Nov. 2019 — Alaska Leaf

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

#43 | NOV. 2019

THEHARVESTISSUE LA KUSHCAKE by STONED SALMON FARMS | JUNEAU FREE /AKLEAF.COM

INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010

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The largest Garden Superstore in the state with top brands you love, and the largest CBD selection in the country, all under one roof.

Southside Garden Superstores isn’t just the largest garden supplier in Alaska, we also have a gigantic selection of CBD products. Our friendly staff of gardeners are seriously big on know-how. We offer special member pricing, 6-month exchanges for electronics and a price match guarantee. Stop by and we’ll help you find anything and everything you need for indoor gardening and hydroponics — and we’ll also send you home with the knowledge to succeed. Now that’s huge!

907.562.9997 2809 ARCTIC BLVD ANCHORAGE, AK 99503

907.357.9997 449 W PARKS HWY WASILLA, AK 99654

SGSAK.COM

@greenjar.ak

/greenjarak

Check out our November Deals!

Sundays - 10% off CBD Mondays - 15% off Glass Tuesdays - 10% off Electronic Accessories Wednesdays - 15% off Green Jar Merch Thursday-Sunday - 10% off Reserve Batch Flower 907-631-3800

Open 7 days a Week 9am - 9pm www.GreenJarAK.com 4901 E. Blue Lupine Dr. Ste. E Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Bring in this add

for 5% off!

MARIJUANA HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA IMPAIRS CONCENTRATION COORDINATION, AND JUDGEMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER ITS INFLUENCE. FOR USE BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. THERE ARE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.

THE harvest ISSUE

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12 NATIONAL news 1 8 alaska cannabis company 16 jerry whiting hemp expert 20 budtender of the month 22 patient profile 24 HIGHLY LIKELY 28 STRAIN OF THE MONTH

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32 frontier farms 34 stoned salmon farms 36 top hat cannabis 40 tko reserve oregon 46 culta maryland 50 cannabis recipes 52 stoney baloney

NOV. 2019

THE HARVEST ISSUE To p H a t C a n n a b i s i n J u n e a u

PHOTO by JOHN HYDE

THE harvest ISSUE

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JOIN ALASKA LEAF ON A TOU R OF FRONTIER FARMS IN PALMER TO SEE HOW THEY’RE P RODUCING CRAFT CANNABIS.

the harvest issue NOV. 2019

PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0

T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E

WES

ABNEY

Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Alaska Leaf Harvest Issue!

ON THE COVER The Harvest Issue This closeup of freshly chopped down LA Kushcake at Stoned Salmon Farms in Juneau had us wishing we could dive right in! Juneau photographer John Hyde perfectly captured the strain’s resinous purple coloring and the spirit of a great Harvest! photo by john hyde for alaska leaf

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER

Michael C Features

WES ABNEY | founder & editor-in-chief Wes@nwleaf.com 206-235-6721

Boom Media Photos Steve Elliott National News John Hyde Photos Jeff Porterfield Design Eshom Reed Reviews Meghan Ridley Editing Pacer Stacktrain Features Laurie & Bruce Wolf Recipes

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel bermaN | photography & design daniel@bermanphotos.com

STATE DIRECTOR AND ADVERTISING joshua stahle | ADVERTISING SALES Josh@AKLeaf.com | 907-317-2536

AL AS KA L E A F / N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / M A RY L AN D L E A F

CONNECT WITH THE LEAF @NWLEAF

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@NWLEAF

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-Wes Abney NOV. 2019

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AKLEAF.COM

We do not sell stories or coverage. We are happy to offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis product or upcoming event. We are targeted and independent Cannabis journalism. Email or call to discuss advertising.

We’ve been publishing our harvest issues for many years now, and it continues to be one of my favorites.

There is something truly special about outdoor Cannabis, and the people who put their livelihoods on the line to grow a plant for six or more months with no guarantee of success. Welcome to farming!

On top of the sacrifices and risks they face, they also face stigma about the quality of the product they have worked so hard to produce.

I ENCOURAGE But let me tell you this. . .

ALL OF OUR Cannabis is a plant and the natural expression of READERS TO FLIP terpenes and flavors that the plant produces when THROUGH OUR exposed to sunlight can never be replicated in an indoor environment.

SCENIC HARVEST I encourage all of our readers to flip through SPECIAL, READ our scenic harvest special, read the stories of true THE STORIES OF farm life, and enjoy this magazine that we worked TRUE FARM LIFE, so hard to create. But I also challenge you to go AND ENJOY THIS next month and purchase sungrown Cannabis, and experience the plant in a natural form.

MAGAZINE THAT Believe me when I say that while it may look WE WORKED SO different than indoor flowers, it’s no less beautiful HARD TO CREATE. - and much more tasty than the mid-grade indoor Cannabis flooding the market.

On a sustainability note, our planet, societies and industries are all at a turning point decided by us as enlightened consumers. Do we want synthetic, harmful products for our bodies? Do we want hothouse grown and pesticide sprayed vegetables, or weed? My vote goes to organic fruits and veggies for our families, and an agricultural system that gives back to the Earth. So, what impact do we want our favorite recreational plant to have on our planet?

Society votes and decides its future with dollars, and I hope that everyone reading this gives outdoor Cannabis a try. It supports both the farmer and the environment. Not to mention, both your head and your heart will thank you for it!

As always, thank you for reading, and please enjoy our Harvest Issue while samping the bounty of this year’s crop!

national news

West Coast

WASHINGTON STATE TEMPORARILY BANS FLAVORED VAPE PRODUCTS Starting October 10, Washingtonians aren’t able to buy flavored vape products. The Washington State Board of Health approved a 120-day emergency ban during its regular meeting, despite overwhelming opposition from a raucous audience which chanted “shame” reports the Seattle Times.

More than 350 people packed the meeting, with about 60 testifying during the public comment session. As ban opponents watched the vote, the ballroom at the SeaTac Marriott filled with the smell of vapor.

The emergency ban leads into the 2020 legislative session, where the issue is all but guaranteed to arise. A law passed during last year’s legislative session, to raise the age to buy tobacco and vaping products to 21, goes into effect in January.

legalization

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YOUTH MARIJUANA USE DECLINES AFTER WASHINGTON STATE LEGALIZES Fewer adolescents in King County, Washington reported past month Cannabis consumption after marijuana became legal for adults in the state, according to a new federally published study, reports Marijuana Moment.

After Washington voters legalized weed in 2012, marijuana use decreased or remained stable through 2016 among King County students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12, according to the study.

Researchers with Public Health-Seattle and King County analyzed the data from the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, which is conducted statewide every two years to assess health risk behaviors among public school students.

While Cannabis opponents often express fears that ending prohibition will lead to more teens using weed, such concerns simply aren’t supported by the data.

