Culture Magazine NorCal 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

CULTURE // September 2015

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September 2015 // CULTURE

Contents september 2015

100

FeatureS

24 . EVOLVING EDUCATION International Canna Pro Expo offers groundbreaking medical cannabis education. 26 . HEALTH HAZARDS

Synthesized cannabis is dangerous, and shouldn’t be allowed for human consumption. 32 . HEARTY HEMP Hemp is a fiber that’s versatile and drastically different than its cannabis cousin. 38 . ON THE RADAR Marijuana Straight Talk—the TV program that’s changing up the cannabis journalism scene. 44 . Industry insider Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director for NORML, has been advocating cannabis for two decades.

62 RIDICULOUS AND ROLLICKING

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

10 . Letter from the Editor

NEWS 16 . News Nuggets 20 . By the Numbers 22 . healthy living

reviews

Departments 94 . Growing Culture 96 . Destination Unknown 98 . Profiles in Courage 100 . Recipes 104 . let’s do this 108 . News of the Weird

74 . Cool Stuff

UK Legalization Petition Earns Enough Signatures to be Considered by Parliament

76 . STRAIN, edible &

concentrate ReviewS

90 . Entertainment Reviews

92 . liner notes

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

50 . BIZARRE AND BEAUTIFUL Nicholas Gazin’s art will take you on a strange and fascinating journey. 56 . SOARING SUCCESS Musical artist Danke has a wondrous knack for combining electronica, R&B and indie rock—and we love it.

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Vol 7 IssUE 3

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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

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 Manager Gene Gorelik Account Executives Greg Andes,Callie Belo, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, 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 Intern Brahim Gousse Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 30,000 magazines at over 700 locations throughout the Bay area. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com

Evan A. Senn

Editor-In-Chief

CULTURE // September 2015

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

CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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C NEWS NUGGETS

__________________________

State

Santa Clara County to vote on new cannabis regulations

Following the first meeting after summer recess, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted on an ordinance that adds new regulations for cannabis cultivation. A ban on outdoor cultivation in unincorporated areas would continue, but home grows run by qualified patients and caregivers, with landlord’s permission, are allowed to grow either 12 plants outdoors, or one full room for indoor growth, according to San Jose Inside. Light usage would also be limited to 1,200 watts where all indoor home grows are present. “These regulations would help mitigate many of the harms experienced by residents living near illegal grows. First, they ensure that personal cultivation does not exceed a limited amount, which prevents diversion of excess marijuana to unlawful purposes, and reduces the risk of criminal activity, such as home invasions,” stated County Executive Jeff Smith. Smith also noted that the ordinance’s restrictions will help reduce odors, fire risks and environmental harm from pesticides as well.

Anti-cannabis U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag is quitting

As of the first of this month, U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag, well-known for her infamous role in closing countless medical cannabis collectives in NorCal, will be quitting. Since 2010, when she was appointed by Obama to the “western coastal district,” Haag has been the reason that over 600 collectives were closed—many of which were compliant with current state law, according to East Bay Express. Her aggressive decisions led to court

CULTURE // September 2015

cases with famous and reputable collectives such as Berkeley’s Patients Group and Harborside Health Center, who ended up winning against her. It seems that Haag’s run is ending around the same time that assembly bills, which aim to regulate the Californian medical cannabis industry, as well as the expected overall impending state legislation of cannabis that is coming in 2016.

