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NOVEMBER 2019 CultureMagazine.com
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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 28
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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Synth Warrior LP Giobbi is an intensely passionate producer and DJ whose life is surrounded by music.
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departments news
08 News Nuggets 10 By the Numbers 12 Local News 14 Legal Corner reviews 16 Cool Stuff 18 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 34 À La Carte 36 Growing Culture
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Online Exclusive! d Scotland Supports Drug Decriminalization d Cannabis Dosage Proposed by Researchers
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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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kim Cook, Casey Roel OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 36500 Ford Rd #348 Westland, MI 48185 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Marijuana Regulatory Agency Expands Social Equity Program Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) presented its updated Social Equity Program in Kalamazoo on Oct. 7. In order to qualify for the program, applicants must live in one of the 19 designated communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the “War on Drugs.” “Today, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency announced an expansion of its Social Equity Program, which is designed to encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people
who live in Michigan communities which have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement,” an MRA release reads. Social Equity Program members will receive up to 60 percent off the application fee, the initial license fee and renewal fee. Disproportionately impacted communities will receive a 25 percent reduction, and an additional 25 percent off if the individual(s) with majority ownership has been a resident in a designated community and holds a cannabis conviction. A further 10 percent reduction will go to individuals who qualify for certain criteria, such as those who were registered as caregivers between 2008 and 2017.
Michigan Farmers Harvest First Hemp Crop In mid-October, industrial hemp farmers in Michigan began to harvest the first season of crops as part of Michigan’s pilot program under the 2018 Farm Bill. Michigan authorities licensed 572 registered cultivators and 423 processors, with a plan to grow 32,614 acres of hemp. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development stated that it is unaware if the goal of 32,614 acres was achieved. One of the cultivators, Paw Paw Hemp Company, harvested nearly 30 acres of hemp for CBD oil 8
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production. “We want to empower our farmers, friends, and their families to live healthier, more eco-friendly lives through the production of hemp,” Paw Paw Hemp Company stated in a press release. The crops were planted in April and have matured and flowered due to the 12-hour light cycle that begins in September in Michigan. According to South Bend Tribune, it’s the first federally legal hemp crop in the Midwest since World War II.
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 number of cannabis social club licenses that are now available in the city of Lansing, according to the city council’s recent amendment: (Source: Lansing State Journal)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that it cost to purchase and improve a warehouse property in Warren, Michigan to be used as a cannabis cultivation and processing center: (Source: Crain’s Detroit Business)
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The number of provisioning centers that the Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved on Oct. 10: (Source: Mlive.com)
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The number of votes from the Ann Arbor City Council, out of 11, that were cast in favor of regulations allowing recreational cannabis businesses: (Source: Mlive.com)
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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)
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Cannabis Industry Summit WHEN: Thurs, Nov. 21 WHERE: The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham WEBSITE: steward-media.com/8805-2 Before you stuff yourself with some turkey and mashed potatoes, stuff your mind with pertinent information about the cannabis industry. No professional who works in Michigan’s medical or recreational industries should miss out on this informative event. A keynote presentation will be held by Andrew Brisbo, director of the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, which falls under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory 10
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Affairs. A number of panels on business practices, compliance and investment will also be held with a list of panelists to be announced shortly. Stick around for the high-speed networking session, where every participant is expected to meet at least 12 new contacts each (think of it as speed dating for cannabis business). Equip yourself with the know-how you’ll need to succeed in this industry.
