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inside
contents 11.2019
FEARLESS AND FREE
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Musician Melissa Etheridge’s mainstream success has led her to speak out for LGBTQ rights, raise money for charity and become an outspoken advocate for medical cannabis. ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY LAUREN DUKOFF
features 34
Seeking Support Cannabis events and retreats geared toward women are gaining in popularity across the nation.
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Industry Insider Dr. Priyanka Sharma, a chemical engineer at Kazmira, helps create high quality hemp oil that contains absolutely no THC.
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Intriguing Acids Dr. Raphael Mechoulam continues to further our understanding of cannabis, as he shares his latest scientific breakthrough.
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Synth Warrior LP Giobbi is an intensely passionate producer and DJ whose life is surrounded by music.
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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 News of the Weird 62 Colorado Now!
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Online Exclusive! d Scotland Supports Drug Decriminalization d Cannabis Dosage Proposed by Researchers
VOL 11 ISSUE 5
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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 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
State Tourism Board Includes Cannabis Tourism Training The topic of cannabis tourism has been a back and forth issue for Colorado ever since legalization went into effect in 2014. Legal cannabis draws tourists to Colorado, but the lack of safe places to consume cannabis has become apparent to everyone, including state officials. At the end of September, the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference was held. There were several panels and presentations to discuss all types of tourism issues and ideas in Colorado, including cannabis, which was endorsed and encouraged by Gov. Jared Polis. Only last year, a bill was passed that would allow businesses to apply for consumption permits. Now, the Colorado Tourism Office is offering cannabis training for
Colorado Lawmaker Sponsors the SAFE Banking Act The time has come for cannabis companies to receive the same banking benefits as other businesses. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill enacting the Secure and Fair Enforcement Act of 2019, or SAFE Banking Act, on Sept. 25, which passed in a landslide vote. Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter sponsored the bill, and if it continues to receive 10
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businesses with social use permits. Polis assigned cannabis advocate Wanda James to the state tourism board in August. “A key goal of the training is to position frontline workers across the state to inspire the visitors they serve to seek out more experiences, especially in the state’s lesser-known destinations, to generate powerful word-of-mouth and generate even more economic impact from travelers,” stated a press release from the Colorado Tourism Office.
approval, it would allow cannabisrelated businesses to have access to banking, which has long been denied by the federal government. Cannabis-related businesses would have access to checking and savings banking accounts. This would also simplify finances for cannabis companies, and it would be beneficial to those who need loans or liens of credit. Perlmutter said in a tweet, “This is a huge milestone in reforming federal cannabis laws and reducing the public safety risk in communities across the country.” The next step for the SAFE Banking Act is to move to the republican-dominated Senate for approval.
Australia to Fund Medical Cannabis and Cancer Research Australian officials will allocate A$3 million ($2.03 million USD) to study the benefits of medical cannabis on cancer patients. On Oct. 5, Health Minister Greg Hunt said that so far, 11,000 patients have been granted access to medical cannabis. “Our Government is committed to ensuring a safe, quality supply of medicinal cannabis to Australian patients, but only when it is prescribed by a medical professional,” said Hunt. “There have only been a limited number of well-designed clinical studies on medicinal cannabis, and we need to increase the evidence base to support medical professionals.” Hunt spoke at a fundraiser walk led by former CULTURE cover celebrity Olivia NewtonJohn, who is currently touting the beneficial effects of medical cannabis. Newton-John herself has utilized medical cannabis to battle a recurrence of stage 4 cancer.
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The estimated number of Pueblo County-based Los Sueños Farms’ cannabis plants that were lost due to an early storm and freezing temperatures in mid-October: (Source: KKTV)
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was collected in medical and recreational cannabis sales in Colorado in August: (Source: Westword)
173.2
20,000
The number of years since Colorado residents cast their votes in favor of Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis in the state: (Source: Politico)
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The percentage of women aged 18-44 years old who reported in a University of Denver study that they consumed cannabis daily during pregnancy: (Source: KDVR)
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The percentage of Canadians who said that recreational cannabis had no impact on productivity in the workplace: (Source: Newswire)
The estimated percentage of Australians who support cannabis legalization: (Source: Roy Morgan Research)
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The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that U.S. cannabis sales are expected to reach by 2023: (Source: New Frontier Data)
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The estimated number of cannabis industry leaders who signed a letter asking Congress to deschedule cannabis: (Source: National Cannabis Industry Association)
800
High Times Cannabis Cup Colorado 2019 WHEN: Thurs, Nov. 21 WHERE: The Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood WEBSITE: cannabiscup.com This one-day awards show is one-of-a-kind. Judges will be sampling the best cannabis and concentrates that Colorado has to offer. Cannabis Cups are a long-held tradition that began in 1988 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, which was the only place where consumption was legal at the time. Over 30 years later, Cannabis Cups take place in a growing number of states, multiple times each year. A small vendor 14
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village will be located outside of the venue where attendees can browse through trusted brands. As always, VIP ticket packages are available. Out-of-state IDs will be accepted, so long as the person is 21 years of age or older. Don’t miss this opportunity for fun and a break from your routine. Please refer to your local and state laws regarding cannabis possession and consumption.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Slow But Steady
Overturning minor cannabis-related convictions is off to slow start in Denver
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By Caroline Hayes
ack in December 2018, a promising announcement came from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s office regarding the expungement of lowlevel cannabis convictions for Denver residents. Since legalization took place with Amendment 64 in 2012, certain lowlevel cannabis-related crimes are no longer considered illegal. So, in December, Hancock began a citywide effort to help acquit them. According to that statement from the mayor’s office, more than 10,000 people were convicted of minor cannabis-related crimes in Denver between 2001 and 2013. Now that the laws have changed, Hancock says it’s unjust to still consider these convictions criminal acts, so he proposed an expungement program. Under this, people convicted of low-level cannabis infractions are eligible to have their cases reviewed and overturned. “For too long, the lives of low-income residents and those living in our communities of color have been negatively affected by low-level marijuana convictions,” Hancock said in a statement. “This is an injustice that needs to be corrected, and we are going to provide a pathway to move on from an era of marijuana prohibition that has impacted the lives of thousands of people.” In January, the Turn Over a New Leaf (TONL) Program was launched, which partnered with the Marijuana Information Group. Director of Communications for Excise and Licenses for the city and county of Denver, Eric Escudero, told CULTURE that the program covers the cost of clearing and sealing the records of those who apply. The group held five application clinics around Denver on various days and times so those with nontraditional work 16