__________________________

Nation

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 commission would require physicians to VISIT US AT

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by the numb3rs

The number of meetings that the Vallejo City Council has had this year so far regarding medical cannabis collectives in discussion: 9 (Source: The Times Herald)

The number of people who participated in the 420 Games in San Francisco for a marathon to challenge the stereotypes and stigmas of cannabis users: 300 (Source: Inside Bay Area)

4.20 The number of years that U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag, also known as an “anti-cannabis legislator,” served before finally resigning: 5 (Source: Mercury News)

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

5 20

300 The distance, in miles, that the participants of the 420 Games ran, instead of the normal “5K” which is 3.1 miles: 4.20 (Source: VICE)

The number of medical cannabis collectives in San Jose that met new permitting requirements set by the city: 15 (Source: KLIV 1590)

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

Hempcon’s Dab Cup Now completing two months worth of amazing cannabis events, the Hempcom Dab Cup has arrived to introduce new strains of cannabis products to the annual celebration. This year is the first time that Hempcon has decided to feature a separate “Dab Cup,” which adds yet another cannabisbased competition. The three-day event will feature over 20 different cup competitions in the categories of CBD flowers, edibles, concentrates and products. Extracts, of course, get an expanded cup competition to the normal lineup. Attendees can check out various medical cannabis products through the floor exhibits, and check out information from representatives of collectives, caregivers, evaluation services, legal services and educational services, as well as various equipment and accessories, among other unique inventions.

IF YOU GO

What: Hempcon’s Dab Cup. When/Where: Fri, Sept. 18-Sun, Sept. 20. San Jose Convention Center, 150 W San Carlos St., San Jose. Info: Visit www. hempcon.com for details.

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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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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 12 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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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.

CULTURE // September 2015

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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Back to

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

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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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Q: “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.”

CULTURE // September 2015

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

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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

CULTURE // September 2015

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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Nicholas Gazin is a self-proclaimed, “famed, proud pants shitter and coke head.” He also happens to be a selfproclaimed spreader of lies and misinformation and cries a lot at Disneyland. Gazin is the Art Editor for Vice Magazine yet he draws almost daily. He never works for free; says Gazin, “I’m thirty-two and I’ve been working my ass off for a long time and made enough of a name that I can be choosy.” He comes from a family of artists; from his sister to his mother to his grandfather, it seems predestined that, he too, would find his voice through art. He smokes a lot of cannabis and watches a lot of Seinfeld. Did I mention he also draws . . . a lot? He has an odd fascination with Walt Disney, deaths at Disneyland, and a not-so-odd fascination with his cat. It was difficult to pull this information from him but aside from finding Walt Disney to be the greatest American Artist to ever live, his other major artistic influences are Egon Schiele, Gary Panter, Mike Allred, Lamour Supreme, Suehiro Maruo and James Jean. Gazin is strong-willed and a hard worker. His illustrations are his escape and his expression. CULTURE sits down to have a light chat with Gazin about how he’s angry, how highly he thinks of both his cat and the world ending. >>

September 2015 // CULTURE

What got you into making art in the first place? Did growing up with a family of artists make you love or hate it? My mother’s a professional painter and seeing her painting since I was born probably is the reason I do art. I don’t think I’ve ever hated making art . . . I just hate the human race. Drawing and being alone has always been great. How do you feel about medical cannabis? Does it pertain to your art in any way? It’s cool that there’s legal weed. It should be legal for non-medical purposes too. Does it help in any way with your level of creativity and/or concentration? No, but it does help me sleep. Are you working on anything you’d like to tell us about? Not really. Talking about stuff that’s still being made in interviews is a hack move that can only embarrass you if the project doesn’t work out.

Do you have a degree? No, I went to School of Visual Arts in New York for five years without graduating. What inspires you? My main motivators are fear and anxiety. Following that, I am also bored all the time. Third is that I get fidgety if I don’t draw. Fourth is that I am trying to prove my own value to myself. Fifth is being horny. Sixth is doing drugs. Seventh is my cat. Tell me about your cat. Please. My cat is named Banjo and I stole him from an ex-girlfriend. He is the smartest, most beautiful cat I have ever met. He is also incredibly callous and uncaring. He doesn’t like to be touched but whenever he can tell I’m sad he comes and lies next to me. What are common themes you’re generally trying to communicate through your illustrations? I’m an angry boy. How do you think the world will end? I don’t know but I hope it happens soon. c nickgazin.tumblr.com

