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inside
contents 12.2018
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BEL OVED DIVA
R&B songstress Toni Braxton talks about her multifaceted career in entertainment, suffering from lupus and how topical hemp products have improved her quality of life.
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feature
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Tis the Season CULTURE ’s complete Holiday Gift Guide is chock-full of gifts that are sure to impress all the cannabis aficionados on your holiday shopping list.
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departments
08 Letter from the Editor news 10 News Nuggets 11 By the Numbers 12 Local News 13 Legal Corner 14 Healthy Living reviews 15 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 28 À La Carte 30 Growing Culture 31 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Recreational Cannabis Legislation Expected in Illinois d Infuse Your Hanukkah Celebrations with Cannabis
VOL 10 ISSUE 6
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jamie Solis ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Bennett EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Benjamin Adams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, David Edmundson, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf ART DIRECTOR Steven Myrdahl PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Aguirre GRAPHIC DESIGNER John Venegas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Kim Cook, Eric Bulls, Casey Roel, Vic Zaragoza OFFICE MANAGER Mikayla Aguilar DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Cruz Bobadilla
CULTURE® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 600 locations throughout the Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. CULTURE® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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LETTER
FROM
THE
EDITOR
‘Tis the Season
C
heerful and festive cards arriving in the mail, shopping for the hottest deals, warm cinnamon rolls in the morning and spiked eggnog in the evening—there are endless signs that the holiday season is upon us. When it comes to holiday shopping, the experience wouldn’t be complete without small bells ringing outside of grocery stores, as volunteers accept donations for mainstream charities. As we get ready to wrap up the year, there is also no denying our cannabis culture’s
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focus on giving back to the communities we live in. While we support the sentiment, altruism shouldn’t be limited to the holiday season alone. Year-round, our friends and neighbors are facing economical hardships, from not being able to feed their families to unemployment, low incomes and homelessness. Don’t limit your charitable actions to just the month of December—give back through donations and volunteer work year-round. And if you’d like to witness inspiring examples of how to act every day and month of the year, you need
not look further than the cannabis industry. Countless dispensaries, cannabis companies and entrepreneurs have adopted a culture of altruism into the identity and mission of their brands. While we can assume the desire to do this stems from compassion and dedication to helping others, it’s clear that these charitable actions also help dismantle the negative stigma that cannabis companies often face in mainstream society. It’s essential that as consumers we continue to support companies in the cannabis industry that elevate our identity and work to improve their surrounding communities. Be inspired and find ways to support those in the industry who are so dedicated to giving back to their communities throughout the year. In this issue of CULTURE, you can rest assured that you’ll find everything you need to elevate your holiday celebrations. From our annual Holiday Gift Guide to infused and shareable dessert recipes, we’ve packed these pages with loads of holiday cheer. Let’s continue to demonstrate through our actions the world in which we hope to live in. Happy holidays from the CULTURE family to you and yours. c Cheers!
JAMIE SOLIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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NEWS
NUGGETS
Quarterly Tax Report Indicates Cannabis Industry Shortcomings According to the latest quarterly numbers released on Nov. 14 from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), cannabis tax revenue increased in the state, but fell short of industry projections. “The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration reported increased revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the third quarter of 2018,” the report reads. “Tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry totaled $93.1 million for third quarter returns received through Oct. 31, 2018, which includes state cultivation, excise and sales taxes.
It does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction.” The state also collected $52.4 million in excise tax, $12 million in cultivation tax and $28.7 million in sales tax. But according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, the numbers for the first six months of 2018 reflected over $100 million below earlier forecasts.
Chula Vista City Council Approves Recreational Cannabis Tax Bill After Chula Vista voters approved Measure Q during the midterm elections, the Chula Vista City Council officially approved the results on Nov. 27. The bill allows the city to adopt an ordinance to regulate recreational cannabis manufacturing, cultivation and testing companies, as well as dispensaries and delivery services in the city, and it imposes a tax scheme ranging from five to 15 percent of gross receipts. “The tax measure would impose an excise tax, in an amount and form yet to be determined, on all 10
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Commercial Cannabis Businesses,” Ordinance No. 3446 reads. “In the event the proposed tax measure is not approved by the voters, or is suspended or invalidated for any reason, the provisions of this ordinance permitting Commercial Cannabis Businesses shall be void without any further action required by the city.” The bill allows up to eight dispensaries in the city, and if and when the city reaches the limit, four additional delivery services can be added on top of that.
New York Health Department Releases Medical Cannabis Report The New York State Health Department issued its latest two-year report on the state’s medical cannabis program on Nov. 14. The report outlines recommendations including allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis at their discretion and allowing doctors who can prescribe controlled substances to become registered providers. It also recommends initiating a pilot study to explore insurance coverage for medical cannabis. “New York’s Medical Marijuana Program has grown quickly since its launch almost three years ago,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Nearly 81,000 certified patients and more than 2,000 registered practitioners are now participating in the program. The recommendations in the two-year report are part of the continuous work to improve the quality of this program to help New Yorkers who are suffering from serious and debilitating conditions.” The report also recommends making amendments to promote research and allowing third-party contractors to work as security officers.