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schedules could attend, Escudero said. The program formed a partnership with Lyft for a discount code, it offered food, free child care, translators and volunteer attorneys at the clinics to help people. “We did extensive community outreach, working with our industry and community partners to share details of the program and clinics on social media and by distributing flyers across all the neighborhoods that hosted clinics,” Escudero said. California has a similar expungement program for low-level cannabis convictions, but the state’s system is automatic. Unfortunately, in Colorado that is not the case. So, those who want to clear their records need to apply through the TONL Program. Escudero said that for Denver to automatically expunge low-level convictions, not only will the law need to change, but the state will need additional funding for groups to review past criminal records in the system. Flash forward to October 2019. Only 59 people have completed the program to have their records cleared and sealed. With that said, 458 have applied for the program, but 231 were out of jurisdiction and 143 were ineligible, leaving just 84 eligible. Escudero said that in an effort to expand applicants for the program, they’ve been visiting the jails in Denver to educate the inmates about the program and give them an opportunity to apply. Escudero is hoping that by doing so, more will apply and have their cases overturned. In addition to applying in person at the clinics held by the TONL Program, people may apply online, which offers English and Spanish translations. “The failed ‘War on Drugs’ has been going on for 50 years, so it is not possible to push a button and correct the many injustices of people of color being disproportionally impacted. It will take time,” Escudero said. TONL has gained national attention and has been receiving numerous applicants out of the program’s jurisdiction, including a large number of applicants from Florida. Escudero stressed that the program can’t turn over cases for crimes committed outside of Denver County or crimes that are still illegal or are not cannabis-related. “The bottom line is that we in Denver are proud of what we have accomplished so far. We are hopeful we will continue to get more people apply for the free Turn Over a New Leaf Program,” Escudero summed up. Denver is working on overturning as many convictions as possible. Escudero encourages everyone to apply at www.Denvergov.org/ ANewLeaf. c
Cannabis with Kirk Goble Guess what? Properties that are designed for cannabis businesses can be sold for up to four times the amount of normal properties! For anyone who is interested in cannabis-related real estate, this seminar is tailor made, just for you. Brought to us by Montrose Association of Realtors, this seminar will help attendees learn the actual value of their properties or brush up on real estate skills. Realtor Kirk Goble will walk through the impacts of taxes, current laws and how to deal with leasing issues and home inspections. Do yourself a favor— take the time to learn the tricks of the trade. Attendees can potentially save their businesses thousands of dollars in fines by avoiding pitfalls that will be covered in this course. WHEN: Fri, Nov. 15 WHERE: Montrose Association of Realtors, 125 Merchant Dr., Montrose WEBSITE: montro seassociationofre altors.com
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
Gastrointestinal Distress
Consuming cannabis for nausea is an effective treatment
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By Lanny Swerdlow, RN
lmost everyone has experienced nausea during their lifetime and most likely will continue to experience nausea sporadically throughout their life. This is because nausea has so many causative factors, and being nauseous on occasion is as likely as experiencing pain on occasion. Nausea can be acute and last briefly or it can be chronic and incapacitating, leading to debilitating vomiting and interfering with the ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is not a disease but a symptom of many internally and externally caused ailments such as gastrointestinal imbalances, motion sickness, anxiety, medication reactions, food poisoning and host of other disorders, both physical and psychological. Whether short-term or recurrent and chronic, there is a cornucopia of nausea medications called antiemetics. One of the most common, bismuth subsalicylate, works by protecting the stomach lining and is found in many over-the-counter medications like Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol. By blocking H1 receptors in the area of the brain, which create nausea, anti-histamines like Benadryl are effective in treating motion sickness and nausea caused by many medications. Like most antiemetics, cannabis does not cure the underlying ailment, but mitigates the symptoms. When activated by the THC and CBD cannabinoids found in cannabis, the endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body produce an antiemetic response as was noted in a study published in the
“When treating nausea, it is important to determine the THC/ CBD content of the cannabis.”
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October 2013 issue of British Journal of Pharmacology finding that THC and CBD “may have therapeutic potential in reducing nausea.” This was further confirmed in the February 2015 issue of Current Gastroenterology Reports, which reported that “Several cannabinoid receptors, which include the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), CB2 and possibly GPR55, have been identified throughout the GI tract. These receptors may play a role in the regulation of food intake, nausea and emesis.” More significantly, this anti-nausea property was found to be particularly effective in treating the extreme and debilitating nausea that comes from the chemo and radiation therapies used to treat cancer. As far back as 1975, a study published by The New England Journal of Medicine reported that “oral tetrahydrocannabinol has antiemetic properties and is significantly better than a placebo in reducing vomiting caused by chemotherapeutic agents.” The Institutes of Medicine’s 1999 groundbreaking study entitled “Marijuana as Medicine” noted “an inhalation (preferably not smoking) cannabinoid drug delivery system would be advantageous for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea.” Cannabis works to treat nausea and, other than making a person who is feeling poorly feel better, produces far fewer side effects than almost all current antiemetic medications, both over-thecounter and prescribed. When treating nausea, it is important to determine
the THC/CBD content of the cannabis. If you are feeling nauseous you might not want to experience effects that might intensify the feelings of nausea, so you should choose a cannabis with low THC and high CBD. The route of administration also needs to be one that does not aggravate the nausea. Although inhalation is a quick route to relief, in some people smoking can trigger additional feelings of nausea especially if they are already feeling nauseous. Use of a vaporizer should reduce the likelihood of additional nausea as no smoke is produced when vaporizing. A method that was possibly used by your grandparent or greatgrandparent to treat nausea was tincture of cannabis. Found in medicine cabinets just about everywhere, this solution of cannabis dissolved in alcohol or glycerin is taken sublingually (under-thetongue) with effects noticed within three to five minutes. Although the taste is not the most pleasant, it is unlikely to antagonize the nausea. Edibles are a doubleedged sword. If the nausea is being generated from or by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, getting the cannabis directly into the area where the nausea is occurring could be very beneficial. At the same time, the introduction of food products into the GI tract can intensify the ongoing nausea episode. Nausea may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to interfere with life. With preventative care and proper treatment that includes the use of cannabis, nausea can be mitigated, allowing the body to recover, regain strength and return to a state of healthful equilibrium. c
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REVIEWS
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2 1. Succulents Dry Pipe Some say that if you can’t keep a plant alive, then try your luck with a succulent, which is virtually impossible to kill. Now you can load your very favorite flowers into this creative Succulents Dry Pipe. You can’t tell by looking, but this work of art features glow-in-the-dark haworthia and aloe vera on top! Handcrafted by Empire Glassworks, if this assortment of glass succulents tickles your fancy, place your order now—quantities are very limited. Price: $95 More Information: empiresmokes.com 2. Subtle 420 Mug It’s 4:19—got a minute? If you’re into being subtle and bold at the same time, this simple and classy mug is calling your name. Depicting a simple clock that’s stuck on everyone’s favorite time, this black and white mug is perfect for your morning coffee, afternoon tea or even to hold your late-night cocktail. Live a little. After all, it’s always 4:20 when you’re drinking out of this adorable mug. Price: $19.99 More Information: etsy.com/shop/ mellowmanifesto