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ASCENDING THE SCENE Exploring the electronic beauty of Danke by Simon Weedn

CULTURE // September 2015

Though California’s own Danke might be new to the independent musical landscape, her sound is devoid of the usual rookie mistakes that can hinder a newcomer’s ascent in the scene. While many acts tend to suffer from a lack of unified vision on debuts, Danke’s first full-length release, Mouth Confetti, is wondrously wellexecuted and displays both style and songwriting which has obviously been painstakingly wellhoned, crafted and perfected. With a sound that walks the fence of being sparse and yet full-bodied, Mouth Confetti, delivers some of the most interesting, complex, textural and gorgeously produced electronic music one might encounter. The range of genres Danke incorporates into her music is extremely wide, and any listener with an ear for electronica, R&B or indie rock might do well to turn an open ear in her direction. Recently, CULTURE was able to catch up with Danke and hear all about her new record, approaches to songwriting, influences and inspirations and, of course, fondness of cannabis. >> VISIT US AT

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So you just released your debut album, Mouth Confetti, can you tell me a bit about it? Yeah, it actually started out as a collection of older material, and some really new material, until I realized there was actually enough content there to make two albums. So, I thought, “Why don’t I just take this older stuff, tailor it and cherry pick it a bit to give it a more consistent sound?” You mentioned that you “tailored” some of these songs, were any of them radically different at the start from how they are now? They sound much better, because I think I’ve gotten much better as a producer. So, if anything, I’ve added some certain things, but they pretty much sound the same. When I make a song, it takes a few days of working on it, and then I try not to go back to it too many times to add instrumentation or anything. I kind of like to write and add things as I go, but when it’s done, it’s done. What inspires you when you write music? I really find myself enjoying being alone amongst strangers. When I’m feeling the bug to write or express myself, it helps me. I like to be around other humans and observe people, and I think that’s a huge creative drive for me; observing the world around me and feeling a bit like a fly on the wall. I think any creative person

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is emotional and is tapped into their inner workings. I know, at least on your Instagram, it’s no secret that you’re an enjoyer of cannabis. Is it something that has helped you either personally or creatively? Yes! Jazz cigarettes! I’ll tell ya, if I’m gonna make a track, I’ll go upstairs, sit on the porch, smoke a bit of a joint, and then head right back downstairs and start making music. I can make songs that are not fueled by any substance, but it is undeniably an amazing tool for any creative person who wants to open up their mind. What is it about cannabis that you find so helpful? It makes me okay with weirdness. I find that, and this sounds so cliché, it helps open up my mind a little bit more and makes it okay to commit to something that’s a little bit on the weirder side. It sort of jumpstarts the creative senses. What do you hope listeners will take away from Mouth Confetti? I like to think that every song was written for me. So, the greatest thing would be for someone to feel that, “This is my fuckin’ song, this is my shit!” That’s what I’d love to hear, I want someone to feel like these songs are their tracks or their album. I just want somebody to be able to bump it in their car and think, “If everything else is shitty, at least I have Mouth Confetti.” 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. You’re performing at the Teragram Ballroom in L.A. on September 25. What should Angelenos who perhaps haven’t seen you live before expect? I don’t know what to expect . . . I know I’m going to show up and I’m going to soundcheck for 15 minutes and then hopefully people will turn up and I’ll get to perform for them. These are the only ingredients I know—always the case [and] better that way. 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

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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. 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 VISIT US AT

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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

CULTURE // September 2015

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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Medi X Available AT: Doctors Orders in Sacramento.

