Feb. 2019 — Alaska Leaf

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

# 34 | F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9

PANAMA RED GROWN BY ALASKA WEEDS FREE /AKLEAF.COM

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THE INDOOR ISSUE 11 Editor Note 12 by the numbers 14 alaska vs washington 16 national news 18 hemp opinion 20 budtender q&a 26 east rip review 28 highly likely 32 strain of the month 36 the indoor issue 38 pinnacle 40 alaskan cannabis exchange 42 permafrost distributors 44 skörd marijuana 46 cloud cover 50 VALENTINE’S RECIPES 52 canna caps review 54 canamo crumble review 58 zoe sigman profile q&a 62 book review: everyday mary j

PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA FOR ALASKA LEAF

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58

ZOE SIGMAN | Q&A THE PORTLAND RESEARCHER TALKS ABOUT HER WORK AS PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR “PROJECT CBD” AND SCIENCE EDITOR OF THE HIGH-BROW CANNABIS PUBLICATION, “BROCCOLI.”

FEB. 2019

BY SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR | PHOTO by CHRIS RYAN @CANNABIS.PHOTO

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

editor FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wes abneY | wes@NWleaf.com | 425-219-6155

CONTRIBUTORS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Boom Media Photos Sarah Climaco Editing Steve Elliott National News Will Ferguson Features Simone Fischer Profiles Kristin Flor Features Mindi Hall Features Rusty Shackleford Reviews Pacer Stacktrain Features Nate Williams Features Brandon Vosika Illustration Laurie & Bruce Wolf Recipes

Daniel bermaN | photography & design daniel@bermanphotos.com

ART DIRECTOR BRANDON PALMA | BRANDING & DESIGN brandon@eighthdaycreate.com

CONTENT DIRECTOR AJ AGUILAR | CONTENT & CURATION aj@eighthdaycreate.com

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

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.

ON THE COVER Panama Red grown by Alaska Weeds was very much ready for its closeup with this month’s beautiful cover art. Photographer Nik Zografos was able to capture the colorful nuances of this powerful Sativa hybrid. It would make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift, no?

Our review continues pg. 32-33.

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Thanks for picking up The Indoor Issue of Alaska Leaf!

Indoor Cannabis cultivation began in the dark ages of Cannabis prohibition as a tool to avoid detection, effectively hiding a plant inside garages, closets and warehouses from prying eyes.

As far as plants go, Cannabis is a happy girl with the right indoor environment, and over the last 30 years the technology and techniques for growing inside have expanded and caught up to the 21st century.

Today’s indoor gardens are as much a work of science as they are agriculture, creating controlled environments perfectly suited to the plants cultivated within.

For years I’ve heard Cannabis activists argue that one day all weed would be grown outdoors, or at least in greenhouses. Admittedly, that argument is built on logic. If weed isn’t illegal, why grow it indoors?

As the Leaf has expanded, we’ve dedicated an issue each year to the outdoor harvest and the efforts of full sun-grown farmers, while leaving indoor gardens as something we featured occasionally as unique gardens popped up. So when we sat down to plan the 2019 editorial calendar, the idea for an Indoor Issue was new. Our issues this month look through gardens in Alaska as well as two from Washington state and Oregon, so check out the other Leaf’s online for coverage outside of your state!

Through exploring the modern realities of indoor growing, from Fairbanks, Alaska where temperatures can swing from negative 30 to 30 degrees fahrenheit in a single day, to the controlled environments of Oregon’s organic gardens, it is clear that indoor Cannabis is evolving and defining the craft Cannabis movement.

I believe we will always have indoor Cannabis on a business scale, and while it won’t touch the miles of greenhouses sure to dominate the future of our beloved agricultural commodity, we will always see incredible craft Cannabis grown indoors.

We explore how farms are adapting to the unique challenges of growing indoors, creating a high-end product in markets that are flooded with mid-grade flower, and how they are using the controlled environments and inputs to grow some of the best examples of strains in the world.

As an art, a science, a craft and a passion, indoor Cannabis is something that can be done sustainably, and with truly spectacular results.

Craft comes in all forms, big and small, and I encourage you to ask your favorite budtender for a craft indoor Cannabis recommendation, and to try the farms we feature this month! You won’t be disappointed.

WE EXPLORE HOW FARMS ARE ADAPTING TO THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF GROWING INDOORS, CREATING A HIGH-END PRODUCT.

-Wes Abney feb. 2019

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AKLEAF.COM

photo by boom media for ALASKA Leaf

note

by the numbers

18 9 3,500 8 2.4 percent of Washington state teens report that they have smoked pot, down from 20 percent before legalization.

U.S. governors received an “A� grade on their Cannabis policies in the recently released annual NORML report card.

12

aklEAF.COM

Washingtonians may be eligible for clemency under the Marijuana Justice Initiative.

ounces of medical Cannabis can be purchased in a single visit to a licensed shop in Oregon, up from one ounce.

FEB. 2019

billion in U.S. marketplace value for Acreage Holdings, a multistate Cannabis company whose Superbowl ad calling for nationwide MMJ was rejected by CBS last month. The 30 second ads cost $5 million.

BY STEVE ELLIOTT / TOKESIGNALS.COM

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akvs.wa COMPARING RECREATIONAL CANNABIS MARKETS

Alaska, The Last Frontier, is on the frontier of Cannabis. \

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Even though it has been a few years now since legalization, those words are still beautiful to write. But Alaska is obviously not alone on this newfound frontier of industry. With ten states plus DC all having a legal recreational market - with another large swath of states having some form of medical legalization - Alaska is far from alone on this frontier. In fact, as the legalization movement sweeps across the country, it won’t be long before traveling to a state where Cannabis is still illegal will have a weird feeling to it. With more states coming online, and some states developing into mature markets, how does Alaska’s market compare to some of our closest neighbors? I recently traveled to Washington to check out how they do things down in the Pacific Northwest...

aklEAF.COM

1. EDIBLES GALORE

Here in Alaska, I would describe our edibles market as subpar at best. Now, I am not saying we have no great or fantastic edible companies here. Momo’s, Lady Gray, Wake and Baked, Treat Yo Self - I could go on and on about companies that put out delicious bits of edible, THC infused goodness.

They all just have the same problem!

Our government won’t let us make a real edible. Down in Washington, I found some real edibles. I had the choice of a 100mg of THC in a chocolate bar or in a jar of honey? Sign me up twice. The product and dosage selection in Washington is what I would like to see up here - infused with anywhere between 10 and 100mg of THC. This needs to change in Alaska, and it starts with the Marijuana Control Board upping the allowed maximum amount of THC in edibles to 100mg from the current 50mg. As soon as the constrictions are lifted, business will do its thing, and we will have real edibles in our beloved state.

But that change goes through the board, and the board won’t do it unless we make enough noise about it. So start making that noise people! Real edibles for Alaska!

2. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR SENSE OF SMELL?

In Washington, you better be able to tell the good from the bad just based off of looks, because you won’t be able to smell a thing. All jars and packages are sealed and there is no smelling of product allowed. Everything is prepacked, that’s just how it is down there. There are no sample jars to take a whiff from. No jar of coffee beans to cleanse your palate before moving on to the next strain.

Oh, and there is absolutely no deli style in the entire state. That is one thing Alaska has done a fantastic job with.

Being able to smell product before you purchase holds our cultivators to a higher standard. Customers won’t buy it if it doesn’t appeal to your senses, not just to your vision. Good job Alaska.

We did this right.

3. BRANDING IS EVERYTHING IN WA

This is something that is slowly becoming more prominent in Alaska, but in Washington it is everything. You don’t sell a single thing without a good brand and marketing that brand to the public. You already can’t smell the product, so all the effort goes into making the product look as appealing as possible. This is done in everything from creative packaging to marketing specific brands in magazines and on billboards. Thank god we don’t have billboards here in Alaska, but this will eventually be the way of the land up here as well once our market hits a certain saturation point. We will eventually grow too much, and once we do, you better have built a good platform for your products or you will have a hard time moving them.

4. CANOPY VS SQUARE FEET

The behind the scenes situation is quite different as well, especially when it comes to licensing. In Washington, cultivation licenses are in separate tiers, each corresponding to a specific maximum canopy or number of plants.

While here in Alaska, we have only two cultivation licenses, limited and standard, that are based on square feet of the grow area.

It won’t be long before traveling to a state where Cannabis is still illegal will have a weird feeling to it.

FEB. 2019

BY JOSHUA STAHLE/ALASKA LEAF

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

national news

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MIDWEST`

ARKANSAS ISSUES FIRST SIX LICENSES TO SELL MEDICAL CANNABIS On January 18th, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration said six of the 32 dispensaries approved for license by the state Medical Marijuana Commission have paid the $15,000 licensing fee and posted the required $100,000 performance bond required. The remaining companies are expected to pay the fee and post the bond over the following days, according to a DFA spokesperson.