The results were published in October by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

EAST COAST

MARYLAND COPS LEAVE MAN PARALYZED AFTER PULLING HIM OVER AND SMELLING WEED Maryland officers left a man paralyzed from the waist down after pulling him over for expired tags in October, then smelling marijuana.

Cops claimed Demonte Ward-Blake refused to place his hands on the steering wheel, so they removed him from the car, reports the Pinac News. Once they cuffed him, they claim he tried to escape by elbowing a cop in the face while being searched.

Video evidence suggests it was actually Ward-Blake’s words, not his elbow, that made the cops mad.

The cops left him with a critical spinal cord injury and a broken nose.

“He wants to keep running his mouth, he’s going to jail,” a cop tells Ward-Blake’s girlfriend once he’s in handcuffs. Her videos show a cop standing over Ward-Blake with his hands cuffed behind him, his body slumped forward.

FEWER ADOLESCENTS IN KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON REPORTED PAST MONTH CANNABIS CONSUMPTION AFTER MARIJUANA BECAME LEGAL FOR ADULTS IN THE STATE

NOV. 2019

By STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA

national news

WEST COAST

CALIFORNIA BATTLES ILLEGAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES

The SOUTH

GEORGIA’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM STALLS AFTER 6 MONTHS DUE TO FOOT DRAGGING

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Six months after Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a law allowing companies to grow and sell low-THC medical marijuana in the state for the first time, the program remains stalled because Kemp and other top politicians still haven’t appointed members of a commission to oversee the expansion, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Aides to Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston haven’t said why there still aren’t any members for the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Until they take action, the expansion is effectively mothballed.

House Bill 324 gave the seven-member Commission vast powers over the state’s medical Cannabis program, including selecting which businesses can grow the plant. The commission is also in charge of developing licensing requirements retailers must meet to sell medical Cannabis.

More than 50 candidates have already stepped forward seeking licenses.

The delay in appointing the commission is a big disappointment for patients and their families who celebrated the law’s passage, believing it would help provide much-needed treatment for severe seizures, terminal cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses.

“It’s extremely frustrating for medically fragile patients to finally get a bill passed that allows the distribution of medical Cannabis oil, and then still be waiting on Governor Kemp to establish the commission,” said Blaine Cloud, whose daughter Alaina suffers from a severe form of epilepsy that could be treated by Cannabis.

House Bill 324 gave the seven-member Commission vast powers over the state’s medical Cannabis program, including selecting which businesses can grow the plant. The commission is also in charge of developing licensing requirements retailers must meet to sell medical Cannabis.

NOV. 2019

Recreational weed is legal in California, but local authorities continue their crackdown on black market marijuana dispensaries, reports ABC 7.

Complaints from residents in East Los Angeles about illegal dispensaries led to a massive response from the LA County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit. Authorities raided two locations that had already been shut down previously.

“We have about 300 identified illegal dispensaries in unincorporated LA County,” said Captain Holly Francisco of the sheriff’s department. “We have closed approximately 140 of them.”

“When we take this off the market, this black market marijuana, it could save a life,” Francisco claimed.

After 21 months of legalization, there are 874 licensed dispensaries in California, according to the Bureau of Cannabis Control. An audit by the United Cannabis Business Association found there are almost 3,000 illegal dispensaries and delivery services in the state.

According to BDS Analytics, the legal Cannabis market is on track to reach $3.1 billion in 2019, but the illegal market will hit $8.7 billion.

WEST COAST

GOV. NEWSOM’S CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO CANNABIS ANGERS CALIFORNIA LEGALIZATION ADVOCATES California Governor Gavin Newsom supported the campaign to legalize Cannabis in his state three years ago.

But he has since angered some industry figures and activists by refusing to allow medical marijuana in hospitals, and outlawing its use on tour buses and in limousines, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Newsom also signed several bills in October that will ease weed restrictions, including measures waiving taxes on free marijuana provided by charities to people with serious heath problems, and allowing parents to provide medicinal Cannabis products to their sick children on K-12 school campuses.

It was the governor’s first chance to act on marijuana laws since he supported the Prop 64 campaign in 2016, which successfully legalized recreational weed. By the October 13 deadline for the year, Newsom signed or vetoed more than a dozen pieces of marijuana legislation.

“The 2019 legislative session has been a mixed bag for the Cannabis industry, but with priority bills signed by the governor in the final hours, the industry is optimistic about future partnership with the administration,” said Lindsay Robinson, executive director of the California Cannabis Industry Association.

By STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA

expert OPINION

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BY JERRY WHITING LeBlancCNE.com/podcast

Hempcrete

THE NEW UP AND COMER

aklEAF.COM

Mention hemp to anyone these days and CBD is the first

They’re big and expensive and because hemp hasn’t been grown in the U.S. for decades, decordicators are hard to come by. thing that comes to mind. Keep talking about industrial Ideally, hemp grown for fiber should be close to the processing facility, or transportation costs eat into profits. Therein lies the hemp, and hempcrete is mentioned more than any other catch-22, as many aren’t growing for fiber without a way to separate hurd from bast, and with farmers growing large amounts of hemp for product. But what surprises me is that while many people the fiber market, decordicating one’s crop will remain expensive - if have tried hemp-based CBD products, hardly anyone has possible at all considering the logistics.

My advice? Farmers learn how to grow hemp using the current CBD even seen - let alone worked - with hempcrete. market as your learning curve. Read up on hemp for the fiber markets, both construction materials and textiles.

Start small, but grow hemp for fiber this summer. In many ways it will HEMPCRETE is a building material made from hemp hurds, the inside be similar to wheat, corn and other crops you’re already familiar with. of the stalks, and lime. It’s a lightweight insulating material that acts Explore potential buyers now, before you plant. Educate yourself and as a moisture regulator. While similar to concrete in some ways, share with other farmers. The market won’t take off until it scales, and it is not meant for weight bearing walls and cannot be used for a no one farmer alone can make this happen. building’s foundation. On the plus side, it isn’t as brittle as concrete It takes acreage to make money in hemp. Consider dual purpose and resists cracking under movement, making it ideal for earthquake crops. There are cultivars that produce seed for food and prone areas. oil, as well as stems for fiber. Cut the tops and shunt the We all know that hemp grows faster than trees, We all know that hemp seeds to some processors. Go back and cut the stems and requires fewer chemicals when grown, and it grows faster than trees, sell them to hempcrete processors. Dual use, dual sales. sequesters carbon. Yes, hemp clothing will soon be requires fewer chemicals We all know hemp is more than just CBD. the norm. But until then, hempcrete may be the plant when grown, and it If only a fraction of the current wood building materials fiber product to go mainstream first. are made with hemp, it’s still a lucrative market. If the The reality is that hemp is being grown for CBD sequesters carbon. Yes, buzz and chatter about hempcrete is any indication, the extraction, not fiber. It’s being grown for the flower, hemp clothing will soon market is there. Given the chance many will incorporate not the stalks. Farmers will have to plant fiber seeds, be the norm. But until hempcrete into construction projects large and small. Talk not CBD varieties. That’s the easy hurdle to cross. then, hempcrete may be about bragging rights! What’s cooler than a hemp wall?