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that cannabis committees in Vista have spent since 2016 in order to support cannabis legalization via Measure Z:
575,469
(Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The number of La Mesa residents who cast their votes in favor of a cannabis tax measure called Measure V: (Source: NBC San Diego)
10,647
The number of epileptic syndromes that the new FDA-approved cannabis medicine Epidiolex can be used to legally treat: (Source: CNN)
2
The percentage of residents in Chula Vista that cast their votes in favor of approving Measure Q, a cannabis business tax bill: (Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune)
64.66
40
The estimated number of patients who registered for Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program since it began accepting applicants in 2018: (Source: Philadelphia Magazine)
80,000
The percentage of Americans who said that they believe that cannabis should be legal: (Source: Gallup)
66
Cannalaw Connections
The estimated number of illegal dispensaries that the city of Chula Vista has shut down over the last three years: (Source: NBC San Diego)
The estimated number of Americans who live in states that passed pro-cannabis legislation on Nov. 6: (Source: Yahoo! Finance)
14.8
WHEN: Wed, Dec. 12 WHERE: WeWork B Street, 600 B St., San Diego
WEBSITE: evergreenlaw.co/podcast Do you have the right connections? Hosted by Chris J. Hoo, Esq., who is the founder of Evergreen Law, this event will walk you through some of the regulatory requirements of the cannabis industry. Reconnect with cannabis startup friends, entrepreneurs or anyone who is interested in cannabis business. All people and licensee types are invited to participate, no matter how much they know
about regulations. The theme will be “CA CBD: In or Out of the Licensed Market?” With so much confusion over the legality of hemp- and cannabis-derived CBD products, many people could take advantage of this seminar to clear up some misconceptions. Hoo holds multiple seminars in cities throughout California and uses them to teach others how to stay on the right side of the law. CultureMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2018
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NEWS
LOCAL
Positive Preparations Preparing for 2020 cannabis advocacy and elections in San Diego By Marc Emmelmann
L
ooking forward, the recent midterm elections in San Diego could spell more local victories for cannabis reform in 2020. Local campaign announcements will start trickling in come Jan. 1, 2019, so there is no better time to get involved in local cannabis advocacy than now. Despite what may or may not happen with federal law over the next year, if we have cannabis-supporting elected-officials in place, San Diego just might step out into the marketplace as a leader in the cannabis industry. The big race in 2020 in San Diego will be for mayor. Assemblymember Todd Gloria is a well-known San Diego democrat and former city councilmember who is running for San Diego mayor in 2020. Gloria is informed about cannabis bills in California, and he has already addressed cannabis banking issues, promising to help implement safe solutions for legal dispensaries. He also suggested that too many rules encourage the black market. Councilmember Barbara Bry, District 1 representative on the San Diego City Council in California, is also likely to run for mayor. In 2008, Bry founded Run Women Run, a nonpartisan organization that empowers women to run for political office. While she hasn’t announced a run, she has gone on the record stating that others are encouraging her to run. Other races that affect cannabis are those for the San Diego City Council, the County Board of Supervisors and the Assembly. The blue wave may continue in city council elections, with Stephen Whitburn planning to run in District 3 and Will Moore is a name
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being tossed around as a potential candidate in District 1. Kevin Beiser, San Diego’s recently re-elected San Diego Unified School Board Trustee, is a potential candidate in District 7. Since having already been on the District 7 ballot half a dozen times and winning thrice, democrats may run Beiser for city council to flip a seat from red to blue. Beiser shared with CULTURE the potential legal cannabis has to benefit San Diego as a community. “In the school district we’ve improved our performance dramatically by sharing best practices and learning what other effective school districts and schools are doing,” Beiser said. “We must apply the same strategy when looking at other issues that we face. States like Oregon and Colorado have implemented some very effective rules and regulations to support a legal industry with regulation that doesn’t subvert the will of the voters but that helps to foster the industry, which creates jobs [and] provides stimulus to our local San Diego economy. It can provide money for classrooms and not for drug cartels.” If Marti Emerald runs for County Board of Supervisors, she has said that the money earned by cannabis for the city would be targeted for specific programs for youth and mental health. Emerald may be running against Nora Vargas, who is currently on the Southwestern Community College Board and serving as VP of Community & Government Relations for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Chris Ward is a well-known pro-legalization voice in San Diego. If he runs for State Assembly, he will be mindful about the economic impact cannabis can have for America’s Finest City. Currently, Councilmember Ward has emerged as one of the most pro-legalization voices on the council, advocating for local, regulated supply chains to help mitigate public safety concerns. If prepared, citizens and elected officials can be poised to make 2020 an unforgettable year for cannabis in San Diego. Make your voice heard, get involved, volunteer or contribute. By getting involved and taking action now, we can ensure quality cannabis reform and unify San Diego’s efforts like never before. c
Burlesque Brunch San Diego Don’t miss the final 1940s-themed burlesque show held at The Lafayette Hotel. San Diegobased burlesque performer Emeraude LaStarr brings a Vaudeville-styled entertainment experience that you won’t forget. Most patrons describe it as risqué, yet classy. Headlining the event will be Jet Noir from Oakland, with special guest Ruby Champagne, plus Cora Comhither, LaStarr and Kinki Kalypso, with music provided by The Mad Hat Hucksters. Hit up the bar for standard and premium spirits, domestic and imported beer, soft drinks and juices. VIP tickets will only be available until Dec. 14—the early birds will get the best seating arrangements. The bravest attendees will sit in the front within reach and at the mercy of the performers. WHEN: Sun, Dec. 16 WHERE: The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego WEBSITE: lafayettehotelsd. com/events/sandiego/burlesquebrunch-2294941
NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
A Glimpse of the Future
V i s ta r e s i d e n t s c a s t v o t e s in favor of cannabis industry By Kimberly Simms, Esq.