The dispensaries can immediately begin building or preparing their facilities, but must pass one final inspection before being allowed to open.

One of the five cultivation facilities licensed by the state said it expects to have Cannabis available for the dispensaries in April.

aklEAF.COM

MARYLAND COMPANIES WANT TO BREW CANNABIS BEER

FEB. 2019

CULTURE

Two companies based in Frederick, Maryland are seeking clearance to market Cannabisinfused, non-alcoholic beer in the state for patients approved to use medical marijuana, reports The Baltimore Sun. The India Pale Ale, called Hop Chronic, would be a, well, joint venture of Flying Dog Brewery and Green Leaf Medical Cannabis. The beer would be infused with medical marijuana, giving patients another way to medicate.

The two companies started the project last summer, according to Jim Caruso, CEO and coowner of Flying Dog. “The beer would be great for patients who don’t want to smoke or vape Cannabis, I would be one of those people,” Caruso said. “I don’t smoke. I’ve never smoked. But to enjoy a beer and experience the benefits if I were a user, that would be me.”

POLITICS

NORML RANKS U.S. GOVERNORS ON CANNABIS SUPPORT The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has released its 2019 Gubernatorial Scorecard. The database assigns a letter from “A” to “F” to state governors based on their comments and voting records specific to Cannabis policy.

Twenty-seven governors got a passing grade of “C” or higher from NORML. Of these, 22 were Democrats and five were Republicans.

Nine governors received an “A” grade.

Gavin Newsom of California Jared Polis of Colorado Ned Lamont of Connecticut JB. Pritzker of Illinois Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan Tim Walz of Minnesota Phil Murphy of New Jersey Kate Brown of Oregon Jay Inslee of Washington They are all democrats. This is a big increase from 2018, when just two governors got the highest available grade.

Ten governors (nine Democrats and one Republican) received “B” grades.

Fifteen governors (14 Republicans and 1 Democrat) got “D” grades, while four governors — all Republicans — got an “F.” Four governors received no grade because of insufficient data.

BY STEVE ELLIOTT / TOKESIGNALS.COM

OPINION aklEAF.COM

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BY JERRY WHITING LeBlancCNE.com/podcast

HEMP’S BIG, CORPORATE PROBLEM.

I’ m a big fan of hemp. I eat and drink it every day.

Their vision of hemp’s future is written by accountants, marketers I make tinctures, topicals and other hemp products. I love the stuff. and shareholders, and I fear corporate interests aren’t necessarily what But there are things about hemp that keep me up at night. consumers want or need. In fact, I’m pretty sure the future looks like fast Not the plant itself, but the hemp industry. food, factory beer and the rest of what corporate America churns out.

There’s no doubt that hemp is big business. The signing of the Farm Much of the soybeans and corn that are grown in the U.S comes from Bill removed hemp from the Control Substances Act opening the door Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois and Nebraska. What happens when to interstate commerce. Vote Hemp reports that 41 states have enacted chunks of that farmland are converted to hemp? Acres and acres of hemp. hemp bills and that the 2018 hemp harvest saw 78,176 acres of hemp Now imagine a portion of that hemp is grown from non-feminized seeds grown in 23 states. I should be happy, right? that produce male plants. Those males will produce pollen that will blow Yes, hemp farmers are multiplying and many of them are making unfettered far and wide. Not only will neighboring Cannabis farmers be money. For years activists have championed hemp as a crop that can upset, other hemp farmers will be up in arms too. help small family farms. The 2018 hemp harvest saw prices of $50 to Before long, Cannabis farmers and hemp farmers will battle it out $100 a pound and more. Farmers earned up to $40,000 an acre with a like the cattle and sheep ranchers of old. Your county extension agent premium for farmers who grew organically. But today, demand for hemp as mediator or referee? Nothing has prepared them for this new crop. It far outstrips supply and most of the market is doesn’t help that Cannabis and hemp are usually narrowly focused on CBD extraction. administered by different state agencies.

THEIR VISION OF HEMP’S My fear is that as the hemp industry gets Inevitably, when the conversation turns to bigger, the hemp farms will get bigger too. hemp (or Cannabis) grown on a large scale, FUTURE IS WRITTEN BY And as the hemp market gets larger, it will Monsanto, now a part of Bayer, comes up.

ACCOUNTANTS, MARKETERS favor larger players with smaller farms getting Consider this: Bayer makes RoundUp AND SHAREHOLDERS, marginalized.Why does this concern me? Small (glyphosate), a weedkiller shown to cause cancer AND I FEAR CORPORATE farms can make money growing 2, 5 or 10 and other serious diseases. Bayer also sells acres in 2019 and maybe 2020. But in the not genetically modified seeds. Why? Because they INTERESTS AREN’T too distant future Big Ag will jump in and grow were bred to withstand glyphosate. Don’t worry, NECESSARILY WHAT hemp like they do soybeans, wheat, cotton and Bayer is the pharmaceutical company ready CONSUMERS WANT OR NEED. other crops. They’ll grow lots and lots of it on to sell you medicine to cure what GMO crops huge farms in multiple states. sprayed with RoundUp causes. An evil closed Big Ag will dictate how the market grows loop if you ask me. and takes shape by virtue of their sheer size and market share. No large So vote with your wallet. Educate yourself and shop deliberately. corporation is interested in a large variety of cultivars grown sustainably.

Support those that embody your personal values and lifestyle.

Big Ag doesn’t employ passionate individuals with an intimate and often Boycott the bad actors while supporting companies that build the kind lifelong association with Cannabis and/or hemp. They’re interested in of culture and environment you want your grandchildren to live in. Share things that grow consistently year after year across multiple locations, and what you learn and know with others. Don’t let the corporations take that yield the highest profit. hemp away from us. We just got it back after all these years.

FEB. 2019

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

Budtender of the month

INTERVIEW by JOSHUA STAHLE / ALASKA LEAF

JESSICA CRAVER

aspects of life - “The greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about”. I decided to get my Marijuana Handlers Card and applied for a job. I have now been working part time with Green Degree since May 2018, and I’m excited to be joining them full time next month.

What is your favorite part of the job?

The ever evolving industry. I never thought I would see Cannabis legalized. I’m not the best with words, but the sense of excitement I get knowing that I get to be a part of it is something I haven’t felt since leaving the Marine Corps. There is always something new to learn, and I love being able to share that with our customers.

I look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and becoming more involved with the community and green events.

What’s your favorite way to consume?

My favorite way will always be packing a bowl of delicious herb into a pipe.

There’s something about the ritual behind it - the taste, the smell, and the nostalgia. The way it floods my brain with memories and grounds me to the earth.

To me, there is no better way to consume.

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GREEN DEGREE \2301 S Knik-Goose Bay Rd Unit #1, Wasilla, AK www.GreenDegree.net (907) 376-3155

aklEAF.COM

When did Cannabis first come into your life?

Cannabis first came into my life when I was around 14 or 15 years old.

My older brother, Matt, had recently passed away unexpectedly. I became very disconnected, confused and angry. When a friend introduced me to Cannabis, at first it was a way to forget for awhile. But the more I used it, the more it helped me to silence and organize all of the emotions and thoughts in my head. I had been prescribed numerous medications throughout my 20s, but none of them helped the way Cannabis does. I don’t have that chemical hangover or dazed robotic feeling. You can’t beat Mother Nature.

How did you become a budtender?

I have been working as a medical assistant for a pain management clinic since 2014. It was so rewarding seeing people improve and recover. But when they’ve tried everything, and still suffer with chronic pain, it starts to weigh on you. I had recently started visiting Green Degree and I remember being so anxious going in, and leaving with this need to learn more.

The people were so warm and excited to educate and share their own experiences. The quote on their wall made perfect sense about so many

What are your favorite strains and producers?

Blue Dream is one of my favorite strains. It has a satisfying blueberry taste and a cerebral, giggly, fun high. I enjoy this strain when I’m out kayaking, hiking or making paintings with my music turned up loud. Blue Cheese is definitely another favorite. It hits me right behind the eyes and has a euphoric relaxing high, perfect for the end of the day.

Guest Services has some of my favorite flower. The smooth hitting sticky buds and high terpenes never disappoint. For concentrates, you can’t beat the time and passion put behind Cold Creek Extracts. The high is so clean and he uses nothing but quality product.

How do you find the right Cannabis for a customer?

It’s all about asking the right questions and knowing your products. Talk with your customer and find out what they are looking to get out of the experience.

Some people want something packed full of flavor, so I can point them in the right direction based off of customer feedback, personal experience and specific terpenes, such as Guest Services Lemon Ice Pucker. Some people simply want the highest THC. Others may be looking for something to help with a certain ailment, in which case I could recommend certain products based on specific terpenes and cannabinoids, and suggest checking out Hempire Co. for custom blends.