Yes, planting for fiber makes harvesting with Who needs adobe when there’s hempcrete? Add bamboo machines easier, but what do you do then? the plant fiber product to furniture and you’ll be the envy of your friends. The planet Separating the stems into hurd (inside) and bast go mainstream first. will thank you too! (outside) requires a machine called a decordicator.

nov. 2019

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SHOP REVIEW

Alaska Cannab

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nov. 2019

ONE CAN’T HELP BUT CHUCKLE AT THE MARIJUANA WARNING SIGNS FROM A BYGONE AGE AS YOU LEAVE THE STORE WITH YOUR FRESH EIGHTH OF LEGAL CANNABIS.

bis Company Located in beautiful Kenai, Alaska Cannabis Company is one of a handful of new retailers that opened their doors to customers this summer. With the garden side of the operation being up and running for over a year, the time was right to open the retail doors to the public.

ENVIRONMENT & VIBE

5/5

The way that this store is put together is fantastic.

The store has a rustic look to it, which fits in very well with its location. Throughout the location are signs covering the walls from various decades, which really pulls the entire feel of the location together. One can’t help but chuckle at the marijuana warning signs from a bygone age as you leave the store with your fresh eighth of legal Cannabis.

PRODUCTS & SELECTION

5/5

While in the store, we had a variety of strains to choose between. The selection was well balanced between indica and sativa selections. A few were sold out, but I can’t hold that against them - just a sign of good traffic flow for the store. On the concentrate side of things, a varied selection of hash, cartridges, wax, and shatter were available in various strains.

HISTORY & VALUES

4/5

Throughout the store you will notice planes everywhere - from the logo itself, to displays around the store. The owner of the location, Toby Foster, has taken his passion of flight and moved it into the store with him.

Bush pilots have a long and storied history here in Alaska, and it is beautiful to see it on display. Although the store has been in operation for under a year, the garden side has been sending quality flower across the state for a good while now.

BUDTENDERS & KNOWLEDGE

4/5

The one budtender on staff during our visit was very welcoming and friendly - eager to engage us in a variety of conversations, before setting his full attention on the customer that walked into the store.

Down to earth budtenders who have the knowledge, but will not overwhelm the customers with it, are a valuable commodity within this industry.

43280 KENAI SPUR HWY, KENAI, ALASKA (907) 690-0091 ALASKACANNABIS.COM @ALASKA.CANNABIS.COMPANY OPEN 11AM-11PM DAILY

REVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE / ALASKA LEAF | PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA

Budtender of the month

GOT A FAVORITE BUDTENDER? TELL US WHY! JOSH@AKLEAF.COM

GREEN JAR AK

JONLOVELACE WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE STRAINS & PRODUCERS?

WHEN DID CANNABIS FIRST COME INTO YOUR LIFE?

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Early in my high school career is when Cannabis was introduced to me. I remember being at a party and not wanting to drink because it upset my stomach, and a friend just happened to mention an alternative. After waking up the next morning with no hangover and all the good memories from the night before, I knew I had found my choice.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A BUDTENDER?

HOW DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT CANNABIS FOR A CUSTOMER?

Well, Matanuska Medicine Woman cultivation (MMW) is where I got my start in the legal industry, just a couple months after becoming legal age. They were the ones who, I believe, really got me where I am today. After I had applied at Green Jar while working there, MMW gave me a great reference, saying for them to give me a chance.

Sampling! Any new product that comes into the store, whether it be a Cannabis product or just one of the many accessories we carry. Through questions you can guide them towards the right experience based off what you know.

WHY DO YOU LIKE WORKING AT GREEN JAR?

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A BUDTENDER?

Getting to see the stigma of Cannabis change throughout the community on a daily basis.

As well as contributing to constantly changing the stigma from “dangerous narcotic” to “very versatile plant” - that many people can benefit from.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CONSUME CANNABIS?

Green Jar and the culture that it carries is everything someone looking for a career in this industry could ask for. We have the ability to be transparent with customers on laws, legislative advancements, growing practices, and extraction techniques. They provide an opportunity to truly help people, while at the same time be helping to change the stigma around Cannabis.

HOBBIES BESIDES CANNABIS?

Concentrates! Sugar wax and hash rosin to be exact. The high potencies combined with pungent flavors and aromas, matched with a low temperature vaporization, is truly hard to match.

NOV. 2019

The strains I’ve always been a big fan of are GG#4, Durban Poison, GMO Cookies, DJ Short Blueberry, Mike’s Hard Lemon Haze, and anything with a fuel like smell that catches my nose. Cultivators and manufacturers I really enjoy are Matanuska Medicine Woman, Karma Grown Gardens, Guest Services, The Noble Dudes, AKO Farms, Cold Creek Extracts, Top Hat Cultivation, Matanuska Buds, and the list just goes on.

I currently work six days a week between the cultivation and retail, so you could say Cannabis is life for me at this point. When I do get some down time though, you can generally catch me up in the mountains, your local ice rink, or kicked back stoned on the couch - soaking in my day off.

INTERVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE/ALASKA LEAF | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

GREEN JAR AK

4901 E BLUE LUPINE DR E, WASILLA, AK (907) 631-3800 GREENJARAK.COM @GREENJAR.AK OPEN 9AM-9PM DAILY

“GREEN JAR AND THE CULTURE THAT IT CARRIES IS EVERYTHING SOMEONE LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN THIS INDUSTRY COULD ASK FOR.” - JON LOVELACE

patient PROFILEs aklEAF.COM

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SARA ASHER In 2014, Sara Asher, of Eugene, Oregon, began using Cannabis medicinally to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), an autoimmune disease that leaves lasting inflammation and ulcers that target the digestive track, and has required major surgery for Sara. Here we find a true patient and advocate for Cannabis treatment of both UC and Crohn’s disease, hoping to reach and educate others struggling with the same medical issues.

WHAT DO YOU USE CANNABIS TO TREAT? My primary diagnosis is ulcerative colitis. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), very similar to Crohn’s disease. My immune system attacks my large intestine reactions, causing ulcerations throughout my intestines and leading to issues of frequent bowel movements, blood loss, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, arthritis, skin issues, etc.

I had surgery in 2018 to remove my large intestine and rectum. The inflammation and ulcerations led to my large intestine tearing open. Fortunately, the surgeon caught it before it went septic. Since half of my gastrointestinal tract is missing, I live with a permanent ostomy bag attached to my abdomen to collect stool.

As unglamorous as this can seem, I view my ostomy as my lifesaver. While I am definitely far from 100%, I can eat most things, live with a significant reduction in pain, and at least have some quality of life.

I feel that it is important that we talk about Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and living with an ostomy, because this is the reality for more than three million Americans.

Unfortunately, most people do not talk about their disease or ostomy due to the unpleasant nature of it.