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3. Solid Glass 14in Couch Potato Bong Now this is what we’re talking about when we suggest some Netflix and chill. This Couch Potato Bong will literally allow the user to cozy up on the couch, lean all the way back in the comfiest position possible, and take a rip! For the cannabis consumer in your life who has just about everything, this clever smoking device is a hilariously perfect gift. Who doesn’t want to cozy up with a glass pipe and enjoy hours on top of hours of binge watching TV while exhaling clouds of smoke? Price: $129.99 More Information: 420science.com 4. Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts What’s our secret for staying warm, relaxed and rejuvenated after a long day standing on our feet? Burning a scented candle, lighting a joint and slipping into a hot bath that’s complete with a heaping scoop of Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts! Experience for yourself what all the hype is about. In addition to the benefits we love from allowing lab-tested CBD to absorb into our skin, this formula also contains Epsom salts, Himalayan salt, arnica, calendula petals, terpenes and essential oils. Let your tension melt away while your mind drifts off to a state of calm bliss. Price: $65 More Information: lordjones.com
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REVIEWS
entertainment
RELEASE DATE: NOV. 15
BOOK
AVAILABLE ON: PC, PS4 AND XBOX ONE
Billion Dollar Dimebag Jackson D. Tilley Post Hill Press Sobriety in the cannabis industry is an intriguing subject. While drug recovery centers are increasingly embracing cannabis in their treatment programs, it’s less common to hear of people who are sober from the plant yet still operate successfully within the industry. Author Jackson D. Tilley gives a firstperson dive into his experience, during his 20s climbing the professional ladder and finding sobriety along the way. Starting as an intern at a growing vape company based in Denver, Colorado, Tilley documents his journey as, alongside the company, he rises to huge success. Billion Dollar Dimebag also delves into his journey of sobriety, as well as commonly asked questions regarding the industry in general. (Jacob Cannon) 22
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MOVIE
MUSIC
GAME
Midsommar
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
III
Dir. Ari Aster A24
The Lumineers Dualtone Music
From the mind that delivered the twisted darkness of Hereditary, comes a new terror, just in time for Halloween, in the form the brilliant and horrifying Midsommar. Written and directed by Ari Aster, Midsommar follows the story of a group of college friends attending a seasonal festival in a remote Swedish village. While the festivities begin innocently, things quickly detour into a frightening and psychedelic descent into darkness as the friends begin to realize that the festival is radically different from what it appeared to be. Featuring some of the most gnarly, terrifying imagery to be brought to the screen, Midsommar is not one to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
Three years since the release of its sophomore album, Cleopatra, Denver folk rock/Americana band The Lumineers return with perhaps the most ambitious record of its career, III. Somewhat of a concept album about lives impacted by addiction that’s told in three chapters, III shows a band comfortable and confident in its sound and style, ready to tackle bigger and deeper themes than many of its folk-pop contemporaries. While many forays into concept releases can bring out a band’s most opulent and excessive tendencies, The Lumineers remains focused and tight while sounding just as big and enveloping as it ever has. (Simon Weedn)
Dev. Respawn Entertainment Pub. Electronic Arts Even after decades of Star Wars films, TV shows and comic books, there is no end to the stories that can be told. The franchise’s newest game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, takes place a few years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. This single-player game follows one of the last surviving Jedi, Cal Kestis, as he flees the grasp of the Galactic Empire. Players use Cal’s expert lightsaber skills and force abilities to defeat his enemies as they travel to new and familiar planets to discover something that’s “very precious to the Empire.” (Nicole Potter)
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PHOTOS BY LAUREN DUKOFF
Rock Goddess Melissa Etheridge continues to define her legacy through new music, activism and cannabis ventures
By Simon Weedn
F
or over three decades, Melissa Etheridge has been one of modern rock and pop music’s most powerful voices, as well as one of its most engaged activists. Though she had achieved moderate
success in the late ’80s, 1993 marked the year Etheridge both broke into the mainstream with her pivotal Grammy Award-winning album Yes I Am and fearlessly came out publicly as a lesbian. In the years that followed, Etheridge toured all over the world, enjoyed continued mainstream success with her music, and used her platform to speak out for LGBTQ rights and raise money for a variety of charities. In 2004, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and took a break from public life to undergo treatment. Ever since she successfully beat the disease with radiation therapy, Etheridge has become an avid supporter of cannabis legalization, telling CULTURE back in 2010 that “. . . cannabis during chemotherapy was just a lifesaver. It was a pain reliever; it gave me my appetite back . . . the benefits go on and on and on and on.” Her convictions would lead her to become one of the first famous women to enter the cannabis industry commercially. Recently, CULTURE got the chance to catch up again with Etheridge and hear all about writing new music and performing with 30-plus years of experience under her belt, as well as her cannabis business venture, Etheridge Farms, which anticipates a rollout of its new products in early- to mid-2020. CultureMagazine.com
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Oh Lord, between my children, my music and my cannabis, that’s pretty much my life! [‌] I enjoy it, but it takes a lot of focus, and the music is there to relieve me of my tension. 26
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You released a new record called The Medicine Show earlier this year, and 2019 is also the 30th anniversary of your second album, Brave and Crazy. What’s changed for you in your approach to record making between now and when you got started? Thirty years ago, it was the record that got you in front of people, it was the record company that promoted it, and you put a record out and you could tour behind it. The record always led everything. Over the last 30 years I’d gotten into a cycle of putting out a record pretty much every two years. I’d make the record, put it out, tour for a year, and continue touring while I was making the next one. A few years ago, it started changing. With the shrinking of the record and radio market, anything that wasn’t geared toward 13- to 17-year-olds didn’t have a space. My career then very much evolved, and I became much more of a live artist who every now and then gets to put out a record. Is it liberating to not feel the pressure to put out a record every two years? The funny thing is, I still make them every two years [laughs]. Just because it’s kind of a habit; it’s the rhythm. It’s funny though, because just the other day I was thinking, “Wow! I don’t have to go into writing if I don’t want to right now.” My cannabis business is requiring a lot of my attention right now, and so I thought, “It’s OK if I’m not running right back into writing a new album. It’s fine.” I think The Medicine Show is still just finding people, and the more I tour for it, then the more people will know it. I think I can take my time.
Is it still scary or intimidating to put new music out there after all these years, or does it just feel natural? I really enjoy social media now. When I used to put a record out, the only feedback I’d get were from people I knew personally, the record company, the radio maybe and reviewers. Once I went on tour, if people applauded, I’d think, “Oh, they liked that!” But I never got to get an immediate response from the fans, the ones I really make my music for, until about 10 years ago when I got on social media. To be able to hear instantly from people who left work, bought my album, listened to it, and let me know what they think of it, that makes it not as scary anymore. I remember that Rolling Stone didn’t even review Yes I Am, they just didn’t even touch it, and at the time I was saying, “Oh my God!” But a year later it was massive. So, I don’t get my feelings hurt like that anymore. When you go into writing mode, do you still draw on the same things for inspiration that you did earlier in your career? I draw inspiration from my life, so that’s what’s changed. Thank God I’m not going to write another “Am I Only One” because that’s a heartbreaking song; that came from a whole lot of pain. I’m glad I’m not writing that anymore. When I went through cancer 15 years ago, that was a really spiritual awakening and marked a big change in my life, so I wrote a lot from that. Now, I find myself in my late 50s, and I’m looking at the world, love, life and spirit. I’m drawing from the same things I’ve always drawn on, they’re just different now.