Why do you like working at Green Degree?

The people make the place. They support the community and small businesses, build relationships with their customers and vendors, and the employees are family.

There’s that same sense of camaraderie I felt in the military that comes from hard work and dedication, with a shared vision of setting the standard for the Cannabis industry.

What are your hobbies when you aren’t working at the dispensary?

In the summer I try to spend as much of my time outside as I can. I doesn’t matter if it’s yardwork, walking my dogs with friends, spending a day on the water, or sitting around a fire. I try to take full advantage of the short months. Hiking in Hatcher Pass definitely tops the list. In the winter I do a lot of painting, writing and whatever new art technique me and my sister come up with.

“THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO LEARN, AND I LOVE BEING ABLE TO SHARE THAT WITH OUR CUSTOMERS.” FEB. 2019

PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

(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;”

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profile q&a

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Brandon emmett Brandon Emmett is an Alaska Cannabis business owner and one of the original members of the Alaska Marijuana Control Board, where his position as vice chairman is set to end Feb. 28th.

aklEAF.COM

A strong advocate for the Cannabis industry, Emmett recently voted “yes� for onsite consumption to move forward in Alaska, and only weeks later was unceremoniously informed that his board position would not continue beyond the current term.

His replacement nominee, Vivian Stiver, is a staunch prohibitionist who has ran campaigns to repeal legal Cannabis in Fairbanks.

We jumped on a call after the announcement to discuss the politics of pot, his reactions, and how the industry will recover and move forward.

INTERVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX

>> Owner of alaska cannabis processor Good Titrations >> Former Vice Chairman of the Alaska Marijuana Control Board When did you firstbecomeaboard member of the MarijuanaControl Board, and what promptedyouto apply for it? I’ve been on the board since July 1, 2015, and I decided to apply for the position because I knew the industry needed strong representation on the board. I felt that I had solidified myself as one of the most articulate voices for the industry and I felt it was my duty to at least apply. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call saying I was indeed confirmed.

Asanamcbboard member sincethe beginningof legalization,youand the other board members essentially regulated an industryfrom scratch.

Whatwas that like? It was tough. We wrote about 74 pages of regulations in the first three months the board was formed, and there was a lot of debate amongst board members on how the industry should look. We took a template from both Colorado and Washington and then put our own spin on it. Working out all the details was really the toughest part. Do we have edibles or not, what are the regulations on dosage? What type of security is required, or insurance, or testing, etc…

All of those things add up, and I felt it was my duty to make sure the industry had a fair shake.

Overyour 3.5 year tenure,you have been viewed positivelyby both the industryandtheformer administration, on topofbeing confirmed bythelegislaturebefore startingthe role. Howdidyoufind out that you werebeing letgo?

It was kinda awkward. I got a call at like 6:30 on a Friday evening from the Governor’s office while I was watching hockey with my family, so I called the number back and it was indeed the Governor’s.

I was able to get ahold of his people over the weekend, and they said the Governor had decided to go another direction and that I would no longer be on the control board.

Was it shocking tohear that Vivian Stiver was replacing you?

When I learned that it was Vivian, I was absolutely blown away. And it made perfect sense then why Chief Ankerfelt had been removed from the board and replaced by a much more conservative member of public safety. It was like “Wow, I can’t believe this. They’re actually going to try to undo the industry.” Then it was time to fight, and now here we are.

What doyou mean by undothe industry? I can only take the tools that we have at hand to base my opinion off, but we have a new public safety member who has already spoken out against onsite consumption, so that will be a primary goal of his to revisit. And we have arguably the very worst appointment possible from the general public in Vivian. Looking at her track record, she was a spokesperson for the No On 2 campaign that was defeated [Anti-Legalization Group], and she has attempted to speak against every single license that has come up for approval during my time on the board. She was also co-chair of a failed campaign in Fairbanks to outlaw Cannabis. So, if we look at her track record, she has made it a personal goal to make Cannabis illegal again. She certainly doesn’t represent Fairbanks or the majority of Alaskans who have voted repeatedly in favor of legal Cannabis, and she proves this prohibitionist sentiment. I don’t think that her character is credible for someone who holds that sort of office.

Why didyouvote“YES”for onsite consumption? Because I felt it was the right thing to do. I think it is ridiculous to have a substance that is called legal but only treated as if it’s quasi-legal, and in reality there is no place for people to legally consume Cannabis unless they own their home. You can’t use it at a place of business or an event, and we’ve seen events get fined for breaking the rules.

That left a bad taste in my mouth, having to enforce rules I fundamentally disagree with.

Onsite consumption is a symbol of defeat of prohibition, and you can’t really say a substance is legal or that people have a right unless they can express that right, and until we get onsite we are really lying to ourselves.

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What isyourcalltoaction for theindustryandpublic concernedaboutthesechanges?

The call to action is to first call and write the governor. You can type in Governor Dunleavy into Google and find his office number, call him and very respectfully say that Vivian Stiver does not bring a responsible public perspective to MCB. And then you need to contact your legislators. Find out who your house member and member of the senate are on the state level and contact those individuals, asking them to not confirm her.

What isyourhopeoutofallthis?

My hope is that Vivian is not confirmed, and that the governor sees fit to either replace her with a member of the industry that he can stomach, or a member of the general public that represents the overwhelming consensus that Cannabis should be legal. I would add that people should get loud but stay positive, because ultimately we are winning the drug war. The other side has lost, they just don’t know it yet. Cannabis is safe and it’s time for a different approach.

FEB. 2019

AKLEAF.COM

Doyou view thesepolitical appointments as an attackon the industry? I think that these appointments reflect a fundamentally negative view of Cannabis and the industry in this administration.

If we were seen as being too progressive - myself as a outspoken industry member and known Democrat or for Chief Ankerfelt after speaking out on the drug war needing to end - and that didn’t sit well with this Howdid that initiallyfeel? administration, I would have expected to be It’s not shocking, but it was a replaced by people objective bummer. Although I wasn’t a or cautiously optimistic about detractor [of Gov. Dunleavy], legal Cannabis. But to replace “The other side has I’m a known progressive and us with people who feel that lost, they just don’t I was certainly supportive of onsite consumption should know it yet. Cannabis definitely not be legal, and that Gov. Walker, so I wasn’t blown away that I was being removed. marijuana in general should is safe and it’s time However, I thought it would just be not be legal, represents a sea for a different a much more conservative member change and I don’t think that’s approach.” of industry to be my replacement. the direction Alaska should go.

How doyoufeelastheownerof Good Titrationsandhowthiswill affectthecannabisindustry?

As a business owner, I think it could potentially make things more expensive for me, making it harder for me to hire more employees and grow the business. Depending on just how tough they make these regulations, it could definitely have a chilling effect on business. We have a benefit of already having a certain size to our business, but if I was a small business I would be terrified.

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PRODUCTS 4/5

Carrying a vast selection of strains, East Rip has a flower for every need. Whether an early morning pick-me-up or a relaxing way to wind down a day, they have you covered. On the concentrates side of things, they carry a various number of brands that offer a premium selection of shatters, crumbles, cartridges and more! Check out their new brands such as Herbal Extracts, a local Kenai manufacturer.

HISTORY & VALUES

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4/5

While in the shop, I noticed a distinct personal touch that tied the store to the area. Being close to the Kenai Harbor, the store has utilized this in its decoration and its branding, forming a direct connection to the community. Aside from this tip of the cap to the local environment, there is a noticeable emphasis on keeping consumers educated and informed about the products on their shelves.

BUDTENDERS 5/5

This was a fun group to talk to. Every budtender in the store was genuinely engaging during conversation and the value of that cannot be overstated.

Interpersonal communication goes a long, long way.

Here, you have a genuinely welcoming feeling the moment you step through the doors. As I peppered them with questions about the different facets of the industry’s products, they were able to come back with accurate information quickly. They share their knowledge with each other, which helps every budtender behind the counter do the best job they possibly can.

ENVIRONMENT & VIBE

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5/5

As I mentioned, you feel welcome in this store the moment you open the doors. Given the friendly and courteous nature of the staff, the store has a very laid back vibe. You will not be rushed in your selection of product - they are willing to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Tying the store into the local environment was a great choice for dĂŠcor as previously mentioned.

The store looks absolutely beautiful.

Opening in the late summer of 2018, East Rip has started to make its mark on the Kenai market in very short time.

Conveniently located at the intersection of the Kenai Spur and Bridge Access Road, the store is definitely one of a kind.

Taking inspiration from the local fishing industry, the only thing missing from this store is a waterfront with a dock.

FEB. 2019

EAST RIP

BEING CLOSE TO THE KENAI HARBOR, THE STORE HAS UTILIZED THIS IN ITS DECORATION AND ITS BRANDING, FORMING A DIRECT CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY.