This leads to many unnecessary mental health issues within this demographic.

I have a decent following on my Instagram page (@ChronicallySaraUC) where I continually spread awareness around living with IBD and a permanent ostomy. If I’ve helped one person feel normal then my job is done. I am also an avid advocate of medical Cannabis consumption in the IBD realm, and have spoken openly about it on my Instagram page for the last five years. I am continually flooded with IBD patients in my DM inquiring about Cannabis and how to utilize it as a treatment for their disease.

IT’S ADMIRABLE TO SEE HOW YOU HAVE TRANSFORMED YOUR PAINFUL EXPERIENCE INTO ADVOCACY FOR OTHERS DEALING WITH THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUES. WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO GET YOUR OMMP CARD? I immediately got my OMMP card after I had consumed Cannabis following my diagnosis in late 2014. I went from having 50 bowel movements a day Medical professionals are often leery about with severe pain, urgency, and blood loss, down to 15 condoning a legitimate treatment bathroom Cannabis trips dailyas after using Cannabis.

None of option.

But after consistent talks the pharmaceuticals they put mewith on her would cause this doctor, was open about herIt choices positiveRaina reduction in symptoms. was at and that moment successfully advocated for treatment options outside traditional western medicine.

apR. 2019 NOV. 2019

WHAT’S WORKED FOR HER

“FOR THE LONGEST RELIEF POSSIBLE, I UTILIZE EDIBLES FREQUENTLY AND RSO/ FECO CAPSULES (0.25G) DAILY FOR PAIN RELIEF.”

I became a firm believer in the power of Cannabis as the ultimate symptom reliever for inflammatory bowel diseases. Cannabis allows my body to calm down and reach a level of homeostasis that it otherwise couldn’t.

My body does not function normally, and Cannabis allows me to interact in public - not be completely housebound and in the bathroom.

WHAT STRAINS, CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES PROVIDE THE BEST RELIEF IN YOUR EXPERIENCE? AND WHAT FORMS OF CANNABIS DO YOU PREFER TO USE? Citrus terpenes and high THC content are very effective for my nausea. The pharmaceutical antiemetics can have a variety of side effects - like most pharmaceuticals - so I try not to use those regularly.

Strains high in CBG content are very effective when I am having intestinal spasming.

Strains abundant in CBD (with THC) can help immensely with inflammation-based pain. I do not respond to CBD only or isolate products.

I do very poorly if I do not ingest Cannabis. For the longest relief possible, I utilize edibles frequently and RSO/FECO capsules (¼ gram daily) for pain relief. I am an avid dabber and enjoy extracts for my smoking consumption. I deal with a wide array of symptoms and issues, so the strength of extracts is ideal in helping my body reach a level of comfort.

When I did have my large intestine, I was a frequent user of Cannabis suppositories. It made a huge difference in blood loss and bathroom trips after ingestion.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO USING CANNABIS AS A TREATMENT OPTION? There are extreme challenges to being a medical Cannabis patient. As legalization continues to occur in this country, the stigma of Cannabis use has not seemed to decrease.

I went to my follow-up appointment with my colorectal surgeon the month after my colectomy surgery in late 2018, and when I received the standard paperwork to fill out, I had noticed I was labeled as an “illicit drug user” because of my Cannabis use - in a legal, recreational and medical state - prescribed by my doctor. However, 60mg of Oxycontin they had me on after surgery was totally fine, no labels there.

I strongly believe that by doctors limiting pain relieving modalities such as Cannabis, they further contribute to the opioid epidemic. IBD is a very painful disease. I was fortunate to live and be diagnosed in Oregon, where there is an abundance of Cannabis. Unfortunately this isn’t the case for most IBD patients.

INTERVIEW by SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR | PHOTO by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA

RAPHAELMECHOULAM FA M E D I S R A E L I CAN NAB I S R E SE A RC H E R & C H E M I S T

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Mechoulam is known as the “Grandfather of Cannabis research.”

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THE NAME RAPHAEL MECHOULAM MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR TO YOU, BUT HIS LEGACY IS THAT OF A TRUE PIONEER WITHIN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN THE 20TH AND 21ST CENTURIES. In fact, without Mechoulam’s scientific discoveries, we may have never made it to the zenith of Cannabis knowledge that we enjoy today.

Put simply, Mechoulam, an unassuming elderly gentleman, is an Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medical Chemistry at Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. Raised in Bulgaria, he was a child of the holocaust, with his father actually surviving a concentration camp. Eventually he moved to Israel and started work at Hebrew University.

He is best known for isolating the organic compound tetrahydrocannabinol - better known as THC - but the way that he did it back in the 1960s is truly remarkable.

He also identified the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, in the human brain.

Dr. Mechoulam knew that Cannabis was used for thousands of years by humanity for sacred,

NOV. 2019

he decided to conduct his first observations at a dinner party with a group of acquaintances and friends.

He had his wife bake a chocolate cake and the willing participants took THC (10mg dosed in icing on the cake), while five of the party members abstained as a control, so that Mechoulam could ascertain the effects. None of the people at the dinner party had tried Cannabis before.

The most surprising thing to Mechoulam and his colleagues? Everyone at the party experienced Cannabis differently. One of the participants had an anxiety attack, and the others ranged from laughing fits to mellow or subdued reactions.

It took a long time for Mechoulam’s discoveries to actually have any real application, though, due mostly to the prohibition of Cannabis. For example, his team helped to pave the way for using CBD to treat Epilepsy - some 30 years ago!

Nowadays, Mechoulam is hoping that the same thing doesn’t happen with his newest discovery - the synthesizing of stable acids found within living Cannabis plants.

Most of us consume Cannabis that is dead.

But Mechoulam and a group of researchers medical and recreational purposes. But announced in September that they have develwith the advent of new scientific technology oped a process for creating synthetic, stable and methods, he wanted to know just what acids that include variants of CBD and THC Cannabis was doing to the human body which may lead to new medical discoveries in and brain when consumed. the future.

To begin his scientific Some of these tests, Mechoulam used MECHOULAM USED WHAT acids, he claims, what was most readily are 1000 times available to him - the WAS MOST READILY more potent in their hashish that could be ability to bond to the found clandestinely in AVAILABLE TO HIM - THE human endocannaIsrael in the 1960s HASHISH THAT COULD BE binoid system than to synthesize the first the ‘dead’ CBD and isolated THC in the FOUND CLANDESTINELY THC we currently modern world. To acIN ISRAEL IN THE 1960S consume. quire the hash, he went He may not be a to the Israeli police, TO SYNTHESIZE THE FIRST household name, but who had been confisRaphael Mechoulam cating large quantities ISOLATED THC IN THE should be regardof hashish that was MODERN WORLD. ed as one in our being smuggled from industry.

Lebanon into Israel.