L
ast month, Vista residents voted on several cannabis ballot initiatives. Until recently, cannabis businesses were prohibited from operating in the city of Vista. Measure AA, which passed by 52.52 percent, will allow the city of Vista to set up a tax structure for cannabis businesses. The proposed taxes are six percent on adult-use retail and five percent on medical retail with the ability to increase the tax rate up to a range of 12
percent. Additional taxes include an initial four percent on manufacturing, two percent on distribution, one percent on testing and a $14 per square foot of canopy for cultivation. Although these tax rates may seem high, they are either lower or are in sync with what other cities have enacted. The taxes are expected to generate $1.5 to $2 million in tax revenue for the city’s general fund and will be earmarked for the police department, fire protection, road repair, neighborhood parks and to aid in
the enforcement to shut down illegal cannabis businesses. The measure will also grant the city the ability to administer and draft future cannabis ordinances. It is unclear as to when or if Vista will draft a cannabis ordinance and what would be included in such an ordinance. Also on the ballot was Measure Z, an initiative that will allow for 11 medical retail licenses to be awarded to cannabis businesses in commercial industrial, business parks and mixed use zones. Measure Z will also allow for the city to impose a seven percent special use tax on cannabis businesses’ gross receipts. The measure includes special use restrictions from other dispensaries and schools and requires security guards at all times during business hours. Measure Z was largely supported by the cannabis industry, because it allowed for the most access for applicants to receive a license. It passed with 53.14 percent. Measure BB, another ballot initiative that was a competitor to Measure Z, did not pass, with 54.06 percent of residents voting against it. This measure would have allowed for up to three delivery retail licenses and two testing laboratories. When two ballot initiatives are competing, the city of Vista only allows for the top vote-receiving initiative to pass. However, because Measure Z relates to licenses and Measure AA is limited to taxes, both initiatives are able to go into effect. Despite the passage of the tax ballot initiatives, it remains to be seen what hurdles retail applicants would need to overcome under Measure Z. Likewise, if another Vista cannabis ordinance were to be passed by the city, it will certainly be interesting to find out what the ordinance will look like and what to expect in terms of application requirements. Considering that the rest of North County, outside of Oceanside, continues to prohibit all commercial activity, it is likely that the city of Vista will soon see an influx in investment and hopeful cannabis business operators. c
“Likewise if another V i s ta c a n n a b i s ordinance were to be p a s s e d b y t h e c i t y, i t w i l l c e r ta i n ly b e interesting to find out w h at t h e o r d i n a n c e w i l l l o o k l i k e a n d w h at t o e x p e c t f o r a p p l i c at i o n requirements.”
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NEWS
HEALTHY LIVING
cognitive functioning due to cannabis consumption, regardless of the subjects’ age of initiation. These findings are in contrast to similar studies assessing the impact of alcohol use and other controlled substances on cognitive performance, which “have shown medium to large effect sizes.”
TOP 10 CANNABIS HEALTH STORIES OF 2018 By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC 2018 has been another record-breaking year when it comes to the sheer amount of cannabis news. More states have legalized recreational or medical cannabis, and many progressive peer-reviewed health studies on cannabis interacting with various medical conditions were published. As we complete 2018 and move into the last year of the decade, let’s review some of the top health and cannabis issues that were discussed this year.
Doctors and nurses support medical and legal cannabis Recent articles referenced a survey by WebMD of 1,544 doctors covering 12 specialties in 48 states found that 69 percent of those surveyed believe cannabis can help with certain treatments and conditions, 67 percent believe it should be a medical option for patients and 56 percent support making it legal nationwide.
Cannabis dependence is down A study published in 2018 in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found the risk of developing cannabis dependence among heavy cannabis consumers to have declined since 2002 and that reported tolerance showed no significant change.
Youth cannabis consumption has not increased In October 2018, the journal Preventive Medicine found that adolescent cannabis use in Canada fell nearly 50 percent between the years 2008-2009 and 2014-2015 with similar declines in the U.S. Maybe cannabis is no longer the forbidden fruit to youth, since parents are more frequently using it.
Study confirms cannabis consumption can treat insomnia Although cannabis has been used for 14
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thousands of years to treat insomnia, a July 2018 study in the journal Medicines confirmed that test subjects “experienced a statistically and clinically significant improvement in perceived insomnia levels.” Insomnia causes multiple health problems costing the U.S. over $100 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
Legalization does not increase traffic fatalities A study published in March 2018 by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that cannabis legalization in Colorado and Washington is not independently linked to an increase in traffic fatalities. These studies confirmed a previous study published in 2017 in the American Journal of Public Health, which reported that “crash fatality rates for Washington and Colorado were not statistically different from those in similar states without recreational marijuana legalization.”
Cannabis consumption not associated with reduced cognition or motivation A comprehensive review published in April 2018 of 69 separate studies involving 8,727 subjects published in JAMA Psychiatry reported no significant long-term deficits in memory, attention or other aspects of
Cannabis can reduce in-hospital mortality PLOS One published in July 2018 the largest analysis ever done of hospital heart attack admissions reporting that cannabis consumers had a significantly decreased risk of in-hospital mortality. Separate studies have similarly identified an association between cannabis use and decreased in-hospital mortality in trauma patients, those undergoing orthopedic surgeries, patients with traumatic brain injuries, heart failure patients and burn victims.
FDA approves first cannabis plant medicine Although the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has previously approved synthetic cannabinoids, on June 25, 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first plant-derived CBD for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy. The Drug Enforcement Administration then reduced Epidiolex from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule V.