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Because of the regulations, the black market is still very strong, and it makes being in the regulated market and making a commitment to follow all the rules really expensive; it’s hard to be compliant. You mentioned earlier how your cannabis business is taking up more and more of your time, and that’s something we here at CULTURE are very fascinated by. Your company, Etheridge Farms, received its business license earlier this year. How exciting has that been for you? It has been an intense, exciting journey. Ten years ago I thought, “Ah, this’ll be a piece of cake!” And I jumped into the cannabis industry, and it has been a real journey, and I’ve learned a lot. I hooked up with a couple of very honest, respectable and credible people who manufacture and know the cannabis industry. I partnered up with them; they’re the ones in [Santa Cruz, California] where we got our license from, and we’re the first and only manufacturing license for cannabis in Santa Cruz County. With Etheridge Farms, the main focus is medicinal. I feel like so much
of the cannabis industry has lost sight and the opportunity to reach people about how great of a medicinal plant cannabis is. Can you tell us about the mission of Etheridge Farms and what you hope to achieve with it? The mission is to bring quality, organic medicine to people in order to alleviate pain and bring an understanding of wellness and where cannabis fits into that. How hands-on are you with product development? Oh, completely. My partners and my wife and I are ground up on this. That’s why I’ve gone through this, that’s why I didn’t white label, because I wanted to know about it from seed to shelf. I know exactly what’s happening here, because that’s the kind of medicine I want.
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My cannabis business is requiring a lot of my attention right now, and so I thought, ‘It’s OK if I’m not running right back into writing a new album. It’s fine.’ I think The Medicine Show is still just finding people, and the more I tour for it, then the more people will know it. I think I can take my time. You’ve mentioned in interviews that you want to help create representation for middle-aged women in the cannabis industry with Etheridge Farms. Why do you think they’ve been neglected? Because it’s not very sexy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had women come to me and say, “Explain all of this to me, because I can’t go into a dispensary.” They’re intimidated to go in because it’s not marketed to them—it’s marketed to people who already understand cannabis, are young and hip and are using it recreationally. If a woman wants help with menopause, she’s not going to go in and talk to a 23-year-old hipster. She’s not going to do that. These are women who have been taking Ambien and drinking wine every night and are done with it, 30
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because it’s taking a toll on them and their bodies. You’ve been an advocate for cannabis legalization for a long time now. Is it validating to see states and even the beginnings of the federal government starting to come around to legalization after so many years? It’s amazing! I love how far it’s come, but there’s still so much misinformation out there, and the regulations are almost impossible. Because of the regulations, the black market is still very strong, and it makes being in the regulated market and making a commitment to follow all the rules really expensive; it’s hard to be compliant. To get back to the music, you’ve got a bunch of dates coming up
to round out the end of the year. Earlier you talked about how your songwriting has changed over the years, how has your approach and appreciation for touring changed since you first started? I’ve grown so much as a performer and as a human being. It’s funny, I had some friends over from out of town the other night, and I’d just gotten this new TV. We were checking all the features on this smart TV—we found YouTube and started watching all of these old videos of me that I hadn’t seen in forever on this big massive screen [laughs]. I was watching myself from 1990 and thinking, “Aw!” And having an appreciation of how well I could do back then and also remembering my state of mind and how I never took any of it in. I think the big difference is that now I can take it in. I’m not a tortured 27- or 33-yearold—I believe in myself. I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I’ve got to be good at it or I wouldn’t be able to do it, and I’m able to relax and go, “Wow! I enjoy this!” About 10 years ago I started playing more lead guitar, I mean like really getting up and playing guitar deeply and practicing, and it has made my joy of performing just triple. I’m not just singing and accompanying myself, now I get to stand up there and play guitar solos and I really, really enjoy that. My experience of performing has deepened, and I’m just so grateful. In addition to all of these wonderful things you’ve got going on, do you have any other additional ambitions for yourself, your music or your companies in this year and beyond? Oh Lord, between my children, my music and my cannabis, that’s pretty much my life! Really though, with the cannabis business we are set to finally put out product by the end of summer 2020, so that’s taking a lot of my focus. I enjoy it, but it takes a lot of focus, and the music is there to relieve me of my tension. I’m just living life. c
www.melissaetheridge.com
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Emerging Events Women are finding camaraderie and support at female-focused cannabis events “We became determined to create environments where women could shift the focus onto themselves and create opportunities for bravery and exploration using cannabis connections as the base for gatherings.” 34
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By Caroline Hayes Women-focused destination events are a popular trend that has grown over the last few years. More and more, women are creating spaces and holding events and retreats to come together to support, uplift and connect with one another. This is happening in all wellness sectors with no exception for cannabis, thanks to legalization efforts that are sweeping the nation. Women are joining forces to educate and enlighten others on cannabis and wellness concepts and to promote female ideals. CULTURE is bringing you this roundup of some of the most active women-centric retreats, events and groups.
Glowing Goddess Getaway is a cannabis social club for women founded by Deidra Bagdasarian and Sailene Ossma. The membership-only group regularly comes together to connect with each other through cannabis-oriented wellness retreats. Glowing Goddess hosts several events per year, with 10 retreats on the calendar for 2020. Destinations range globally from Jamaica to Mexico and the West Coast of the U.S. What started as a “weed retreat,” has evolved into a strong community of women, said the founders. Between the retreats, the Glowing Goddess community leaders host Sisterseshes in a few major cities every Sunday at 4:20 p.m., and members of the Glowing Goddess Tribe gather to celebrate in a cannabis ritual. The Sisterseshes are agenda-less and are strictly for connecting and relaxing.