For all he has done for more than 50 years After asking the dean of the university to call in the research and development of the medthe police to ask on his behalf, Mechoulam ical uses of Cannabis, Mechoulam should be took the bus to the police station, where he toasted as one of the greatest advocates for procured five kilos of hashish. this plant the modern world has ever seen.

After isolating the THC into oil in his lab,

PHOTO COURTESY OF AG / THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM

highly likely

H i g h l y L i ke l y h i g h l i g h t s Ca n n a b i s p i o n e e rs w h o p a ve d t h e wa y t o g re a t e r h e r b a l a c c e p ta n ce .

By PACER STACKTRAIN for ALASKA LEAF

Get your

MoMo’s Going (1) “Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive.” ; (2) “Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while under its influence.” ; (3) “There are health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana.” ; (4) “For use only by adults twenty-one and older.

Keep out of reach of children.” ; (5) “Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding”... License #10903

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CONNECTING GREAT PEOPLE WITH GREAT CANNABIS ALL OVER THIS

Training, connecting and educating consumers with the current industry!

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VISITING ALASKA

Sights seen from the road

SEWARD TO HOMER June 1st – August 31st Mon Wed Fri

Locally owned and operated by a Departs Seward 100pm lifelong Alaskan, Stage Line offers call ahead for pick up point passenger transportation, freight, parcel, and courier service, between Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 200pm Anchorage and the Kenai Soldotna 300pm Peninsula. Our schedule includes, All times are approx Anchorage to Homer, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kasilof, Ninilchik, HOMER TO SEWARD Anchor Point. Homer to Seward, June 1st - August 31st Soldotna, Cooper Landing. And any The Stage Line PO Box 353 Anchor Point, Mon Wed Fri points in between! MP flag stops AK available! Private party charters Departs Homer 1242 Ocean Dr 900am The Stage Line 1242 Ocean Dr Homer, Ak available! Reasonable rates, saves 724 W International Anchorage, Ak of Commerce time and money for travelling or your Soldotna Chamber Staging points only 1030am 907-868-3914 907-235-2252 shipping needs.

Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1130 E-mail: stage.line@yahoo.com One of the top 10 most scenic www.stagelineinhomer.com highways.

STRAIN OF THE MONTH aklEAF.COM

28

MIKE’S HARD LEMON HAZE

NOV. 2019

SKIP THE HARD LEMONADE THIS FALL AND GO STRAIGHT FOR A HAZY HIGH WITH THIS CUSTOM STRAIN FROM MATANUSKA MEDICINE WOMAN. This bright and bold strain is a cross between a Fairbanks-based Super Lemon Haze and a Pantydropper strain grown in Seward, combining genetics and traits for a truly unique smoke. Snapping into a nug releases a heady breath of citrus that fills the air and teases the mind with the stoney bliss on the horizon.

Sticky and fresh, this vibrant citrus treat is a wonderful companion for beating the fall blues.

Burning into a bowl you’ll find a wonderful citrus flavor dominating this sativa hybrid, complemented by a very smooth smoke. On the exhale, I was surprised to find earthy and herbal notes, plus an extra kick of citrus that lingered on the palate. The sativa effects rushed quickly into the mind, with the classic euphoric energy of the Super Lemon Haze blending into the kushy, stoney high of the Pantydropper strain.

Grown by

MATANUSKA MEDICINE WOMAN

We really love this special cross of two hard hitting strains, which combine for a high that delivers just the right balance of blazed, giggly energy.

Look for more delicious flavors from Matanuska Medicine Woman at your favorite retailer, and find Mike’s Hard Lemon Haze at Green Jar in Wasilla!

REVIEW by WES ABNEY & JOSHUA STAHLE | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

the HARVEST ISSUE

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PALMER, ALASKA

FRONTIER FARMERS In

any new industry, there are growing pains.

Regulations changing, consumer reactions to product, and competition are at the forefront of these challenges for retail facilities and growers in the Alaskan Cannabis industry. Bursting from these barriers, true professionals are able to adapt and overcome.

aklEAF.COM

One such facility striving to stand out is Frontier Farmers.

Nestled nicely in the Fishhook area of Palmer, this serene and private grow is working hard in a swirling market of Alaskan Cannabis. And lucky for me, I was able to stop by the grow and talk to Jeff Garcia and Josh Hunter, cultivators of the fine Cannabis at Frontier Farmers.

“We use every plant methodology we know,” said Jeff Garcia, the cultivation supervisor of Frontier Farmers and Will’s World. “Our approach is more than guessing, its scientific.”

From root health to soil selection, nutrients, and compost tea that they aerate, they use as many organic solutions as possible to ensure green quality. The tea is created in-house and sprayed, helping to create an ideal environment

for the growing teenagers. After a douse, you can see the plants perk up and all the leaves “praying” - or reaching for the light.

“We’re implementing a mission critical control system with digital monitoring and online controls, enabling us to keep the climate exactly where we want it,” continued Jeff.

“All of these changes help the plants at a microbial level, literally changing the structure of the plant.”

Jeff has another business on the side that helps separate this group of growers, Symbiosis CO2. “Symbiosis buckets are used in our gardens to create CO2. We use Alaskan grain as the substrate, which produces high levels of CO2 in the grow space at 1600 ppm in the room,” Jeff said.

Mycelium provides a green solution for extra bud growth versus the byproduct of chemical or natural gas burners, which the plants absorb.

“This is clean CO2 delivery. The tissue in the plants is built from this process. From when we started we have increased our CO2 from 600 ppm to 1600 ppm, and our yields of flower have increased by 60- 75%.” The buckets are light, compact, and easy to put in various locations around the grow room.

Despite working on air, CO2, soil, teas and

“WE LOVE TO TAKE THOSE CLASSIC STRAINS AND SEE WHAT WE CAN COME UP WITH.”

NOV. 2019

33

more, at the end of the day it always comes back to solid strain selection. With the consumers on the Alaskan market screaming for high THC, many growers are forced to seek out new strains above 20%.

“Our strains have to pass a lot of our own tests to stay in the rotation,” owner Josh Hunter chimed in.

“Strains are picked through extensive pheno-hunting, and have to have a great yield, blast well, be easy to trim, have a great taste, etc. As far as genetics, we love to take those classic strains and see what we can come up with. As an example, our God Bud. It was selected for its structure during growth, but really shines in the cure,” he explained, pointing to a towering mother plant that you can tell is happy as can be.

“We’re extremely picky, it has to yield, have a good structure, and we have to be happy with it from beginning to end.

The market right now is pushing for high THC, when really some of the best bud is between 15-25%. Higher THC plants are more stressed and a lot of times that comes through in the final product. At the end of the day, we’re consumers too.”

Frontier Farmers products can be found all across Alaska, including Green Degree in the Mat-Su Valley and Great Northern Cannabis in Anchorage.

