Culture Magazine Colorado September 2015 by Culture Magazine

CULTURE // September 2015

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September 2015 // CULTURE

CULTURE // September 2015

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September 2015 // CULTURE

Contents september 2015

FeatureS 64 . Limits for Patients No more home extraction for Colorado Springs caregivers.

70 . HEALTH HAZARDS Synthesized cannabis is dangerous, and shouldn’t be allowed for human consumption.

76 . HEARTY HEMP Hemp is a fiber that’s versatile and drastically different than its cannabis cousin. 82 . ON THE RADAR Marijuana Straight Talk—the TV program that’s changing up the cannabis journalism scene. 86 . Industry insider Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director for NORML, has been advocating cannabis for two decades.

90 . EVOLVING EDUCATION International Canna Pro Expo offers groundbreaking medical cannabis education. 92 . INGENIOUS VISION Experience the surreal and psychedelic works of artist Jeromie Dorrance. 98 . NATURAL METAL Colorado’s beauty contributes to the complex sounds and varied influences of Cloud Catcher.

52 RIDICULOUS AND ROLLICKING

Comedian Reggie Watts is amazing, over-the-top and cuddly! ON THE COVER: Photo by John Gilhooley

8 . Letter from the Editor

NEWS 10 . News Nuggets 12 . By the Numbers 18 . Racketeering is the Bane of the Cannabis Industry 20 . legal corner 22 . healthy living

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108 . Growing Culture 110 . Destination Unknown 112 . Profiles in Courage 114 . Recipes 118 . shooting gallery 122 . let’s do this 126 . News of the Weird

26 . Advocate highlight 30 . dispensary highlight

Study Shows the Majority of Ethics Boards Rule in Favor of Lawyers Utilizing Legal Cannabis

34 . STRAIN & concentrate

ReviewS 44 . Cool Stuff

46 . Entertainment Reviews 48 . liner notes

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WEB Exclusive! UK Legalization Petition Earns Enough Signatures to be Considered by Parliament

reviews

104 . WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Mixing classic, modern and jungle genres, EDM artist Despise is at the heart of Denver’s drum and bass scene.

Departments

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Vol 7 IssUE 3

/freeculturemag

/ireadculture

letter from the editor

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas

Leading by Example

rom time to time, I forget my manners. Raised by rebellious hippies from a conservative Southern family, proper manners were introduced but not demanded. Nowadays, I try to be on my best behavior for every circumstance, but every now and again, I revert to just being me. Though as strange as I feel myself to be, very few people seem to notice the difference; but, those who do, remind me to remember my situation and the proper behavior for that situation, by leading by example—always a powerful learning tool. That subtle tool is how most people learn behavioral skills and how we politely function in appeasing other people’s expectations. Comedian Reggie Watts reminded me of this solid aspect of human behavior during our exclusive interview with him for this issue. The interviewer asked Watts if he was always in character, even in everyday life, and he responded by telling him that he doesn’t think he is in character, but he does occasionally give the audience what they are looking for, whether it’s over-the-top ridiculousness, musical comedy, absurd stories or whatever he feels they need. I think we all do that, to some degree. We tend to act however is appropriate for the environment or situation at hand. Seems logical in everyday life, and seems even better when a comedian is in tune with his audience that way. The government, however, seems

Editorial Contributors Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Denise Pollicella, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson, Rick Thompson Art Director Steven Myrdahl Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Tommy LaFleur, Jacob Myers

to have a hard time with this behavioral tactic. Seeing so many states put up so many different cannabis legalization and access bills and petitions every month shows us what the people want. Numbers may vary from time to time, but as cannabis prohibition is entering its 78th year, and with the many stats and studies and facts that show the majority of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization, it would seem that the federal government has poor judgment in trying to read their audience and give the American citizens what they want. Many organizations are predicting 11 more states to go fully recreational in the near future, and with the non-stop dedication and hard work by the cannabis community in states like Florida, Nevada, California, New York and many more, I think that’s an accurate prediction. As infuriating as it is, we can only hope that our federal government learns to follow the examples from our local initiatives sooner rather than later. Keep faith in the people, in the example, keep believing in the inevitable growth of this movement and we can make it a reality together. c Sincerely,

Regional Sales Manager Kim Cook Account Executives Greg Andes,Callie Belo, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Ryan Dunn, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Yolanda Imoberstag, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, Paulina Porter-Tapia, April Tygart Office Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor Kimberly Johnson Ctv Video Editor Kristian Quintanilla Ctv Contributors Anna Logan,Chris Salazar Interns Brahim Gousse Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 50,000 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. 8156 Wadsworth Blvd | #E239 Littleton | Colorado | 80128 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com

Evan A. Senn

CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

Editor-In-Chief

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C NEWS NUGGETS

__________________________

State Colorado Edibles Might be Required to Avoid “Candy” Labels

A new draft of rules released by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (CMED) may lead to edibles being required to have a red “stop sign” on the packaging, and would also ban the word “candy” from being used. Following the implementation of a new symbol, an octagon-shaped stop sign with “THC” would be on every single individual item, according to The Huffington Post. Liquid cannabis products would be sold in a single-serving packaging of 10mg of THC. This new draft is the result of discussion from an earlier attempt to universally label cannabis products. Originally, a cannabis leaf was proposed, but because children might be more attracted to the image, it was rejected. The CMED’s edible guidelines require a final public hearing before being adopted.

Cannabis is Coming to Hayden

The Hayden Town Council voted 6-1 to allow licensed, commercial cannabis growing operations within the city. After much deliberation, the town council agreed that allowing cannabis grows in Hayden would be a beneficial and economic opportunity to create new jobs and bring in tax revenue. The discussion began when a local resident, Rodney McGowen, proposed to open a grow-

CULTURE // September 2015

op in a building that he owns, which is located in an industrial park that is 75 percent vacant, “It is a legal business. I feel like he has the right to have that business. It’s better to have something to control than to let it be the wild, wild west,” commented Councilman Tim Redmond. The ordinance will limit the number of plants grown privately to 12. Next, Hayden Town Council is preparing to discuss excise tax options that voters can choose this November.

__________________________

Nation

commission would require physicians to examine the patient, review past medical records and history, as well as provide follow-up care. Currently, the pending cannabis program is expected to be adopted later this month (with patient registries established in December or January), ultimately becoming available in the first half of next year.

__________________________

World Chilean votes to decriminalize cannabis

Chilean lawmakers just took a vote on Health Code and Law 20,000, which replaces Law 19.366, taking Chile one step closer to allow its people to grow small amounts of cannabis for medical purposes. The vote was a whopping 68-39 in the lower house of congress, which was followed by cheer and applause. Previously in Chile, cannabis offenders who were found guilty of planting, selling or transporting cannabis in the country led to a punishable offense, with a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison. According to the bill, citizens would be allowed to grow up to six plants at home for medical use (with no more than 10 grams in their possession). Also, if passed, the law will legalize recreational cannabis as well, according to El Mostrador. Chile follows the suit of other countries, such as Uruguay and Jamaica, which also decriminalized cannabis. c

First medical cannabis clinic opens in Maryland

The Maryland State medical cannabis program isn’t expected to become operational for another year, but the state’s first clinic has opened in Annapolis. With an estimated 100 patients ready to obtain their medicine, the clinic owners believe opening up this early allows them to begin building the patient-doctor relationship in preparation for when the program officially begins, according to The Washington Post. Once active, the VISIT US AT

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by the numb3rs

13.6 The cumulative amount of cannabis sales revenue, in millions of dollars, that Colorado has earned, as of August: 60.7 (Source: Greeley Tribune)

The amount of money that city officials in Hayden believe new incoming grow operations would generate in revenue: 143,500 (Source: Steam Boat Today)

The number of signatures required to be gathered for Florida’s second push for cannabis legalization: 100,000 (Source: The Florida Times-Union)

5 12

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was earned by Colorado’s cannabis excise tax during the first five months of 2015, and will be put toward school construction projects: 13.6 (Source: The Cannabist)

60.7 The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado collected in recreational cannabis taxes and fees, in June: 9 (Source: The Cannabist)

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Colorado’s newest “weedery” will cost to create at the Green Man Cannabis Ranch and Amphitheater in Denver: 35 (Source: New York Times)

The number of years that it took the state of Nevada to allow patients access to medical cannabis since they voted to legalize it: 15 (Source: The New York Times)

100K

The number of organizations approved to grow and dispense medical cannabis as part of the Compassionate Care Act in New York: 5 (Source: WGRZ.com)

CULTURE // September 2015

CannabisFriendly Yoga Now that it’s September and the kids are finally in school, it’s time for a little “you-time.” Yoga is inherently good for both the body and the soul, but this new particular breed of a yoga retreat adds the relaxing benefits of cannabis as well. The retreat actually takes place in the Rockies above the city of Evergreen, where all attendees will be able to practice a variety of yoga with the Twisted Sister Yoga Studio owner, Shelly Jenkins. The clean, mostly smog-free air will fill your lungs in between a lovely dose of cannabis in its many forms. Jenkins is both a passionate yogi as well as cannabis user, so it comes as no surprise that she wants to bring them together, “This herb is a blessing and I intend to share it.”

IF YOU GO

What: Cannabis-friendly Yoga. When/Where: Wed, Sept. 16-Sun, Sept. 20. Twisted Sister Yoga Studio, 3835 Elm St., Unit H, Denver. Cannabisfriendly yoga retreat located in TBD locations above Evergreen. Info: Visit www.twistedsister.yoga/ for details.

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The Devastating Loophole Tactics

C by Addison Herron-Wheeler

Cannabis is still federally illegal, making all cannabis workers still technically criminal in the eyes of U.S. law, but you wouldn’t know it by the way things work in Colorado. Business is booming, grows are thriving and new industry start-ups are coming to life all the time. However, there is a dark cloud being cast over legal cannabis, and it is known by a very dirty word: Racketeering. The same law designed to fight organized crime and cartels is now being used against some law-abiding business owners. Recently, according to an Associated Press story for USA Today, one Colorado cannabis business, Medical Marijuana of the Rockies, has already had to close their doors because of these lawsuits. An antilegalization group based out of Washington first went after the shop, but that wasn’t the clincher that spelled their doom. The litigators also had a list of all the different organizations Medical Marijuana of the Rockies was doing business with, and threatened them with the charges until they all stopped working with the dispensary and they were shut out. This is an insidious problem that could have a devastating effect on the cannabis industry, in Colorado and everywhere cannabis is legal. Another lawsuit is already pending in Colorado, and litigators who oppose legalization now know that they have a new tool with which to fight. This legal ruling originally comes from the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) established in 1970, which was put in place to protect citizens from organized crime. Instead of this act being lobbied against cartels or other criminal enterprises, RICO resources are being diverted to punish businesses operating under the laws put in place by their states.

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Cannabis and Racketeering Lawsuits “It is still illegal to cultivate, sell or possess marijuana under federal law,” Brian Barnes, one of the lawyers who works for Safe Streets Alliance, the group based out of Washington that filed these charges, told Associated Press. “If our legal theory works, basically what it will mean is that folks who are participating in the marijuana industry in any capacity are exposing themselves to pretty significant liability.” These are frightening implications, and ones that could have very real consequences for the cannabis industry. “A certain opposition faction is utilizing federal tax laws to sue legal marijuana businesses out of business,” an industry insider who works closely with the cannabis industry in Colorado and cannabis lawyers told CULTURE. (Due to the uncertain nature of this litigation, the source wishes to remain anonymous.) “Until the federal government addresses these issues, they are giving these people a platform to bully these businesses.” “These cases have already put one law-abiding business out of the picture and ripples are being felt throughout the community,” the source added. “Whoever is behind this organization must have some pretty deep pockets. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this continue until the federal government addresses this issue. This could put a chilling effect on the industry and mean loss of jobs and tax revenue to the state.” However, despite the negative implications this could have for the cannabis industry, and society at large, Shawn Hauser, a lawyer with cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg LLC in Denver, feels hopeful that the cannabis industry will overcome this hurdle. “I think there are really strong arguments on our side for these claims,” Hauser told CULTURE. “This is a reminder of how much work there is still to do for changing these laws. However, even if these cases get all the way to the Supreme Court, which could

actually be a good thing, it could take years, and I think during that time there are going to be significant changes in law all over the country. I don’t think businesses are really going to let this get in their way. I don’t think the momentum of the industry is really going to be stopped by these cases.” This negative period also provides a unique opportunity to change law forever, and make things better for future generations of cannabis businesses. “This is a very important time in history and drug reform, and there are really some interesting arguments and brilliant people involved in this,” Hauser states. “This industry is really strong and we have overcome a lot, and a majority of Americans think marijuana should be regulated like alcohol. I think that legal cannabis can really overcome anything and I think that in the end this will end up as a victory for the industry.” c VISIT US AT

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C by Ann Toney

r e n r o c l a g e l

Banking Woes in CO W

hile most states envy the enormous amount of tax revenue generated legally by the medical and recreational cannabis industry in Colorado, the politics at the federal level just cannot accept the fact that legal cannabis is here to stay and is a part of our national fabric. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City recently denied a credit union application filed by Denver-based Fourth Corner Credit Union. This application had been the most recent effort to provide safe and legal deposits of money made from legal cannabis income. Fourth Corner had received a Colorado state charter to set up the credit union but it was also required to receive approval though from the federal government. That did not happen. There was also an application made to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) which was also denied. With essentially half the United