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Lady Jane Society is an organization committed to building a strong community by empowering women in cannabis through real conversations about the plant and its industry. The Women in Cannabis Central Valley Retreat was Lady Jane’s first retreat held last month in October. The two-day celebration was a place for women to network, build community, discuss supply chain issues and learn how to take political action. The days were filled with morning cannabis sessions, poolside yoga, sound healing, healthy food and an award ceremony. Kyra Reed, co-founder of Lady Jane Society told CULTURE, “I attended New West Summit the week following our event. I had three women approach me, separately from one another, and tell me that they are asking for what they want now and that was their big takeaway from the weekend. This is truly empowering. Women are feeling more able to ask, voice their opinion and share their struggles. All things that empower women to take more control of their destiny and succeed. We will continue to support women in building their communities and raise their voice—together.” Reed also said that Lady Jane Society plans to hold the Women in Cannabis Retreat in Central Valley, California every year. Tokeativity® is a global community for women. The nonprofit social club supports cannabis from a women’s perspective and honors the feminine experience by hosting retreats and events that seek to empower women and reduce the negative stigma that surrounds cannabis. Since the organization’s launch in 2017, founders Lisa Snyder and Samantha Montanaro told CULTURE that Tokeativity® has hosted more than 100-multigenerational women-centric events in dozens of cities. “We became determined to create environments where women could shift the focus onto themselves and create opportunities for bravery and exploration using cannabis connections as the base for gatherings. It is from this center point that we have grown into a global community.” At a Tokeativity® event, women can expect cannabis consumption, tarot card readers, yoga teachers, massage therapy, reiki practitioners, crafts and more. “We receive messages weekly about how we have helped change women’s lives simply by creating a space for them to be themselves, explore their creativity and find their inner strength,” Snyder said. The first Tokeativity® conference is to be held in 2020 in the organization’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. Ganjasana is a Colorado-based women’s group that hosts cannabis-influenced yoga retreats. Ganjasana believes that women can 36
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“Women are feeling more able to ask, voice their opinion and share their struggles. All things that empower women to take more control of their destiny and succeed. We will continue to support women in building their communities and raise their voice—together.” connect with each other on a deeper level by celebrating a ritual of smoking cannabis together. Earlier this year, Ganjasana hosted a weekend wellness retreat in Nederland, Colorado to facilitate a positive relationship with cannabis as medicine through yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Ganjasana’s retreats are designed to build strong relationships with fellow women, nature and cannabis in a safe and sacred space. Ayurvedic self-care practices, ancient plant ceremonies, healthy food and time spent in nature are important components at Ganjasana retreats. Last but not least, is Women Grow. Founded in Denver, Colorado in 2014, this organization was designed to educate, empower and inspire women in the cannabis industry with the belief that professional success is driven by personal connections. In turn, it hosts a variety of weekly events nationwide, which include professional networking, social gatherings, education symposiums, national speaking circuits and a yearly leadership summit. We have yet to see a big retreat from Women Grow but the organization actively holds monthly events and workshops nationwide. Something magical happens when women gather. The amount of camaraderie that is created results in confidence, self-reflection and growth, both for individuals and the industry as a whole. Women-centric cannabis retreats and events create a safe place for participants to be heard, to ask questions and to facilitate relationships with other women. The groups we mentioned are putting a female face on the cannabis plant and wellness sectors in hopes to make a global impact for generations to come. c
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In d u s try I n s id er
Engineering Endeavors The layers of expertise behind Dr. Priyanka Sharma’s company ensure consumers have access to safe products
By R. Scott Rappold Drive around rural Colorado these days and you’re apt to see hemp—fields and fields of it, growing legally in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Industrial hemp is booming, fueled by nationwide demand for CBD products, legitimized by the federal government in the 2018 Farm Bill. But how can consumers be sure that a CBD tincture is really free of THC, the psychoactive ingredient of the cannabis plant? Ask a chemical engineer. At Kazmira LLC, there are several of them on staff, working out of a massive, 200,000-square-foot plant outside of Denver. It just might be the largest extracts company you’ve never heard of, though if you’re a CBD consumer, you’ve probably enjoyed its products. “We’re still finding out about all of the uses for CBD oil, and there’s so much runway for industrial hemp, in terms of the fiber and all the ancillary uses of the plant,” says Co-founder Dr. Priyanka Sharma, a chemical engineer. “I think there’s so much that can be done with just the plant, there’s only more growth that we’re seeing.”
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C hemical Background The name Kazmira comes from the Kashmir region of India, where hemp has been used for thousands of years. Dr. Sharma’s parents are from India, though she grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area. Her father is a chemical engineer, and she always saw herself following in his footsteps. She even married another chemical engineer. After obtaining her doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Sharma went on to work in highly technical areas, such as “molecular modeling of functionalized gold nanoparticles with various ligands and their behavior in biological systems” and “developing a predictive model to understand chiral separations of orphan drugs.” But she had been hearing about the growth of industrial hemp, and nowhere had more growing than Colorado. So, in 2017 she and her husband moved there and launched Kazmira. The goal was to use their scientific backgrounds in oil, gas and pharmaceuticals to build a company for extracting CBD from the plant using strict standards. “The reason we decided to start Kazmira is there was a gap in technology companies in this space. We wanted to lend our expertise to making quality and safe extracts for industrial hemp. We wanted to
“The reason we decided to start Kazmira is there was a gap in technology companies in this space. We wanted to lend our expertise to making quality and safe extracts for industrial hemp. We wanted to continue our passion for engineering and apply it to the hemp space.” continue our passion for engineering and apply it to the hemp space,” she said. Other companies, she explained, were operating in “pretty unsafe environments,” using outmoded equipment, without the kind of quality control or manufacturing standards she was used to, without processes for keeping pesticides and other contaminants out of the finished product. “We realized there were a lot safer and more efficient processes that we could apply to this industry to make these hemp extracts.”
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T ruly THC-free Kazmira’s “TruSpeKtrum technology platform” allows the company to produce hemp oil that is guaranteed to be free of THC. While many companies claim to do likewise, federal standards allow a CBD product to legally contain up to three parts of THC for every thousand parts of oil by weight. The oil that comes out of Kazmira has no detectable level of THC, the company boasts. Among its 30 employees are eight scientists with PhDs, two with master’s degrees and two medical doctors. The team works with farmers, mostly in Colorado, to get hemp plants that are free of pesticides and other contaminants, and Kazmira has the capacity to process thousands of pounds a day. So, why have you never seen a Kazmira oil or tincture on a store shelf? The company only produces the oil, selling it to other companies, which sell the finished product. Dr. Sharma explained, “We’re able to provide them with a product that meets specifications retailers care about—free of pesticides, toxins and microbials. We are able to guarantee their CBD source is safe.” And given the booming popularity of CBD as treatment for a whole variety of ailments, from anxiety to inflammation, and given that these products can legally be sold anywhere in the U.S., Dr. Sharma expects Kazmira to continue growing and expanding what can be extracted from the hemp plant. “The runway is a lot longer right now for hemp because anybody from a child to an adult can take a hemp extract and they can access it as well,” she said. “I think there’s so much that can be done with the plant that there’s only going to be more growth.” c kazmira-llc.com
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Effective Acids The “Father of THC” reveals more groundbreaking discoveries about cannabis
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By Jacob Cannon
Famed Israeli cannabis researcher and professor of medicinal chemistry, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, has provided the scientific community with some of the most groundbreaking information about cannabinoids. First identifying and mapping the cannabinoids THC and CBD in 1963 and 1964, plus publishing clinical tests about CBD in 1980, his discoveries continue today. Dr. Mechoulam’s latest discovery holds great potential and could lead to
PHOTOS BY YITZ WOOLF
treatments for anxiety, arthritis and psoriasis. While giving a keynote speech at medical cannabis conference CannMed 2019 in late September, the “Father of THC” announced that THC acids found in cannabis hold great potential for the future of medicine. He explained that along with his team, he has developed a method for creating acids out of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids, and there are now licensing opportunities for companies that would like to utilize these acids to develop drugs to treat some common ailments.