STRAIN + edible + concentrate

Sacramento’s Doctors Orders Co-Op adds to their massive lineup Medi X solvent-free oil cartridges. This is medical cannabis extract packaged for use with a standard pen vaporizer battery. Medi X focuses on “solvent-free” oil, meaning the cannabis oil that has not been diluted with a solvent like propylene glycol to change its viscosity. Healthconscious extract patients avoid such additives, as the long-term effects of inhaling them are unknown. Medi X’s oil has a very useful medium viscosity and really nice purity and consistency. Screw it onto the standard “510” threaded female battery and draw, the oil has a very light, nice CO2 oil flavor that’s hyper-mild. Each pen contains 500mg of THC and it is a very versatile, accessible and discrete device that’s also easy to use.

Midnight

Available AT: Berkeley Patient’s Care Collective in Berkeley.

Now you can buy cannabis that is 100 percent eco-conscious. Longtime Berkeley top-shelf outlet Berkeley Patient’s Care Collective has some indoor Midnight grown with organic fertilizer on 100 percent solar energy. Midnight is a Granddaddy Purple crossed to OG Kush—both blockbuster strains in their own right, often called “God’s Gift.” Midnight has a gorgeous, resinous, purple-dappled look and a dark, berry indica aroma for Cookies lovers and GDP lovers. It’s really nicely dried and well-cured, and grinding helps foreground its sweet berry genetics. Midnight smokes or vapes up flavorful, sweet, berry-tasting and woody. Patients report that it’s calming, pain-relieving, and sedative. It also encourages appetite, and at 16.4 percent, is euphoric and psychoactive.

Strawberry Kush

Available at: Blum in Oakland.

Sensi Chew Immunity

Strawberry lovers shouldn’t sleep on this phenomenal Strawberry Kush from Oakland’s most accessible collective, Blum, on West Grand Avenue. The Strawberry Fields and Haze cross, Strawberry Cough, forms the base of this strain, which was mixed with OG Kush to awesome effect. Blum’s Strawberry Kush possesses a must-have aroma of ripe strawberries. These are pretty big sized nugs that are mostly light-green, with that Kush angularity and spikiness. It’s very trichome-rich with orange pistils. The Kush makes the Cough denser. And again, we’re talking about an incredibly bright, preternaturally dank, fermenting strawberry smell. This was well-dried, cured and trimmed indoor that’s sticky to the fingers with resin. Grinding unleashed more kushy, astringent strawberry aroma. The flower smoked very berry, very sweet and very potent— both relaxing and energetic, with pronounced appetite induction. Available wherever: Sensi Chew products are carried.

Infused with Vitamin C, Zinc and Omega 3s, Sensi Chew’s new “immunity” medicated fruit and nut caramels boost your immune system while medicating for pain and/ or stress. Each small nut bar comes in its own resealable plastic package with useful dosing and ingredients information. Peel back the top to reveal a fresh, nutty, mildly oily-smelling bar perfect for trail hikes and other active locales. Each chewy, fresh bar is made with cashews, walnuts, pistachios, goji berries, sugar and more. It’s sweet, nutty, wholesome, delicious and only 90 calories. The 50-50 hybrid cannabis extract flavor is mild and fits really comfortably into the flavor mix. Lab-tested to ensure standardized dosing, these edibles are 25mg each, which is one-to-two doses for an average patient. These are next-generation products for patients that can’t or don’t want to smoke. They’re extremely versatile and regularly go unnoticed in public or on planes.

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Available AT: Alternative Medical Center in Sacramento.

Dab Face J1 oil

Alternative Medical Center of Sacramento is carrying the next level in extracts—so-called “clear” concentrates that are unlike anything on the market. This clear oil extract from makers Dab Face comes from the source plant J1, which is a mix of Skunk #1 and Jack Herer. Dab Face claims their process is “solvent-free.” Many of these “clear” concentrates are not CO2derived but result from steam distillation, and the fractioning off of desired elements. Dab Face J1 oil comes in a tiny glass jar and is a thin, viscous lightgold oil. It’s hard to flow, so is best with a dab rig, where it boils into a potent mango tropical flavor that’s very psychoactive. Patients are dabbing highTHC sativa extracts to manage chronic severe conditions including epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis, among others. Available AT: Grass Roots in San Francisco.