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EAST RIP OWNER RYAN TUNSETH PHOTOS by BOOM MEDIA

HIGHLY LIKELY #41

EARLBLUMENAUER Representing Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, Blumenauer, 70, is a powerful and unlikely voice in support of Cannabis. Will his new seat on the House Ways and Means Committee overseeing trade be the key to nationwide legalization?

A

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ccording to a Pew Research Center Poll, more than 62 percent of Americans favor Cannabis. This is what makes 12term US representative Earl Blumenauer so impressive to those of us who value honesty and actual representation in Congress.

Representative Blumenauer has been at the forefront of progressive politics for decades. He’s been a staunch conservation activist, utilizing his power as a legislator to push for stronger environmental regulations, and famously developed the “Congressional bike caucus” which became the national voice for cyclists across the nation.

Beyond all of this, Blumenauer is perhaps the most vital advocate for Cannabis that we have in our nation’s capital. He’s a member and founder of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and has pages on his official website devoted to Cannabis-related issues and questions.

He’s been one of the very few representatives willing to stick his neck out for the legalization of the plant in Oregon, but also as someone who advocates for the businesses who have made our community the envy of the Cannabis world.

To that end, he’s advised countless businesses and researchers – and through it all, he’s been one of the primary people who has shaped what legalization looks like in the state of Oregon. At the same time, he’s given his ear to Cannabis-related businesses who have so often been marginalized, ignored, even outright shunned by the politicians that are supposed to represent them in Washington.

And he talks to us too. Blumenauer has appeared on Merry Jane. He has been a speaker at countless Cannabis conferences. And most recently, was a keynote speaker at the Cultivation Classic in Portland.

At this event, he delivered one of his most inspiring speeches on the legalization of Cannabis nationwide. In it, he laid out a scenario where Cannabis would be legal nationwide in two to four years. All it would take, he said, was a democrat-controlled Congress. Don’t look now, but as of last month – we’re there!

And so, it’s fitting that last month Blumenauer introduced his most ambitious bill regarding Cannabis yet, a lofty proposal that would mark a real sea-change in drug policy nationwide.

LAST MONTH BLUMENAUER INTRODUCED HIS MOST AMBITIOUS BILL REGARDING CANNABIS YET, A LOFTY PROPOSAL THAT WOULD MARK A REAL SEA-CHANGE IN DRUG POLICY NATIONWIDE. Highlighting Cannabis pioneers who paved the way to greater herbal acceptance.

FEB. 2019

Put simply, the bill would put the regulation of Cannabis under the Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco and Firearms rather than the DEA. It would also, more importantly, allow canna-business owners access to the federal banking system.

Finally, it would finally upend the current embargo on canna-research at the federal level in the US. This bill is titled (wait for it) – House Resolution 420 and dubbed the “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act.” I can only hope that by the time you’re reading this it’s gained some real traction in Congress. The tide is turning. We the people want Cannabis legalized, and we want it done nationwide. For that, we offer a hearty “thank you” to Rep. Blumenauer for all his hard work!

By PACER STACKTRAIN / OREGON LEAF

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH

THIS PLANT IS TOUTED AS ONE OF THE MOST CEREBRAL HIGHS IN THE CANNABIS WORLD, AND IT LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION.

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FEB. 2019

Grown by ALASKA WEEDS Earthy, fragrant and woody aptly describes this flower, with breaking a nug apart revealing notes of ripe melon. This plant has quite a history and following among smokers and Cannabis enthusiasts alike, and the good people at Alaska Weeds have done it justice. On your first inhale you get a lot of that earthy appeal, and the more you smoke the more you get to that funky fruit flavor that took a minute to pick up on in the jar. The effects of this plant are not immediate, as it slowly creeps up your spine until it reaches your head - that’s when the real fun begins!

This plant is touted as one of the most cerebral highs in the Cannabis world, and it lives up to its reputation. Both sticky and icky with an epic high to boot, Panama Red delivers on all fronts for those sativa lovers!

AKWeeds.com

PANAM

AKLEAF.COM

AMARED REVIEW by RUSTY SHACKLEFORD | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

DEALS ON MULTI-PACK JOINTS TWO GRAM DELI DEALS & SPECIAL GIFT PACKS!

special issue aklEAF.COM

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THE INDOOR ISSUE FEB. 2019

ZKITTLEZ X SIN MINT COOKIES GROWING AT SKร RD MARIJUANA IN BATTLE GROUND, WA.

38 pinnacle 40 alaska cannabis exchange 42 permafrost distributors 44 skรถrd marijuana - washington 46 cloud cover - oregon STORIES & PHOTOS BY ALASKA LEAF, NORTHWEST LEAF & OREGON LEAF CONTRIBUTORS

the indoor issue

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GROWER JOSEPH JOHNSON AND OWNER DAN VAN ZEE

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PINNACLE

pencer Johnson is a consultant for Pinnacle Projects in Kenai, where he works in the limited scale garden to produce living soil Cannabis. A grower from a young age, Johnson bought a one way ticket to Hawaii at 18 years old to escape the cold and learn the island way of growing Cannabis.

Today he works at Panama LOCATION Red’s grow supply store, K E NA I, A K KNOWN FOR: and in the garden where he MERRY PRANKSTER, enjoys his passion in growing SKADOOSH AND CBD CRITICAL MASS healthy, natural plants.

FEB. 2019

PROJECTS

HOW DID CANNABIS COME INTO YOUR LIFE? It’s always been there in

a way I guess, but I was about 17 when I really started to appreciate it. The way the plant can have so many different effects and there’s such a range to it that’s when I started realizing people can get relief from the plant.

WHEN DID YOU START GROWING CANNABIS? When I was 18, I got

a one-way ticket to Kauai and didn’t have much of a plan, but I knew about this place and I went out with the intention to learn how to grow.

I had a pretty good idea that it was a good environment for growing. I had looked into indoor growing and realized I couldn’t do that at the time, plus I wanted to get out of the state to a warmer place.

WERE YOU NERVOUS GOING TO GROW AN ILLEGAL PLANT? It was Hawaii, so it

wasn’t like I was going into some great unknown territory. Coming from Alaska, I wasn’t really worried about anything. Everybody grows out there. Since I first went there, they’ve had the medical program, and basically anyone who wants to get a card can grow six plants.

Everyone I knew with property had six plants in the yard - whether they had a card or not - it’s not really prohibited there, but it was illegal.

WHEN DID YOU COME BACK TO AK?

I came back and forth three times, and the last time I was there I stayed for four years. It was 2014 when I came back, right after legalization. I was living way out in the middle of nowhere, 12 miles in with no electricity. There was this old school weed grower guy named Weedman, and when I stopped by his camp he had this little CV radio, and he was the one

to break the news to me that Alaska had just legalized. It was pretty wild to be in the middle of nowhere and to hear the news.

DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO WORK IN THE INDUSTRY?

I wouldn’t say exactly, but definitely when I came back I decided that legal Cannabis was what I wanted to do - it was what I wanted all along. I’ve been to California and Colorado and Oregon and worked with different medical caregivers, and I always just prefered to be at least in a semi-legal environment. It was a little different out in Hawaii sometimes, there was still paranoia and I never liked that part. I always felt it was silly that I had to feel that way over growing a pretty harmless plant. It’s a basic human right and it’s ridiculous that we have these laws. Even the regulated industry in my opinion is overregulated. It’s a plant, we should be able to treat it like tomatoes.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING AT PINNACLE? I’ve been helping the owner Dan Van Zee since September, and I still work over there at Panama Reds. I’ve gotta give a lot of credit to him. He carries what the people want and without having that source of soil and building materials, I wouldn’t be able to make the soil that I produce.

HOW ARE YOU GROWING AT PINNACLE? Living soil, there’s not much to it really. I put a lot of effort to make the soil as good as I can upfront, and every input used I want to be of the highest quality. This can get kinda expensive when you’re mixing compost, but it’s worth it in the long term. We’re going for a more sustainable growing technique - you might call it a no till situation - although we don’t adhere strictly to no till practices. It’s living soil and probiotics, and we don’t really feed the plants much other than through the soil.

There’s a difference when you’re growing in a living soil, because you’ve got worms and ecology and the soil is balanced for life. It’s a whole different process the plant is going through, and you’re giving it the choice to live freely. With soil, the biology keeps things in balance. That’s the beauty of the system.