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States legalizing medical cannabis and/ or recreational cannabis on a state level, this is truly a situation of the people leading the politicians. This slow and laborious process of finding a banking solution will eventually culminate in a safe institution for the millions of dollars currently floating around the legal cannabis industry. What though do we have in the meantime? The federal government has been steadfast in denying a safe haven for protecting the millions of cannabis dollars. Who are the politicians protecting and who is benefiting from leaving millions of dollars in a cash industry, forcing private parties to protect large cash deposits in safes and other secretive places leaving citizens and their businesses at increased risk for robberies and burglaries? So, what does it mean to you if the cannabis businesses do not have a bank account in which to deposit money? There is an increase in the cost of doing business as they must employ additional security of one form or another, you

are at more risk as you deal primarily in cash when purchasing the cannabis, you cannot use your own debit or credit card from your bank for the purchase, the possibility of criminal activity is increased with the large sums of money around, and there is increased ability of businesses working in the black market with a inherent lack of accountability with a paper trail of the money. This perpetuates the myth of an unsavory industry. It benefits all of us to bring this industry into the same light of day that other legal industries enjoy. Fourth Corner has filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City branch of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve alleged the application denial was in part based on the denial of the credit unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application to the NCUA which provides the majority of insurance for state credit unions. The irony being that by alleging there is not NCUA insurance for the cannabis accounts, and thereby makes this all unsafe, the federal government promotes an unsafe cash system for us all. c

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by Lanny Swerdlow, RN

g n i v i l y h t l a he The Mythology of Chronic Teen cannabis Use

he debilitating effect of cannabis use during the developing years of adolescence is the scare mongering tactic du jour of government and private salaried drug warriors. According to them, these debilitating effects are so devastating to our nation’s youth that we should not even be contemplating the legalization of cannabis. Even though there is no research documenting any actual harm to adolescents from using cannabis, there is no research showing there isn’t any harm either. Cannabis legalization opponents could spout all kinds of horrors without anyone being able to refute their adolescent “reefer madness” mythology—until now. To determine the health consequences of chronic and moderate cannabis use as compared to no use, 408 adolescent males were followed for 12 years by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Rutgers University. Published in the August 2015 issue of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, the results of the study, Chronic Adolescent Marijuana Use as a Risk Factor for Physical and

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Mental Health Problems in Young Adult Men reported that there weren’t any. Using a maximum of weasel words to placate their government funders, the published report concluded: “Overall, data from this sample provide little to no evidence to suggest that patterns of marijuana use from adolescence to young adulthood, for the black and white young men in the present study, were negatively related to the indicators of physical or mental health studied here.” In non-scientific speak, it means that even for youth who started smoking cannabis prodigiously in early adolescence and never stopped, there is zero negative health consequences as compared to peers who never smoked cannabis. Although the study conducted a broad spectrum analysis of possible negative effects, there was no analysis done to see if cannabis consumption might have provided benefits to the adolescents. There is no reason that the stress reducing, insomnia relieving, alcohol substituting properties of cannabis that are so beneficial for adults would not also prove beneficial for adolescents.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, stress in adolescents can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, physical illness and poor coping skills. Insomnia causes daytime sleepiness, fatigue, poor grades, mood disorders, suicide and motor vehicle accidents. The appropriate use of cannabis could be of enormous benefit in preventing and mitigating these problems without the negative consequences of the prescription pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed for them. Equally important for adolescents as it is for adults is the unique ability for cannabis to act as an effective alcohol substitute. Although it would probably be best if adolescents did not imbibe in alcohol or cannabis, what is best is not what usually happens. Adults conveniently forget their time as adolescents—a time when the urge to be independent, stand on your own and rebel against adult authority is as pervasive as the raging hormones transforming your bodies. The use of “forbidden fruit” restricted to adults has long been a symbol of youthful rebellion. In the United States, over 10 percent of all alcohol

is consumed by people aged 12 to 20 years, making alcohol the forbidden fruit of choice. With 4,300 alcohol-related deaths among adolescents every year, alcohol is also the deadliest forbidden fruit. Even in states where cannabis has been legalized, alcohol remains the forbidden fruit of choice for those under 21. Cannabis, for a significant number of teens, might be a good enough forbidden fruit of choice that it could cause a reduction in the teen use of alcohol resulting in healthier adolescents and safer communities. Recognizing teenage rebellion as part and parcel of growing up, the use of cannabis should not be stigmatized in the same way that alcohol and tobacco are. Unlike alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs, the Chronic Adolescent Marijuana Use study show that cannabis consumption by teens, even prodigious consumption, causes little or no harm. Current policies used to discourage cannabis consumption like monetary fines, jail, loss of driving privileges, revocation of scholastic scholarships and denial of extra-curricular activities should be used to discourage alcohol consumption—not cannabis consumption. If there must be some penalty for teen use of cannabis, then picking up trash along roadways or other forms of community service would seem to be more appropriate. c

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Advocate HIGHLIGHT

Matthew Huron

Occupation: Chief Executive Officer, Good Chemistry

When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis? My involvement in the industry came about because my father and his partner—along with many of their friends—had HIV, and cannabis was extremely therapeutic for their ailments. I saw first-hand the relief they experienced from cannabis as an alternative medical treatment. In 2000, my father and I set up a small, non-profit medical cannabis co-op in San Francisco that focused on AIDS patients and, more specifically, the assisted living and hospice facilities that took the patients in. In 2008, my father’s partner passed away and shortly after that, almost a year to the day, my father passed away as well. I was left with the co-op that had grown to be quite large, but California is a risky environment in which to operate a medical cannabis business due to the industry not being regulated. Fortunately, I had a friend living in Colorado who encouraged me to look into the business opportunity for dispensaries in Colorado. In September of 2009, I opened my first dispensary, Wellspring Collective, as a side project while still running the co-op in California. I realized that to stay in an industry that is still federally illegal, I needed to operate in a highly regulated environment where everything is licensed and transparent. When the Colorado legislature began the process to build a framework for medical marijuana regulation, the idea of moving my business entirely to Colorado became very attractive. In June 2010, I shut down the co-op in San Francisco and opened Good Chemistry in Denver. This year, Good Chemistry celebrates its fifth anniversary.

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How has cannabis benefited your life? The benefits my father and his partner saw from medical cannabis were undeniable, which made an impact on my perspective and me. I got involved in the industry early on because I wanted to aid people who suffer from a variety of illnesses by giving them the opportunity to add cannabis to their treatment plans. And solely from the business side, cannabis has made a huge impact on my life as far as running a business in a new and emerging industry. What’s your greatest achievement for the cannabis cause? At the end of the day, my greatest achievement is helping people. I help them understand cannabis and how to maximize its benefits through education and training. I also provide a product with quality and excellence that people can count on to get them through any number of ailments and issues they might suffer from. It was

an honor to be recognized in August by the One Colorado Education Fund’s Ally Awards. One Colorado is an organization dedicated to securing and protecting equality and opportunity for LGBT Coloradans and their families. If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be? I would like to see the stigma surrounding cannabis and the industry change as we legalize and normalize it in our society. In the early ‘70s, the war on drugs launched propaganda that made people believe cannabis is harmful, illicit and dangerous, and many people still think that way. I have seen the true benefits of cannabis in my experiences and hope that soon others will begin to disregard the old stigma and embrace the truth; cannabis provides relief for people who are otherwise suffering. c VISIT US AT

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Dispensary HIGHLIGHT

New Horizons 1460 Woolsey Heights, Colorado Springs, 80915 (719) 597-7002 When did your dispensary start up? New Horizons started up around five years ago. What’s the story behind your dispensary’s name? This industry offers hope to so many people suffering from a variety of health issues. For some people, this industry offers a new beginning and an easier way of life. New Horizons seemed like the perfect name to draw together

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all of the possibilities our patients are provided with this industry. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the industry, and where would you like to see it go? The biggest change in the industry has been the availability of product across the nation. People suffering from illnesses which can be positively influenced by

cannabis now have access to their medication with ease. We would only like to see the expansion and availability of this product continue to increase. This industry has come so far in such a short time and we hope it won’t be long until every patient across the country has access to the medication they need.

to us every patient is family. We are knowledgeable about the products we have. Also, we’re not here to just rush you in and out and make you feel like you’re just a sale. We want the best for all of our patients and we will do everything we can to provide them with exactly what they need to walk out happy.

What are the biggest challenges you face in the industry, and the biggest joys? Our biggest challenge would have to be our discreet location. Being so far east and in a newly developing area it is sometimes hard to grab people’s attention. However, this location also offers some benefits. Those who would rather be in a more confidential area might find our location to be perfect for them. Our biggest joy is providing a great product for all of our patients, as well as meeting new patients every day!

What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/ MMJ community? Helping others and actually making a difference on their lives is the most important hope we have. With the amount of research going into this industry we are not far from developing products and information that can benefit so many lives. When a patient comes in with pain or issues from a recent seizure, etc., it is our hope that we can help them to leave with a smile and a product that will help them in every way it should. This is a very promising industry and it is our hope that we can improve the lives of as many patients as we can while we are a part of it. c

What do you want patients to know about your dispensary? We want patients to know that

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STRAINS + concentrates Critical Kush

When you’re at the dispensary, everyone wants the big bud in the jars. They look better in your bag, and sometimes it’s fun to watch them struggle with the chopsticks that they’re grabbing it with. Fortunately, every nug we saw of Critical Kush at Good Chem was a mammoth—and not just because it was so hairy. Available at their Denver and Aurora locations, the sweetly floral and sugary buds had a nice ripe berry smell that invaded the room the moment we opened it. Bright orange hairs flowed freely, looking like Cousin Itt from the The Addams Family, experimenting with a new color. Mostly indica, the combo of Critical Mass and OG Kush delivered at the end of the day by helping us get some much needed ZzZs. Unwind and Chill, the effects help turn off an overactive mind and give continuous all-night sleep, for those with discomfort and pain that may wake them.

Available AT: Good Chemistry in Aurora and Denver.

Headband

Available at: Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine in Golden.

If we learned anything from tennis legend Andre Agassi, it’s that headbands are dope and you’re a fool without one. If you’re looking to accessorize the inside of your head and you’re in the Golden, CO area, pop into Rocky Mountain Organic Medicine and marvel at their Headband. Born of Sour Diesel and OG Kush, you’ll get a whiff of that “new can of tennis balls” smell along with slightly floral notes that’ll make you think you’re playing on an outdoor court. More lemony on the palette, we loved how well the terpenes came through via the vaporizer. For a 70 percent indica-dominant strain, we actually felt super creative, volleying ideas back and forth in a productive brainstorming session. With little anxiety, reviewers could open up, and plenty of laughing ensued, making the afternoon work session enjoyable. It’s almost like skipping your second cup of coffee and smoking one, instead.

Gorilla Glue

Known for gumming up trimming scissors from Mendo to Maine, Gorilla Glue is a grinder’s best friend. Especially if you have a kief catcher. We found this award winner on a recent trip to Colorado Springs when we popped in Canna Meds Wellness Center to upgrade our stash. We were not disappointed. Their cut is flat out gorgeous with resin that looks more like a ton of tiny Elmer’s spills against the Kaffir lime-colored leaf. A consistent favorite of judges, there’s a faint cocoa smell behind all that cheminess that we loved. A few quick vape hits and we were glued to our seats with a deep body relaxing effect that was surprisingly long lasting. Highly euphoric, Gorilla Glue is a great strain to take to the movies or at home for a binge watching session. Like beating Donkey Kong on a single quarter, this is strictly for experts as the incredible potency can overwhelm novices. Finally, sniffing “glue” is cool again.

CULTURE // September 2015

Available AT: Canna Meds Wellness Center in Colorado Springs.

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Pineapple Romulan Live Resin

This live resin from Organica Dispensary combines Pineapple Express and Romulan perfectly. Tangy and fruity with a touch of Romulan pine, we had to laud their excellent terps as the flavor matched the nose perfectly. After a tiny dab each, reviewers felt a heaviness behind their eyes and in their temples, and a pulsing, yet zoned-out relaxation, like we had Vulcan mind-melded with a flower pot. Several noted that despite their high tolerances and smaller than usual hits, they felt top-end pain relief and loosened muscles. This is one live resin to tread lightly with, as a little too much can put you down for the count.

Available AT: Healing Canna in Colorado Springs.

Available AT: Organica Dispensary in Denver.

Jedi Kush

A wise little space dude once said “Get high or do not. There is no try.” While our lawyers look into that, we’ll definitely be getting up there after a few hits of the Jedi Kush we picked up from Healing Canna in Colorado Springs. No mind tricks needed here, as this is everything you want from a traditional Kush, only on a Death Star magnitude. Huge rubbery notes with a little funk behind them, it’s a much more pleasant version of what the inside of Darth Vader’s mask must smell like. Definitely not recommended for operating your Millennium Falcon, we felt great even if our bodies didn’t feel like moving. Instead of being on the attack, the cerebral effect has us more in planning mode. Operation: Dinner. Great for those looking for a boost in appetite or just to sleep through a laser battle, Jedi Kush is the real deal.

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Available AT: Elevations in Colorado Springs.

Kataract Kush

They may say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we’d argue that anyone with a nose is going to love Kataract Kush. This particularly delightful iteration hails from Elevations in Colorado Springs, where the name should have served as a warning on how powerful this strain is. Gorgeous dark purple calyxes might be easier to see if they weren’t covered in well-preserved trichomes, but that’s no complaint. Slightly fruity with a little spice to the finish, these complex aromas reminded us of a “suicide soda” where you combine each soda at the fountain. The indica-dominant cross of LA Confidential and OG Kush provided instant relief for reviewers experiencing muscle spasms and cramps, all without cramping their style. Initially creating a great boost in mood, the Kataract Kush can settle in as a sleepier mode after an hour or so—which is a good thing, given that our office is pro-naps.

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Available AT: High St. Cannabis Station in Denver.