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It is believed by Dr. Mechoulam that CBD and THC acids could hold more potent and effective medical benefits in comparison to the cannabinoids CBD and THC. One of the compounds includes cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, or HU-580, which could be more effective than CBD for treating anxiety and nausea. “CBD acid (in its stable methyl ester form) is more active than CBD in the tests it has been evaluated,” Dr. Mechoulam told CULTURE. “THC acid has not been well investigated, but it does not seem to be psychoactive. More work is needed on the huge variety of effects seen with CBD.” He further explained that compounds like HU580 could potentially treat certain nausea and anxiety disorders. Dr. Mechoulam and his team were able to stabilize synthetic acids and determine their efficacy for a variety of problems. This groundbreaking research was quite the team effort, as it was a collaboration between six universities in Israel, a startup called EPM, Dr. Mechoulam, agencies in the U.K. and Canada, a topical cream company and a publicly traded laboratory company. Dr. Mechoulam is the head of research at EPM. Hopefully it doesn’t take pharmaceutical companies decades to put Dr. Mechoulam’s latest research to good use. It took over 30 years for his published clinical trials with CBD to be utilized by modern medicine.
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GW Pharmaceuticals, the company that holds a patent for CBD drug Epidiolex, utilized Dr. Mechoulam’s research in order to create their drug, which is used to treat seizures for two rare forms of epilepsy. Dr. Mechoulam’s interest in chemistry and work with natural products goes back to the early 1960s. His research typically focuses on the cannabis plant, as he was one of the first researchers to see great potential in it. “I’m a chemist,” Dr. Mechoulam told CULTURE. “I work with natural products, and I was looking for something important in natural products in plants, and I was surprised to find out that while morphine had been isolated from opium nearly 150 years previously and so was cocaine, from coca leaves, the chemistry of cannabis was not wellknown, and I thought it was a good topic to do research on.” c
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Mindful Mixing LP Giobbi sets the scene with gorgeous beats By Addison Herron-Wheeler
Many artists work hard for years to make it in the extremely oversaturated producer/DJ scene, so it’s a major testament to LP Giobbi’s success that she caught the eye of Sofi Tukker at a show, got invited on tour and has been a smash hit ever since. Far from a one-hit wonder, however, Giobbi is hustling all the time with non-stop touring and shows. She took a break from her busy schedule to chat with CULTURE about her ethics, dreams and success so far.
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P H O T O B Y L E X R YA N
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How did you first get your start? A while back, I was asked to play with an all-girl electronic band. I didn’t know much about synthesizers, but if you know music theory and how to play piano, you can figure out the rest. So I spent the next four years in a garage teaching myself sound design and synthesis, how to play synthesizers on-stage, and how to produce and use Ableton and other programs. Finally, I ended up playing a gig at a live music festival, because they needed someone to fill in. It turned out to be a horrible gig, but Sofi Tukker was there, and she asked me if I would want to go on tour as a DJ. I said I wasn’t really a DJ, but she said, “Are you coming or not?” So, I had to go! How did that lead into you doing more of your own projects? It’s really exciting, because playing music on-stage gives me an idea of what I want to do and the kind of music I want to play. I started making music while I was on the road and started playing it out, and I was able to test what was working and what wasn’t. It’s really fun to get to see what works in a live setting. Do you have anything specific you’re working on right now? I have some new music [that came out at the end of October], and I’m super pumped. It’s very tribal and hardhitting, and I collaborated with some amazing artists. There’s a lot of music I’m working on right now, and I can’t wait for it to come out. Do you have any tours going on currently? There’s a lot more touring in the works. Right now, I’m on this U.S. run with Sofi Tukker. When I have days off, I’m able to go play other shows as well, and that’s the first time I’ve really been doing that. And next, I’m going to Europe on tour, so I have things going on for the rest of the year. I’m really excited, really because this is the first time I’ve added a few extra drum machines to the show. It’s been really fun to learn as I go and get to go on the road with some new toys. 50
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“I think that female freedom to choose whatever career path you want, freedom to choose what you want to put in your body, and in general the freedom to choose for a woman, I think it’s all very tied.”
that I’ve always looked up to and respected. It feels like such a wonderful time to be doing this and to be providing these opportunities.
Tell us about what Femme House is, and how are you involved? When I first started producing, it was from sheer feminist stubbornness. When I first started playing music, I was surrounded by male producers. They were great, and I had a great experience, but I didn’t know many other female producers. So, I thought, “Oh my gosh, that’s a role I could have.” Living in LA, I was meeting so many talented women, and I just wanted to kind of change the narrative and get as many of the men in the room as possible. We’re doing free monthly workshops right now in LA, and we’re extending to New York next year. It’s a safe space for women and nonbinary people to learn how to use Ableton and how to program drums and record vocals and basically just make a song. So far, we have some awesome support from Roland and Ableton, and it’s just been really, really overwhelming and completely inspiring to see all the support that we’ve gotten from these companies
Does cannabis advocacy tie in with the other things you advocate for? I think that female freedom to choose whatever career path you want, freedom to choose what you want to put in your body, and in general the freedom to choose for a woman, I think it’s all very tied. I also think decriminalizing opens up doors for people that can help them medically, with depression, and with creative flow. I think it does a lot of good.
PHOTO BY XANDER WRIGHT
Has cannabis impacted your life? I don’t personally smoke, but I grew up with hippie parents who were Deadheads, and cannabis has always been a huge part of my life. I always have been blown away that alcohol was so easy to access, and much more so than pot, because there are so many issues associated with alcohol.
Is there anything else you wanted to mention? There’s a really cool project I am doing with Sofi Tukker where we go into clubs and make them into neon jungles. People can rave all night and dress up like animals. It’s a really fun part of the culture that we’re building and the community that we’re building, and it’s all about finding your inner child and the fact that [when] one of us shines, the more we all shine. It’s a big, important part of my ethos. c lpgiobbi.com
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“I don’t personally smoke, but I grew up with hippie parents who were Deadheads, and cannabis has always been a huge part of my life.”
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Endlessly Thankful
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By Laurie Wolf
side from 420, Thanksgiving is the best non-denominational holiday out there. If you spend the day sans-kids, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your cannabis-infused starters, dosed gently for a mellow and relaxing time. Infusing the starters allows you to enjoy the meal without hesitation, from apps to dessert, delightfully under the influence of this magical herb. We have found that a little bit of cannabis goes that extra mile to keep stress low and spirits high. The cannabis strain that we used this year was Bliss Berry. We have found that this strain adds a brightness to each recipe, and to our mood, which is a total win-win.
Bacon Wrapped Dank Dates
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I N G R E D I E N T S:
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
32 pitted dates
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
4 tablespoons goat cheese 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused butter 16 bacon slices, cut in half
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Serves
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2. Place the dates on your work surface and with a small, knife make a slit in each and spread open. 3. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese with the butter until well mixed.