Banana Kush

A testament to the power of terpenes, Grass Roots’ top-shelf flower Banana Kush actually has the sweet, faint smell of bananas. There are dozens of aromatic molecules in cannabis that can lead to thousands of different smells. The faint tropical banana aroma is a happy accident from the crossing of an OG Kush phenotype called Ghost OG, and a Skunk Haze. The divergent mix of heavy indica and light sativa explains our sample’s ample size, yet light coloring. The bag smells light, and sweet with only an evanescent hit of banana, but grinding makes it smell like Juicy Fruit gum. Banana Kush smokes sweet, tropical and extremely smooth with a strong, astringent Kush pine finish. The 70 percent indica strain is pretty balanced. Patients seek it out to manage stress and depression; it also stimulates appetite. Available at: Mission Organic in San Francisco.

Khalifa Kush Crumble

Blackberry Kush

The southern part of San Francisco has some of the best cannabis outlets in the history of the plant, and that includes Mission Organic’s cuts of Blackberry Kush—an indica hybrid that’s as beautiful as it is potent. Blackberry Kush takes the sedative, berry-tasting Blackberry (Black Domina X Raspberry Cough) and makes it even sleepier, with a mix of the pure indica Afghani. Our sample was one huge, perfect nug—symmetrical and tree-like, frosted with trichomes, and dappled with purple. Blackberry Kush had a hashy, incense and tea-like smell to it that grinds down to release sugary sweet, dark-berry notes. Blackberry Kush was perfectly dried and smoked medium-bodied and ultra-flavorful with near-immediate relaxing effects. Patients use indica hybrids for pain management and sleep issues. Available at: The Cookie Co 415 in San Francisco.

The Cookie Co 415’s Mad Scientists bring Khalifa Kush lovers the extract form of the hit strain. Khalifa Kush Crumble is a hard, semi-translucent, wax-type extract with a really great golden look and loads of residual terpenes still intact. The source strain, Khalifa Kush, is the brand name strain of blockbuster rapper Wiz Khalifa. The “Black and Yellow” rapper didn’t pick a weakling. Khalifa Kush is an ultra-high end phenotype of OG Kush—the West Coast’s biggest strain. The wax is perfect for vape pens, dab rigs, topping bowls and fortifying joints. It’s got a strong, clean, pinefuel resin extract taste that takes effects in seconds. Patients use highpotency extracts that are multiple times as strong as flowers to manage severe conditions with less plant material than raw flowers.

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POP Cart

Available wherever: POP Naturals’ PRODUCTS are carried.

California and Oregon-based market leaders POP Naturals build on their success in oils with the launch of their POP Cart—a pen-sized vaporizer to use with the oil line. POP Naturals’ POP Cart is glass instead of plastic, with a dual coil, and color-coded silicone seals—red for sativa, purple for indica, green for hybrid, and blue for HIGH CBD. The sturdy, quality pen vape pairs perfectly with POP Naturals’ deep line of CO2 oils like this Cannalope Haze, DNA Genetics’ 95 percent sativa. It can be great for preventing the onset of a migraine in some patients. We got a very clean, CO2 hash oil taste that was sweet, peppery and light. POP Naturals sets the bar for purity, with no co-solvent in its extraction, nor additives in its final oil. Simply a patient’s best friend. Available AT: OrganiCann in Santa Rosa, Oakland Organics in Oakland and MendoCann in hopland.

CO2 Peach Gummies

The Natural Cannabis Company brand collectives OrganiCann, Oakland Organics and MendoCann sweeten the cannabis with some high-end cannabis confections. CO2 Peach Gummies tastes like a fresh, ripe peach in candy gummy format, with nary a hint of the potent CO2 extract in there. Each bag contains 300mg of THC, or 30 Colorado doses. With 15 peach gummies in a bag, that works out to 20mg per peach ring, which is generally tolerable for most experienced patients. Start with a quarter of a ring and wait two hours. You can suck on the candy gummy instead of swallowing it for faster acting cannabinoid relief, as the THC enters the bloodstream through membranes in the mouth. The delicious gummy can help manage arthritis pain and muscle spasms in patients who can’t or don’t want to smoke.