Cannabis is effective as opioid replacement Multiple research studies have been undertaken to confirm findings in 2014 that states with legal cannabis have 25 percent fewer deaths from opioid overdoses. Confirming the ability of cannabis to replace opioids and why cannabis can reduce opioid overdose deaths, studies released in 2018 have shown that in states with legal cannabis doctors prescribe fewer opioids and over two-thirds of chronic pain patients substitute prescription opioids for cannabis.
Legalization increasing adult cannabis use The August 2018 Annals of Internal Medicine released the survey results of 16,280 adults finding 14.6 percent using cannabis in the past year, including 8.7 percent admitting use in the last 30 days—the consumption rate doubling in just 10 years. c
REVIEWS
entertainment
BOOK
The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious Rob Mejia Pub. Spring House Press There are cannabis novices and cannabis experts, the cannasseurs and the cannabis curious. While The Essential Cannabis Book has the potential to be enjoyed by all who love the cannabis plant, it was written specifically with the cannabis-curious in mind. Covering some of the most basic cannabis questions like, “Can you really use cannabis and not get high?” this book might be a little boring at times for the monthly CULTURE reader. However, it is a great gift for those in your life who want or need to learn more about the intricate world of cannabis. (Jacob Cannon)
RELEASE DATE: DEC. 7
MOVIE
AVAILABLE ON: NINTENDO SWITCH
BlacKkKlansman
GAME
Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate Dev. Bandai Namco Studios Pub. Nintendo This year the game industry is blessed with the fifth installment of the Super Smash Bros. series, entitled Ultimate, which features new characters and endless hours of soaring wins and epic losses. Play as Simon Belmont from Castlevania, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, a Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. and many other notable characters, all while testing out new stages and playable modes. Ultimate brings a lot to the table, both for seasoned fighting game aficionados as well as those who are new to the concept, and it’s the perfect game to play with your friends and family together this holiday. (Nicole Potter)
MUSIC
Black Velvet
Dir. Spike Lee Focus Features For almost four decades now, Director Spike Lee has been bringing powerful and compelling stories to the silver screen. His most recent film, BlacKkKlansman, continues in this tradition telling the true story of retired Colorado police officer Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington) and the incredible work he did infiltrating and investigating the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Filled out with stellar performances by Alec Balwin, Adam Driver and Topher Grace, BlacKkKlansman does well bringing this nearly unbelievable tale to life through Lee’s unique lens and adds yet another stellar film to his already incredible body of work. (Simon Weedn)
Charles Bradley Daptone Records Late last year, modern soul legend Charles Bradley passed away after a fight with stomach cancer at the age of 68. On what would have been the week of his 69th birthday, Daptone Records released Bradley’s fourth and final studio album, Black Velvet, comprised of unused recordings from his three previous records. Brimming with all of the vintage style soul sounds that made Bradley a star in the final years of his life, Black Velvet is an incredible collection of songs. The album marks a fitting end to one of the most talented, brilliant and stunning artists of the last decade. (Simon Weedn)
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SINGER TONI BRAXTON PUSHES PASSED THE HURDLES OF LUPUS TO EMPOWER HERSELF AND OTHERS
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“BEING OPEN ABOUT MY CONDITION HAS BEEN EMPOWERING, AND IT LETS OTHERS W H O M AY B E SUFFERING KNOW T H AT T H E Y A R E N ’ T A L O N E A N D T H AT T H E Y D O N ’ T H AV E T O G I V E UP THEIR DREAM. I DON’T LET THE D I S E A S E S T O P M E .”
By Kiara Manns
With a decorated career and involvement in just about every corner of the entertainment industry, legendary singer Toni Braxton is more than just an R&B icon. Through years of success and dedication to her craft, Braxton has become a household name. From her solo music career to producing and starring in a hit reality TV show series, Braxton Family Values, the multitalented Braxton has nearly done it all. She first stepped into the scene with her four sisters as the musical group, The Braxtons, during the 1980s. Soon after, her first selftitled album debuted in 1993, which featured the hit song “Another Sad Love Song.” The album alone led to three Grammy Award wins, and Toni Braxton became one of the top female artists in R&B. Braxton’s next studio album Secrets was even more commercially successful and generated the chart-topping hits “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-Break My Heart.” Currently, she has released eight studio albums, achieved a total of seven Grammy Award wins, 11 Grammy Award nominations, sold 67 million records, mothered two boys, produced two reality series and tapped into a successful career of acting and producing. She’s also the recipient of five Billboard Music Awards, an
Echo Award, a NAACP Image Award and several Soul Train Music Awards. Only a few years ago, in 2010, did Braxton publicly share her diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. As an autoimmune disease, lupus causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and can affect any part of the body. The disease can also cause unwanted butterfly rashes to appear on the skin. Pain and inflammation are often side effects of the disease, but Braxton refused to let these challenging symptoms stand in her way. Braxton took her diagnosis story to the world in hopes of bringing a sense of community and connection for those who have also been diagnosed with lupus. She encourages others to not let their diagnosis halt their ambitions and hopes to lead by example. By committing to a healthy lifestyle and using all-natural health and beauty products, she continues to maintain her own plans for her performance career and future projects. Braxton is now taking on a new role as the brand ambassador for Uncle Bud’s Hemp, a company that specializes in “natural hemp-infused products for pain relief, skin care and personal care.” Uncle Bud’s Hemp prides itself in incorporating natural hemp oil, which is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that help to promote healthy skin and slow cell damage. It’s a brand that Braxton can personally stand behind. CULTURE caught up with Braxton to receive insight into her career thus far and to learn how hemp products have aided in providing her a lifestyle that is healthy, safe and fulfilling. CultureMagazine.com
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You have been involved in reality TV show Braxton Family Values not just on-screen, but behind the scenes as executive producer. What is it like producing a reality show that centers on your own family? I am enjoying being the executive producer on both Braxton Family Values and my recent movie roles. I like the control of making decisions that has a positive impact on my acting. You were also a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in its seventh season. How was that experience? It was really exhausting. At the time, I didn’t want the world to know that I was living with lupus. I committed to Dancing with the Stars to show that I was healthy and strong. You’ve been in the entertainment industry as both a solo recording artist and you’ve worked in various projects with your family. How have those endeavours impacted your life today? Family is first and foremost, of course. Professionally, music is my first love, and I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had to act both in movies and on Broadway.