Sour Chunk

With autumn fast approaching, we’ve been looking for strains that get us active. Also, out of the office. For those looking to dance like a certain cast member of The Goonies, we’d recommend pairing your truffle shuffle with some Sour Chunk. Seeing the jar at Denver’s High St. Cannabis Station, we were immediately drawn to the dense, well-trimmed nugs. Flowing red hairs against the purple and green flower turned heads, but so did the intoxicating aromas of diesel and coffee. All we needed next was a donut. Packing boundless energy, our reviewers loved the body effect that didn’t let up as a game of Nerf basketball threatened to get out of hand. Heady and creative, it’s ideal for inventing the next big H-O-R-S-E shot and being carried off the court on someone’s shoulders, or a victory dance that you didn’t know was being secretly recorded. Available AT: Natural Remedies RX in Denver.

Cherry Lemon G Shatter

While people online are clamoring for a return of Crystal Clear Pepsi, we’ll just take more of this Cherry Lemon G shatter we picked up at Natural Remedies Rx in Denver. Processed by Green Dot Labs, we may as well have been looking at a ghost. Combining the forces of Cherry AC/ DC, Lemon G and Good Medicine, this powerhouse smells like a citrus explosion you’d choose every time in a blind taste test, with great hints of cherry on the back end. Sampled in both vapes and rigs, the CBD present provided an amazing calming effect, while a great THC ratio also mellowed out our bodies. Perfect for a little morning meditation, you’ll slow down and experience a glowing gratitude as it effervesces throughout your body. For flavor and focus, you have to give Cherry Lemon G a shot.

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cool stuff Cali Crusher

Priding itself on being a designer grinder, Cali Crusher is the newest top selling grinder on the market. Made from medical grade Aerospace aluminum with indestructible radial cut blades, its 4-way quick-lock feature is bar none, eliminating cross-threading incidents and jammed situations. The screen is even removable and upgradeable with the use of a small hex key. Cali Crusher has taken every problematic feature of the classic grinder and redesigned it for overall improvement.

Atmos RX Jump

PRICE: $89.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.Calicrusher.com

PRICE: $59.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.atmosrx.com

A powerful herb vaporizer, the AtmosRx Jump is super durable and a lightweight, durable and compact vaporizer. Its 1200mAh battery helps the Jump be one of the most consistent herb vaporizers we’ve tried in a while, and its hard anodized heating chamber makes sure that the vapor is rich and smooth. This little guy is simple and easy to use too! A great addition to any vaporconnoisseur’s collection.

PRICE: $49.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.o2vapes.com

GET YOUR CLICK HERE

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Source Orb Vaporizer PRICE: $75.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.Vapornation.com

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The most advanced wax vaporizer we’ve seen in a while, this sleek and stylish unit has superior airflow, build and multi-functional atomizers. Solid steel body and an open air chamber give consistent performance while the eight different atomizers make it convenient to use with all your favorite concentrates, herbs and oils. The style, variety and performance you need, all in one vaporizer.

o2Vape Slim Pack

Now, you don’t have to worry about your pen dying out, or getting dirty, or being too bulky to carry with you everywhere you want to go . . . the o2Vape Pen is a buttonless pen with a sleek style and versatility. Its atomizer is transparent, and doesn’t give any burning taste, leakage or wait time to heat up. With open sourcing, you can use your favorite oils in this pen, or get some of o2Vape’s products. Weighing less than 3 ounces, you’ll never know it’s in your purse or pocket until you need it.

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entertainment

Release Date: September 11 Available on: Wii U

Super Mario Maker Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo

Sure, the Wii U isn’t known for its graphics—but it has a viable collection of amazing games that play on your nostalgia. As a part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, Nintendo is releasing its very own level creator called Super Mario Maker, where players can turn the same old Super Mario Brothers levels that they know by heart into difficult, and at times, almost impossible to complete levels. Choose from a variety of old and new game and course styles, add items and obstacles to your heart’s content, and share your levels with friends!

High Royal Headache Whats Your Rupture?

Marking its first record in four years, High sees Royal Headache, hailing from Sydney, Australia, taking the torch that it lit with its self-titled debut, and running with it as fast as its legs can carry it. Royal Headache absolutely explodes off the record and releases some of the most powerful and moving rock and roll music that one might ever hear. The guitar playing is frenetic and ferocious, the rhythm section lands on their beats with unrelenting commitment and dedication, and the singing of the band’s vocalist, Shogun, is nothing short of breathtaking. (Simon Weedn)

Medical Cannabis Complete Edition - From Marijuana to Synthetic Cannabinoids Michka Mama Editions

International expert on plantbased medicine, Michka has joined forces with a plethora of other experts in the cannabis realm— Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, Prof. Manuel Guzman, Jorge Cervantes, Robert Clarke and many more, to create a well-rounded book about the worldwide legalization and medical movement for cannabis therapies. The book includes the most frequently asked questions about cannabis, conditions it could help, the respective differences between THC, CBD and CBN, and the natural history of the plant as well. It covers the latest legislation all around the world, the available pharmaceutical medications derived from cannabis or from synthetic cannabinoids. This is very illustrative, insightful and complete educational text about medical cannabis. (Alex Bradley)

Oliver Stoned Lighthouse Home Entertainment Dir. Tom Morris

Oliver Stoned follows a few harrowing days in the life of the titular character, Oliver (Seth Cassell), as his tendency to get as high as humanly possible during his every waking moment undermines his job at his dad’s auto-detailing shop, losing track of a valuable vintage car that he’s responsible for. Joined by a rag-tag ensemble of ridiculous friends, including a whole host of up-and-coming actors and one over-the-top villain, Oliver Stoned breaks out of the usual stoner comedy cycle, and actually takes viewers on a trip through wild days and personal evolution. (Simon Weedn)

CULTURE // September 2015

“Revolt 1680/2180” Virgil Ortiz is a famous ceramicist, graphic artist and fashion designer from New Mexico, who blends contemporary art into historic events with futuristic elements. Many of his ceramic art pieces (in this exhibition there are 30) are set against a graphic mural, allowing each piece to be thrust into a storyline. Viewers are recommended to view this narrative in order, with Ortiz’s exhibit, “Revolt 1680/2180: Virgil Ortiz,” which begins at the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This is Ortiz’s first exhibit to follow a storyline, and for fans of ceramic art, you’re going to swoon over this innovative creativity!

IF YOU GO

What: “Revolt 1680/2180: Virgil Ortiz” exhibit. When/Where: On view through May 2016. Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver. Info: Visit www.denverartmuseum.org for details.

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liner notes

he Weakerthans have never exactly been prolific. In nearly 20 years, they’ve only put out four albums. But after the 2007 album “Reunion Tour”—a title that will take on more shades of irony in the coming years— fans believed they’d still have more records in years to come. As was announced softly and unofficially by drummer Jason Tait on Twitter, the band has split amicably. Hailing from Winnipeg, Canada and often writing about highly regionally specific things like curling, Portage Avenue, and governmental bodies of Canadian legislative assemblies, The Weakerthans were not the obvious choice for obsession for a young high school kid from Southern California. Nevertheless, when I was 15, they became my favorite band and have remained in that spot ever since. John K. Samson, the lead singer of The Weakerthans, formed the group after leaving the hardcore group Propagandhi in the mid-’90s. It was an association that followed him for his whole career. But the two bands were quite dissimilar in their approaches to political ideas. Propagandhi was direct, abrasive and, well, heavy. The Weakerthans often snuck subversive ideas poppier, sweeter tunes or twangy ballads. Samson moved, in the span of his career, from political generalities to hyperspecific human experience. An early fan favorite, “Confessions of a Futon Revolutionist,” for example, contains lines about “plant[ing] a bomb in city hall” and “enlist[ing] the cat in the impending class war.” Later, he’d write songs including “Civil Twilight” about a Winnipeg bus driver whose route takes him by the house where he used to live with an ex. The driver takes you through the banal thoughts that run through his

CULTURE // September 2015

by Kevin Longrie

head like counting seconds, listing provinces and thinking of celebrities. The Weakerthans won quite a few awards and received critical acclaim in Canada and have made a few splashes in the United States. Their biggest “get,” probably, was having their song “Aside” featured on the Wedding Crashers soundtrack. But it doesn’t seem like something they sought out. They were always content to work quietly on the edges of stardom, cultivating a highly literate and sensitive fan base that responded to Samson’s lyrics as much as they did to the beautiful, often infectious songs themselves. There’s hope yet for the fans of The Weakerthans, or at least some small consolation. Samson, whose married to the immensely talented singer/ songwriter Christine Fellows, has not given any indication that he’s done with music. He released a solo album a few years ago that was fantastic. Although The Weakerthans, with Stephen Carroll on lead guitar and Greg Smith on bass, was always the best foot he could put forward musically, Samson still may release more solo work or collaborate (again) with his wife. New music is not necessarily unimaginable.

The ending might also be a beginning for Carroll, Tait and Smith who have played in quite a few bands in Winnipeg and Toronto in the last few decades and who are musically brilliant in their own rights. But it’s impossible not to be sad. Glacial as their pace may have been in generating new music, The Weakerthans never put out a bad song. Each one was a world unto itself, such as the duo of songs about Virtute the cat, fan favorites written from the perspective of the eponymous cat. In the first “Plea from a Cat Named Virtute,” the cat stalks through the house following its depressed owner and tries to cheer it up. “I know you’re strong,” the cat intones. In the follow up (“Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure”), written, one must assume, to destroy the hearts of every listener, Virtute runs away and forgets her name as her owner stumbles through the street calling plaintively after her. When the dust settles, however, one cannot feel anything but gratitude. For nearly 20 years, The Weakerthans have been making amazing music and touring with it around the world. Thank you. c

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Reggie Watts ambles into our interview wearing a t-shirt announcing “Good Morning” and the disarming, wideeyed wonder of an otherworldly being just fallen to earth. A fiercely intelligent yet uncommonly warm man, Watts is a ludicrously talented musician, versatile vocalist and famously 420-friendly surrealist comedian—often simultaneously. Over the past quarter-century Watts has sung, played, rambled, rapped and beat-boxed his way to becoming a one-man genre of eccentric, often disinformation-based comedy punctuated with multilayered musical compositions created live on stage using a digital looper. Between tunes, his restless, easilydistracted wordplay and absurdist life view—exploring everything from the intuitive interface of Mexican mapping systems to the Happy Mondays in ever-changing accents and languages—is equal parts psychedelic, stimulating and flat-out funny. Born in Germany to a French mother and an AfricanAmerican airman father, Watts spent his infancy in Europe before the family settled in Great Falls, Montana. A veteran of Seattle’s music scene, most notably as frontman for

soulful rock/hip-hop collision Maktub, he moved to New York’s Lower East Side and shifted his creative emphasis to comedy (albeit often musical comedy) in 2004. His intrinsic cuddliness enhanced by a heroically explosive ‘fro and beard, Watts makes eye contact easily and palpably relishes the stimulation of meeting strangers. His career ark has been slow and steady yet not without significant landmarks. Following two Comedy Central specials (2010’s Why Shit So Crazy? and 2012’s A Live in Central Park) and appearances on the likes of Conan, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live, the admirably-uncompromising comic earned a co-starring spot on IFC’s Comedy Bang! Bang! series, a role he recently relinquished to become bandleader and announcer for The Late Late Show with James Corden. With his hard-earned, YouTube-ubiquitous hipness now percolating the mainstream, the eternally-curious comic is currently staying in Los Angeles (where the Late Late Show is recorded) while frequently returning to New York to visit his girlfriend. We caught up with him somewhere between the two to chat.

Photos by John Gilhooley

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You’re known as a “dis-informationist.” Does that mean that everything you say during this interview could be untruths? It could be. Although I would say, with interviews, I tend to probably go towards 98 percent truth. And even my untruths are kind of highlighted and have quotes around them.

way, the analogy of a starship is just to recognize the fact that we’re alive and the fact that we’re able to do what we do is amazing—and that’s a thing that I never want to lose sight of.

Your stage show has been billed as 100 percent improvised? Is that literally the case? Oh definitely, yeah. I mean, I could try to have a structure, but I would most likely forget about it. It’s easier for me to not have anything in my mind and go on stage. Obviously, I’ve been doing it enough times that I that I have, like, six different ways that I could start—I could start loud or I can start soft, or I can mess with the microphone or I can go straight to the keyboard. There’s these types of things . . . but, the content itself is improvised.

New York Magazine described your performances as “comedy for the Internet Era.” What influence has the internet had on your work and how different might your performances be without it? When I think about how performed when I was in high school, in the ‘80s, pre-internet . . . during that time I was very influenced by Monty Python. Monty Python had the ability of turning on a dime realities and contextualizing things instantaneously—or doing a slow cross-fade from one idea to the other, so it’s very psychedelic. So, I was inspired by that and when I would do my comedy I would improvise. Whatever came into my head, I would do—I wouldn’t be afraid that it didn’t make sense. Fast forward to the internet age, [my performances] actually came into resonance with the internet, because the internet allows you to follow your whims and things suddenly changes or it glitches-out . . . So, what I do on stage is very similar to how you would navigate the internet, just based off of your curiosity and the availability of choices. So, I think that I just kind of lined up when that happened.

A few years ago you said that you like to pretend you’re living in a starship. Has that starship landed yet—or is it likely to anytime soon? We’re on a planet, in space, so we are all on a spaceship. So, in a

In your everyday life, do you switch between accents and languages? Oftentimes I do, yeah. It’s a bad habit and people sometimes think it’s annoying.

So is your stage persona a character or is it you? Or are you always in character? Are you in character right now? I don’t think it is [a character]. I mean, I think people think it’s a character because it’s ridiculous. I definitely go into a mode where I’m like “how ridiculous can I be?,” but I never really think of it as a character.