Bacio Gelato (Gelato #41)

Available at: The Green Door SF in San Francisco.

Birthday Cake

On the top shelf of one of San Francisco’s most elite collectives, The Green Door SF, sits Bacio Gelato (Gelato #41)—Cookie Fam Certified and grown by Mr. Sherbinski himself. This 60/40 indica hybrid’s parents include Thin Mint Cookies and Sunset Sherbert—two worldclass strains from the Cookie family. Bacio Gelato had the Gelato strain’s trademark deep purple nugs, coated with frost and little orange hairs. The unique sweet, pungent aroma alone can be too much for the novice smoker. And the medium-bodied, smooth, hyper-flavorful creamy berry smoke is definitely too strong for all but high-tolerance patients. Expect an extremely potent, full body effect, relaxing in the body yet stimulating in the mind for a perfect all-day smoke. Patients smoke Gelato for anxiety, depression, pain and nausea.

One of San Francisco’s premiere outlets, Cookies SF, brings back a favorite—Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie cross, Birthday Cake. The strain is super frosty-looking, with a phenomenal, light, sugary cake frosting smell. Birthday Cake is vastly lighter than most of the traditional family like GSC or Sherbet. Our ample, dense, medium-sized buds had medium to light-green leaf without a trace of trademark purple, but the aroma rivaled its Cookie kin, as did its beauty. This is one gorgeous, maximally resinated bud. Birthday Cake smokes sugary, sweet and extremely potent, with hybrid effects that aren’t as heavy as other parts of the family. This indica is preferred by patients treating pain, anxiety, appetite loss, inflammation and headaches.

CULTURE // September 2015

Available at: Cookies SF in San Francisco.

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Available wherever: GoldDrop products are carried

GoldDrop SolventFree Vape Cartridge

Vape pens are revolutionizing medical cannabis, but they have one obvious weakness—they snap apart and leak in your pocket when you try and sit down. GoldDrop keeps the industry moving with their GoldDrop SolventFree Vape Cartridge and carrying case, found at Harborside, CBCB, and Barbary Coast. GoldDrop’s Tangie is 66 percent THC and solvent-free, so it’s effective and pure. The pen is a great way to titrate 1 or 2 milligrams of THC at a time, and the pen recharges via USB. The oil has a citrus-lime taste that’s very hyper light and can be felt in seconds. Lots of patients can’t bother with lighting stinky joints on their lunch break. They’re vaping for anxiety and pain with what looks like an e-cigarette. Meet the business traveler’s new essential companion.

Medi-Roons

Hashman Infused’s Medi-Roons are a raw, vegan, organic, non-GMO, low glycemic and paleo. Perfect for vegans and diabetics, Medi-Roons are made with organic dried coconut, almond flour, cocoa, organic coconut syrup, extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, vanilla extract, Himalayan crystal salt and CO2 cannabis oil. These coconut macaroons taste amazing—all nutty, sweet and flavorful. Each Medi-Roon contains 30mg of THC, equal to three doses in Colorado, but even stronger for patients with a low tolerance. It can take up to two hours for onset of indica effects, which can be sedative, and relieve pain and anxiety. Hashman Infused tests all cannabis for residual pesticides, and all oil for residual solvents and cannabinoid percentages. Eight Medi-Roons to a bag. Pairs well with a trip to Hawaii. Available at: Hashman Infused products are carried.

Red Congolese

Available at: Caliva in San Jose.