STORY by MICHAEL CONSALO | PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA for ALASKA LEAF

the HARVEST ISSUE

34

JUNEAU, ALASKA

“I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE COMPANY GROW AND KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY, MAKING IT INTO A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY FARM.” -Casey Wilkins

STONED SALMON FARMS aklEAF.COM

C

asey Wilkins is the owner of Stoned Salmon Farms, a cultivator in Juneau, and the retail store Alaskan Kush Co. Wilkins has been around Cannabis his entire life, spending 16 years in California growing medicinally while learning the ins and outs of Cannabis cultivation. He returned to his home state and city in 2016 to grow and sell legal Cannabis, and apply his years of experience to deliver the best possible Alaskan Cannabis from the state capital.

NOV. 2019

LA KUSHCAKE

35 HOW DID CANNABIS COME INTO YOUR LIFE? It’s a family business! It has pretty much always been around.

My dad was growing weed for most of my life, and it’s been a favorite part of my life.

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?

I have been in the medical side of Cannabis in California for 16 years, and I was waiting for California to create a legal path for recreational Cannabis, but they were moving too slow. I’m from Alaska, born and raised in Juneau, so I moved home to pursue it in Alaska in 2016. It felt great to return home and grow legal Cannabis.

HOW DID GROWING IN CALIFORNIA INFLUENCE YOU?

It was a gray market and you were always hoping the helicopters weren’t going to hover over your garden. We learned a lot through that process, and the biggest lesson was to listen to your customers. Instead of growing one strain that yields a lot, we grow a selection of strains to have variety, including some strains that don’t necessarily yield as much, but are in high demand. We’ve taken those lessons and applied them to this market, having a large variety and always changing our strains out. We’re constantly changing every harvest, with about 75% of our strains being new each cycle.

It definitely adds more work, but Alaska isn’t a huge market.

So, unless you have the variety, you won’t be able to move your products.

WHERE DID THE NAME STONED SALMON COME FROM?

I had a bunch of names and that one was the winner. We just thought of it while brainstorming ideas for the brand. I love to get high and fish, so it came together really naturally.

YOU HAVE A PRISTINE GROW WITH BEAUTIFUL PLANTS! TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU’RE GROWING?

We’re constantly changing out the technology and evolving with new ways to grow the best Cannabis possible. Right now we are growing differently in several flowering rooms. In one room we are using coco, in another room we are using six inch rockwool cubes, with both systems using drain-to-waste methods. The building is 6,000 square feet, and we have roughly 3,000 square feet of canopy with a few thousand plants inside, depending on when in the cycle the grow is at.

Depending on the harvest schedule, we have as many as 15 employees, and on the lower side we have eight. Most of the grow is handled by three people though!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP STRAINS IN THE GARDEN?

LA Kush Cake, GMO Cookies - I think those were the highest tested THC in the state as of six months ago, with the GMO Cookies at 35.67%. It’s a heavy smoke, a real hard hitter that is a little more powerful than I like to smoke personally, but it’s a great strain. I love the way it grows and yields. We look for high quality Cannabis with lots of crystals and heavy yields, and with lots of flavors. We have a lot of strains we love, and are constantly looking for new genetics and doing in-house breeding.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO CUT DOWN EACH HARVEST OF BEAUTIFUL PLANTS?

It feels great. We are cutting down about 50 pounds a month, and we are able to sell through everything each harvest. We’ve been selling our finished products for a little over a year, and we are in 20 stores all over the state. It’s hard to transport products out of Juneau, so we have to get creative in how we bring products to market. It feels like a logistical nightmare, and the cost for us to be able to distribute the product throughout the state is a lot higher than most places in the state where they can drive their products. We have a large sense of pride in delivering and want everywhere in the state to have access to the product. Even if we lose money on a sale, but gain a new area in the state, we are going to make the delivery.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS WITH STONED SALMON?

I would like to see the company grow and keep it in the family, making it into a successful family farm. My wife helps out and I have a two-year-old son - he’s not permitted in the grow - he doesn’t have his handlers card yet! We are also working on a warehouse buildout in Anchorage right now to expand to the market in 2020, and are very excited to bring our product direct to our customers. @STONEDSALMONFARMS

INTERVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PHOTOS by JOHN HYDE

the HARVEST ISSUE

36

JUNEAU, ALASKA

TOP HAT CANNABIS L

ocated in beautiful Juneau, Top Hat Cannabis has not only been churning out premium concentrate products, but also has a cultivation side that would make many gardens swoon. The garden is overseen by Master Cultivator, Naomi Hamb, a transport from the fabled Humboldt County, California - where world-class weed is the norm. She was kind enough to peel back the curtain in the cultivation wing of Top Hat Cannabis, giving us a look at their gorgeous garden.

WHAT BROUGHT CANNABIS INTO YOUR LIFE?

I am from Humboldt County and have lived all over Northern California. Therefore, Cannabis culture was always a normalized part of my life. While attending college, working in the medical marijuana industry allowed me the flexibility to work and go to school.

aklEAF.COM

WHEN DID YOU START GROWING CANNABIS?

Like most people in that time and area, I started out trimming.

I was lucky to quickly move on to cultivation, working for other people. I was 18 when I first received my medical recommendation and started working in medical marijuana grows in California. That was in 2005, although there have been periods in my life with more limited involvement. I have had at least some connection to the medical or recreational Cannabis industry, either through hands-on work or consulting, for well over a decade.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH TOP HAT?

I got involved with Top Hat when they were just a concept. John Nemeth and Ben Wilcox both cared deeply about having ethical and environmentally friendly growing practices, and Tracy LaBarge connected me with them. The rest of the team was already formed at that point and I was the last to sign on. But if I could hand pick a team, I could not have done it any better!

NOV. 2019

TOP HAT HAS RECENTLY SWITCHED OVER TO A LIVE SOIL GROW. WHAT WAS THAT TRANSITION LIKE, AND DID CHANGING GROWING METHODS CHANGE HOW YOU APPROACH THE GARDEN?

Top Hat has always used living soil as the growing medium, but we are in the process of transitioning all of our pots to beds.

This will allow the plants more space to grow and us to practice a no-till approach. We have always done our best to limit any ionic fertilizer application to the plants, and have been and will continue to be pesticide-free. Moving into beds will allow us to fertilize the plants exclusively using house-made organic compost teas and inputs, as well as the ability to use companion plants, cover crops to reduce water usage, and create a more healthy soil food web.

TOP HAT IS ALSO A PREMIUM CONCENTRATE MANUFACTURER IN THE STATE. WHAT GOES INTO DECIDING WHICH FLOWER GOES OUT TO RETAIL STORES, AND WHICH FLOWER GOES IN FOR PROCESSING?

All of our strains make it to market as both flower and unadulterated pure CO2 concentrate. I am thankful I do not have to make that decision because I truly love it in both forms. The concentrates allow more people the ability to consume what we grow, as we distribute them to 49 stores, and only sell our flower to a handful of those retailers. We plan on having our own retail store in the future, and with current growing capacity we don’t want to spread ourselves too thin, allowing enough flower for our own inventory.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT THC ALASKA? I would love for people to know how much everyone in this company truly cares about what they are producing. We all come into work every day thankful to work with an amazing team doing what we love, and are proud of the products we bring to the market.