THAT’S AWESOME, WE LOVE LIVING SOIL GARDENS AND THE RESULTS THEY PRODUCE! HOW MANY PLANTS ARE YOU GROWING? Right now we have somewhere between 15-16 plants

AKLEAF.COM

that are pretty big, some nice four foot wide buses. We’re only working on our third harvest, and we’re going through different strains and popping seeds. We’re running a lot of my own stuff, like the Merry Prankster I created, and the Skadoosh I created with friends in Hawaii. It’s a limey, fuelly sativa cross of Durban Poison Skunk and “WE’RE ONLY WORKING ON OUR Durban Poison. We’ve also got some Bog THIRD HARVEST, Bubble from Bog Genetics, and a couple AND WE’RE clones that have been floating around GOING THROUGH Alaska - the CBD Critical Mass and DIFFERENT Cheese Candy. We’re trying to pop a lot STRAINS AND of seeds and select new strains. I think it’s POPPING SEEDS.” really important to always be looking for something new, and it’s what I like to do.

It’s an addiction really. It’s like when people collect baseball cards, and you get like a pack but you don’t know what’s in it - that’s how it feels to me. I’ve got these beautiful seeds and a lot of them I’ve seen where they came from, each one is different and it’s exciting like opening a gift. We are hoping to produce our own genetics here and get seeds out on the market by the summer. The Merry Prankster will be the first one we release.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF RUNNING A LIMITED GROW?

We’re trying to be as craft as we can and keeping it small. I think it is really better for that, as it allows you to pay attention to all the details. We are really excited to grow the herb and do it in a safe environment. We really are enjoying it, and when people like what we have, we enjoy that even more. It’s a lot of work and more work than some people think it is, but it’s a passion and really enjoyable.

I’m happy to be doing it.

By WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PHOTOS BY BOOM MEDIA

the indoor issue

ALASKA CANNABIS EXCHANGE

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FOUNDER & COO AARON RALPH IN THE GARDEN.

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aron Ralph is the founder and Chief Operations Officer of Alaska Cannabis Exchange. He started ACE to provide full-plant CBD products to his niece, and used the success in her treatment to begin helping other families who needed medicine. Today ACE runs as two companies under one brand - one side doing work with CBD, and the other LOCATION producing, processing and soon to A N C HO R AGE , A K be retailing Cannabis. We talked KNOWN FOR: HIGH-CBD PRODUCTS about his passion for CBD and SUCH AS HEMP OIL, why he entered the vast world of FOR USE WITH TREATING ANXIETY & CHRONIC PAIN the Cannabis industry.

FEB. 2019

HOW DID CANNABIS COME INTO YOUR LIFE? I’m a third generation grower, so like my father before me I carried on the tradition. I started right around 30 years ago, helping out a lot in the garden at 16. And once I moved out on my own I continued growing.

HOW DID ACE GET STARTED? We really got started in 2014 after the Federal Farm Bill, but that was more for hemp derived products because of the legalities here in Alaska. We started producing CBD products, and the first we produced was a human ingestible oil derived from hemp, high in CBD. The reason for that is because I have a niece with a very rare genetic disorder, Lissencephaly, a condition that basically means smooth brain. Her entire brain is smooth and doesn’t have the ridges and folds like most brains have. She had intractable epilepsy causing her to have 250-450 seizures a day. After 12 different pharmaceuticals, nothing would touch the seizure activity - until we found CBD, which basically changed her life forever. It stopped the seizures.

DID THAT LIGHT YOUR FIRE TO CONTINUE PROVIDING CBD TO OTHERS?

Yes, we’re not focused on money and we give away a lot of product because we believe in it so much, and want people to have the right product. We were part of a very large group of mothers who had children with epilepsy, basically a discussion forum, and so we started giving products to the mothers of these suffering

By WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PHOTOS BY BOOM MEDIA

children. Within three days we were getting phone calls, and within three weeks everyone said whatever is in this helps reduce seizure activity. It sparked us to create a business to help people.

It all comes back down to what is right, and we 100% believe that the right product is a whole-plant product made with love, and not overpriced for a patient or somebody who needs it.

HOW DID THAT TRANSITION WITH LEGAL CANNABIS? We got started once the regulations were released, and that’s when we had our idea to do marijuana products. We are producing Cannabis right now, and still have our online CBD store so people can purchase from wherever they are. And we’ll have our retail shop opening on Spenard Road here this spring.

TELL US ABOUT THE GARDEN! We’ve got about 550 different strains in our metric right now, and we’re actively growing about 23 strains at a time. We are vetting our genetics and making sure they are good products and produce properly, and we have quite a few strains we really love. Our Cheesy Headband, Indiana Moonshine Bubble Gum that’s a 1:1 CBD to THC strain, the Bearberry, Purple Punch, Tahoe Cookies, Joshua Trees, and many more. We are doing a soilless grow using pro mix and amend naturally ourselves. We have about 10,000 square feet of canopy, with a three week harvest cycle and an average of 75 to 125 pounds per crop. [It’s] a small team of only nine employees, so all our hands are in the dirt. We try to do everything as clean and organically as possible.

GROWER EMMARIAH GRIMES

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE BUSINESS?

The actual growing is the best part. It’s very calming and serene, and there’s something about being able to grow a plant that is such a warm welcome to life. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’d say my calling in life is education and getting information out there, and for people to understand that Cannabis is a viable option over opiates and big pharma.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND ACE PRODUCTS? We wholesale to almost all the stores here in Anchorage, and are working with manufacturers and quite a few stores in Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and the Kenai. We’re in quite a few stores! We have a great looking brand and we’re out there all the time pushing it.

YOU’RE ALSO POLITICALLY INVOLVED IN SHAPING THE INDUSTRY, TELL US ABOUT THAT. I sit on a board seat for the

Alaska Cannabis Business Association. It’s good to be covering regulations and being able to discuss as a group with everybody what’s happening, where things are going, and how to make change that needs to be made for the benefit the industry. It’s really important to keep up with this stuff. They’re [regulators] changing things up and trying to stir the pot a little bit, and we don’t agree with it, so we have to have the opportunity to push back. If we’re not unified, they’ll pick us off one by one, so coming together and having these meetings and getting the word out keeps us on the forefront.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE OF ACE? I would like to be vertically integrated and be able to manufacture, extract, and produce products that contain very low sugars and things that are more healthy for the body. Right now we see a lot of companies where they make cookies and sweet treats, and we know that sugar is “WE 100% BELIEVE THAT THE RIGHT definitely not good for the body or people P RODUCT IS A with frail immune systems fighting illnesses.

WHOLE-PLANT We would like to be able to create a more P RODUCT MADE wholesome product. We are also hoping WITH LOVE, AND the store will be open by June! We work NOT OVERP RICED with a lot of different companies and it will FOR A PATIENT OR be nice to feature great products, not just SOMEBODY WHO from us but other farms as well. We’re all NEEDS IT.” about supporting everyone in the industry.

cannabisace.com / @cbdace

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PERMAFROST DISTRIBUTORS

LEAD CULTIVATOR MATT MABREY WITH RED DRAGON

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atthew Mabrey is Lead Cultivator for Permafrost Distributors’ limited cultivation in Sterling, Alaska. He began working at the retail stores with the same name as a budtender alongside his mother, and ultimately transitioned into the garden management position. Their limited license is packed full LOCATION of strains and plants, and we S T E R L IN G, AK talked about the advantages KNOWN FOR: FROSTED LEMONADE, of growing small, plus why he FROSTED COOKIES, PERMAFROST HASHPLANT loves working with each plant AND CREEPER COBRA individually in the garden.

FEB. 2019

HOW DID CANNABIS COME INTO YOUR LIFE, AND WHEN DID YOU START GROWING? I’ve always appreciated it recreationally, but I never really got into it

in my spare time other than popping bag seeds for fun. It wasn’t until I got my first commercial position that it really inspired me. It was at another grow and it wasn’t a limited like here. It was a large standard cultivation and all hydro and flood tables - that’s what really inspired me to learn about how to grow.

HOW DID YOU START AT PERMAFROST DISTRIBUTORS? My mom actually started budtending here, and they were looking for extra hands budtending and in the garden. There wasn’t a real established cultivation leader here, so I came in and was helping budtend with my mom and water plants when I could. I started learning their system and their recipe, the specific soil and how to treat it, and started making the plants do things they couldn’t do before.

WHAT WERE THE THINGS YOU HAD TO LEARN WITH GROWING IN SOIL?

I went from a minimal, three part ingredient system with hydro, to a 12-15 part recipe that changes day-to-day based on the plant’s need. That’s common for more sophisticated grows, and I’m starting to learn more about microbes and bacteria and soil - the plant’s relationship with roots and the medium. In dirt and soil here I’ve had to learn a lot more about different deficiencies, and meeting more specific needs than I was seeing in hydro.

By WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PHOTOS BY BOOM MEDIA

T

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE YOU’VE SEEN BETWEEN A LIMITED AND FULL SCALE GARDEN?