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NEWS
LOCAL
Time’s Ticking
A slew of Michigan cities approve recreational cannabis regulations ahead of state license application period
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By Benjamin M. Adams ity leaders in a number of Michigan’s cities are approving recreational cannabis regulations as the deadline looms for when state regulators begin accepting applications for licenses. Tipping the scales, 944 of Michigan’s 1,773 cities and townships notified state officials that they have opted out of allowing recreational cannabis in their jurisdictions, as of Oct. 11. That makes the list of communities that have opted out at over 53 percent. However, local jurisdictions must take the initiative and pass ordinances if they want to block recreational sales and production. Recently, ordinances to allow for recreational sales or production in Muskegon, Battle Creek, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids have been approved, and progress moves forward. In other cities such as Flint, efforts to establish moratoriums and block recreational sales have stalled as well. On Sept. 24, the Muskegon City Commission voted 5-2 to approve an ordinance amending Section 2330 of city code that would allow for recreational cannabis businesses. While Muskegon’s recreational ordinance, like many other Michigan cities, mirrors its medical ordinance, a few changes were made, including the provision to extend the hours of operation from 7 p.m. to midnight. For the most part, Muskegon City Commissioners were heavily divided on issues, including whether or not to allow recreational businesses in the city’s designated medical cannabis district. On Oct. 1, the Battle Creek City 12
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Commission approved Ordinance 142019 to amend city code to allow for recreational cannabis businesses, but that ordinance awaits a second reading in city hall. It would allow for grower, processor, transporter, retailer, safety compliance and microbusiness business licenses. The Ann Arbor City Council voted 9-2 on Oct. 7 to give the final approval to Ordinance No. ORD-19-32 and ORD-19-31, establishing local recreational cannabis regulations. The new ordinances took effect Nov. 1, when state officials began accepting recreational license applications. “Ann Arbor has a long history of advocating for medical marijuana—since 1972, I believe,” Ann Arbor City Councilmember Ali Ramlawi told CULTURE, referring to the heavy influence of University of Michigan students and the city’s historic decriminalization ordinance passed in 1972. Ramlawi said that the recreational ordinance is still in a “raw state” and that he expects several more amendments. He went on to explain that Michigan cities must preemptively opt out if they don’t want to participate in recreational cannabis sales. “The law goes into effect Nov. 1, so each city council in Michigan has to either opt out or be defaulted into opting in,” Ramlawi added. On Oct. 8, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved an ordinance adopting Chapter 105 of Title VII of the City Code, allowing both medical and recreational cannabis businesses. Grand Rapids progress, however, isn’t as far along, as city officials still need to finalize the licensing process for recreational cannabis businesses. According to Grand Rapids Senior Planner Landon Bartley, the city’s recreational ordinance is designed to allow six months from the Nov. 1 application date before city officials start accepting any kind of license types. Fortunately in Flint, a proposed ordinance, which would have blocked recreational cultivation, processing and retail businesses, failed to pass amid a divided Flint City Council vote. That means that Flint lost its chance to stall the recreational cannabis industry locally. There are a number of additional cities that have either opted out or passed ordinances to allow for recreational cannabis sales. The list is constantly changing, so be sure to check the website for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for a revised list compiled by Bureau of Marijuana Regulation. c
Celebrate Michigan’s First Year of Legal Cannabis Dinner and Dance Presented by MICBD, which aims to educate Michigan’s many cannabis entrepreneurs, this formal dinner and dance is a celebration of one year since Michigan voters legalized recreational cannabis. Josh Hovey of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association will provide a retrospective on the past year of recreational cannabis sales and how the industry is progressing. Then Andrew Brisbo of the Marijuana Regulatory Agency will provide a prospective outlook on the future of the cannabis market in the state. Once the dinner has concluded, guests are invited to dance in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. Reflect on all that the state has accomplished at this one-of-akind formal event. WHEN: Sun, Nov. 10 WHERE: Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N Grand Ave., Lansing WEBSITE: micbd.com
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NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Pertinent Preparation
Important information to know about recreational cannabis license applications
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By Matthew Abel n Oct. 3, Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) issued a copy of the application forms and instruction booklet for Adult-Use Establishment Licensing to the public. The application booklet is 106 pages long and goes into detail about the application requirements. In addition to the familiar cultivation, processing, retail, testing and transport licenses, there are additional licenses which are be available. In order to apply for an adult-use facility license, the person or entity first needs to hold a Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act license, with a few exceptions. The exceptions are:
1.) 100-Plant Grow License (to wholesale product to licensed processors or retailers) - An entity is allowed to hold five of these licenses, but not at the same location. 2.) 150-Plant Micro Business License (where the entity grows, can process, and sells the product at the same location). The microbusinesses also will be able to sell at temporary events (see below). This requires compliance with all the requirements applicable to growing, processing and retail licenses. - An entity is allowed to hold only one of these licenses, and may not hold any other license, except for Temporary Events. 3.) Event Organizer - Allows the organizer to host temporary events up to seven days long where sale and/or consumption is allowed (a Temporary Event License is required also). 4.) Temporary Event License - Requires a diagram of the physical layout of the event, a security plan, responsible operations plan, product and waste management plan, marketing plan, list of 14
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participating cannabis vendors and employees and insurance. Event applications must be filed at least 90 days before the event. Any product must be moved by secure transporter if the quantity transported at one time exceeds 15 ounces. Such an event may only be held at a venue expressly approved by a municipality for the purpose of holding a temporary event. 5.) Designated Consumption Establishment License - Also requires a responsible operations plan, which shall include a detailed explanation of how employees will monitor and prevent overintoxication, underage access, illegal sale or distribution and any other criminal activity on the premises. In addition, an applicant is required to attest that the applicant has entered into a labor peace agreement and provide a copy. None of the other licenses require a labor peace agreement, and there is no rule on point, but the forms require it.
