Jan. 2013 — Issue #31

NORTHWEST LEAF THE PATIENT’S VOICE

FREE

january 2013 Issue #31 thenorthwestleaf.com

Happy Hour WILL WASHINGTON TRADE IN ALCOHOL FOR CANNABIS?

p.16

+

Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill in Olympia allows marijuana smoking in an upstairs members-only area for $1 a day or $10 per year. No one knows if it’s legal.

• e v e r e t t ’ s wa r o n pat i e n t s • K E N T a c c e s s f i n a l ly r e t ur n s

• c h r i s w i l l i a m s ta l k s f r o m j a i l

Improving quality of life – safely, discreetly & compassionately

• Large selection of Edibles & Beverages • Discreet, Professional & Safe • Handicap & Service Dog Friendly

Is MMJ Right for You?

SEATTLE

• Top quality, locally grown, clean & safe medications

Visit one of our 2 South Sound Locations Today!

TACOMA

• We specialize in matching patients to correct strains for optimal care

Call today for confidential help.

Collective Garden

Collective Garden

206.387.HEMP (4367)

253.627.1377

2315 E. John St. Between 23rd and 24th Ave, on E. John St Seattle, WA 98114

1126 Commerce St. – Downtown Tacoma Between S. 11th and S. 13th, on Commerce St. Tacoma, WA 98402

www.SeattleCross.com

www.TacomaCross.com

text coupon

Discover Our VIP & New Membership Programs

THC

Green

Gluten Free

medibles $8 Grams

dry meds

special

FREE monthly rafe

Discount Thursdays FOR

sativa FREE GRAM

BHO

advocate

solution 30+ Dried Meds

G OA L S

oils

true health care

Thursdays @ 420

VIP PROGRAM drinks

100%tested meds

HEALTH concentrates

SHOW Jananoint THIS AD TO REDEEM

KANDY KUSH

CBG

Reduces Nausea

indica

Patient Centered Care

THC

Pain Relief today

hybrid dry meds

Reduces

Convulsions

BHO effects tincture blue dream

CBD Care

oils

Patient Centered

DELTA8

DISCOUNT MEDS

concentrates bone stimulant

NEW PATIENT care

packages

care

call in prescription

100%

aid N E W M E M B E R S sleep relax medibles tincture

Muscle Spasm Suppressant

test meds

Planning

rest

Top Shelf $10 Grams

free

CBN

Gluten Free Medibles

cbg

topicals

Appetite Stimulant

15941Meridian Ave East Puyallup, WA 98375

advocating true health care

253-845-0525

www.

Mon-Sun 9am - 9pm

GreenSolutionCollective.com

Canna Law Group

Experienced legal counsel for your cannabis business

ON NOVEMBER 6, 2012, WASHINGTON STATE VOTERS PASSED INITIATIVE 502.

Whether you are a medical cannabis access point or are interested in obtaining an i-502 license to grow, sell, or process cannabis, canna law group can help you stay ahead of the curve and in compliance with state law.

We represent all types of cannabis businesses, including cooperatives, labs, testing facilities, processors, and growers.

WE CAN HELP Call us:(206)826-9371

www.cannabislawseattle.com

NORTHWEST LEAF

contents

jan. 2013 WWW.THENORTHWESTLEAF.COM Nwleaf@gmail.com LIKE US AT Facebook.com/nwleaf

16

22

46

access PROFILE

30

Deryck Tsang reopened his Kent access point, Herbal Choice Caregivers, after months of legal troubles. The city instituted a moratorium

36

Strain of the Month

A Bar You Can Smoke At

39

The Jail Interview

22

Granite Falls Access

52

Tasty Recipes

NATIONAL NEWS..................10 I-502 PASSES.........................14 EVERETT ACCESS...................19 GRANITE FALLS ...................22 KENT ACCESS...........................30 BOARD GAME.........................46 HEMP SEEDS.........................48 HISTORIC EDIBLE...................50 CONCENTRATES................54 GROWTECH.......................59 DOCTOR ROSE.......................66 BEHIND THE STRAIN...............70

26

Billion Dollar Industry

66

Dr. Rose’s Column

COVER & CONTENTS PHOTOS

on medical marijuana and raided him three times for staying open. “Our case is likely to influence the outcome of other bans,” he said. “We picked an industrial spot because there’s not a school around for four miles. None of our neighbors have ever complained.”