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Your style of comedy is far from traditional, yet your career is flourishing. Do you feel that you’re having to earn acceptance not just of yourself but also of a whole new genre? That was a fear I had when I first moved to New York and I made a conscious decision to focus on comedy instead of doing music . . . I wasn’t sure how they were going to receive me the first time I went up [on stage, but] they just loved it! They saw that I was a silly human doing really dumb shit and people were like “we know where you’re coming from.” Even though what I’m doing is different than what they do, we all share that, like, “this is the maximum dumbest thing you could be doing on stage right now.” So, I found my “family” very quickly and I would worry at times that I was leaning on music as a crutch too much, but I never worried about what I was doing verbally on stage. You’re now the bandleader and announcer for The Late Late Show with James Corden. What are the joys and challenges of that role, compared to those of your solo live performances? It’s kind of funny . . . I show up [at The Late Late Show] and always I’m aware of the fact that I’m like “Where am I right now? How did I get this gig?” And then I’m like “Live from blah, blah, blah,” and “Give it up for . . . !” So, all these instincts kick in where I have the awareness of the fact that what I’m doing this is ridiculous and I kind of play into that and try to make it different, try to make it fun. Your first EP was called Pot Cookies and you’ve talked on stage about using “the doobage application” every day. What role does cannabis play in your life and creativity? It plays a pretty major role in that, for me, THC and creativity has a lot to do about shifting my perspective and also kind of reducing the obsessiveness that I tend to have about, like, efficiency or problems. It puts me in a zone that’s more momentous and so, in that case I’m allowed to kind of relax and see things from a little bit more of a childish perspective or pure curiosity. I mean, it would happen without cannabis, for sure, but the nature of how much stuff is coming at me constantly, it really does help to kind of throw me off and kind of destabilize me so I can actually really feel something as much as possible.

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So you welcome that destabilization? Definitely. I tend to prefer edibles more than smoking. Lately I’ve had some “unknown” edibles—that I’m not sure what the quantity is, so, I’ve gotten way, way, way, way out into space. [But] if that does happen, I’m just going to look at it as a challenge—to, like, try to keep my thoughts together. It’s almost like wearing a weighted backpack and running up stairs . . . It’s like added resistance to my training regimen—mental training regimen. How do you time your cannabis ingestion relative to your performance? I’d say it’s about 60/40—60 percent I’ll have some form of THC and 40 percent I’ll go on [stage] without it. I don’t notice a difference too much in the beginning. Generally, what I do if I’m going to plan on having an edible, I will eat it just before I go out on stage or I’ll eat it when I get on stage, in front of everybody. So when I do that, it comes on slowly, as we all know, and that kind of affects the performance towards the back end and that’s kind of interesting to me. Because sometimes I’ll be on stage and . . . it’s nice to be confused and a little bit worried about how I’m going to come up with something, because that weirdly causes me to focus and generate different possibilities than I would sometimes if I weren’t on it. Do audiences find Reggie Watts funnier if they’re high? Is this “stoner humor”? I mean, for sure. But, in so far as Monty Python was stoner humor . . . [although] a lot of those guys weren’t really big stoners— they just loved sully, psychedelic stuff. They were probably more fans of Salvador Dali— and Dali wasn’t a drug guy either. My goal, no matter what I’m doing, I think of it as I want to create experiences that are amazing when you’re high, but also make you feel like you’re high if you’re not high. I’m trying to get to a place where it really makes you feel like you’re somewhere else or you’re inside your own mind kind of on your own journey . . . I want everybody to feel some kind of a high. c

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Limits for Patients Colorado Springs Bans Potential Booms by Randy Robinson If you’re a caregiver in Colorado Springs and you make hash oil for sick patients, your days of cooking cannabis are probably numbered. On August 11, the Colorado Springs City Council voted unanimously 9-0 to ban all home extractions of cannabis using “flammable solvents.” That includes extremely volatile solvents like propane and, most infamously–butane–but it also includes less hazardous liquids like alcohols. And it’s the city ordinance’s vague wording that became a point of contention at Tuesday’s city hall meeting. Over the past couple of years, hash oil explosions became a new scare for prohibitionists to parrot. In Colorado alone,

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there were nearly 50 such explosions between 2013 to 2015, and roughly 50 people have been injured. The vast majority of these explosions were due to butane. Butane extractions can be a tricky process for a rank amateur, especially ones without any knowledge of chemistry. The way it works is trim gets packed into a tube, a butane can force the solvent through the tube, and out comes a black, goopy material loaded with medicinal cannabinoids and terpenes. The butane then gets boiled off, and that’s when things can get dangerous. If this evaporation process isn’t done in a well-ventilated place, the butane vapors get trapped in the area. A single spark can ignite the room, turning it into a residential bomb,

packing enough force to rip through a twostory house. The problem is compounded by the fact that butane often has no smell, so the wannabe chemist has no idea the stuff is building up around them. Ethanol extractions, on the other hand, are a bit different. Ethanol, otherwise known as “booze,” usually gets run through a machine called an isomerizer. An isomerizer looks kind of like a lava lamp, except it doesn’t have a wobbly colored blob endlessly waving up and down. Instead, it’s a relatively closed system where the trim sits along a tray in the center while ethanol is boiled, condensed, and recycled within the machine. If ethanol happens to leak out of the isomerizer, it leaves a pretty distinct smell. >>

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This isn’t to say ethanol extractions are totally safe. Flaming shots and flaming deserts are perfect examples that ethanol can, in fact, be flammable. The Colorado Springs ordinance to ban flammable home extractions isn’t the first of its kind. Earlier this year, Governor Hickenlooper signed HB-1305, which enacted a statewide ban on home extractions using volatile solvents. This bill specifically exempted alcohols from the ban, so long as a caregiver gets approval from the fire department. The Colorado Springs ordinance is unique because its wording takes the state ban a step further and appears to put the kibosh on home alcohol extractions, too. At the city hall meeting, only two people spoke up against the ordinance. Although a gaggle of activists and advocates showed up to oppose the rule, most had lost their muster after nearly four hours of non-cannabis related city council topics. One of the people who stuck around was Joel Aigner, a development director with the regulatory consulting firm iComply. He pointed out that city council hasn’t considered a ban on alcohol extractions at home for essential oils, which use “the same process and the same technology” as alcohol extractions for cannabis, he told CULTURE. Aigner also noted that most dispensaries in Colorado don’t offer “Phoenix tears” styled hash oil, the kind made with alcohol that cancer and seizure patients rely on: A single gram can contain up to 1,000mg of THC. Compare that to the average recreational edible, which contains only 10mg of THC per serving. Aigner said the resources required to turn trim into hash oil far outweighs the cost of selling raw trim, which most dispensaries do purely for profit. “It’s not that they’re greedy,” he said, “They have to turn a $1 into $1.50 instead of $1 into $0.80.” Other cannabis advocates, however, supported the ban. Representative Jill Gaebler, who has traditionally been friendly toward cannabis, was one such supporter. She was joined by the Marijuana Industry Group (MIG), a business lobby based in Denver. MIG’s president, Michael Elliot, wrote a letter to the city council urging them to pass the ban as a matter of public safety and to curb the state’s black market. Considering hash oil explosions became sensationalized by the media since Amendment 64 went into effect, it’s no wonder that some advocates prefer to leave extractions to the professionals. Despite the legalization movement’s strides nationwide, Colorado remains ground-zero for The Great Experiment. And the world is still watching. c

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The dangers and use of synthetic cannabinoid compounds may be on the rise, according to reports from both government organizations and respected media sources. Just a few years ago, the news was flooded with stories of zombie-like individuals wreaking havoc after getting high on bath salts. Similar reports of people with super human strength that appear to be impervious to pain and completely out of their minds are appearing in the news once again, but this time it’s reportedly in the name of synthetic cannabis. Called spice, K-2, fake weed or by many other names, “‘Spice’ refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as ‘safe,’ legal alternatives to that drug,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In reality, this shredded plant material and chemical additives are

CULTURE // September 2015

not for human consumption, and they are responsible for psychoactive effects that are often dangerous to one’s health and safety. This potentially lethal substance should not be marketed as a safe alternative to cannabis—nothing could be further from the truth. >>

“This potentially lethal substance should not be marketed as a safe alternative to cannabis—nothing could be further from the truth.”

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“In reality, this shredded plant material and chemical additives are not for human consumption, and they are responsible for psychoactive effects that are often dangerous to one’s health and safety.”

An August report on Yahoo News shared that between April 1 and July 31 over 1,900 individuals were hospitalized in New York State after consuming synthetic cannabinoid compounds. It’s no surprise when stories occurred, like how one man under the influence of synthetic cannabis used his bare hands in attempt to stop an electric saw that the police were using to break open his door. It was a bloody situation to say the least, as shared by New York Police Department Commissioner William Bratton during an August press conference. During this press conference, the NYPD also showed two videos to demonstrate the psychotic effects synthetic cannabis can have on a user. The first video showed a naked man who smashed a hole in a wooden fence using his fist, while ranting. He was then sprayed by pepper spray and tacked by officers. The second video was of another man, also naked, crouching in the street while screaming frantically at the ground below him.

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These reports of hallucination and complete lapse of judgment experienced by synthetic cannabis users are not uncommon. Many users have reported psychotic effects that range from severe anxiety and paranoia to hallucinations. Other negative health effects reported by users have been vomiting, confusion and agitation. This drug has also been known to cause rapid heart beat, raise blood pressure, reduce blood supply to the heart and has even been linked to causing heart attacks in specific cases. While there is a lack of information regarding the effects of synthetic cannabinoid compounds on the human brain because studies have yet to be performed, the federal government continues to crack down on this public health and safety issue. The five active chemicals used

in synthetic cannabis were made federally illegal as Schedule I Substances in 2012 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Although it is illegal to buy, sell or possess any of these chemicals, spice manufacturers are constantly attempting to use different cannabinoids and chemicals to work around the system. This forces the DEA to keep the list of banned chemicals updated frequently. Although illegal, it appears that synthetic cannabis use is on the rise. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention published a report in June 2015 that might suggest an increase in the use of synthetic cannabis. According to the CDC, a recent study concluded a 229 percent increase in calls to poison control centers regarding synthetic cannabinoid in January to May 2015, in comparison to the calls in January to May 2014. The report also noted the increased rates of injury and deaths by the drug have increase three times to that of last year, making this year’s death toll at 15 so far. In addition, the report stated the number of available synthetic cannabinoid variants have increased, and many of these variants are much more toxic than before. The CDC believes this report might suggest that synthetic cannabinoids can be considered an emerging threat to public health, which should lead to strengthening efforts to eliminate these products in order to protect the public. Synthetic cannabis use may appeal to some people because it’s inexpensive and doesn’t show up on drug tests, however it is not a safe alternative to natural cannabis by any means. Stay away from synthetic cannabinoid compounds, and it might just save your life. c VISIT US AT

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Basics Research is helping people see the great value in hemp by Addison Herron-Wheeler For the most part, the discussion about legalizing cannabis has focused on THC-containing cannabis, known colloquially as marijuana. People are either passionate about allowing cannabis to be used for medical and recreational purposes, or they are still vehemently opposed and think cannabis legalization is dangerous. In the midst of this heated debate, hemp, or non-psychoactive cannabis, has been largely left out of the conversation. But lately, as more research is being done on the subject, people are beginning to understand just how important and powerful hemp can be. >>

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Most cannabis enthusiasts have heard the back story on hemp and how it became demonized in the first place. Hemp was shunned right alongside cannabis during the days of “reefer madness,” even though hemp is a plant with littleto-no psychoactive properties that is largely just used as fiber. Some people believe that the interests of plastics companies and other major manufactures are part of the reason cannabis was outlawed in the first place. Today, however, hemp is completely federally legal, as long as the hemp being grown does not contain any THC that could potentially enter the body and produce the effects of cannabis.

Because of all these recently discovered health benefits, hemp has been used to produce legal CBD oil that doesn’t have to wrangle with local restrictions the way that THCderived oil does. “Hemp oil has very high levels of Omega3 and Omega6, and has the perfect ratio of 3 to 1, so it is one of the best oils out there to supplement with,” Thompson adds, regarding some of the medicinal properties of the plant that we’ve recently been tapping into. Additionally, recent studies are showing that hemp can be beneficial for beauty-restoring techniques as well, “It helps the skin, and can make it more elastic,” Thompson claims.

“Hemp can be used for just about anything.” According to Janell Thompson, a hemp expert and co-founder of Hemp Health Inc, the actual chemical differences between hemp and cannabis are negligible, but important. “The main difference is the THC level,” states Thompson. “Cannabis is the genus. Marijuana and hemp both come from cannabis, but marijuana is bred for its high THC levels. Hemp naturally has high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which has been identified as having one of the widest range of therapeutic benefits.”