PHOTOS BY BRUCE WOLF
4. Divide the mixture and press into each date, closing them up after filling. 5. Wrap the bacon around each stuffed date. 6. Place the dates baconseam down on a baking sheet. 7. Bake until the bacon is cooked and crisp, about 10 minutes.
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I N S T R U C T I O N S: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Let cream cheese come to room temperature in bowl and set aside. In sauté pan melt unsalted butter and cannabisinfused butter over low heat. Low heat is key to ensure minimal cook-off of THC. Serves
Spinach and Canna Kale Dip I N G R E D I E N T S: 1 cup softened cream cheese 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2/3 cup sour cream
1 1/4 cups parmesan cheese (set aside 1/4 cup for topping before baking), grated
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1 cup cleaned and dried fresh kale, chopped 1 cup of drained/
1/2 teaspoon salt
chopped and thawed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
frozen spinach 1/4 cup plain bread
Pinch of ground nutmeg
crumbs
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
3/4 cup canned artichokes, chopped
3. Once butter mixture is melted add the chopped garlic and cook over low heat for two minutes. Turn off heat and allow mixture to cool. 4. Add to the bowl of softened cream cheese the mayo, sour cream, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, pinch of ground nutmeg, chopped jalapeños and artichokes. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. 5. Add kale and spinach to cheese mixture and blend to combine. 6. Last, add the butter and garlic mixture and blend to combine for three minutes. This step is the most important to ensure even distribution of THC throughout the recipe. 7. Pour dip into oven safe dish and top with breadcrumbs and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. 8. Bake for 20 minutes.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
I N G R E D I E N T S:
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
12 thick slices crusty olive bread, toasted on both sides
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serves
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
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2 tablespoons cannabisinfused olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups cherry tomatoes 1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut in strips 1 garlic clove, minced Coarse salt and pepper
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2. Place the bread on your work surface. Rub one side of the bread with the garlic cloves. Drizzle or brush the bread with the cannabis-infused olive oil. 3. On a baking sheet toss the olive oil with the tomatoes, pepper and garlic. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have lost their shape and the pepper has started to turn golden brown. 4. Divide the tomato mixture between the bread slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. CultureMagazine.com
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GROWING CULTURE
Garden Fever (Part VI)
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By Ed Rosenthal
he garden has been in harvest mode for the past month. The first plants to ripen were the Gelatos, both in the greenhouse and outdoors. The ER Superbuds, which were forced to flower barely out of clonehood, followed about a week later. These plants grew no branches, just a straight stem surrounded by buds. There were also a couple of sativas that grew well vegetatively, but never really budded out. The light wasn’t bright enough for them. They were wasting in this garden, and they took up space, but were not worth harvesting. It was only in mid-season that I learned they were not clones but seedlings from an untested cross! Oh well. Now there are only two plants from the greenhouse and three of the outdoor plants left. They need another 10 days to finish, and luckily the forecast for the next week is sunny and partly cloudy weather with highs in the 70s, which is perfect weather for plant ripening. The position of the sun has changed with the season, placing it lower on the horizon. It casts more shade than direct light on the yard. I moved all of the plants to the sunniest section of the garden, close to a white wall that reflects light back to them. This increases the total light they receive, including ultraviolent type B (UVB), which is blocked by plastic. Meanwhile, the plants are in various stages of drying/curing. When they were cut they were hung,
The greenhouse before the plants were harvested. 58
Immature bud. It will ripen within 10 days.
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unmanicured. The drying area has a bit of ventilation and a temperature that stays in the 60s and a humidity that remains in the 50 percent range. This is a great temperature/ humidity combo for a slow dry/cure. The first plants are smokable, dry and have been manicured. They have been placed in a jar
Three plants are still ripening.
An ER Superbud drying.
with a humidity pack to keep them fresh. So far, I have manicured Gelato that consists of small, dense buds that have a fruity odor. The smoke expands a bit, and the first part of the effect comes on quickly, then envelopes you with its rhythm. It’s a good bud to socialize with. c
Bowl of Gelato buds. They would have been tighter if they had more light.
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NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY—UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Jennifer Colyne Hall, 48, of Toney, Alabama, was distraught when she called the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office dispatch on Oct. 2, so officers were sent to call on her. Public information officer Steven Young told The News Courier the officers first approached Hall’s landlord, who told them she had been “acting strangely” and hinted she might be on drugs. When the officers spoke to Hall, she produced a clear bag from a baby wipes container and told them, “I want this dope tested” because she feared the methamphetamines in the bag had possibly been tainted with another drug. Asked if she had consumed the drugs, Hall said she had, but couldn’t remember when. She was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and was held at the Limestone County Jail. INEXPLICABLE A front-door camera in McDowell County, North Carolina, twice captured a bold loiterer on the home’s porch: a naked man. Sheriff’s officers arrested Denny Lynn Dover, 45, in early October after identifying him by his distinctive tattoos, The McDowell 60
News reported. Dover had visited the home in April and again on Oct. 3, when he attempted to break in. He was charged with firstdegree burglary and held on $50,000 bond. Dover isn’t new to a life of crime: He also has convictions for arson, drug possession, larceny, peeping and breaking in. The Louisville Courier Journal reported that Knox County (Kentucky) Sheriff’s deputies arrested Barrett L. Sizemore, 48, of Heidrick, on Oct. 4 for theft of a “honey wagon”—a septic cleaning truck—in Barbourville. The truck went missing on Oct. 2, and authorities located it in a barn in Laurel County, not far from where Sizemore was arrested. He is being held on a $10,000 bond. UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES An unidentified 89-year-old woman who has had previous trouble with trespassers on her remote property outside Piru, California, was hospitalized on Oct. 5 after her attempt to shoo away a group of nine people went wrong. After spotting the interlopers, she warned them away and fired two rounds from her rifle into a hillside to “emphasize her point,” Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Buschow told the Los Angeles Times. As the group retreated, the woman pursued them in her pickup truck to be sure they were leaving and pointed her gun at them. One man