THCALASKA.COM @THC_ALASKA

37

“I HAVE HAD AT LEAST SOME CONNECTION TO THE MEDICAL OR RECREATIONAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY, EITHER THROUGH HANDS-ON WORK OR CONSULTING, FOR WELL OVER A DECADE.”

INTERVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE | PHOTOS by JOHN HYDE for ALASKA LEAF

907.683.2633 @DENALISCACHE

DENALISCACHE.COM

the HARVEST ISSUE

EAGLE POINT, OREGON

40

aklEAF.COM

TKO RESERVE

BLUE CITY COOKIES

NOV. 2019

A

decade ago, Allie and Charlie Cassidy couldn’t have possibly predicted that their Seattle-based medical Cannabis delivery service would lead them to Oregon. Yet in 2015, when the burgeoning recreational industry dampened the Washington medical market, the couple embarked on a journey that transformed them into influential pioneers of the Oregon Cannabis industry.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” Allie said. “We took the plunge and moved down here.”

Now they feel right at home in the rolling Rogue Valley hills, tending to full-term and hybrid greenhouse gardens, living among the trees and their transitioning harvest-time colors, producing flowers that earn hard-won respect among the region’s Cannabis connoisseurs.

CREATING A CANNA-SANCTUARY

After making their home in the Rogue, the Cassidys quickly grew their farm family. Not with people, mind you, but with friends that were a bit, well, furrier.

“It just kind of happened,” Allie said. “It all started because we wanted alpacas for our compost.”

In short, TKO has cultivated a second life as an animal rescue sanctuary, all because they wanted alpaca fur. The oil-rich fur combines with the other organic matter generated by the farm to create nutrient-rich compost. The Cassidys came across a sanctuary in Jacksonville that was housing some rescued alpacas, and decided to take some home.

“We only wanted one or two, and we ended up leaving with all eight of them,” Allie said. “They totally play a role in everything we do.

They contribute to our compost, they mow down our fields.”

WALKING THE ROWS OF FULL-TERM CANNABIS ON TKO RESERVE’S FARM IS A PHENO-HUNTER’S DREAM.

Fast-forward to the present, and aside from alpacas, the farm has 30 rescued chickens, a few head of steer, and a couple of pigs that would make Wilbur jealous. >> TKO RESERVE PG. 42

OWNERS CHARLIE & ALLIE CASSIDY

STORY by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

the HARVEST ISSUE

42

TKO RESERVE

DRAGON PISS

CONTINUED FROM PG. 45

STRAIN HUNTING

On our visit, the farm’s dozen outdoor rows were packed with 20 strains comprising more than 400 phenotypes. All the colors and smells of the rainbow - some of which can probably make you smell colors.

The farm crew will collect pollen and keep clones for breeding the best of the best, so TKO can keep ahead of the curve on bringing new strains to market.

aklEAF.COM

They’re currently working through some killer phenos. On our visit, we were blown away by a sweetly spiced Jaeger, sticky Superglue, and an absolutely stunning Blue City Cookies (White Tahoe Cookies x Blue City Diesel), with dark leaves and bright purplish-pink pistils.

When you ask Charlie what he’s most excited for, his face lights up and he immediately mentions the Unicorn Piss — ZOZ BX Skittlez crossed with Cat Piss. But he’s really excited for a Banana OG x Do-Si-Dos cross, plus a strain they’re calling Slurp Juice.

LA CONFIDENTIAL X CHERRY PIE

NOV. 2019

“It’s just so resinous, it’s insane,” he said of the Papaya x Purple Punch plant, which, along with the Banana OG x Do Si Dos, is a collaboration with Deo Farms. “But I won’t know my favorite until we harvest.”

20 STRAINS & 400 PHENOTYPES

CLARISSA WALDON, PAULA NEALEY AND TERRI THOMAS TRIMMING MASTER KUSH HEMP LAST MONTH

CULTIVATING THE FUTURE Though they still hang their hats on THCrich Cannabis, the crew at TKO Reserve jumped into the CBD-rich hemp flower game in 2018. They own multiple hemp farms in multiple states, and currently farm 8:1 hemp to Cannabis on their home farm in the Rogue Valley. But Charlie doesn’t see that as the future of TKO. “We’re just practicing for THC on a large scale,” he said while walking the rows of beautiful full-term THC-rich genetics that make TKO famous.

FARM LIFE

The Cassidys and TKO Reserve plan to keep innovating in the strain game long into the future. Fans of their Mochi Gelato will be happy to hear that.

TKORESERVE.COM | @TKO.OREGON

STORY by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

Marijuanahas intoxicating effects andmaybehabitforming andaddictive.Marijuanaimpairs concentration,coordination,andjudgement.Donotoperate vehicleormachineryunderits influence.Therearehealthrisks associatedwithconsumptionofmarijuana.Foruseonlybyadults 21andolder.Keepoutofreachofchildren.Marijuanashouldnotbeusedbywomenwhoarepregnantorbreastfeeding

/ NWLEAF @NWLEAF

AKLEAF.COM

VA C A T I O N S W E E T S B O O K I N G D A I L Y

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with con consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.

the HARVEST ISSUE

CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND

46

CULTA SUNGROWN

OUTDOOR, ORGANIC, NO-TILL, SUNGROWN MEDICAL CANNABIS HAS COME TO THE EAST COAST AT LAST, AND IT’S NO SURPRISE T HAT CULTA IS LEADING THE CHARGE.

aklEAF.COM

EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION on indoor versus outdoor grown product, and I am not here to tell you which growing method produces the best Cannabis. However, I am here to tell you that indoor and outdoor grown products have different attributes and require different methodologies, genetic varieties, and people to cultivate it.

The endeavor that is an outdoor farm comes with a whole world of obstacles and challenges that indoor growers barely have to consider, and given

NOV. 2019

that medical Cannabis has not been cultivated outdoors legally on the East Coast since prohibition, most of the best outdoor medical varieties have been bred for the West Coast climate or indoor systems.

To pioneer this daunting challenge, one of Culta’s own, Dave Myrowitz, stepped up to the role of Culta’s new Director of Outdoor Cultivation.

This noticeably positive and happy dude was kind enough to take us around the one acre plot of plants that

“The endeavor that is an outdoor farm comes with a whole world of obstacles and challenges that indoor growers barely have to consider, and given that medical Cannabis has not been cultivated outdoors legally on the East Coast since prohibition, most of the best outdoor medical varieties have been bred for the West Coast climate or indoor systems.”

they had just begun harvesting, and show us everything he has accomplished this season.

As you might imagine, with Culta resources in his corner, Dave was able to accomplish quite a lot.

Their new outdoor garden is approximately one acre of no-till, live soil beds with dozens of cultivars in varying stages of their flowering cycle.