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“There are some studies out there that show it has anti-aging effects. It is very moisturizing.” One of the studies she refers to was carried out by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, which found that cannabinoids produce lipids, which are responsible for healing dry skin and helping acne. Additionally, we’ve recently been discovering that hemp could also be one of the answers to quelling our global crisis—hemp is far easier and

less damaging to the earth to grow and produce than most of the fibers we are using today, and it is also very strong and resilient. “Hemp can be used for just about anything,” Thompson shared. “It’s stronger than plastic, yet biodegradable. It’s eco-friendly. For instance, when you burn hemp as fuel, carbon dioxide is released into the air, but then it is absorbed by the next crop, and hemp can be harvested only 120 days after it is planted. Since hemp is a very leafy plant, it always contributes a high level of oxygen to the atmosphere. We can farm more hemp and leave less of a trace on our environment. You can grow hemp so much more easily as opposed to cotton. All of the wildlife habitats and forests we can save will have a big impact. And you can grow hemp almost anywhere there is soil; conditions don’t have to be perfect.” Researchers are currently comparing hemp to flax and kenaf, other plants that can be used for fiber, and comparing different types of hemp to see which ones are the strongest. They are also looking into whether unfertilized female hemp plants yield a greater amount of cannabinoids. We’ve known for a while that hemp is super useful, but we are finally starting to learn just how important it can be. As hemp loses its “stoner” stigma in light of legalization, we will surely see a plethora of new beauty and health products, as well as a revolution in the fibers industry. c

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Straight Up Info-tainment Dishing it Out with

Marijuana Straight Talk’s Host, Becca Williams by Jamie Solis

CULTURE // September 2015

Marijuana Straight Talk is a breath of fresh air in cannabis journalism. This entertaining and informative television program is widening the acceptance of cannabis across our nation, as it appeals to the avid cannabis consumer alongside the uninformed or misinformed American and everyone in between. With high ratings and a large number of viewers since its first two pilots, Marijuana Straight Talk is one of Free Speech Television Network’s most popular shows, in terms of its rating. One of the friendly faces of Marijuana Straight Talk is recovering television news reporter and executive producer, Becca Williams. As the passionate and experienced host of this groundbreaking show, Williams is providing the everyday citizen valuable, life saving information about our favorite misrepresented plant in an entertaining way. Before embarking on this journey, Williams spent years as a news reporter. Her daily routine started similar to many mainstream news reporters, waking up every day pursuing the most negative news she could find for a story. After a few years, Williams felt like she was not contributing to the better good. Williams moved to Chicago to work at National Public Radio, and later she returned to academia. She went on to become the editor for a magazine in Chicago called Conscious Choice, which is about ecology, healthy living, personal growth and development. Specializing in alternative holistic medicine, it was during this time that the medicinal value of cannabis came on her radar. This realization, along with William’s background of entertainment television and health-centric alternative medicine, has led to Marijuana Straight Talk’s mission to create conversation and progress toward the healthiest cannabis community possible. >>

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“Our intent with Marijuana Straight Talk is to move the conversation into a place where we are imagining the best scenarios for how cultural acceptance for cannabis looks in this country.”

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Tell us about the concept for Marijuana Straight Talk.

We are a very wounded culture around this plant. It’s been misrepresented to us; there’s been a misinformation campaign. So, we need to educate ourselves around it. Our intent with Marijuana Straight Talk is to move the conversation into a place where we are imagining the best scenarios for how cultural acceptance for cannabis looks in this country. We’ve got four generations now who are actively interacting with cannabis in some way, some fashion, whether it’s for medical or overall well-being.

How do you think you are filling a current void in cannabis journalism?

We’re reframing how we look at cannabis through culture and art. For instance, we have Artistic Say, where activists and artists are speaking their truth about cannabis, whether it’s through music, poetry

or other forms, and we’re finding our viewers love this segment. We also entertain through commentary. We have a cannabis reporter, Leland Rucker, who is pointing out the silly contradictions how all these other substances are okay but cannabis isn’t. So, we’re doing what I like to call, from my television executive producing, “info-tainment.” Infotainment is information and entertainment. And I think that is the most potent way to communicate a message.

How has the response been so far?

We were blown away when the ratings came back for the show, and we had only had two episodes out—pilots at that—and they weren’t even regularly scheduled. We got this huge response from viewers. We knew that there was an appetite for this kind of information in a way that is fun and breezy, but we had no idea we’d get this response. We weren’t even on the schedule, and people went out of their way to find us at Free Speech TV Network when it was airing.

We’re really looking forward to be in a situation that we’re doing [the show] weekly. And that is what we’re looking toward in 2016.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

The show is what it is because of the support and participation of our guests and guest experts. I have the pleasure of working with a community that’s rich with people who love this plant for its ability to heal, create well-being and sustain our Earth. Mine is a great job! I want to give a big shout out to Free Speech Television Network. Free Speech is home to Democracy Now! and Thom Hartmann, The Stephanie Miller Show, Elon James White, and to be able to include our project in that line-up is really forward thinking in the sense that often times covering cannabis is kind of an untouchable. So, being amidst so many mainstream professionals who are doing so much wonderful work in their arena, like with Democracy Now! and Amy Goodman, to be able to include me in that lineup is quite daring. c VISIT US AT

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“If they actually had arrested me over this past couple of years, all I would have done would be a louder asshole.”

In January 2014 in the high plains of Denver, Allen St. Pierre walked into a store and legally bought recreational cannabis. Thousands of others did likewise in Colorado, as cannabis enthusiasts celebrated the first such legal sales in the U.S. in modern history. But St. Pierre had more reasons than many to be euphoric: His more than two decades working with National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). When he came on the job as Communications Director, the first Bush was President and St. Pierre’s was a lonely voice on a fringe issue most politicians wouldn’t touch. But at that moment in 2014, two states (Washington voters had also approved legalization) had told the rest of the country it was time to by R. Scott Rappold legalize, tax and regulate cannabis. “That was an incredibly historic moment to hold in my hands the fruition of my life’s work and the work of thousands,” recalled St. Pierre, NORML’s Executive Director, 18 months later. “I was happy to be alive. If you’d asked me in 1995 if I would live long enough to see marijuana legalized, I’m not sure I could have given an answer that would be anything other than pessimistic.” These are indeed heady times for one of cannabis reform’s top advocates. Voters in Oregon, Alaska and Washington D.C. have since approved legalization, and St. Pierre sees the 2016 election as potentially the movement’s biggest success yet. But if the wrong candidate wins the Presidency, it could all be swept away with the stroke of a pen. St. Pierre talked with CULTURE from his Washington D.C. office about how the legalization movement got this far, where it goes from here and why he never travels with cannabis. >>

Allen St. Pierre and NORML

CULTURE // September 2015

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From Nixon to Reagan

NORML was founded in 1970 by R. Keith Stroup. The establishment was fighting back against the drug excesses of the ‘60s and President Nixon would soon declare drug use “public enemy number one.” Appeals by NORML to treat cannabis differently than cocaine and other drugs fell on deaf ears. Then came President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, with some revolutionary ideas about cannabis. He urged Congress to legalize possession of up to an ounce. But scandal occured–Carter’s drug czar resigned after being outed for allegedly doing coke at a party–and Carter’s flagging popularity killed any momentum. Then came Ronald Reagan, who urged a generation of kids to “just say no.” St. Pierre got involved with NORML as a volunteer and concerned cannabis advocate. “In the 1970s and ‘80s, there was virtually no other voice that was arguing to the contrary regarding all these things, civil forfeiture, the DARE program, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, mandatory minimum sentencing. In all those things NORML was at the vanguard,” he said.

Hope and disappointment

As 1993 dawned and the first Baby Boomer president Bill Clinton, the first president to admit to having tried cannabis, was sworn in, St. Pierre felt hope for a softer stance on cannabis. Democrats in Congress, hammered by Republicans as soft on crime and drugs, refused to touch the issue, as did Clinton. Clinton also broke a campaign promise and refused to reinstate the Compassionate IND program, which provided a handful of sick people government joints. St. Pierre felt betrayed, by the president and the “overly repentant liberals and baby

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boomers” who “chose to largely remain in their smoky closets.” He hasn’t quite gotten over it. “They were just lying, hypocritical and pandering politicians, which doesn’t make them much different from other politicians,” he said of Clinton and Gore. “If you look at a picture of me and ask why my hair is so grey, it’s because of people like Clinton.” His was a lonely job, pandering an idea mainstream politicians wouldn’t touch, one of only a few people in Washington lobbying Congress for cannabis reform. When George W. Bush became president in 2001, St. Pierre saw it was time to hunker down. “After that election was decided by the (Supreme) Court and it wound up in Mr. Bush’s hands, we surely saw that as a four to eight year slog, knowing that whoever was the President, it was hard to imagine George Bush was ever going to flip on the issue of marijuana. And he didn’t,” he said. But, he said, “In America there are a number of different ways you can affect political change.”

Taking it to the states

With little hope of federal reform, NORML began focusing on states. St. Pierre estimates he gave some 1,400 media interviews in 1996 in support of California’s medical cannabis ballot proposition, which passed. Clearly, sick people seeking alternative medication was something voters would support. In the days before the Internet and social media, NORML, with its nationwide network of local chapters, victims of prohibition and sympathetic attorneys, was the ideal conduit for funding and coordination. NORML and its volunteers were the grassroots base of the movement and St. Pierre was its public face. Then came Barack Obama. Elected President in 2008, he slowly began deescalating the war on cannabis, and eventually

his administration announced it wouldn’t interfere with state-approved cannabis dispensaries. It could be argued voters in Colorado might not have approved full legalization in 2012 were there not already medical cannabis dispensaries in many towns and neighborhoods. St. Pierre likes to hope Obama will issue executive order changing cannabis’ federal Schedule 1 status, which would remove many barriers to cannabis research. But he still believes the 2016 election will be the most pivotal yet for the reform movement, with legalization likely on the ballot in California, Nevada, Arizona, Massachusetts and Maine, if not others. Perhaps more importantly, the new President will be elected. Some Republican candidates have vowed to reverse legalization, while Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton has expressed lukewarm support. It would take little more than a stroke of a pen by the likes of Republican Presidential candidate Chris Christie to sweep back legalization. Said St. Pierre, “The next presidential election is going to be the most important in determining whether or not Obama’s legacy of taking the foot off the gas of prohibition on the federal level is going to continue.”

A dual mission

If St. Pierre’s optimism is tempered by concern, it’s because he has seen his hopes dashed so many times. At 50 years old, St. Pierre is no longer the main public face of cannabis reform. Newer organizations with staffs that dwarf NORML’s seven full-time employees have emerged. Where once St. Pierre was a lone voice on Capitol Hill, he estimates there are at any given time two dozen lobbyists working on some aspect of cannabis. Still, NORML will continue its other mission of helping connect people who have been arrested with its networks of chapters and lawyers. It also provides assistance to cannabis businesses facing legal problems. Because for St. Pierre, avoiding arrest is the motivation behind his decades of cannabis activism. He publicly states his love of cannabis, which has led to him being detained and searched. Police even came to his D.C. house after he told a radio host he only partakes in cannabis in the privacy of his own home. “It’s that stakeholdership. It’s that fear of being arrested that is my motivating factor. I don’t want to be arrested. I want to change the laws,” he said. Not that it would deter him. Said St. Pierre, “If they actually had arrested me over this past couple of years, all I would have done would be a louder asshole.” c VISIT US AT

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International Canna Pro Expo Offers Groundbreaking Medical Cannabis Education by Jamie Solis Reliable and well-rounded medical cannabis education that is sought after by professionals in the fields of business and medicine is available in one place— 2015’s International Canna Pro Expo in Orlando, Florida. The International Canna Pro Expo is being held at the Caribe Royal All Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4. This is the first expo of its kind, as it features CME (Continuing Medical Education) lectures giving opportunities for medical professionals to obtain accreditation for prescribing cannabis. There will also be distinguished speakers sharing medical cannabis education with all attendees and networking opportunities for cannabis businesses. Various industry professionals and medical experts will give speeches for two days on topics such as law, history and science of cannabis. Physicians can learn everything from how to

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recommend medical cannabis to patients and their risks, rights and responsibilities in doing so, to the differences in federal law versus state law. Some of the topics in particular that will be covered are Evolution of Medical Cannabis Policy, Cannabinoids and Brain Cancer, Best Practices for Mitigating Risks for Physicians Recommending Cannabis, A Political Briefing on Cannabis Law, Cannabis Sativa: Plant Physiology, Strains and Cultivation Overview, Veterans and Medical Cannabis: PTSD, TBI and Neuropathy, Cannabis Analysis of Current Trends in Cannabis Extractions, Extracts and Concentrates, among so much other fascinating information. With such a great variety of topics, it’s no surprise that the participating experts are from various different fields. The impressive list of 13 noteworthy speakers at the expo includes expert Professor of Medicine NYCPM Dr. Stephen Holt, Dr.