I keep looking into it because I’m trying to define the difference myself, but the biggest is that we are literally limited to just how much square footage we have. Everyone’s building plan has a veg, bloom and mother area, and you can’t really deviate. So on a limited scale, you start hitting the wall quicker than you would in a bigger grow, but that wall is not a plant count. At a limited scale you’re only limited to square footage.

HOW MANY PLANTS?

We’ve got about 100 plants in bloom “CUSTOMERS REALLY most the time, about 80-100 in veg, APP RECIATED and at the moment I’ve got 40 clones HANGING OUT WITH that are gonna be mine and like 80 THE GUY WHO GREW that I’m giving to the other gardens.

THE WEED AND Our owner, Chase, acquired other TALKING ABOUT THE FAVORITE STRAINS.” gardens, so I’m actually growing more weed than I’m physically growing here by sending cuts to other limited gardens as well. I know 100 plants sounds like a lot, but I left them breathing room to fill their own gaps.

IS IT HARDER BEING IN A SMALL SPACE?

It depends on the strain, and once you know how it grows and where it wants to go it’s a little easier. Sometimes I put a new strain in, it goes a different direction and I have to adjust it. With my tight space, I make all my plans to fill in the gaps accordingly and sometimes they don’t fill in the gaps, or fill in other gaps I wasn’t expecting. It’s really up to the person and the plan. A lot of people that went from home grow to commercial, they weren’t thinking about the canopy filling up on scale, so they try to cram plants in. But I know it’s important to give them room to breathe.

STARBURST

WHAT KIND OF STRAINS ARE YOU GROWING?

We grow a handful of strains, some popular Alaska cuts and some from our own phenotype genetic hunts. Right now we are best known for our Frosted Cookies and Starburst, and those plants are known for their CBD content and beta caryophyllene terpene levels. We also have three kushes - King Kush, Kosher Kush and Bubba Kush, and a smash hit in our Strawberry Banana.

MOST OF YOUR HARVEST IS SOLD THROUGH THE RETAILER STORE ON SITE. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WORK IN THE GARDEN AND BE BEHIND THE COUNTER AS A BUDTENDER?

We do a bit of both, we wholesale some and sell our own pot across the counter. We carry from all cultivators out there, we usually have like 10-12 strains on the shelves at least. I do occasionally bud tend still, recently I haven’t been anymore, but for a while i was filling in gaps on their side. Permafrost is a bigger company now than it was nine months ago. It’s been a very unique experience to do both, because I’d go sell the products I had just got done watering. Sometimes I’d be back working on a strain and come around a corner and be talking about future strains to a customer. Customers really appreciated hanging out with the guy who grew the weed and talking about the favorite strains. I definitely had a good connection with the customers when I was out there.

CLONE ROOM

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A GROWER IN THE LEGAL MARKET? My team and the creative people I’m

working with. I love checking on the plants and tending to them; making sure they’re happy. Every little bit of attention and food you give them they always give right back. When I got a chance at Permafrost, I fell in love with this group and the guys here. Chase and Brian are excellent people to work with and for, and that’s one of the things that has me hooked at Permafrost. I love working in the garden. As a musician and an artist, this is another art, and it has its own creative zen to it. Growing Cannabis is very unique and creative, and there’s a lot of freedom to it.

RED DRAGON

akpermafrost.com / @permafrostak

the indoor issue

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NEW STRAINS ARE TESTED IN EVERY GROWING CYCLE.

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SKÖRD

efining craft Cannabis with innovation and passion, Skörd Marijuana is creating beautiful indoor flowers and hash on a sustainable level.

The secret to success in Washington’s craft Cannabis market is constant evolution. Companies that hold still are left behind as the force of consumer demand shifts constantly towards new strains and fresh options, leaving corporate midgrade weed to sit on shelves at lower and lower prices. Skörd has not only taken this situation seriously, it’s why the team behind the company started growing Cannabis in the first place.

“Our passion from the beginning was in selecting genetics and popping seeds,” said Founder Josh Anderson. “Our consumers LOCATION specifically want new flavors BAT T L E GR O UN D, WA and they’re connoisseurs SIZE: TIER 2 like we are.”

7,500 SQ. FOOT CANOPY The craft movement for FOUND IN 40+ STORES consumables began with

FEB. 2019

beer, with the American Brewdon’t do it. The effort is immense “WE’RE TRYING TO ers Association characterizing and the return isn’t guaranteed, GROW WHAT WE a craft company as defined because growing craft Cannabis ENJOY AND SHARE by innovation, distinctive and WHAT WE ENJOY WITH is difficult. Growing from seeds individualistic approaches to will produce varieties of the same OU R CUSTOMERS.” connecting with their customers, strain (phenotypes) that have and integrity by what they brew different characteristics like yield, and their general independence. This classification flavor and even effects. Selecting the best cut is carries over well into the Cannabis movement, a labor of love, and leads to the most unique where the suds are swapped for buds but the love expression of a strain that is only found within the remains the same. parent garden.

“We’re trying to grow what we enjoy and share Growing from seed brings other advantages what we enjoy with our customers,” said Anderson. beyond unique genetics. Clones taken from out“Skörd is full of people passionate about what side sources can bring pests or systemic pesticides we are doing, and growing the same weed over that live for generations, and hurt the quality of and over gets boring.”

Cannabis produced. The only way to prevent and Inside their high tech single flowering room, control this is to start fresh from the beginning, a section of new strains are tested every single which Anderson was determined to do. growing cycle. The process to go from popping “We’re bug and mold free and remain that way a seed to selecting a phenotype of a strain takes because everything grown is from our space and a minimum of 10 months, assuming a choice was popped in our building from day one. We strain is found, which is why many companies also pesticide test all our products,” he explained.

By WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX | PHOTOS by CHRIS RYAN @CANNABIS.PHOTO

Q UIC K H I T

SINGLE, PERPETUAL HARVEST ROOM W I T H A L L S TAG E S O F F L OW E R I N G P L A N T S I N O N E S PAC E .

P R O P R I E TA R Y N U T R I E N T B L E N D C R E AT E D A N D O W N E D B Y C O - F O U N D E R R YA N A N D E R S O N. P E S T I C I D E T E S T E D S I N C E D AY 1 .

A L L S T R A I N S F R O M S E E D, W I T H N E W PHENOTYPE HUNTS EVERY CYCLE.

When asked why they pesticide test, although it isn’t legally required, Anderson’s answer is simple. “Proof. We’ve been saying we’re ‘pesticide free’ since the beginning, but a lot of people said that and are obviously lying. Many claim they can’t afford it. It does suck to spend the extra money, but the reputation is there and it’s valuable to have a massive backlog of past tests to prove our intentions from the beginning.”

A big part of the success in Skörd comes from data. Prior to starting the company Anderson was a BMW mechanic, and he has taken his mechanical and technology skills and applied them to the garden. Sensors run throughout the entire facility, measuring everything from Co2 levels and canopy heat temperatures to water content and feeding levels. The goal is to perfect a cycle for a strain, and then use the information to repeat the cycle as efficiently as possible.

“The idea is to create a recipe to record and track an entire grow cycle, which gives you a better chance of duplicating it. I love being able to see what’s going on in the garden with data and a controlled environment, and that’s why I’ve always been an indoor gardener.”

This tier 2 is only utilizing about half its potential with 7,500 square feet of canopy, but every gram grown is sold as flower or processed into oil. A lab onsite processes hydrocarbon extracts using propane, and an ice water extraction system leads to solventless hash rosin squished for the purest essence of the plant. All flower sold is hand trimmed, sold in glass and packaged with care. Their unique strains include Wonka Bars, Blackberry Octane, Lemon Shortbread, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blue Lemon Pie, and the Chocolatina. The Chocolatina reeks of fuelly-earthy-sour-chocolate with a beautiful euphoric and uplifting high, one of the best hybrids we’ve tasted on the market.

Most unique are the reserve hash rosin drops, which come from the test portion of the garden. Blending different phenotypes and strains into a beautiful squish, the hash produced from the mix of plants are completely unique and not recreatable. Overall everything coming out of the Skörd facility is worthy of trying, and the first ones to do so are the owners, ensuring it meets their quality standard. Skörd Marijuana can be found in 40 plus stores around Washington, with top shelf flower, prerolls, hydrocarbon and solventless concentrates.

“I take a lot of pride in growing clean pot for our friends and family, and I love being able to work here and have a tight knit group whose pickiness and focus on quality is all the same,” said Lead Grower Steve Powers, the creator of Powers Rosin Plates. “Josh and Ron Goldman [co-owner] are a wealth of knowledge and it feels great to be growing here.”

WONKA BARS IN THE DRYING ROOM

TEST TABLE

BRAD HYDRATING COCO BAGS.

THUG LIFE STRAIN

iskord.com / @skordmarijuana

the indoor issue

CO-FOUNDER JOEL RUGGIERO IN THE COMPANY’S LOBBY.

