 Yoga Retreat Colorado Rockies, Aug. 23 Did you know that cannabis can enhance the yoga experience and make it more enjoyable? At 420 Yoga Retreats, therapeutic yoga is combined with CBD and other cannabis goodies for a definitive escape from the pressures of life! Aspen Canyon Ranch, Parshall 420yogaretreats.com
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NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY—BRIGHT IDEA Arby’s has turned the trend toward plant-based “burgers” on its head with the new Marrot: A carrot made out of meat. Vice reported that Arby’s has definitively rejected the plant-based meats movement. “(W)hat Americans really want . . . is great, tasty meat,” said Jim Taylor, Arby’s chief marketing officer. “So we said if others can make meat out of vegetables, why can’t we make vegetables out of meat?” The Marrot is made by rolling raw ground turkey
breast into a carrot shape, cooking it sous-vide for an hour, covering it with a special “carrot marinade,” and then oven-roasting it for another hour. Bon appetit! THE LITIGIOUS SOCIETY Tommy Martin, 58, of Mount Holly, North Carolina, hopes to see Hardee’s in federal court after a “humiliating” incident at a Belmont store in which Martin was given just two Hash Rounds on his breakfast plate, rather than the half-dozen or so depicted on the company’s website. Martin, who is black, told The News and Observer that he felt like he was in a scene from the segregated 1960s when he asked for more. “The manager came back and said that what you get. Got home with tear in mine eye,” Martin said in the handwritten lawsuit filed
June 24 in U.S. District Court in Charlotte. The cashier was prepared to give him more Hash Rounds, Martin said, but the manager, who is white, stepped in and gave him a refund instead. NIGHTMARE NEIGHBOR After her husband suffered a stroke in 2012, Junghee Kim Spicer, owner of the Yakima (Washington) Arts Academy, increased the number of piano students she taught in her home, angering neighbor Paul Patnode, who complained and forced Spicer to get a permit that limited the hours and number of students she could teach each day, reported the Yakima Herald. Spicer complied, according to court documents, but Patnode, unsatisfied, sued her and lost that case in 2014. Undeterred, Patnode changed tactics: From November 2015 through March 2016, he parked his diesel pickup truck next to Spicer’s home, remotely revving the engine and setting off the truck’s alarm each time a student walked by. Spicer and her husband won a $40,000 settlement in their resulting lawsuit, and on June 25, the Division III Court of Appeals upheld that ruling. Chief Judge Robert Lawrence-Berry wrote: “(Mr. Patnode) intended to achieve through harassment what he had been unable to achieve through legal means.” GOVERNMENT IN ACTION Health Canada has issued a seemingly obvious warning to consumers of Venus Simply3 razors: They pose a potential cutting hazard. CTV News reported that the four-packs, sold at Walmart, have been recalled because “the blades . . . can become
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misaligned . . . and pose a higher risk of cuts during use.” No one in Canada has reported being cut. TECHNOTOT Two-year-old Rayna McNeil of San Diego is an early adopter of online shopping. In late June, as Rayna played with her mom’s mobile phone, she managed to purchase a $430 couch from Amazon. Mom Isabella McNeil told KNSD she had been scrolling through some couches on her phone before handing it off to Rayna, but she didn’t realize the toddler had made the purchase until a few days later, when she got a “Your couch has shipped” alert. “I didn’t remember ordering a couch,” she said. It was too late to cancel the order, so McNeil plans to resell the item locally. “Lesson learned,” McNeil said. She will make sure apps are closed in the future. THE CLASSIC HEADLINE Police officers in Manchester, New Hampshire, were called to a local hotel on June 28 after Matthew Williams, 35, of Nashua was reported to be behaving “erratically”— shouting, throwing things and “acting aggressive,” according to Fox News. Officers called in a K9 unit, and when the dog entered the hotel room, Williams allegedly “wrapped his arms around the dog and struggled with him,” eventually growling and biting the dog on the top of the head, police said. Williams was charged with resisting arrest, simple assault and willful interference with police dogs; authorities said the dog was not harmed.
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