1967
OCT. 7, Toni Michelle Braxton is born to Minister Michael Braxton and his wife Evelyn in Severn, Maryland.
1970s
Braxton grows up in a strict religious household, but she finds her true passion while singing with her younger sisters Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar at their father’s church.
1992
JUNE 30, Braxton’s breakthrough moment arrives. Anita Baker is unable to sing for the soundtrack of Eddie Murphy’s Boomerang, and Braxton is asked to fill in. The soundtrack attracts a lot of attention with several hit singles.
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Not only do you have a big family, but you all have collaborated together from singing with your sisters to filming reality TV. What are the benefits of working with your family members? We love each other. If feelings are running high, you know at the end of the day, you are family, and you have to settle your differences.
DECEMBER 2018 CultureMagazine.com
1993
Tell us about your upcoming role in the Lifetime movie, Every Day is Christmas. It was fun to be the bad guy as a female Scrooge. I enjoyed doing a woman’s take on that wonderful holiday parable.
1990
Braxton and her younger sisters form The Braxtons. The group releases its first single “The Good Life,” and singer, songwriter and producer Babyface is impressed by what he hears. Babyface quickly signs Braxton to LaFace Records.
JULY 13, Braxton’s eponymous debut album is released and becomes an enormous hit, eventually selling over eight million albums and reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
1994
MARCH 1, “Another Sad Love Song” earns her Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards at The Grammy Awards.
How has life changed for you since you were diagnosed with lupus? Being open about my condition has been empowering, and it lets others who may be suffering know that they aren’t alone and that they don’t have to give up their dream. I don’t let the disease stop me. I help manage my symptoms by using safe, natural pain-relief products like Uncle Bud’s, along with other healthy lifestyle alterations.
You’ll also be on tour at the start of the New Year. What can fans expect from this upcoming tour? I love my fans, and I will be doing all of my hits. It’s no secret with your extensive resume that you enjoy working in so many aspects of the entertainment industry. From singing and acting to producing, is there a favorite form of entertaining you have among them? I enjoy them all; music was my start, so that will always remain my favorite. How do you feel about being referred to as a diva? It is an honor to be a celebrated female singer. Many doors are open to me, because of that description. You’re a mother of two teenage boys; what are some of the lessons you hope to instill in your sons? I want them to be honest, kind, honorable and hardworking young men.
1995
MARCH 1, Braxton earns a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 37th Grammy Awards for “Breathe Again.”
2000
APRIL 25, The Heat, Braxton’s studio album, is released.
“ . . . THERE ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING HEMP VERSUS CBD PRODUCTS, AND MANY M I S TA K E N LY U S E T H E T E R M S I N T E R C H A N G E A B LY. HEMP SEED OIL IS A N A L L- N AT U R A L O I L T H AT C O N TA I N S N O PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES AND IS LEGAL IN THE U N I T E D S TAT E S .”
1996
FEB. 28, Braxton is nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards.
JUNE 18, Braxton’s second solo album Secrets is released and is also massively successful. “Un-Break My Heart” becomes her most successful single to date, followed by “You Make Me High.”
2001
FEB. 21, Braxton wins a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and is nominated for another Grammy Award.
1997
FEB. 27 Braxton collects another two Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She is also nominated for two additional Grammy Awards.
2002
OCT. 23, Snowflakes, Braxton’s first holiday album is released.
NOV. 19, Braxton’s studio album More Than a Woman is released.
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What is something about overcoming the symptoms of lupus that you would like others to know? Never stop living your life. Take control of your body, and carefully work yourself through life’s hurdles. It can be done. When were hemp-based products first introduced to you as a treatment option for lupus? I was first introduced to the power of hemp through Uncle Bud’s products. I am hooked. For those who are considering using hempinfused topical products, what’s something you’d like to share about how it helps you? That there are some misconceptions surrounding hemp versus CBD products, and many mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. Hemp seed oil is an all-natural oil that contains no psychoactive properties
2005
SEPT. 27, Libra, named after Braxton’s Zodiac sign, is released as her latest studio album. Braxton takes a short hiatus from the studio.
relief products, making them an essential part of an everyday routine for me, as I have long suffered from the painful and debilitating effects of lupus.
and is legal in the United States. Uncle Bud’s Hemp Pain Relief & Skin Care products do not contain any CBD. The industry can help dispel the conceptions by continuing to educate the consumer, and Uncle Bud’s will continue to be a source of information with the launch of their efficacious products, packaging and website. What types of treatment options did you try before resorting to hemp topical products? Rest, clean living, staying out of the sun.
2010
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The company shares that it provides a natural remedy for various conditions; why is it important to you to work with a company that utilizes natural ingredients in its products? Having had to make healthy alterations to my lifestyle, this hemp-healthy brand specializes in pain
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? You are strong, and you can meet the challenges that life throws your way. c
2011
MAY 4, Braxton releases her studio album Pulse, and shortly afterwards, she decides to focus on other parts of her career.