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W

hen you say the words professionally constructed indoor Cannabis cultivation facility, what you’re most likely picturing in your head is essentially Cloud Cover Cannabis.

A joint effort between chief horticulture officer and co-founder Joel Ruggerio and his lifelong friends, brothers Ankur and Vishal Rungta, the ownership is a match made in heaven. Ruggerio is the head cultivator and plays an active role in managing the day to day operations of the facility and staff. The brothers Rungta help manage company finances and business operations.

“You can’t have a grower run a business and you can’t have a business person run a Cannabis grow,” explains Ruggiero as we meander from room to room in their seemingly endless property.

LOCATION Constructed in 2016 and P O R T L AN D, O R licensed in 2017, Cloud Cover’s SIZE: TIER 2 36,000 square foot building, five

FEB. 2019

CLOUD COVER

grow rooms and 9,200 square feet Their facility is controlled by a single of active canopy space is an indoor CLOUD COVER computer system that monitors and CAN TRULY cultivator’s wet dream. Cloud Cover adjusts light output, temperature, ONLY BE can truly only be described as an elite humidity, CO2 levels, fan speed, DESCRIBED indoor operation. power levels, exhaust fans, etc.

AS AN ELITE Purpose built from the ground up, The Unity Energy Solutions master INDOOR the team gutted an old industrial site controller has allowed for the utiliOPERATION. that had sat vacant for nearly two zation of some unique equipment. decades and converted the space into The team at Cloud Cover opted to a high-tech commercial cultivation facility. invest in an Aaon hot gas reheat system, eliminatOne of the most important factors in indoor ing their need for free-standing dehumidification cultivation is cleanliness, and Cloud Cover takes systems. When combining these factors together, it up to the next level by requiring all grow staff the resulting energy savings, as estimated by the to shower and suit up in scrubs to enter the grow Energy Trust of Oregon, will clock in right around space. This usually means twice per shift, once at $52,000 per year. the beginning of a shift and the second time after Cloud Cover is undoubtedly one of the most taking lunch, as most employees go off-site and impressive facilities we’ve toured. leave the facility.

Armed with a dedicated staff, a well-developed Aside from the cleanliness factor, the technology brand and a commitment to success, we expect behind Cloud Cover is nothing short of awe-inspirto see this Cannabis cultivator flying high for ing, at least for a Cannabis geek like me. years to come.

G EAR

FLOWERING 5 0 0 X G AV I T A 1 0 0 0 W H P S G AV I T A L I G H T E M I T T I N G P L A S M A V E G E TAT I V E T 5s U N I T Y E N E R G Y S O L U T I O N S D I G I TA L G R OW C O N T R O L , H U R R I C A N E FA N S, N E TA F I R M I R R I G AT I O N S Y S T E M , A AO N H O T G A S R E H E AT S Y S T E M , IDEAL H20 REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM, 10K GALLONS OF H20 STORAGE

COURTESY

WOOKIE GIRL 91, COOGIES AND WHITE 99.

ZACK BALLARD AND BLAKE DEGROFF, CULTIVATION ASSISTANTS.

FLO BY DJ SHORTS

INTERVIEW BY NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415 | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

AKLEAF.COM

INVENTORY ROOM

CLONE MANAGER JOHN HARMON

WE SELL CLONES AND SEEDS! WE HAVE A WIDE SELECTION OF FLOWER, EDIBLES, PRE-ROLLS, AND CONCENTRATES. $30 DAB RIGS!

1211 W. 36TH ANCHORAGE, AK

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ALASKANLEAFCOMPANY@GMAIL.COM

907-770-0262

This is a marijuana product. Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence.

There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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RECIPES

by laurie wolf Photos By Bruce wolf

February 2019

LOVE IS IN THE AIR, and hopefully, Cannabis is too! Whether you are celebrating with friends, lovers or co-workers, this year let Cupid have his arrows, we’ve got something a whole lot better.

The current strain we are loving is Blue Dream from East Fork Cultivars. These three recipes are straightforward, delicious and promise to make a day about love considerably lovelier. And we need all the love we can get. Happy Valentines Day from Laurie and MaryJane! #DontFearTheEdible!

SALMON FILET WITH FIRE ROASTED RED PEPPER PUREE Serves 4

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4 6-ounce pieces salmon 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt & pepper 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 3 roasted red peppers, cut in strips 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup cream, optional 12 small peppers, cut in half and seeded 1/3 cup pesto Chopped fresh basil or flat parsley

BEST BEET SOUP Serves 6

1. Heat oven to 425F. Place salmon on a baking sheet with sides. Brush with the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. In a medium sauté pan heat the canna-oil over medium heat. Sauté the red peppers, onion, and garlic until the onion is soft, 4-5 minutes.

4. In a blender or food processor combine the peppers with the broth and the cream. Taste for salt and pepper.

aklEAF.COM

5. Back in the medium sauté pan, heat the red pepper mixture over med. heat.

6. Place the small peppers on your work surface. Spoon a teaspoon of pesto into the halved peppers.

WHITE CHOCOLATE & CHERRY BARK Serves 8 2 cups white chocolate melts or chips 2-3 tablespoons canna-butter 1 cup granola 1/3 cup dried cherries 1. In a double boiler melt the chips with the canna-butter.

2. Place a sheet of parchment on your work surface.

7. Bake the salmon in the oven and roast until just done, 12-15 minutes.

3. Pour the white chocolate onto the parchment.

8. Transfer the salmon on plates. Add three pepper halves and spoon the red pepper sauce over the salmon.

5. Allow to set for one hour before breaking into pieces.

9. Garnish with the fresh herbs & enjoy.

FEB. 2019

4. Sprinkle white chocolate with the granola and the cherries.

Cannabis, chocolate and cherries. What a combo!

1 ½ pounds fresh or canned beets 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1-2 tablespoons canna-oil or butter 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle ½ cup buttermilk ½ cup whole fat yogurt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill Salt and pepper Pumpkin seeds Yogurt 1. In a large soup pot cover the beets with water. Add the garlic, onion and bay leaf and cook until tender, about 30-40 minutes, until fork tender.

Drain and cool.

2. In a blender or food processor combine the beets, vinegar, oil, pickle, salt and pepper. Puree till smooth. Add the buttermilk and yogurt, dill and puree again. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with the optional toppings.

product review aklEAF.COM

52

by GLACIER EXTRACTS

CANNA CAPS CANNA CAPS from Glacier Extracts are truly fantastic. They’re a great choice for people looking for a low dose way of ingesting Cannabis. At 5 mg per piece, these beautiful golden capsules don’t pack a huge punch, but rather deliver a calm and sedating type of effect. I noticed a release in most of my muscle tension, as well as my shoulders and neck feeling extremely relaxed, and every so often bursts of terpenes would grace me with their presence. Excellent capsules from a reputable source.

5MG THC PER CAPSULE

“These beautiful golden capsules don’t pack a huge punch, but rather deliver a calm and sedating type of effect.”

FEB. 2019

REVIEW by RUSTY SHACKLEFORD | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

product review

54

CANAMO CRUMBLE aklEAF.COM

by CANAMO CONCENTRATES

T

HE SMELL of this crumble from Canamo Concentrates and Raspberry Roots reveals a deep, pungent, cherry-sweet-tart, so recognizable I didn’t really have to even think about it a second time.

Inhale is sweet and tangy, with notes of mint which weren’t apparent on first examination. On the exhale is where you find that sweet tart flavor that sticks to your lips, overall a very well-rounded smoke. The effects were a little cerebral and a little euphoric, teetering between the two profiles like a true hybrid.

FEB. 2019

“The effects were a little cerebral and a little euphoric...”

REVIEW by RUSTY SHACKLEFORD | PHOTO by BOOM MEDIA

AVAILABLE FROM SOUTHSIDE GARDEN SUPPLY

ANCHORAGE / WASILLA / SGSAK.COM

PROFILE

ZOE SIGMAN CannabisResearch&Education

W E H A D T H E P L E A S U R E O F I N T E R V I E W I N G ZOE SIGMAN, SCIENCE EDITOR OF BROCCOLI MAGAZINE, AND PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT PROJECT CBD. LIKE SO MANY OF US, SIGMAN GOT HER START IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY AS A BUDTENDER. SHE EVENTUALLY WORKED HER WAY TO BECOMING THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AT FARMA, A HIGH-END PORTLAND POT SHOP. NOW WITH THE DISPENSARY LIFE BEHIND HER, SIGMAN IS PURSUING CANNABIS RESEARCH FULL-TIME. IN BETWEEN CO-BUILDING PROJECT CBD AND PENNING THE LATEST ARTICLES ON CANNABIS, SHE DISCUSSES HER CURRENT RESEARCH INVOLVING CBN AND ALL THE HEADACHES THAT COME WITH TRYING TO RESEARCH CANNABINOIDS IN A TUMULTUOUS POLITICAL CLIMATE.

aklEAF.COM

58 What are you currently working on in terms of cannabinoid research?

I just started my job with Project CBD, which has been an amazing, crazy ride.