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tried to talk with her, but she couldn’t hear him, so he opened the door of her truck and grabbed the gun barrel. “In the process,” Buschow said, “she fell out of the truck (and) unbeknownst to (the man), the truck was still in gear, so the rear wheel drove over her leg, continued to roll and went off a cliff.” She was airlifted to a hospital with injuries to her ankle, and neither party wanted to press charges, so no arrests were made. An unidentified man in Phoenix, Arizona became angry at his upstairs neighbors for making too much noise on Oct. 6. He first tried banging on their door around 11:20 p.m., but then returned to his apartment and fired several shots into his ceiling—one of which apparently ricocheted and hit him in the face, according to the Arizona Republic. Although no one else was injured, the shooter was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition. OVERREACTIONS An apparent dispute over pigeons at Pershing Field in Jersey City, New Jersey, has resulted in Charles Lowy, 69, facing eight years in prison for reckless manslaughter, according to The Jersey Journal. In April 2018, Lowy stabbed former schoolteacher Anthony Bello, 77, to death after they argued about Lowy’s habit of feeding pigeons in the park. Lowy’s attorney called Bello the “mayor of the block” and said he was the aggressor in the altercation, and
that Lowy had stabbed him in self-defense. Hudson County Superior Court Judge Sheila Venable sentenced Lowy on Oct. 4; he must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. OOPS! Tina Springer, 44, was the passenger in a car driven by Brent Parks, 79, as they stopped to let a train pass in Enid, Oklahoma, on Oct. 3. Parks’ yellow Labrador retriever chose that moment to jump from the back seat onto the center console, causing a .22 caliber handgun stored underneath to discharge and strike Springer in the left thigh. The Enid News and Eagle reported that Parks, whom Springer is a caretaker for, told police he doesn’t usually carry the weapon loaded. Springer was taken to a hospital for treatment. Homeowner Linda Taylor-Whitt of Lynwood, Illinois, and her family returned home from a birthday dinner on Oct. 5 to find “a wheel coming through my washroom ceiling” in an upstairs bathroom. Taylor-Whitt, who lives about a mile from Lansing Municipal Airport, told the Chicago Tribune she “didn’t know what kind of wheel it was at first. I guessed it was an airplane wheel,” she said. But it was from a helicopter, according to Amy Summers of SummerSkyz Inc., a helicopter flight school in Lansing. When Summers heard about the incident, she knew she’d found the ground-handling wheel
she’d been missing, and called Taylor-Whitt to apologize. The wheel had apparently been left on one of the company’s helicopters during flight and fell off. Taylor-Whitt was relieved the damage wasn’t worse: “I am glad— thank you, Lord—that it was a wheel instead of a plane because it could’ve been so bad.” BRIGHT IDEA Springfield, Missouri, authorities have come up with a clever campaign to curb pet waste in the downtown area, the Associated Press reported. Piles of dog poop are being tagged with recycled paper flags sporting messages such as: “Is this your turd? ‘Cuz that’s absurd,” and “This is a nudge to pick up the fudge.” The city noted it spends $7,500 a year to pick up 25 pounds of waste per week from downtown parks and parking lots. AWESOME! Open your wallet: If you have enough scratch, you can buy a customized pair of Nike Air Max 97s dubbed “Jesus Shoes” from a Brooklyn, New York, company called MSCHF. Introduced online Oct. 8, the shoes have 60ccs of holy water from the Jordan River injected into the soles “so you can literally walk on water,” noted Cosmopolitan, a crucifix in the laces, red insoles harkening to Vatican traditions, and a Matthew 14:25 inscription. They are also scented with frankincense and sport a godly white and light blue colorway. The Jesus
Shoes originally sold for $1,425, but are now fetching anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $11,000. LEAST COMPETENT DRIVER In downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Oct. 8, an unnamed elderly driver managed to flip her Honda Accord and injure herself, her passenger and several pedestrians while trying to . . . parallel park. According to CTV News, as she tried to back into a parking spot, the driver accelerated, jumping the curb and slamming into an immigration office before coming to rest on the sidewalk. Vancouver Police Sgt. Aaron Roed called the incident “a strange accident” and wished all the injured “a speedy recovery.” CHUTZPAH! Sure, there are probably plenty of stolen goods for sale on Facebook Marketplace, but according to authorities in Oklahoma City, Vicki Treaster, 36, went big: She’s been charged with stealing a metal garage and posting it for sale for $1,500. Coincidentally, the original owner was browsing Marketplace when he saw Treaster’s ad, which included photos of two people taking his building apart, and notified police. KOCO reported Treaster changed her story several times when questioned by police about how she came to own the building, according to court documents. Treaster was charged in early October with grand larceny. CultureMagazine.com
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COLORADO NOW! EVENT LISTINGS
Tribal Seeds, Nov. 8 One of San Diego, California’s top reggae acts is Tribal Seeds, led by the talented Jacobo brothers. The band is currently working on its seventh full-length album, which is reportedly scheduled to be released in 2020, so you will most likely hear some new material during the set. Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins aggietheatre.com
2019 Ramen-O-Rama!, Nov. 16 Apparently people like Ramen noodles so much that they felt a festival was needed to make the obsession official! If you love turning ordinary Ramen noodles into a fine, flavorful pad Thai dish, or some other type of fine dish, then this is the perfect festival for you. River North Festival Grounds, Denver ramen-o-rama.com
Nitro Fest 2019, Nov. 9 Now in its fifth year, Nitro Fest is back to take over Longmont—and your liver. “The world’s only nitro-exclusive beer” festival features nitro beers alongside circus acts, fire spinners and an assortment of wild costumes that will make up a truly unique event. Left Hand Brewing Company, Longmont lefthandbrewing.com
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Nov. 16 If you didn’t already know that “symphonic metal” exists— now you do. Since 1996, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a band from Tampa, Florida has become almost synonymous with the holiday season with its Nutcracker-like sound and heavy airplay during the holidays. Pepsi Center, Denver pepsicenter.com
Gameland Gaming For Peace Festival, Nov. 16 The purpose of this festival is to raise awareness about violence that sweeps the nation, and provide some of the ways that we might be able to prevent horrific acts. Play video games, listen to good music—and help fight the lingering stigma that video games are somehow linked to violent acts, which is untrue. GameWorks Denver, Denver gameworks.com/locations/ denver
Home of Heroes Spirit and Brewfest, Nov. 16 Presented by Barrel Brothers Liquor and Spirits of the Rockies Distillery, Home of Heroes Spirit and Brewfest is back to provide a fun-filled excursion into local beers. Every attendee will receive a goody bag and have the chance to sample libations from over 70 breweries, 10 distilleries and five wineries. Pueblo Convention Center, Pueblo puebloconventioncenter. com
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featured event
POST MALONE, NOV. 10
Post Malone’s pre-roll line called Shaboink was unveiled last year at the Hall of Flowers in California, and it features terpene-infused hemp flower. The rapper is undoubtedly one of the most visible and most-booked artists of 2019, now riding on the success of his latest singles including the radio-friendly hit “Circles.” Pepsi Center, Denver pepsicenter.com
All Colorado Beer Festival, Nov. 21 All Colorado Beer Festival will donate $49,000 to local nonprofits this year, bringing its total donations over the years to $513,900. Sample craft brews and spirits, with seven new brewers this year, all while you listen to music and have a great time. Chapel Hills Mall, Colorado Springs allcoloradobeerfestival. com
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Show, Nov. 23 Watch the new comedy film installment with Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes! For decades, the loveable duo Jay and Silent Bob have appeared in numerous films, and the latest, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, is the first time Mewes starred alongside Smith in a film in the View Askewniverse, or in the Smith films’ universe. The Lyric, Fort Collins rebootroadshow.com
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