“‘This is what has been missing the whole time for medical professionals. To be able to move this issue forward, medical professionals need to know why they should care.’” Genester Wilson-King, Professor of Neurology at University of South Florida Juan SanchezRamos, Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University Dale Sky Jones, Attorney Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich, and Emmy Award Winning TV Show Host Montel Williams is the Featured Keynote Speaker. Dale Sky Jones of Oaksterdam University will speak at the expo about the science of cannabis, and she shared with CULTURE her excitement and support for this much needed training opportunity, “This is what has been missing the whole time for medical professionals. To be able to move this issue forward, medical professionals need to know why they should

care. Because once they see the medical results for these patients, it becomes a moral imperative, especially for the individuals who have taken the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm.” There will also be fun ways to connect through the expo’s seminars, social media networking receptions and workshops. These events will give attendees the exclusive opportunity to build relationships within the medical and business communities of the cannabis industry. The International Canna Pro Expo is offering the broadest professional education by the most diverse group of medical experts and countless industry professionals that you won’t find anywhere else. c VISIT US AT iReadCulture.com internationalcannaproexpo.com

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CULTURE // September 2015

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Stimulating

Synesthesia The unabashed experimental creativity of

Jeromie Dorrance by Addison Herron-Wheeler

When some people are plagued by nightmarish, psychedelic visions, they are driven to madness. Others channel their inner demons and use that inspiration to create art. Luckily for Denver, Jeromie Dorrance falls into the latter category. >>

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“My art is very surreal, psychedelic, chaotic, hypnagogic,” Dorrance tells us. “. . . Most of my work is a reflection of vision, synesthesia and seeing with your other senses besides sight.” Dorrance has been plagued by these visions his whole life, slowly working them out via illustration. “When I was a kid, I kept getting sent to the office for drawing all over my tests instead of actually taking them,” he admits. “I got into video art my senior year of college, after I discovered a technique called Datamoshing, where you basically destroy the code of the video, glitch it out. It’s a little outdated today; however, I have been experimenting and pushing it for a while now. You can get so many cool effects with it, from glitchy, chaotic explosions of pixels to very fluid oil painting-looking effects.” As far as creation goes, Dorrance has

been active in the local art scene for a while now, and has worked on a lot of diverse and exciting projects. “My last solo show, Night Eyes, happened back in June,” he states. “I had some paper collages in the show, as well as some of those wacky inflatable air guys; I cut out the eyes, so it looked like they were flailing around the room blind. Denver is great for artists; there is such a good community here and new art spaces are opening up all the time. I currently run a gallery called DATELINE; it’s in the River North (RiNo) district downtown. We focus primarily on showing experimental contemporary art from around the globe.” Dorrance is not an active smoker, but he appreciates the effects of cannabis and supports legalization, and even imbibes from time to time using alternatives to smoke. “I am a big supporter of cannabis,” he claims. “There’s a dispensary next to my

gallery. I am working on a music festival this summer and the main sponsor is a local dispensary here in Denver; it’s great for the economy. I hope it sticks around. When I was younger I experimented with it; however I always would only use it a jumping off point for creativity. I know people who use it to enhance life; I enjoy it to unwind. Nowadays I’m more into eating it, seems healthier for you.” He also points out how he managed to work recent legalization into one of his art exhibitions. “I VJ’d this weekly party for like three years, and weed had just become legal,” he states. “So of course, I worked the imagery into my set that week.” If you love art that’s not afraid to get weird, keep an eye out for Dorrance’s VJ and installation work in Denver, and stop by DATELINE to see his art as well as the pieces he wishes to showcase. c www.jeromiedorrance.com

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Photo by Travis Heacock

How to Catch a Cloud in Colorado Cosmic Heavy Rock inspires Denver by Addison Herron-Wheeler

Colorado is a place of many natural wonders–gorgeous skies full of stars and layered clouds, majestic mountain vistas and rolling hills. This amazing scenery is loved and appreciated by all, but it isn’t usually associated with metal or heavy rock. Cloud Catcher are changing all that though—these dudes love the gorgeous nature of Colorado and the wonders of infinite space that can be seen from a quiet Colorado hilltop, and they let it inspire their music, making for some truly great and original tunes. >>

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“When we jam, we are known to ignite the sacred herb and follow the smoke towards the riff-filled land. I would honestly say it helps us with sonic spatial reasoning.” 100

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Photos by Enrique Padilla

Cloud Catcher selfdescribe their music as “cosmic heavy rock,” and they take influence from classic metal bands like Black Sabbath and the modern doom scene, as well as classic rock and psych. Because of their complex sound and varied influences, they are able to straddle both the psych and metal scenes in Denver, playing to both crowds, contributing to both genres and making a strong name for themselves and a Colorado rock staple. “Jared [Soloman Handman - drums] and I have been playing music together for five years,” states Rory Rummings, the band’s guitarist and vocalist. “Our roots for starting a band started growing pretty early on. It wasn’t until two years ago that I approached him and asked if he’d like to join what would become Cloud Catcher. I’ve known Kam [Kameron Wentworth - bass] for a little over a year. He used to be in the band Medusa, whom I was a huge fan of. When he decided to leave Medusa, we immediately hopped on the opportunity of asking him to play bass.” >>

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“It’s hard to not be inspired by the landscape here . . .” IN CONCERT September 14 @ Larimer Lounge in Denver

Photos by Travis Heacock

The group pulls influence from the awesome mountains surrounding Denver, and are able to make such strong, psychedelic and layered music because of the inspirational state they call home. “It’s hard to not be inspired by the landscape here,” Rummings tells us. “A lot of the lyrics on this first album are essentially about raising your consciousness through nature. I live up in Evergreen so it’s truly a part of the process of song writing for me.” In the process of celebrating nature, the group also calls on the natural help of cannabis to give their music a kick. Cannabis is very much a part of our everyday lives,” Rummings states. “When we jam we are known to ignite the sacred herb and follow the smoke towards the rifffilled land. I would honestly say it helps us with sonic spatial reasoning. Ya know, song composition and such. I also used to work in the industry for about a year, both growing, and selling cannabis for a few warehouses. I really enjoyed that line of work.” The group is currently riding the success of their recently released album, Enlightened Beyond Existence. The digital version is free for streaming on their Bandcamp page, and they are accepting preorders for an upcoming vinyl release of the record. Catch them as they play around Denver this fall, and try taking a listen to their release as you cruise through the mountains and take in the scenery. c cloud-catcher.bandcamp.com

October 17 @ Hi-Dive in Denver for its record release party November 1 @ Hi-Dive in Denver

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Denver’s Despise

Helping to cultivate a cannabis-loving EDM scene in Denver by Addison Herron-Wheeler

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Denver is well-known for producing and catering to some of the best EDM of all time, so it’s no surprise that in a city so rich in its electronic scene, drum n’ bass should be represented. This now-legendary and extremely influential form of electronic music has been popular since the ‘90s, and is known for its driven and progressive drums and its hyper, introspective sound. Holding down the drum n’ bass scene in Denver is none other than the awesome, unstoppable DJ Despise (aka Maggie Despise), who constantly pushes the boundaries of the live experience with her hypnotizing, pounding and innovative sets. >>

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IN CONCERT October 17 @ Vinyl in Denver

“My focus is in drum and bass and jungle, with a passion for the more obscure and experimental sounds,” Despise told us about the style of music she plays out. “I particularly love the deeper, darker side of the spectrum. I like to encompass both future and classic sounds including a mix of halftime, footwork, minimal, and retro-future jungle. More recently I’ve even been throwing in a little 160 beat-per-minute (BPM) flavor in too. It’s fun finding creative ways to technically blend all these BPMs together. I search out artists and tracks that have unique vibes that push the genre in new and innovative directions. Additionally, I love exposing people to different sides of the genre that they may not be familiar with.” Despise has been in the scene for a long time, and has been mixing for almost 20 years. “I started collecting drum and bass and jungle records back in ‘97,” she states. “Shortly after I got a hold of some crappy belt-driven decks and began to learn to beat match. Originally, I never planned on necessarily becoming a DJ. I just wanted a way to listen to and record mix tapes of the vinyl in my collection. Many of my friends at the time were local drum and bass DJs,

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so they helped hone my skills and eventually pushed me to start playing out.” In addition to DJ-ing, Despise also runs her own drum and bass event production crew, Recon DNB, helping to support other artists in the scene. “Right now, we have two regular monthly events: Every first Thursday at Milk Bar to showcase the local talent, and the third Saturday of each month in the Vinyl Basement where we showcase international and stateside talent,” she explains. While Despise is not a smoker herself, she is happy with the direction legalization has taken in Denver, and embraces the fact that her fans are avid cannabis enthusiasts. “I don’t have much involvement in the local cannabis scene, outside of providing a place for people to inconspicuously smoke weed while listening to jungle,” she laughs. “But I think the legalization is a good thing. It’s bringing a ton of new people to Denver, which is great for the growth of the music scene.” You can catch Despise playing out around town at Sub.mission or Recon DNB events, and keep up with her online to see where she will be appearing and what her crew is up to. c

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by Ed Rosenthal

growing culture

Experimenting

with Far-Red

n late June, I placed four 730nm (far-red) lamps over several plants to see whether I could induce early flowering by turning them on at dusk. The controls were exposed to natural light during the day, but not the far-red lamps at dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end. It is now early August. The experimental plants have been under the influence of the far-red lamps for more than five weeks. The results were unexpected. The far-red light did not speed up flowering time. I still think the theory is valid, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that these lamps delivered enough intensity to trigger the phytochrome reaction I was looking for. However, without realizing it, I had set up another experiment. I had placed a 300-watt induction fluorescent in the middle of the experimental area so that some of the plants received five hours of extra illumination during lighted, but shaded parts of the day. None of these plants received the far-red light treatment. There was also a third group of plants that could be considered a control. They were on the other side of the fluorescents, opposite the far-red light treatment and received neither far-red nor extra light. The result was that the flowers on the plants receiving the supplemental fluorescent light were more developed by seven to 10 days at the end of five weeks

than either of the ones receiving the farred light or no supplemental lighting. The control, which received no supplemental lighting and the far-red light treated plants, both showed the same slower flower development. This indicates that less intense light slows flower development and ripening. This is in addition to reducing yield and quality. Details: The plants continue to grow well in their bucket wick system. A 3/8 inch braided nylon rope is used as the wick to draw water to the bottom of the container. Then the water is wicked up through the planting mix as the roots remove it. About a week later, July 1, the nutrient mix was changed from vegetative to flowering formula and the EC is kept at 550-600 ppm with the pH at about 6. During the summer months the trays need additional water and nutrients about twice a week. Since the phytochrome far-red light experiment is completed with negative results, I am removing the lights from the room. I plan to install more lights which will go on during the day, during the time the plants are in shade. I anticipate that this will increase yield and speed growth and ripening. I will leave control plants without supplemental lighting to see the difference. c

TIP OF THE MONTH FROM ASK EDÂŽ

erhaps when your plants were placed outside the sun was shining on them all the time. With the angle of the sun, they may now be in shade some or most of the time. If the plants are in moveable containers they can and should be placed in sunny spots.

If the plants are in the ground or in containers too big to move, you can use a high pressure sodium or metal halide lamp to provide supplemental light during the day. They are especially effective in spurring growth when ambient light intensity is low or moderate.

Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.

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1 Far-red lights are hanging on the right side. Fluorescent is in the middle. Plants without light supplementation are on the left.

2 Plant tops with far-red or fluorescent supplementation.

3 Close-up of top receiving far-red supplementation. Flowering has not been affected.

4 Close-up of bud under fluorescent supplementation. Flower development has accelerated.

5 The fluorescent is on during shady time. It lights up plants in front of it, not off to the side.

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destination unkown

ALASKA

by Sheryll Alexander

Recreational and Real

The Amazing Beauty of Alaska IF YOU GO:

Fun-Filled Facts 1 The Matanuska-Susitna

Valley has the highest concentration of cannabis growers in the state and is home to the famous Matanuska Thunderfuck (this general strain term actually denotes any premium cannabis conceived the former government experiment station at Matanuska-Susitna Valley). 2 Anchorage’s Alaska Museum of

Science and Nature explores the state’s natural history through hands-on displays including dinosaur fossils, ice age mammals and prehistoric humans.

3 Weather in Alaska can change

suddenly, especially in winter, so most travelers don’t start flying up until midApril when this state gets about 16 straight hours of sunlight, which gives visitors tons of time to take in all the stunning scenery.

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SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

As the land of the untamed, Alaska has protected cannabis users since Ravin v. State of Alaska in 1975 declared personal in-home consumption (four ounces or less) and growing (24 plants maximum) perfectly legal, according to the state’s constitution, no less. Alaska became one of the first medical cannabis states in 1998 and, in 2014, Alaskans went to the polls and approved a ballot measure to legalize the possession and sale of any cannabis albeit with strict provisions as with alcohol. Unfortunately, cannabis still has a stigma in Alaska even as the state has been a surprising supporter of medicating naturally. Some locals and vacationers have reported hotels and car rental companies will charge extra if a room or vehicle is returned with that unmistakable skunky stench. And don’t think you can just light up in public; Alaska’s rugged cops are more than happy to write you a $100 ticket for toking outdoors.

Time to Go: Summer, early fall and late spring. Weather: Sunny, cool and rainy. Budget: $$$$$

ow a recreational cannabis state (if you are 21+), Alaska makes for a spectacular place to medicate on a nature-filled vacation. However, unless you are staying with a buddy who grows his or her own, then first plan to fly into Anchorage for stocking up at the one-and-only legal cannabis shop in the state, the world-renowned Alaska Cannabis Club. The club’s rather infamous president, former TV anchorwoman Charlo Greene (who announced her cannabis presidency and then said “F*ck It, I quit!” live on air right before walking off the set), says her solitary, yet booming business “acts as a safe access point for patients.” Alaskans, however, aren’t worried. They know Alaska’s Supreme Court made personal consumption legal in the ‘70s, then medical in the late ‘90s and, finally, a recreational state in 2014. Most cannabis-friendly tourists use Anchorage as a central point for all far-flung Alaska destinations. Anchorage also has authentic Alaskan grub such as reindeer sausage and fresh crabs at local hangouts, Mooses Tooth and Snow City Café. In winter, head to Alyeska Sky Resort for the state’s premiere ski and snowboarding facilities. Those who love to completely relax, however, rent a car (or hop on a short flight) to Chena Hot Springs in Alaska’s state capital, Fairbanks. While soaking in tubs of hot healing mineral waters, guests can experience the otherworldly and colorful aurora borealis. Alaska is truly a dreamy destination for those who can’t wait to medicate under starry skies and amongst pine-tree scented forests. c

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Adam Corlett profile in courage

Age: 19 Condition/ Illness: Generalized Epilepsy

Using medical cannabis since: 2010

Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.