San Jose’s Caliva collective is coming on strong with an exemplary cut of Red Congolese, a rare, 90 percent sativa for only the most experienced patients. Red Congolese is an African sativa that earns its name with orange and sometimes reddish pistils. It took a 3rd Place award in the sativa category at the L.A. High Times Medical Cannabis Cup in 2013. This indoor, organic-grown Red Congolese from growers at Dragonfish Farms has a citrus top-note, with a minty, sweet, dankness and an almost caramel-like, cheesey undertone. Our sample buds were enormous and seemingly dusted with THC resin. The sample had a sativa’s decreased density, and grinding unlocked more tangy sweet dank. Red Congolese smoked hyper-potent with a finish of tea, citrus and cheese—causing extreme appetite stimulation, energy and focus. Red Congolese tests at 26.2 percent THC with speedy, euphoric effects— patients use for depression and ADD.

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‘78 OG

If you’re in the market for an expertly executed medicine, then ’78 OG is a hash you ought to try. This hash is derived from three different strains— Heirloom Lemon Thai, ’78 Colombian Gold and ’78 Vintage Pakistani, which resulted in a uniquely potent hash that is highly desired by patients suffering from all types of ailments. The nonpsychoactive benefits from ’78 OG’s extremely high 28.9 percent CBD content make this an effective treatment for patients suffering from nausea, seizures, psychosis, inflammation and cancer. The high 25.7 percent THC content also provides many of the same superb medicinal effects as CBD, allowing patients physical relief, while creating a euphoria that can combat anxiety, depression and PTSD. Overall, ’78 OG is a hash from South Bay Healing Center in San Jose that we consider to be nature’s perfect medicine.

Available at: Buddy’s in San Jose.

Available AT: South Bay Healing Center in San Jose.

Buddy’s Sugar Cookies

One of San Jose’s finest sources of top-shelf flowers launches a delicious, potent new cross—Sugar Cookies. This powerful, exclusive strain mixes Lemon Larry’s OG Kush and Girl Scout Cookies for an extra-sharp Cookies pungency, and a crazybig, floral taste. The one parent, Lemon Larry’s OG Kush is an undisputed champ among OGs—with more limonene terpenes than nearly any other strain. Buddy’s has their hands on a great cut of Cookies as well, apparently. Sugar Cookies looks the part—dark, dense and frosty, with vibrant orange pistils. Our sample was perfectly dried, cured and trimmed. Grinding it sent the terpene levels off the chart. Buddy’s Sugar Cookies smokes heavy, thick, potent and maximally flavorful with a heavy body effect, and a pleasant, sedating euphoria. High-tolerance patients are turning to these indica-dominant strains for managing pain and insomnia.

Available at: Revolution Health Center in San Jose.

Alum Rock OG

Revolution Health Center in San Jose has one cure for insomnia, Alum Rock OG, a 100 percent indica phenotype of OG Kush. Grown indoors in soil and SC Labs-tested to 24 percent THC, Alum Rock OG looks like serious medicine. The buds are extremely dense, with a very pronounced OG scent of lemon, pine and fuel. Grower Graham’s Brand has really zeroed in on the indica traits in the family line, which reach back to Old World Kush and Afghani. Alum Rock OG can nearly lock up a grinder and proves perfectly dried. It pulverizes to a hyper-pungent, therapeutic dust. Alum Rock OG smokes and vaporizes with huge OG flavor and rapid onset of effects. Patients with a wide variety of conditions that include sleep disorders benefit from smoking or vaping these full indicas.

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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

“Royal Hawaiian Featherwork”

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

Nothing beats a much needed vacation to Hawaii, with all of its surf, sand and friendly culture, but as a second resort, the de Young Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is allowing visitors to explore the cultural significance of ancient Hawaiian featherwork. In “Royal Hawaiian Featherwork Nā Hulu Ali‘i,” over 75 beautifully colored and crafted examples of featherwork made for Royal Hawaiian chiefs are on display. Royal staffs, feather leis, helmets and feathered god images all populate the walls of this exhibit, with a focus on the materials and cultural meaning behind the art. This is a rare opportunity to view these artifacts of the past, which are featured in San Francisco by the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum for a limited time.