MAY 14, Braxton releases her memoir Unbreak My Heart: A Memoir published by HarperCollins.
Why did you choose to partner with Uncle Bud’s over another brand or treatment option? I believe in the product, and it really works for me. I wanted to share that experience with others.
What is your favorite Uncle Bud’s product? Why? It is hard to pick just one. But right now, I am loving the Uncle Bud’s Topical Pain Reliever as it works super-fast, penetrates deep and relieves aches and pains better than any other over-the-counter product I have tried. All you need is a small dab. A close second is the Massage and Body Oil. It adds a touch of pampering to pain relief.
APRIL 11, The reality television series Braxton Family Values debuts on WE tv, and it receives three times the ratings of typical WE tv series.
2015 FEB. 8, Love, Marriage & Divorce wins a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
2014
FEB. 4, Braxton releases her collaborative album Love, Marriage & Divorce with Babyface.
OCT. 30, The Braxtons release a holiday album Braxton Family Christmas, in which all five of her sisters participate.
2018
MARCH 23, Sex & Cigarettes, Braxton’s most recent studio album is released.
www.tonibraxton.com
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2018
gifts for the cannabis lovers in your life
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UNCLE BUD’S HEMP PRODUCTS Each good-for-you Uncle Bud’s Hemp product is formulated with pure organic hemp oil and is safe for men and women of all ages. Uncle Bud’s Hemp pain relief, skin care and personal care products utilize vitamins and antioxidant-rich hemp oil—a natural remedy to relieve arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain and other aches and skin conditions that affect millions of people worldwide! Products can be found at Walmart and GNC stores nationwide or at unclebudshemp.com.
CBX ESSENTIALS INTENSIVE SALVE Based on the awardwinning CBx Sciences line, CBx Essentials products contain all the benefits, with zero THC, so they can be shipped to anyone, nationwide. The new product line includes CBx Sciences’ Intensive Salve, the first product to introduce CBG to Colorado—and now the first CBG product available nationwide. Use promo “CULTURE15” for 15 percent off through Dec. 31, 2018.
PRICE: Prices range from $2.50 - $13.97 MORE INFORMATION: unclebudshemp.com
EYCE SPOON The patented Eyce Spoon pipe has been one of the most popular cannabis products for two years running. Why is this pipe so popular? Because it’s durability that rips. Eyce’s Spoon pipe is an all-in-one smoker’s arsenal, complete with a removable inlaid glass bowl, hideaway poker tool, hidden stash compartment and an unbreakable platinum cured silicone body that is protected by Eyce’s Lifetime Warranty. What more could you ask for under $20? Use code “CULTURE10” for 10 percent off when you buy two pipes or more at EyceMolds.com. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2018. (Patent US D825,101)
PRICE: $25 for 2 ounces MORE INFORMATION: CBxEssentials.com
PRICE: $19.99 MORE INFORMATION: eycemolds.com
RYOT ® SIFTER BOXES RYOT® Sifter Boxes are known for their quality and being constructed of the highest quality woods. Their monofilament screen and seamless glass base tray make them the perfect option for collecting the finest kief and storing your herbs. Not only are these stylish and sleek, the RYOT® Sifter Box makes for a timeless addition to anyone’s collection. PRICE: $36 and up MORE INFORMATION: ryot.com CultureMagazine.com
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WILLIE’S RESERVE™ MULTIPACK TIN - HIGH FIVE PACK Willie’s Reserve™ High Five Pack contains five whole-flower halfgram joints. The only thing better than a beautifully rolled joint is having enough to go around! So, whether it’s a festival weekend or a night with the band, you’re prepared to share the legendary stash.
BHANG ICE CHOCOLATE
PRICE: $30 MORE INFORMATION: williesreserve.com
Treat yourself to holiday cheer with Bhang Ice Chocolate, an offering of milk chocolate with refreshing mint flavor, derived from natural peppermint oils. Bhang chocolate is for chocolate lovers who crave a high-quality edible containing an incredible, cannabisfree taste and verified potencies that achieve a premium experience. Bhang Ice Chocolate is available in compliant packaging, a variety of flavors and at an excellent price point with Fair Trade, sustainable-sourced cacao. MORE INFORMATION: gotbhang.com
Dr. Dabber SWITCH If want you want to treat your loved one to the very best of the best when it comes to dabbing this holiday season, then Dr. Dabber has you covered! This powerful hourglass-shaped Dr. Dabber SWITCH will take cannabis consumption to the next level. This dabber’s sleek design with LED lights is outstanding and will impress just about anyone. The set comes with all the attachments or accessories that are needed for various forms of inhalation. Choose Leaf Mode, Oil Mode, Crystal Mode or choose up to 25 Advanced Mode settings. There is also Stealth Mode and 25 impressive LED light show settings. Take it on-the-go with a battery life of up to 33.3 watt-hours, 150 uses per charge and 120 watts of output power. PRICE: $399.99 MORE INFORMATION: drdabber.com
TROPIC TWIST GUMMIES Give the holidays a tropical twist this year. These fruity, delicious, indica-dominant gummies are guaranteed to relax your mind and whisk you away from wintry nights to sunny Caribbean shores. Fully infused, handmade Tropic Twist Gummies are easy to share with friends—and like all Dixie Edibles, they’re triple lab tested for consistency and quality. Tropic Twist Gummies are available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
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Kannastör ® GR8TR ® V2 JAR BODY The Kannastör® GR8TR® V2 stands out above all other grinders, and this one has it all! The immediate standout features are the interchangeable Vape and Standard Easy Change Grinder plates for a variance of grinding options. Plus it has an Easy Change Sifting Screen, bonus storage options and all the variations of modularity that one could ever hope for. On top of that, the Kannastör® GR8TR® V2 comes in three amazing colors, comes with a lifetime warranty and is made from food grade hardened aluminum. Rest assured you’re getting quality, as it was rated number one by HuffPost and High Times in 2017! PRICE: $89 MORE INFORMATION: kannastor.com