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Why did you start using cannabis? I started using cannabis when I was 15 years old to help with my anxiety, as I had been having what I thought were panic attacks for two years. When I was 19, I had a convulsive seizure that changed my life forever. I quickly learned that I have refractory (uncontrollable) epilepsy, which means that no traditional pharmaceutical medications work to treat my seizures. After doing some research, I found that CBD and THC had been shown to help others who suffered from my same diagnosis. I began taking a hash oil concentrate by mouth every day, and while it tasted pretty awful, my seizures went from two to eight seizures a day down to one seizure a month. To fix the taste, I infused the hash oil I was currently taking into a hard candy. I am now two-and-a-half months seizure-free. At three months seizurefree, I get my driver’s license back, and my freedom. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I first tried Keppra which resulted in bad side effects. I switched to Lamotragine, which gave me just as many side effects. The neurologist then switched me to

Depakote which still did not help to control my epilepsy—and another drug called Vimpat. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? The most important issue I see facing medical cannabis patients is the stigma around it. I know children with epilepsy who have been bullied and left out at school because the other kids found out that they use CBD. Some of my best friends stopped being my friends just because of my cannabis use as they couldn’t understand that I actually needed it and didn’t use it just for fun. It’s hard to make friends in a world of judgmental people. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? I try to educate people who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine, because it truly is a remarkable medicine; I truly believe that it has the ability to help everyone in the world. Whenever possible, I refer people to NORML as a resource to teach them about cannabis› medicinal properties and its beneficial uses. c

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ARRIVING IN AUTUMN

recipes by Aunt Sandy

Menu: BAKED SALMON

BUCKWHEAT SALAD with MUSHROOMS and PARSLEY OIL WHITE SANGRIA FARMHOUSE BLACKBERRY AND APPLE PIE

The summer heat is winding down, the kids are back in school, the country is celebrating American labor—this is the time of year when there’s a definitive scent in the air that signals the arrival of fall in its calm and cool glory. Turn that oven back on after its three-month summertime hiatus, and make some light, flavorful meals, all enhanced with the essence of cannabis. It’s time to get fancy with fish, to bust out the fresh D.I.Y. sangria and indulge in the rich but irresistibly delicious taste of a homemade berry pie!

BAKED SALMON

BUCKWHEAT SALAD with MUSHROOMS and PARSLEY OIL 2 cups lightly packed parsley leaves 1/3 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, extra virgin cannabis-infused olive oil t 1 1/2 cups buckwheat groats or Kasha 1/2 pound each shiitake and oyster mushrooms, stemmed, large caps quartered

Freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 garlic glove, minced 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 large scallions, thinly sliced 1 medium fennel bulb, diced

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Blanch the 1 cup of parsley leaves in boiling water for 20 seconds. With a slotted spoon, transfer the parsley to the ice water. Drain parsley and pat thoroughly dry. In a blender, puree the blanched parsley with 1/3 cup of the extra virgin infused olive oil. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. In a large skillet, toast the buckwheat groats over moderately high heat, shaking the pan often, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer to the boiling water and simmer over low heat stirring often, until just tender but still holding its shape, about 5 minutes. Drain the buckwheat, spread it out on a large rimmed baking sheet and let cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of infused olive oil in the large skillet. Add the shiitake and oyster mushrooms and season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms have released their liquid, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 minutes longer. In a small bowl, mix all but 1 tablespoon of the infused parsley oil with the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and soy sauce. In a large bowl toss the cooked buckwheat groats with sliced scallions, diced fennel and the 1 cup of chopped parsley with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a platter. Top the salad with the sautéed mushrooms and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of infused parsley oil. Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

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4 6-ounce salmon filets 1/4 cup cannabis infused olive oil t 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

8 lemon slices 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup marsala wine or white wine 4 teaspoon capers 4 pieces aluminum foil

Brush the tops and bottoms of salmon filets with wine infused olive oil and season with salt, pepper and rosemary. Place each filet of seasoned salmon onto a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal. Top each piece of salmon with 2 lemon slices, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon wine and 1 teaspoon capers. Wrap up salmon tightly in aluminum foil. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes until tender.

WHITE SANGRIA 3 tablespoons sugar 3 shots Calvados, or green apple liquor 2 ripe peaches sliced 1 large grapefruit peeled and sectioned 1 sliced lemon

1 lime sliced 3 ripe green apples 1/2 cup cannabis-infused simple syrup t 1 bottle white wine Fresh raspberries Sparkling soda water

Combine sugar, green apple liquor, lime, lemon, peaches, grapefruit and apples in a large pitcher, cover with 1/2 cup cannabis simple syrup and 1 bottle of dry white wine. Chill sangria for several hours. To serve, spoon fruits into glass adding a few fresh raspberries in each glass, and pour wine over top of the fruit. Top off glass with a splash of soda water and serve.

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SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

FARMHOUSE BLACKBERRY AND APPLE PIE 10-ounce pie crust pastry 4 cups green cooking apples peeled, cored, halved and sliced 2 cups blackberries 1 cups sugar, plus extra for sprinkling Pinch of ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons plain flour, with a pinch of salt 3 tablespoons canna butter t 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons canna milk* for pie top

Heat oven to 350°. On a floured surface, roll out two thirds of the pastry and use it to line a 9-inch loose bottom fluted tart tin, leaving a slight overhang and keeping any pastry scraps. Chill the tart for 10 minutes. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork, then fill with baking paper and baking beans. Place in the oven on a baking sheet for 20 minutes, remove beans and paper then bake for 10 minutes more until light brown. Remove from the oven. Place the apples into a large bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Toss in the berries, sugar, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons flour with a pinch of salt and pile it into the tart, Dollop the canna butter around the top of the berries, saving about 14 berries for garnish. Roll the remaining pastry and trimmings together into a square roughly 4 inches square. Cut out 8 strips of pastry. Weave the strips of pastry evenly over the fruit to create a woven pattern and push them into the edge of the tart. Trim the overhang off. Brush the pie top heavily with egg wash, then sprinkle with sugar. Place a berry into each gap then bake for 1 hour until golden brown and bubbling. Leave pie sit for 30 minutes until cooled. Slice and serve.

Local eateries with similar dishes Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse 1513 Wynkoop St., Denver (303) 623-9600 www.fogo.com Nosh 121 S Tejon St., Colorado Springs (719) 634-6674 www.nosh121.com Sugarmill Denver 2461 Larimer St., Denver (303) 297-3540 www.sugarmilldesserts.com

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shooting gallery

Good Chemistryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th Anniversary Party photos by Shawna McGregor

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shooting gallery

Munchie Cup @ green labs in Denver photos by Addison Herron-Wheeler

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event listings

LET’S

DO THIS

Oktoberfest Denver, Sept. 18-20; 25-27

featured event

These two weekends will be chock full of your favorite local and imported beers, and all of the brew food you could possibly imagine. Plus, there’s costume contests to enter, polka dancing, and plenty of live music too. Larimer Street, Denver thedenveroktoberfest.com

Brian Regan, Sept. 5

The comedy genre these days often relies on crass and dirty humor to make audiences laugh, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Brian Regan is one comedian taking a stand for his “clean” comedy, and is still just as hilarious. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison redrocksonline.com

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Sept. 6

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Sept. 18-20

We’re done with the heat, and finally summer is over—it’s time to chill and cool off with the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival! This year’s lineup features the likes of ZZ Top, Taj Mahal Trio, Anders Osborne, and much more talent to be experienced. Various locations, Telluride tellurideblues.com

Kevin Hart, Sept. 7

Pennsylvania native Kevin Hart created his hilarious reputation by touring the New England comedy circuit in his youth. Although he’s been featured in a number of movies, his roots in stand-up comedy are where he shines.

Certain classic rock-and-roll artists can never be beat, and Joan Jett is a musical goddess in the genre. You’ll be remiss if you don’t rush to see her and The Blackhearts perform hits like “Cherry Bomb” and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Civic Center Park, Denver facebook.com/ denverciviccenter

Patton Oswalt, Sept. 11

Whether you’ve experienced this comedian’s humor through his live acting roles, or voice acting, this guy is instantly recognizable. Patton Oswalt is hilarious, and worth a trip out of the house to celebrate the arrival of fall (finally!) Paramount Theatre, Denver www.paramountdenver.com

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Pepsi Center, Denver pepsicenter.com

Kraftwerk, Sept. 23

This German EDM group has dominated the scene since 1970, which was way before that sort of music really took off (we can’t imagine hippies really getting into electronic tunes). Thus it’s considered to be a pioneer of that genre, and it would be a very special show for fans. Elli Caulkins Opera House, Denver denvercenter.org

Great American Beer Festival 2015, Sept. 24-26

This massive gathering of all things beer is like a dream come true—brewers come together to form a celebration of their best work in the beer, wine and spirits industry. The event has been occurring since 1982, so those who attend probably know a thing or two about pro beer fests. Colorado Convention Center, Denver greatamericanbeerfestival.com

Chiles & Frijoles Festival, Sept. 25-27

Taste the “Pride of Pueblo” by indulging in the delicacies of the intensely flavored green chile. Attendees will find a number of food items featuring the ingredient, and it’s all delicious! But you can also stay for the cooking competitions, live music, dancing and much more as well. Downtown, Pueblo pueblochilefestival.com VISIT US AT

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Cannabis-Funded

Education

Pueblo County to vote on a cannabisfunded student scholarship Students in Pueblo County might get the opportunity to receive scholarship money from cannabis taxes. Pueblo County commissioners will soon vote to approve the creation of a special scholarship that is completely funded by county taxes gained from cannabis grows. Students who live within the city/county limits, and who will be graduating high school and attending a public college or university locally, would be eligible for the scholarship, according to 9News. The scholarship money would come from a five percent excise tax instilled on cannabis grows selling to dispensaries. Pueblo County is home to more cannabis grows than any other county in Colorado, mainly due to the allowance of growing cannabis outside and in greenhouses, a benefit that other counties have chosen to ban.

“Every kid deserves an opportunity to succeed. Pueblo County has potential new tax revenue from a new marijuana industry that can benefit the kids of Pueblo. College debt has surpassed even credit card debt in America. Middle class families find it hard to send their kids to college, a basic cornerstone of the American Dream. We’re aiming to help alleviate that problem, while funding key school, parks and community projects,” stated the Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace regarding the impending vote. The tax sponsor estimates that it could produce “a couple million a year,” according to 9News, and that proceeds would be split between all students who graduate high school and stay within the county for their college educations—which is currently about 400 students. c

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Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird LEAD STORY— Outsourcing u Among the protesters at New

York City’s Gay Pride Parade on the Sunday after the Supreme Court’s historic gay-marriage decision was a group of men outfitted in Jewish prayer garments and representing the Jewish Political Action Committee, carrying signs reading, for example, “Judaism prohibits homosexuality.” However, the men were very likely not Jewish, but in fact Mexican laborers hired for the day. A representative of the committee told The New York Times that the men were “supplemental”—necessary because the committee’s rabbis would not permit their students (who normally staff such protests) to be exposed to the sights of same-sex exuberance typical for the parade.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION u WOOD-TV of Grand Rapids,

Michigan, seemingly uncovered an antiquity—if not a potential vulnerability—in the Grand Rapids public school system in June when it reported that the heating and cooling systems at 19 schools are controlled using a Commodore Amiga computer (released in the 1980s, about the same time as Windows 2.0), operating on an early Internet modem. It had been installed by a computer-savvy student and, according to the maintenance supervisor, still works fine. Fortunately, the supervisor said, the student still lives in the area and is available if problems arise.

u Recurring Theme: Government officials who insist on such “bells and whistles” as

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redesigning their department’s logo are often ridiculed for wasting taxpayer money (yet design consultants continue to sell the illusion that a new logo can give a bureaucracy a refreshing rebirth). In May, Tennessee officials unveiled a new state logo (which cost only $46,000—not counting the expense of changing signs, cards, stationery, etc)., which consists of the letters “TN” in white inside a red box with a blue trim underneath. (A Watchdog.org critic suggested a contest to design a superior one, but open only to kids age 12 and under, with the prize a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate).

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u Adultery is illegal in Japan—

except, as a Tokyo District Court judge ruled in a “psychological distress” lawsuit filed by the jilted wife, when it is done by a company to retain a good customer. A night club hostess who had carried on with the married man proved that she did so only as “makura eigyo,” or “pillow sales tactic.” Said the judge, “As long as the intercourse is for business, it does not harm the marital relationship at all.” (The ruling, from 2014, was first publicized this year).

NEW WORLD ORDER u In 1993, the owner of the

iconic 5Pointz building in New York City began allowing graffiti artists to use the walls for their masterpieces, but by 2013 had grown weary of the building’s look and had the walls whitewashed. In June 2015, nine of the artists filed a federal lawsuit demanding that VISIT US AT

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the owner compensate them, substantially, for destroying their creations—and they stand a good chance of collecting (under the Visual Artists Rights Act) if they prove their particular works are of “recognized stature” and not merely art of an “ephemeral nature.” At its height, 5Pointz attracted more than 350 artists’ works from around the world.

lays its eggs in other species’ nests to trick those birds into incubating the cuckoos, who then hatch and kick the eggs of their host out of the nest. The mother cuckoo, it is said, times her mating schedule so that her eggs mature just before the victims’ eggs would. Hence, according to Davies, she is “nature’s most notorious cheat.”

ANIMAL WORLD u A June entry in Wired.