9

Remembering Ric Smith

16

40

The passionate advocate passed away

Olympia bar & grill is pushing the limits Underserved area gets new collective

Biz school investors break into pot

19

A beautiful bud shot, right up-close Montana grower Chris Williams

After these, Winter won’t matter

Vaporize if you want the best

Daniel Berman/Northwest Leaf

january 2013 LIKE US AT Facebook.com/nwleaf

TO ADVERTISE IN OR DISPLAY US CALL WES ABNEY 206.235.6721 OR EMAIL NWLEAF@GMAIL.COM

editor’s note TO OUR READERS, Thanks for picking up the 31st issue of Northwest Leaf!

39 Chris williams had, at one time, 1500 plants growing under his control. The Montana grower was denied a medical marijuana defense in court. But that’s only half the story.

the truth about the plant you thought you knew, every issue. founder & editor-in-chief

Wes Abney photographer & designer

Daniel Berman contributors kirk ericso n Ray Flores Tyler Markwart Dr. Scanderson DR. SCOTT D. ROSE Casey Smith Eliza wiley

8/jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

The War on Drugs is losing badly. Places like Frankie’s in Olympia that allow smoking are tackling the stereotypes and baseless fears about Cannabis use.

In the news section you’ll read about a study finding Cannabis does not harm brain tissue, but reaffirms the damages done by alcohol abuse.

To me, the choice is clear. Trade in the afterwork martini for a bowl of your favorite strain, and your body will thank you! Ultimately, the world would be a better place if people could legally use Cannabis to relax at the end of the night. At Frankie’s, food sales are up, and there hasn’t been a single recorded fight or problem over smoking pot. Not that any were expected.

Check out the pictures from the night pot was “legalized,” under I-502. We want you to know that while Northwest Leaf doesn’t condone public use of Cannabis, the moments shown in the photos are a critical victory in the ongoing war on drugs. People gathered at the Space Needle, smoked a little Cannabis, and showed the world that their use of a “dangerous” drug is anything but.

Please read the interview with Chris Williams, a Montana medical provider who was previously facing 92 years in prison. I spent some quality time on the phone with him from Missoula County Detention Center, where he is hoping for a lighter sentence following a landmark plea agreement.

This month also features the reopening of access in Kent, the declaration by Everett that medical Cannabis is a nuisance, and the ongoing legal action being taken against both cities. There’s also a piece about the new face of Cannabis investors, and a feature highlighting access in the underserved Granite Falls area.

So as we toke into 2013 please remember to drive safe (especially when carrying meds).

As always, thanks for reading and supporting Northwest Leaf.

If you have questions, comments, or even critiques we look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to reach out at facebook.com/nwleaf or email us at nwleaf@gmail.com.

-WES ABNEY // FOUNDER & EDITOR

Ric, a patient of 16 years, at MedFest in Seattle, Dec. 18, 2011. “Every day, patients are discriminated against in their daily lives. It’s nice to come here and be around people who understand.”

in memory

Ric Smith 1963-2012

BY PAM HALEY FOR NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

i

first met Ric in 2003 at a Hempfest signmaking party. He convinced me that it would be okay to share my desire to see the end of Cannabis prohibition with my coworkers.

He dared me to find out how many people I thought to be super conservative wanted to know more about Cannabis.

From that dare I literally re-met several of my coworkers. The experience opened my eyes to how broadly prohibition affected humanity.

My bond with Ric tightened after my sister died from AIDS in 1996. We had experienced how life can unjustly wield its hammer of fate, and knew this was the ultimate opponent in our struggle to understand the reason for life.

We had a bond that was grounded by knowing we only live once and not wanting to have done to us that which was being done to others.

Our bond created a pair that would do just about anything with anybody to accomplish our common goal. How ludicrous, he would say, it is to keep a plant from a person who has exhausted all manmade concoctions to cure their manmade disease.

Ric had a guardian angel in Meril Draper, and I can attest the Draper family has love that can save a life a few times. The Drapers first saved Ric’s life when he and Meril proclaimed, through their own experience, that Munchies Save Lives. The experience was so strong they shared it with as many people as they could.

Soon, a community standard had been established. When a person was in need of medicine or food, they just had to ask, and the pair would fulfill the need.

When the Draper’s love revived Ric in his last days, Ric asked us to expand Munchies Save Lives into a program that would carry on what his Guardian angel did for him.