IF YOU GO

What: “Royal Hawaiian Featherwork Nā Hulu Ali‘i” exhibit. When/Where: On view through Feb. 28. de Young Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco. Info: Visit www.deyoung. famsf.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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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.

CULTURE // September 2015

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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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.

CULTURE // September 2015

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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CULTURE // September 2015

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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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 350Â°. 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.Â Slice and serve.

Local eateries with similar dishes Elements Restaurant 6944 Almaden Expy., San Jose (408) 927-8773 www.sanjoseelements.com Zona Rosa 1411 The Alameda, San Jose (408) 275-1411 www.zonarosasj.com Fillmore Bakeshop 1890 Fillmore St., San Francisco (415) 923-0711 www.fillmorebakeshop.com

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event listings

LET’S

DO THIS

Heart, Sept. 17

CULTURE featured the ladies from Heart a while back, and got an update as to what they’ve been up to, their current tour and what they think about cannabis. Shocker—they love it! The Masonic, San Francisco sfmasonic.com

Tim Meadows, Sept. 5

Tim Meadows may have studied television and radio broadcasting during college but he ended up taking a slight off-track decision to try stand-up through a comedy troupe with Chris Farley. Now, Meadows has become an amazing comedic force to be reckoned with! Cobb’s Comedy Club, San Francisco cobbscomedyclub.com

San Francisco Fringe Festival, Sept. 11-26

San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival, Sept. 19-20

Check out over 100 dedicated dragon boat teams, with over 2,500 paddlers, race for the finish in this 500-meter course. If you don’t appreciate the paddlers’ hard work and strong arm muscles, attend for the rest of the festival and entertainment instead. Treasure Island, San Francisco sfdragonboat.com

Chocolate desserts and other delicacies will be in abundance at this chocolate festival, hosted by the Ghirardelli Chocolate company. It’s more than mouth watering, it’s a chocolate lover’s heaven. Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco ghirardelli.com

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Foo Fighters, Sept. 16

Fans of classic rock are hard-pressed to love a celebrity musician more than David Grohl and his band, the Foo Fighters. The band is currently on a massive tour, and now’s your chance to see it live. Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View theshorelineamphitheatre.com

Want to see a variety of shows but don’t have the cash to pay the normal fee? The San Francisco Fringe Festival is bringing a ton of classical, comedy, cabaret and theatrical shows to the city for cheap. Various venues, San Francisco sffringe.org

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, Sept. 12-13

featured event

AT&T Park, San Francisco sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com. sf/ballpark/

Beyond Wonderland, Sept. 26

Best Coast, Sept. 23

Best Coast is coming to the west coast, bringing an awesome live indie rock tour to the most obviously awesome portion of the U.S. Seriously though, Best Coast is an amazing group that has plenty of melodies to offer. The Fillmore, San Francisco thefillmore.com

AC/DC, Sept. 25

With over 40 years of experience under its belt, Australian band AC/DC has been giving life to the classic rock and roll that has influenced multiple generations. There isn’t even a need to describe the band—just make sure you see it live.

The electronic dance festival Beyond Wonderland has been featured in Mountain for the past few years and is returning for a third. Experience the newest artists and music that spans the realm of trance, dance, house, drum and bass and so much more. Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View theshorelineamphitheatre.com VISIT US AT

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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.

ANIMAL WORLD u A June entry in Wired.

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

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contortionists” who lift their abdomens in order to directly contact their victims’ head.

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. 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

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Cuckoo: Cheating by Nature, 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.”

PERSPECTIVE u To cover various general

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.” (Forty-

nine of the 50 are for-profit hospitals, and 20 are in Florida).

PEOPLE WITH ISSUES u Former British Navy

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.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Confused: (1) Christopher

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

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reddish beard. Furay did not explain. (2) In June, police in 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

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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.

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