THE AXE HAT BY CHIEFTON SUPPLY CO. This six-panel snapback is made from the highest quality hemp and organic cotton. Attention to detail makes this hat stand out from the rest. The game changer with this piece is the small tab on the right side panel appropriately called the “Joint Caddy.” No more sweaty broken joints will be tucked behind your ear. Check out www.chieftonsupply.com for a great selection of hemp apparel and accessories. MORE INFORMATION: www.chieftonsupply.com
PRESSIES Everyone knows someone who could use a little more sleep, energy, or even a bit more focus. That person may even be you. And it’s for that reason that Pressies were made, a series of wellness supplements that contain effective, targeted nutraceuticals plus a healthy dose of THC to help you do the things you do—on your own terms. Kind of like a present to yourself. MORE INFORMATION: pressiepills.com
NEST CAM We all have friends and family members who are impossible to shop for—after all, they have already bought themselves every little thing they could possibly want. Why not surprise them this year with something they didn’t know they needed? Give your loved ones the gifts of peace of mind and security this holiday season with the Nest Cam. With various models, you can give them peace of mind with an indoor Nest Cam for watching over pets, or gift them with an outdoor Nest Cam for added security. PRICE: Starting at $199 MORE INFORMATION: nest.com CultureMagazine.com
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MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridge Discover the most consistent, best-tasting, highest potency vape cartridges currently on the market. 500mg MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridges are available with oil made from premium hybrid strains. During the CO2 extraction process, terpenes are removed at low temperatures to preserve taste, consistency and profile. The MINDSET Hybrid Vape Cartridge is available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
TOKER POKER ® Your stocking stuffer search ends here! Finally, your poker, tamper, hemp wick and lighter are in one, tidy place. This soulfully designed smoking tool has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Artist Editions are certain to be the hit of the season—as unique as they are useful. Use promo code “CULTURE25” at the checkout for 25 percent discount online at tokerpoker.com (offer expires Dec. 31, 2018). PRICE: $7.95 and up MORE INFORMATION: tokerpoker.com
GENIUS MINI With the Genius Mini’s incredible Genius Taster attachment, you can dab on-the-go and still experience all the benefits that the technology offers for flower. A waterless rig maximizes taste and allows the full flavor profile to be experienced. Other features include the Genius Mini’s Waterless Dimple Technology that cools and filters smoke and leads to less waste. It’s also amazingly efficient and virtually indestructible.
SYNERGY Relief Balm Infused with THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio, SYNERGY Relief Balm delivers harmonious health benefits—so you can work hard and recover faster. Consumers report that its powerful anti-inflammatory properties are great for treating chronic and localized pain and can assist with neuropathic conditions. Added bonus: The balm is absorbed through the skin, so it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. SYNERGY Relief Balm is available only where Dixie Elixirs products are sold. MORE INFORMATION: dixieelixirs.com
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PRICE: $75 MORE INFORMATION: geniuspipe.com
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the Season of sharing
G i v e t h e g i f t o f d e l i c i o u s f l av o r w i t h r e c i p e s f o r s h a r e a b l e s w e e t t r e at s standing underneath the mistletoe or sitting beside a warm fireplace—and treats like these are best made to share with your loved ones. Here are just a few seasonal recipes that are perfect for sharing with others. As with all cannabisinfused recipes, be sure to keep the THC potency low so that everyone can enjoy their treats comfortably and safely.
By Laurie Wolf Nobody would argue if December’s unofficial slogan was the “Season of Sweets.” It is hard to deny that this month is the best time of year to enjoy a variety of comforting and tantalizing desserts. Of course, add a bit of cannabis into the mix and you’ve got the perfect treat to eat while
R u s t i c A p p l e Ta r t In late fall, when apples are still crisp and crunchy, all this tart needs is some cannabutter, apples, a bit of sweetener and a squeeze of lemon. And of course ice cream is always a nice touch. We recommend serving it with rum raisin or cinnamon bun flavored ice cream.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1 9-inch store-bought pie crust, or your favorite recipe
1. Heat oven to 340° F.
3 tablespoons cannabutter, melted 2 apples, cored, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2. Place the pie crust on your work surface. Brush the surface with the cannabutter. 3. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the maple syrup and lemon juice. 4. Place the apples on the crust. Fold the outer edge of the dough around the apples. Bake until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
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Photos by Bruce Wolf
SERVES
9
Instructions: MAKES
1. Heat oven to 340° F.
36 BITES
P u l l-a pa r t P e c a n Cinnamon Sugar Tree This easy recipe is a morning treat or perfect for an infused afternoon tea. Go for it—you won’t be sorry. Don’t get carried away when eating this tasty sweet treat, because moderation is key.
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated pizza dough 3 tablespoons cannabutter, melted 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, toasted 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup icing or frosting
1 tablespoon cinnamon 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar Candy for garnish 1 flat-bottomed ice cream cone, cut to form the base of the tree 1/2 cup melted chocolate
2. Place the pizza dough on your work surface. Gently stretch dough to 10 x 15 inches. Brush with the cannabutter. Cut into 36 squares. 3. In a small bowl combine the pecans, brown sugar, optional chocolate chips and cinnamon. 4. Place a heaping tablespoon of the mixture in the center of each square and pinch tightly to close. Be sure that all seams are pressed tightly. 5. Place the balls on a piece of parchment on a baking sheet. Make a holiday tree form and keep the seams on the bottom of the pan.