One of the reasons Ric will be missed in our community is that he lived in the outer edge of life’s accountability. He demonstrated what it would take for the rest of us to make the bold moves

How ludicrous, he would say, it is to keep a plant from a person who has exhausted all manmade concoctions to cure their manmade disease.

to change the laws. Like he said, ‘what did he have to lose, what could they take from him that he knew he was already losing?’ In the outer realm, where most don’t dare venture unless they want to seriously risk their future, this frail, soft spoken gentleman lived, and he led the rest of us. There is not anybody as far out on the edge as Ric was that can lead us now.

As I sat down to write this piece about my friend Ric, the first thing to came to mind was his ancestor James Reed who led the Donner Party through the Sierra Nevada’s (sorry MaryAnn). They shared a tenacity. I can’t stop thinking that their fight for survival was so strong that it altered their genes and that is where Ric’s character and strength came from.

So, if you are wondering how he came back time and again only to search for and find another way to obtain a medicine — his medicine — read a little of our country’s history and you will understand a little more about the fight in my friend Ric.

jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/9

national

PHOTO BY FLICKR/ROSENGRANT

Michigan lawmakers address privacy concerns >> Police access to patient registries among changes to marijuana bill

M

Alcohol, not Marijuana, Causes Brain Damage >> Half of teen subjects in study drank and smoked while the rest abstained

p

UCSD postdoctoral fellow Joanna arent may soon be telling their Jacobus said the brain tissue damage kids to have a toke, not a drink, dealt by alcohol can impair a develafter a new study linked a decline oping teen’s decision-making skills. in brain tissue health to alcohol con“It becomes a cycle. If teens decrease sumption, but not marijuana use. their tissue health and cognitive ability The decline of white matter brain to inhibit themselves, they might betissue can have a negative effect on come more likely to engage in risky beattention, memory and decision-makhavior like excessive substance ing, but researchers only looked use,” Jacobus said. at brain scans, not performance, The CBD In 2012, 23 percent of ScienceDaily.com reported. compound of high school seniors polled Ninety-two adolescents marijuana is had used marijuana within aged 16 to 20 had their brains the previous 30 days, accordscanned by researchers at the considered a ing to the Monitoring the FuUniversity of California, San protector of ture survey, an annual study Diego during an 18-month pe- brain health of drug use among eighth-, riod. Half of the study subjects, 10th- and 12th-graders by researchers at who had histories of alcohol and marithe University of Michigan. juana use, continued their use during The survey, financed by the National the year and a half. The rest of the Institute on Drug Abuse, showed more teens drank seldom or never at all. than 36 percent of students had smoked Before and after scans of the teens’ marijuana within the past year and that brains show that those who drank five 6.5 percent of the seniors used it daily. or more drinks at least two times a Teens’ perceptions of daily use of mariweek displayed reduced white matjuana’s is down to the lowest levels since ter brain tissue health, Susan Tapert, 1983: 20.6 percent of seniors agreed a neuroscientist at UCSD, and a codaily use is harmful and 41.7 percent of author of the study, told the Huffingeighth-graders polled agreed. ton Post. Meanwhile, marijuana use “It is clear that more research is needas much as nine times a week was not ed into the long-term effects of marijualinked to any change in brain tissue na on the brain,” Tapert said. “Especially health. Cannabidiol (CBD), a combecause use is up.” pound of marijuana, has been linked in the past to protecting brain health.

10/jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

ichigan state Sen. Steve Bieda, a Democrat, has been a vocal critic of the state’s medical marijuana program since it began in 2008. That’s why he joined a coalition of other longtime opponents in calling for changes to the laws. Their concerns mostly concerned patient privacy, but safety aspects were also considered, the Detroit News reported in December.

“For a long time, the pro-marijuana groups and the ACLU were very concerned about privacy issues and by police access to the registry” of state-approved us- The ACLU ers,” Bieda said. “When they (the original bills) came back from the House, those concerns had changed its been removed, and I ended up supporting these.” official position ACLU of Michigan communications direc- from oppose tor Rana Elmir said the organization changed its official position on the medical marijuana to neutral bill from oppose to neutral after lawmakers agreed to add confidentiality protections for patien’t records.

Other changes include a requirement for patients to transport their medical marijuana in the trunk or other area inaccessible to the driver; doctors must now perform a “complete assessment,” of a patient before agreeing to authorize them; and state registry cards will now carry ID photos, but they must be renewed every two years, not one.