PERSPECTIVE u To cover various general

com’s “Absurd Creature of the Week” series warned of the Beaded Lacewing that preys on termites by first immobilizing them with a “vapor-phase toxicant” released from its anus. The silent-but-deadly gas is reportedly powerful enough to disable six ordinary termites for up to three hours (plenty of time for a sumptuous meal of termite) and weaken several more that might get caught in the backdraft. Wired. com also learned of the related species Chrysoperla comanche, whose anal weaponry is in solid form, wielded by “master contortionists” who lift their abdomens in order to directly contact their victims’ head.

expenses (such as helping the indigent), the average hospital mark-up for patient care in the United States is about 3.4 times costs (according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report in June), but 50 of the nation’s 5,000 hospitals charge more than 10 times the cost, with the North Okaloosa Medical Center near Pensacola, Florida, billing at 12.6 times costs. According to the co-author, Professor Gerard Anderson, the 50 “are marking up the prices because no one is telling them they can’t.” (Fortynine of the 50 are for-profit hospitals, and 20 are in Florida).

u Suspicion Confirmed: In June 2015 research, scientists from Britain’s University of Exeter and Queen Mary University of London warned that owners of “domestic” cats seem not, on average, to appreciate what vicious killers their pets are and urge, for instance, that they be kept indoors more often lest they decimate the neighborhood’s bird and smallmammal populations. Estimates of the yearly death toll generated by housecats are “in the magnitude of millions” in the United Kingdom and “billions” in the United States.

sailor Alan Reynolds, 55, of Porthleven, England, was convicted in April of a burglary in which he stole items from the home of a colleague to pursue his fetish for waterproof clothing—to enrich his fantasy, he told a judge, of imagining himself a prisoner of war. Photos and videos taken from his home show him in bright yellow waterproof trousers and green waterproof poncho, removing layers of clothing from underneath and “smelling” them.

u The “parasitic ways” of the cuckoo bird were remarked upon “as far back as Aristotle,” wrote a Wall Street Journal book reviewer in May, but some biologists may not have believed the behavior because it was so cold-blooded. The bird, according to Nick Davies’ book Cuckoo: Cheating by Nature,

Furay, 33, pleaded guilty in Pittsburgh in April to six bank robberies—the first four in which surveillance video revealed him to have a reddish beard and the last two in which the video revealed him to be wearing a fake red beard covering his reddish beard. Furay did not explain. (2) In June, police in

PEOPLE WITH ISSUES u Former British Navy

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Confused: (1) Christopher

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Roseville, Minnesota, quickly located J&J Construction’s missing equipment trailer (stolen from a work site)— parked near the Washington County Courthouse, where the thief apparently had left it while he answered a court summons. WCCO-TV reported that the man was soon jailed on a separate charge.

RECURRING THEMES u Sy Allen, arrested in March

in Colchester, England, on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to sell, relied on a fairly common strategy: As officers burst into the room, he swallowed the “evidence.” As in the other cases, police decided to wait for nature to take its course in order to recover the suspected drugs. Unlike in the other cases, Allen managed to hold out, with no bowel movement, for 23 days—but not a 24th. He was arrested.

A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (NOVEMBER 2010) u In November (2010), after

her fourth-grade son was allegedly slapped by his teacher at a Kansas City, Missouri, elementary school (son, black; teacher, white), Lisa Henry Bowen submitted a 40-page list of reparations she expects from President Obama and two dozen other officials, including: $1.25 million cash, $13,500 in Wal-mart gift cards, free college education, Disney World vacations, private tennis lessons, an African safari, her mortgage paid off, home remodeling, nine years of free medical and dental coverage, and a nineyear “consulting contract” with the school district at $15,000 a month. Anticipating criticism that she had taken it too far, she added that opponents can (original punctuation) “kiss my entire black (rear end)!!!!!! I haven’t begun to go far enough!!!!!!!”

THE 90-MINUTE DAY u The whimsical premise of

the iconic movie “Groundhog Day” (that someone can wake up every day believing it is the previous day) has largely come

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to life for a patient of a British psychologist writing recently in the journal Neurocase. Dr. Gerald Burgess’ patient, following anesthesia and rootcanal treatment, was left with a memory span of only about 90 minutes and awakens each day believing it is the day he is to report for the same root canal. He has been examined by numerous specialists, including neurologists who found no ostensible damage to the usual brain areas associated with amnesia. The patient is able to manage his day only by using an electronic diary with prompts.

CAN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE u Apparently, “uncooperative”

child dental patients (even toddlers) can be totally restrained on a straitjacketlike “papoose board” without parental hand-holding, even during tooth-pulling, as long as the parent has signed a “consent form” (that does specifically mention the frightening practice). A recent case arose in Carrollton, Georgia, but a Georgia Board of Dentistry spokesperson told Atlanta’s WSB-TV that such restraints are permitted (though should have been accompanied by an explicit warning of potential physical or psychological harm). The father of the “screaming” girl said he was initially barred from the exam room and was led to believe, when he signed the consent form, that he was merely authorizing anesthesia.

WAIT, WHAT? u (1) A shortage of teachers

led Howard S. Billings high school in Chateauguay (in the French-sensitive province of Quebec, Canada) to announce that 11th-grade French classes would this year be conducted using only the Rosetta Stone computer program. (2) Among the new rules proposed by California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards agency in May was one to require actors in pornographic movies (whose male actors OSHS has already ordered to wear condoms) to wear goggles—lest bodily fluids VISIT US AT

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splash into their eyes during scenes. (Further, all equipment and surfaces of sets must be decontaminated after each scene and at day’s end).

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u (1) The mayor of Whitesboro,

New York, defending to a Village Voice reporter in July the 19th-century-based town seal that features a white settler appearing to push down an American Indian man, denied any racism and said the image is “actually” a typical “friendly wrestling (match) that took place back in those days.” (According to Whitesboro’s website, the Native American supposedly uttered, after the “match,” “UGH. You good fellow too much.”) (2) In April, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel ordered the Federal Bureau of Prisons to stop relocating whistleblowing employees to “offices” that were abandoned jail cells. The bureau had insisted that the transfers were not punishment for reporting agency misconduct—even though one of the “offices” had no desk, computer or phone and required the employee to walk past prisoners’ cells to get to work.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS u Lindsey Perkins pleaded guilty

in June in Newport, Vermont, for an incident in which she joy-rode on the roof of a station wagon with her 5-year-old son while a 20-year-old man drove at 50 to 55 mph on the state’s scenic Route 14 near Coventry.

u In February, the Office of Residential Life at Wesleyan University (Middletown, Connecticut), intending to tout its dedication to inclusiveness and the creation of a “safe space” for minority students, posted a notice on its website inviting applications from the “LBTTQQFAGPBDSM” communities. The probable translation: the lesbian/ gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, flexual, asexual, (vulgar word), polyamorous, bondage/discipline

and sadism/masochism communities.

POLICE REPORT u Cosbying 2.0: A court in

Castrop-Rauxel, Germany, fined a 23-year-old man in July after he admitted that, one evening last year, he put “four or five drops” of a sedative into his girlfriend’s tea without her knowledge—so that she would doze off for the evening and not bother him while he played video games. She had come home after a hard day at work, expecting peace and quiet, but began complaining about the boyfriend’s machine-gun-fire game.

u The Washington Post’s running tally counts more than 400 people shot to death in the United States by law enforcement already this year with five months to go, but 2014 figures from Norway reveal that officers there shot at people only twice all year. Proportionally (64 times as many people live in the U.S)., American police would still have fired only 128 rounds last year if they showed Norway’s restraint. (Bonus fact: Norway’s cops missed their targets both times). PERSPECTIVE u Pharmaceutical companies

justify huge drug price markups on the ground that the research to develop the drug was, itself, hugely expensive. In February, a Canadian company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, decided to raise the price of two heart-saving drugs (Nitropress, Isuprel) by 212 percent and 525 percent, respectively, even though it had conducted no research on the drugs. That was because, reported The Wall Street Journal, all Valeant did was buy the rights to the already-approved drugs from another company (which, of course, had thought the drugs— research and all—had been fairly priced at the lower amounts). Said a Valeant spokesperson, “Our duty is to our shareholders and to maximize the value” of our products (even, apparently,

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if it owned the product for less than a day before jacking up the price as much as five-fold).

TOO MUCH INFORMATION u At a charity event in

Philadelphia in July, in the course of attempting to set a Guinness Book record for pogo-stick workouts, Jack Sexty, 25, bounced 88,047 straight times (over a 10-hour, 20-minute session)—to add to his several previous Guinness records. Sexty, who said he was physically uncomfortable at times during the 10-hour ordeal, suggested that he may have “inadvertently” set yet another pogo record—as maybe the only person ever to answer a “number two” call of nature while pogoing. He explained that a guy had offered to hold a pot underneath him as he jumped and did his business— but Sexty confessed, “I couldn’t be very accurate (aiming for the pot).”

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u But A Successful Parent:

Scott Birk, 31, was arrested in New Berlin, Wisconsin, in July, thanks to a big boost the police got from his 6-yearold daughter. A Wal-mart security guard noticed, on video, someone breaking into a jewelry case and pocketing earrings, and approached Birk as a suspect, in time to overhear the girl tell her dad “several times” to stop breaking into jewelry cases. Officers running an ID check found no driver’s license and asked how he had gotten to the

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store, and he said they walked. But Daddy, she said, we came in our car, and she cheerfully pointed it out to police. A search turned up more items stuffed in Birk’s shorts, and he was charged with theft and violating a previous bail condition.

RECURRING THEMES u Summer is state-fair season,

i.e., the time of sugar- and fried-fat-based comfort snacks that rarely appear anywhere except at state fairs. Recent samplings: caviar-covered Twinkie (Minnesota), mac-andcheese cupcake (Minnesota), deep-fried Oreo burger (Florida), deep-fried gummy bears (Ohio), deep-fried beer (Texas)—and old favorites such as chicken-fried bacon (Texas), spaghetti ice cream (Indiana), Krispy Kreme chicken sandwich (California) and the hot-beef sundae (Indiana, Iowa).

A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2010) u Playboy magazine has long

published an audio edition, and the Library of Congress produces a text edition in Braille. However, as a Houston Chronicle reporter learned in August (2010), a Texas organization (Taping for the Blind) goes one step further, with volunteer reader Suzi Hanks actually describing the photographs—even the Playmates and other nudes. “I’d say if she has large breasts or small breasts, piercings or tattoos,” said Hanks. “I’ll describe her genitalia. I take my time describing the girls.” “Hey,

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blind guys like pretty, naked girls, too!”

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT u Among the health and

fitness apps for computers and smartphones are sex-tracking programs to document the variety of acts and positions, degrees of frenzy and lengths of sessions (via an on-bed motion detector)—and menstrual trackers aimed at males (to help judge their partner’s fertility but also her predicted friskiness and likelihood of orgasm). Several have chart- and graph-making potential for data (noise level, average thrust frequency, duration, etc)., and of course, the highlight of many of the apps is their ability to create a “score” to rank performance— even encouraging comparisons across a range of populations and geography. (Sociologist Deborah Lupton’s app research was summarized in the July Harper’s Magazine).

WE ARE NOT ALONE

u (1) Scientists from Australia’s

James Cook University told reporters in June that they had spotted an aggressive fish that can walk on land making its way toward the country from Papua New Guinea. The native freshwater “climbing perch” can live out of water for days and has survived short saltwater treks from PNG toward Australia’s Queensland. (2) In July, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department posted a warning photo of a so-far-rare Texas Redhead—an 8-inch-long centipede with gangly white legs tipped with venom-delivering fangs and which eats lizards and toads.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS u Reuters reported in early

July that a big loser in the nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers was (since all negotiators have gone home to sell the deal) the brothel industry of Vienna, Austria, which hosted that final round. With so many (male, mostly) diplomats in town for two

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stressful months, business had been robust—especially compared to the previous round in notoriously expensive Lausanne, Switzerland.

u The Undernews From Wimbledon: The All England Club, host of tennis’s most hallowed tournament, is, formally, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, at which presumably Britain’s 11,900 croquet “regulars” aspire to play—although their British Open Championship is actually held at the nearby Surbiton Croquet Club, which this year hosted 50 competitors from four continents, according to a July New York Times dispatch. The leading U.S. player—Ben Rothman of Oakland, California, the “croquet pro” at Mission Hills Country Club near Palm Springs—is the reputed “world’s leader” in prize money ($4,500). PROFILE IN LEADERSHIP u Maryland state Delegate Ariana Kelly was charged with trespassing and indecent

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exposure in June after she arrived at her ex-husband’s home to drop off their kids and learned that his girlfriend was inside. According to police, she started banging on the door and ringing the bell repeatedly and, aware that her husband had a camera trained on the doorway, she faced it, exposed her breasts and shook them, one in each hand, toward the lens. Eventually, she dared an officer to arrest her. (The Washington Post reported that Kelly is a member of a legislative task force studying maternal mental health issues).

IRONIES u An 87-year-old man, taking

his license renewal driving test in Deerfield, Illinois, in June, accidentally crashed into the driver’s license office (based on brake/accelerator confusion). Neither he nor the examiner was injured.

u An 83-year-old man, driving

around Cape Coral, Florida, in May, suffered a fatal heart attack at the wheel, and the

uncontrolled car came to rest in shrubbery ringing the Florida Heart Associates building.

u Wrong Place, Wrong Time: (1) A court in Lincoln, Nebraska, which had already sent Paul Boye to prison for at least 10 years for shooting his girlfriend, ordered him in June to cover her resulting medical bills. The woman had taken a .22-caliber bullet, which left a scar cutting right through her tattoo reading “Happiness Is A Warm Gun.” (2) A task force of Benton, Arkansas, police and U.S. Marshals tracked down Tieren Watson, 26, in June after he had spent several days on the lam as a suspect in a shooting. When arrested, he was wearing a T-shirt reading “You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide.” WAIT, WHAT? u Mine worker Joshua Clay

claimed in a lawsuit that a foreman had twice taunted him for complaining about conditions—by restraining him and spray-painting his testicles

white. Clay filed against Kielty Mine in Mingo County, West Virginia, in July, alleging that the company had forced him to work on the dirty side of a coal-dust conversion machine—a practice forbidden by federal regulations—and that when he complained, he was subjected to off-the-books discipline.

INEXPLICABLE u A KPHO-TV news story in

Phoenix featured a local doctor advising expectant mothers against “tweaking” the result of home pregnancy tests. Some women, apparently, had discovered the magic of “Photoshopping” the pink reading on the home test’s strip—to take a faint pink line (not a certified pregnancy) to make it bold (pregnant!). Although the doctor warns of the general hazard of “false positives,” the 415-word news story does not explain how Photoshopping a notpositive reading into a positive one improves the likelihood of conception.

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