6. Bake at 340° F until golden brown, about 15-17 minutes. 7. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and decorate with icing or frosting and candies. 8. Heat the melted chocolate on top of a double boiler. Stir and remove from heat before fully melted; it will melt off the remaining heat. Coat the bottom of the cone in the chocolate, holding it inside the top of the cone. Place on parchment to set. 9. Dip the cut part of the cone in the remaining chocolate and place on the bottom of the tree. It will set and stick in a minute or two.
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GROWING CULTURE
OAKLAND OUTDOOR GARDEN PART IV By Ed Rosenthal
T
he Oakland garden is now ripe and is being harvested. As expected, the buds were ripe on Nov. 1. However, there was a delay in preparing for it, and the crew is playing catch-up. Every cultivator eventually learns that plants don’t wait. No matter what your intentions, plants develop somewhat mechanistically; input determines outcome, including timing. The buds’ ripening is a case in point. The light extension regime, interrupting the dark cycle by passing high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps through the field several times a night, ended on Sept. 1. By that time, there was a long enough dark period each night to switch the plants to flowering from vegetative growth. At that point, it was time to start preparing space
to accommodate the plants that would be harvested. However, steps were taken only close to ripening and have delayed harvest. The buds ripened on Nov. 1, 60 days later, as expected. However, it was only a week after that the first drying lines were set up. Then harvest began. On Nov. 19, about 40 percent of the field had been harvested. We have been lucky as other parts of California suffered through fires, but our farm has not been affected. Through October and early November, California days featured clear bright sunshine with highs in the 70s and UV light ratings as high as five. These are the steps in the harvest process are: 1. The plants were trellised using netting. It started with one layer of netting, which the plant branches were woven into. Then, when the plants grew larger and had more branches, netting was wrapped over each side, so that there were three nets holding the plants in place. The outer nets had to be removed in order to clip the plants. At first, crew members cut it using small clippers. Later an electric mini hedge-trimmer was used to cut and remove the netting.
Mature plant is trellised so it has a width of less than 12 inches.
Close-up of bud. All but a few rows were OG Kush.
Plants drying off from the dip.
Craft paper is placed in between layers of dried plants to help with airflow.
Plastic being removed so plants can be cut.
The drying rack is full.
2. Using a limb cutter at first, then later a small chainsaw, the plants were cut down and placed on small garden wagons. 3. The wagons were pulled to the processing area. 4. In the processing area, the plants were dipped in one percent hydrogen peroxide solution and then hung on racks to dry outdoors. This prevents them from molding as they dry out. 5. The plants were cut into top and bottom sections and hung to dry. 6. The space was outfitted with a room dryer to keep the space warm enough for the plants to dry quickly. Fans were placed all around the drying area to support air circulation. 7. The plants dried in about a week and were placed in a separate area to cure at 55 percent humidity for another two weeks. 8. After the plants dry, they will be sorted into “A” buds, smalls and concentrate material. c
Plant being dunked in a one percent hydrogen peroxide solution to protect against mold and bacteria.
Remaining plants in the field.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to CULTURE Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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NEWS of the
WEIRD
BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL
LEAD STORY—NEW WORLD ORDER With the advent of driverless cars, new questions are being raised about a wide range of potential traffic situations. One example: What happens when police pull over an autonomous vehicle? According to The Washington Post, the company whose cars are now zipping around Phoenix is one car-length ahead of us: Alphabet’s Waymo cars (Chrysler Pacifica minivans) will use “sensors to identify police or emergency
vehicles by detecting their appearance, their sirens and their emergency lights,” the company’s “Emergency Response Guide” explains. “The Waymo vehicle is designed to pull over and stop when it finds a safe place to do so.” Next, the car will unlock its doors and roll down its windows, allowing the police officer to communicate with a remote support team. The company will even send a human representative to the scene if necessary. So relax and enjoy the ride. Hal will take care of you. IRONY Kids at Pierre Part Primary school in Pierre Part, Louisiana, thought they knew what to expect during Red Ribbon Week, an annual alcohol awareness program, but a
school administrator threw them a curveball, reported WBRZ-TV. Rachel Turley, 49, assistant principal at the school, was on her way to work on Oct. 29 when other motorists reported that she was driving dangerously on Highway 70. Officers caught up with her at the school and took her to a police substation, where they determined her blood alcohol content was .224, nearly three times the legal limit of .08. She was charged with DWI and careless operation. “The fact that she chose to do this on the Monday of Red Ribbon Week is a slap in the face,” commented Niki Lacoste, grandparent of a Pierre Part student. ELECTION ROUNDUP An Independence, Missouri, city councilman who was not on the Nov.
6 ballot managed to let his temper get away from him that morning at a church polling station. Witnesses told KSHB-TV that councilman Tom Van Camp was in the parking lot of the church when another man yelled at him, “Tom Van Camp, you SOB!” Witness Lee Williams said the man then approached Van Camp, and the next time she looked up, Van Camp and the man were “down there on the grass and they’re punching each other. I was just shocked to see my councilman in a fist fight.” A voter called police, who responded, but both men had already left the scene in separate vehicles. Van Camp is under fire in Independence for spending public money on personal travel. He is up for re-election in 2020.
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