All of the licenses (except for Temporary Events) require prequalification approval from the MRA. The Event Organizer License requires prequalification. That process currently takes several months on average, and so persons considering applying are urged to begin the application process as soon as possible (applications began to be accepted on Nov. 1). Requirements for any cannabis establishment
include a copy of the deed or lease to the property, a diagram of the establishment with floor plan, construction details, structure and building type, zoning, security and any occupancy restrictions and plans regarding technology, marketing, inventory and recordkeeping, staffing plan, certificate of use, occupancy and proof of insurance or bond. While the requirements for prequalification for medical and recreational licenses are similar, there are no capitalization requirements for the recreational licenses, and those require only one year of tax returns to be submitted, where the prequalification process for medical cannabis facilities licenses require three years of tax returns. Existing medical cannabis facilities will likely have a quick and smooth transition to be allowed to sell to the adult-use market, and we can expect that licensed medical Provisioning Centers will be able to transition to licensed Adult-Use Retail Stores before the end of the year. The only license that can be obtained without a location is the Event Organizer License, but any licensed event will need to be approved for a specific date and location. The municipality where the event is to be held must review and approve of the event. Some municipalities already have ordinances that allow various types of temporary events, which could include cannabis events. Other municipalities will need to pass an ordinance to approve such events in order for them to be licensed. All of the forms and the application booklet are available on the MRA website, including inspection guides for each type of license. 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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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) 18
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MOVIE GAME
Midsommar
MUSIC
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Dir. Ari Aster A24
Ghosteen
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)
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)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Ghosteen Ltd On its 17th studio release, Ghosteen, alternative rock veterans Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds continue the progression toward more electronic and ambient territory, which began on its last release, Skeleton Tree. Drawing on the grief from the sudden and tragic loss of his 15-yearold son, Arthur, Cave and his collaborators produce the most ethereal, dreamy and cinematic work of their careers. While so much of Cave’s most well-known work is mired in the dark and morbid, Ghosteen captures Cave stepping out of the shadows and heavy themes intertwined with lush, celestial music. (Simon Weedn)
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PHOTO BY LAUREN DUKOFF
Rock Goddess Melissa Etheridge continues to define her legacy through new music, activism and cannabis ventures
By Simon Weedn
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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. 22
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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 things 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 me a bit 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, is 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, 26
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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 as 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.” 28
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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 recent legalization that is 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.
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 take away 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
“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, they host 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 CultureMagazine.com
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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.”
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 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
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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
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.
“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 workshop 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 CultureMagazine.com
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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 the foods, 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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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.
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
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3/4 cup canned 1 1/4 cups parmesan cheese (set aside for artichokes, chopped topping before baking), grated 1 cup cleaned and dried fresh kale, chopped
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup of drained/
1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons unsalted 1/2 teaspoon black butter pepper 1 tablespoon fresh Pinch of ground chopped garlic nutmeg 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped 2/3 cup sour cream
chopped and thawed frozen spinach 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
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
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 for 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. 36
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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