The transition has left me longing for more time to pursue my curiosity. A lot of infrastructure-building is necessary as we grow as a nonprofit, and it’s requiring a whole new realm of research from me.

Who knew there was so much to corunning a nonprofit?

One recent project is our own research effort - a survey to collect patient use data. The regulatory hurdles impeding research on cannabinoids in this country are significant and have stifled reliable information about cannabinoids and their therapeutic potential. We decided to go straight to the source - the people already using Cannabis therapeutically. Our survey gathers all sorts of information about how and why people are using CBD. Over a thousand people have already responded, and it’s really cool to see many of the anecdotes about CBD use corroborated in the data. I can’t wait to get to share our insights with everyone.

Another project we’re hoping to launch this year is an online research library.

We’re just in the initial stages now, and I’m excited to see the idea through to fruition.

People often ask how I find information about Cannabis, and the truth is it’s mostly digging through PubMed to find relevant articles. Which is hardly accessible for people without a research fetish.

FEB. 2019

Everyone with Project CBD has gathered a ton of research material over the years and we want to make that into some sort of public resource.

I’m currently working on a piece on cannabinol (CBN). There’s been a significant increase in interest about CBN, and it made me prick up my ears. People all over the internet were claiming that it would help with sleeplessness, so I started to dig. Turns out there’s almost nothing on CBN and sleeplessness. It was one of the very first cannabinoids to be identified and isolated.

What are the current challenges and limitations of researching CBD? The FDA? Funding?

There are so many! There are funding issues.

There are supply chain issues. And there are issues with regulations and legality. Also, it totally depends on what you mean. There are many kinds of research in the scientific world. Some are easier to work in than others. The area that struggles the most in the US is clinical trials - that is, trials with actual human participants and significant controls.

The government makes it really difficult to test drugs on humans, and even more so for Cannabis.

In order to get federal approval to study Cannabis or cannabinoids in the United States, researchers need to acquire approval from a baffling number of organizations both federally and locally.

At any point, any one of these organizations can deny an applicant, or just not respond.

If they are approved, they need to take a truly astounding number of steps to ensure that the material is totally accounted for.

To top it all off, researchers attempting to run trials using Cannabis are only allowed to use Cannabis grown at one location – the University of Mississippi.

Dr. Sue Sisley, one of the very few researchers conducting clinical trials with federal funding, tested that Cannabis and found all sorts of contaminants like heavy metals and mold.

Unsurprisingly, it was also very low in THC. Kind of uninspiring after all of the effort it took to acquire.

Donors are reluctant to fund projects that involve illegal substances, like Cannabis.

They’re also hesitant to fund research that won’t result in something proprietary.

Pharmaceutical companies create drugs that they hold the rights to for a significant amount of time before generic versions are allowed.

This makes it worth it to spend a huge amount of money on research.

Clinical trials can cost tens or hundreds of millions of dollars to run, and the people who invest usually want a return on their investment. When the drug finally makes it to market pharma companies will often charge exorbitant prices for their drugs to justify the astronomical price of research and development.

Cannabis throws a wrench in that system. It’s widely available in the United States, and relatively inexpensive to acquire. So how do you make money on it?

There are plenty of people trying. What about the public sector? It can be even more difficult.

While it’s relatively easy to get public funds to study drug abuse and substance use disorders,

Q & A by SIMONE FISCHER @SIMONEFISCHERR | PHOTO by CHRIS RYAN @CANNABIS.PHOTO

it’s much more difficult to fund medicinal studies.

There’s a whole branch of government dedicated to preventing drug abuse, and it’s the same one that makes studying Cannabis so difficult – The National Institute on Drug Abuse. In general, it’s really difficult to fund medical research. A huge chunk of the funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH), which you might assume goes towards understanding the health impacts of Cannabis, actually goes to substance use disorder studies.

Learn more at ProjectCBD.org

feb. 2019

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How will new research/knowledge around CBD (and other cannabinoids) evolve the Cannabis market?

That is the question on everyone’s lips. CBD has definitely reached fad status, and no one is sure how it will all play out.

The medical market will definitely benefit from more research. But at what cost, if any, to the recreational market? People want confirmation that CBD and cannabinoids are actually doing them good, and more research will do that. It will also show the limits of what any specific cannabinoid can do and create more reasonable expectations of what cannabinoids are useful for. Medical acceptance will lead to mainstream acceptance, no question. But it’s quite unusual for a substance to take this path to medical acceptance. It wasn’t the medical community making all of the most interesting discoveries about CBD, it was the public.

For thousands of years, Cannabis has been used medicinally. For decades, prohibition blinded

“AS WE GAIN MORE INSIGHT INTO INDIVIDUAL MOLECULES AND INCREASINGLY COMPLEX CONSTELLATIONS OF THOSE MOLECULES, WE’LL SEE THE EVOLUTION OF PRODUCTS IN THE MARKETPLACE. REALLY, WE ALREADY ARE.”

How can current OMMP patients potentially contribute to or benefit from this work?

There are a couple of clinical trials being run at OHSU that are recruiting participants.

You don’t need to be an OMMP patient, or even a regular Cannabis user to get involved.

Every tiny insight that researchers gain will benefit everyone. Get involved with policy work! The reason research is so hard to fund is largely because the plant is still illegal. The more quickly it’s legalized, the more quickly we can see the benefits of unfettered research.

NORML is still doing incredible work on legalization, as is the OCA and CCA. My pet project is based on a report that was released in Oregon in 2015: SB 844.

A state task force was appointed to create a report on the then-current state of Cannabis research and recommend actions for the state of Oregon, and they recommended the establishment of the Oregon Institute for Cannabis Research.

This institute would establish a place for Cannabis researchers to conduct their work and provide insight into the medical uses of Cannabis and cannabinoids.

Nothing has been done by the state, or, as far as I can tell, any institutions to follow through on that recommendation. I’d love to see an effort come together to establish this institute and make Oregon the destination for Cannabis research in the US.

PROFILE

Western science to Cannabis’ benefits. It was overwhelming public pressure that began to pry its eyes open. I think we’ll continue to see innovative medicinal uses come from the public, even as scientists rush to catch up. People are starting to get excited about cannabinoids beyond just CBD and THC. There are well over a hundred cannabinoids found in the plant, and very little is known about the vast majority of them.

I want to see these minor cannabinoids explored more fully, and to understand their complex relationships with each other.

This plant and its effects are beautifully complicated and nuanced, and we have decades of work to fully understand them.

The question of isolated molecules versus full-spectrum effects has already begun to affect scientific literature. In most cases, the scientific community studies the effect of one molecule on a specific disease pathway.

Cannabis is challenging this pattern. The hundreds of active compounds in the plant seem to be more effective working in concert than in isolation. This makes studying it really difficult by traditional Western standards.

As we gain more insight into individual molecules and increasingly complex constellations of those molecules, we’ll see the evolution of products in the marketplace.

Really, we already are. The process will just continue to become more refined.

/ NWLEAF @NWLEAF

GREEN SOURCE GARDENS | PHOTO BY @BERMANPHOTOS

book review

EveryDayMaryJ A Practical Guide to Cooking with Cannabis

by Mary J. White | 2018 | 101 pages This is a wonderful, personable book which represents the very best of small publishing.

EveryDayMaryJ is about everyday Cannabis consumption for all of us. It’s loaded with mouthwatering recipes, including savory and sweet preparations that go way beyond the traditional pot brownie.

In charming fashion, you’ll also learn about the history of Cannabis, the culture surrounding and ways to utilize it. Information on how to make your own tinctures and topicals are included, and extraction methods as well. You can also read a wonderfully inspiring story about Mary’s cat, Hugo J. Treadwell, who survived cancer with the help of Cannabis.

This book is based on Mary’s experiences teaching folks how to cook and use Cannabis in daily life. She does a wonderful job of demystifying the herb and shows you how finding just the right strain and dosage delivery method can positively — and deliciously!

— change the course of your life.

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For more information about the book and its author, visit EverydayMaryJ.com

FEB. 2019

REVIEW BY STEVE ELLIOTT / TOKESIGNALS.COM

at first

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when you come in with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Mention ‘Leaf’ to obtain discount. Valid February 14th, 2019.

Limit one 10% discount per visit, per customer. May not be combined with other specials, offers, or promotions.

Both locations are open 9am to Midnight, seven days a week!

Downtown • 541 W 4th Ave • 907.929.WEED | Dimond • 1901 W Dimond Blvd • 907.334.KUSH

Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older.

Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. | Downtown: #11966 | Dimond: #16610