I mentioned that Dave and his team had just started their harvest, meaning that some of the sickly and early flow-

ering plants were chopped, leaving hundreds of the larger cultivars for our viewing pleasure. As Dave explained his setup, you could really see his love, pride and excitement over the living organisms under his care oozing out of his being - exactly the sort of attitude you want in someone growing your medicine!

With 48 different, 120-foot hand assembled live soil beds - totalling over 240 tons of hand mixed live soil, giving life to over 50 different cultivars

IN THE FIELD

and over 500 different phenotypes - Culta required someone with a strong work ethic and true passion for sungrown Cannabis to make something happen in uncharted waters.

And while granted they only just started their harvest and plenty of things can still go wrong, they have a fully functioning acre of outdoor Cannabis growing from scratch with almost no time to spare.

Now, Dave is a very humble and positive guy - very quick to give praise and credit to the people around him. But as HEAD GROWER someone who has helped start DAVE MYROWITZ up my own fair share of grows, I cannot understate the amount of work needed to be done, and be done well. I am quite positive that Dave slaved over this acre plot on a 24/7 schedule for months at a time, with nothing more than a smile on his face and his sleeves rolled up.

In a world where so much profit can be made by cutting corners and dropping your quality standards, it’s truly refreshing to have a company that took the time to cultivate leaders like Dave who are dedicated to the production of clean and safe medicine, the hallmark of true Cannabis quality.

Finding that kind of passion in the emerging corporate Cannabis world is rare, and both Culta and Dave have that energy in spades.

In this case, it’s Dave’s leadership and grow design itself that is the product, since this is an experimental grow after all. Meaning that before we can count on a consistently fire outdoor grown product, we first must decipher what to grow and how to grow it in the Maryland environment. This requires an experimental grow and a good old-fashioned pheno-hunt, in which the best suited Cannabis genetics are found, stabilized, and propagated to Maryland’s specific terroir.

In short, it is Dave’s responsibility to not just grow product, but to grow literally hundreds of phenotypes of dozens of strain varieties, track their metrics throughout the year, and zero in on one or two phenotypes from four or five strain varieties to breed into stable lines. To do this, Dave chose a no-till setup which minimizes their environmental impact, a live soil feeding bed which brings their plant inputs down to just water, and hand assembling/ mixing everything.

Cannabis has been a lifelong passion for Dave and I am quite confident in his ability to steer the direction of East Coast outdoor medical Cannabis towards one that reflects the needs and standards of the patient community.

With his dedication to quality, organic and sustainable Cannabis, Maryland patients have nothing but the promise of increasing amounts of consistent relief for any number of ailments.

STORY by TAYLOR MARTIN @MDCANNAINSIDER | PHOTOS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT | CULTA.IO

47

Leaf Life Podcast is an entertaining exploration of All Things Cannabis For All People.

Join Ricker and The Bearded Lorax for insightful discussions with Cannabis industry influencers.

THIS MONTH:

Show #28: Things To Do In Denver When You’re Stoned Show #29: Craft Beer vs. Craft Weed Show #30: Mindful Cannabis Use

LEAFLIFEPODCAST.COM leaflifepodcast

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORSis rican Ame ct Co. a tr x E

21+

Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children.

(1) "Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive;” (2) "Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence;” (3) "There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana” (4) "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children;” and (5) "Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding;”

RECIPES aklEAF.COM

50

INFUSED THANKSGIVING NOV. 2019

THREE INFUSED SAUCES, UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES. . .

Thanksgiving is approaching, and it’s time to start meal planning.

You may be a traditionalist, or have some unusual additions to the meal, but I’m guessing that at least one of these three sauces could make it into your holiday menu this year.

Adding Cannabis to the main attraction, be it the turkey or the pumpkin pie, makes it an adults only option - and that’s just not fair. So, my solution is to infuse the sauces and have your guests take charge of their own Cannabis consumption. Sauce on the side, pour at your own risk.

Happy Thanksgiving from Laurie and MaryJane. #Dontfeartheedible

BERRY SAUCE Makes 9 servings

1 lb raspberries, rinsed ¼ cup honey 2 tablespoons canna-coconut oil ½ cup orange juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch Pinch salt 1. In a small saucepan, combine the berries with the honey and canna-oil and heat on warm setting.

2. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice with the cornstarch. Stir to mix. Add the cornstarch to the berries and stir until the mixture begins to thicken (sauce will continue to thicken as it cools). Stir in the salt.

3. Remove from heat and pour into gravy boat, small pitcher, or vessel of choice.

CUSTARD SAUCE Makes 9 servings

2 egg yolks 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons canna-butter 1 1/4 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Pinch of nutmeg 1. In a medium saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar and canna-butter until well mixed. Whisk in the milk. The mixture should not bubble, and it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

2. Remove from heat, add the vanilla and pinch of nutmeg.

3. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring frequently until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir constantly for the final five minutes. Drizzle sauce over pumpkin pie or fave desserts.

CARAMEL SAUCE

Infused caramel sauce is a dream topping for ice cream, drizzling over waffles or pancakes, and for apple dipping. You will not believe how good this is.

Makes 9 servings

1 cup brown sugar ½ cup half-and-half 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons cannabutter Pinch of salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1. In a medium saucepan, mix the brown sugar, half-and-half, butters and salt.

2. Over low heat, stir the mixture for about 5-7 minutes.

The sauce will get thicker.

3. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF

STONEY BALONEy

52

LMFAO

aklEAF.COM

We all know what this means, right? But in case you’ve been held hostage in a dental office waiting room for the past decade, tortured with easy listening music and nine-month-old gossip magazines, it’s an acronym for Laughing My Fucking Ass Off. Which implies that someone is overcome with a howling expression of jubilation. And this reflex is so genuine that it goes beyond the ability to contain one’s composure. This is not a giggle, this is not a smirk - this is a response to something that is so inherently funny that it results in the physical release of happiness, expressed without restraint. The person is not just laughing. They are laughing hysterically.

However, he or she who is using this language - almost always through texting - is only chuckling.

They are not laughing hysterically at all. They are pretending to do so by channeling their emotions into contemporary terminology that seemingly does it for them, while the actual expression of this joy, whatever level it is, is still contained within their mind and body.

Kind of like being held captive in a dental office.

Imagine standing in front of someone and telling them that you are laughing your fucking ass off. They would say, “No you aren’t.” The reply would be, “Right, but I think it’s really funny.” And the other person would say, “Then why aren’t you laughing?”

Yet, when an individual sends this expression through their mobile device, their intent is to have us believe they are a fun-loving, outgoing friend who drinks up life with a reckless sense of humor.

Realistically, however, this person spends an average of 8-12 hours a day being entertained though a digital screen, with very little to no reaction at all.

Just because you say something doesn’t make it true. BTW, Cannabis is my BFF.

nov. 2019

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