“These bills aren’t perfect, but they’re something the medicalmarijuana community can live with,” Detroit marijuana activist Tim Beck, 61, testified Aug. 15 in hearings at the Capitol in Lansing.

Because the state’s MMJ laws were passed in a statewide vote by residents, the Legislature was required to pass the changes with a three-fourths supermajority. Bipartisan cooperation was crucial, Bieda said, to getting the necessary votes for the changes.

D.C.’s first marijuana dispensary opening near fbi hq

F

ourteen years ago, almost 70 percent of Washington, D.C., voters in a referendum approved the medicinal use of marijuana.

Now, finally, the nation’s capital will get safe access. Local officials have issued occupancy permits for a marijuana cultivation center and a dispensary located three miles from FBI headquarters after more than three years of debating regulations and policies, Toke of the Town reported last month.

Congress repeatedly blocked funding for the state’s MMJ program and marijuana remains federally illegal. President Obama responded in mid-2012 to ensure the strict program would be left alone. Only 110 patients are enrolled. Doctors must have an ongoing relationship with their patients. HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and cancer are among the only qualifying conditions.

Those authorized to use MMJ can buy up to 2 ounces per month. Growing is not allowed — all patients must obtain their marijuana from one of the six planned dispensaries.

Officials said one day the area will have six cultivation centers, which can grow 95 plants at a time. That’s right: nearly 600 marijuana plants will be growing just steps from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

STORIES BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

Quick Hits!

3

millions of dollars worth of marijuana that Puerto Rico officials seized last month after crews investigated a suspicious baot. About 3,500 lbs. of marijuana was recovered and 3 suspects were arrested.

POLICE RETURNED A BONG TO YOUNG, CENTER, WHO POSED WITH ATTORNEY ROB CORRY, LEFT

acquitted colorado man sues for 42 destroyed plants >> Attorney says he can’t recall a case where property was not returned

K

aleb Young, a legal medical marijuana torney, Rob Corry, told Denver Westword. patient living in Larimer County, ColoAfter his acquittal, Young eventually got rado, was arrested for growing marijuana some of the confiscated property back, except and charged with multiple felonies from culfor his plants which had been destroyed. tivation to possesion with intent to distribute “Typically, the agency will preserve the to possession over eight ounces. He was acplants as they’re required to do under the quitted in December 2012 of all charges, but (Colorado) Constitution,” Corry said. not before five months of surveillance lead to “Here, they just straight-up cut them a guns-drawn raid on his property and the down and destroyed them.” Corry said he destruction of 42 mature Cannabis plants, expects his client to be awarded $5,000 per the Coloradoan reports. plant, or $210,000 in toAtty.

Rob Corry expects In November 2011, authorital, based on the value of a ties executed a search warrant on his client to be awarded marijuana plant, according Young’s home, where he showed $5,000 per plant to police testimony in other the police his authorization to national cases. grow medical Cannabis. The police proCorry said that he represents many mediceeded to confiscate his plants and growing cal marijuana patients, but that this is equipment. one of the first cases he could recall “They had eighteen SWAT-level officers where an authorized patient was acquitwearing battle dress uniforms, many of them ted at trial and their property, including carrying assault rifles. They ripped Kaleb out plants and marijuana, was not returned. of his house with guns drawn -- this for a “You hear a lot about these cases being guy who had no criminal record -- and did threatened,” he said. “But to my knowledge, the same thing to his mother,” Young’s atnone have gone the distance yet.”

PHOTO BY DIANE HUMM/DENVER WESTWORD

12 25

Number of ounces of pot Mesa, AZ police found giftwrapped in a 29-year-old man’s hotel room.

He told the police it was his, but it wasn’t for sale.

fine in thousands for Brionne Corbray, a forner Seattle access point owner who got 5 years federal probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to deal drugs, charges related to running his G.A.M.E. Collectives & smoking lounge in White Center and West Seattle. Prosecutors had sought 1 year in jail.

0 1

cost of weed for veterans at a Zen Healing, a Los Angeles dispensary, which said it will donate a free 1/4-oz. of pot after each harvest (every 3 months).

Number of years Seattle Police recruits must not have smoked marijuana before applying for a job, under a new policy announced after the passing of I-502 in December. Previously, all applicants had to testify they had not used marijuana in atleast three years.

27 6

thousands of signatures a White House petition to pardon Montana marijuana grower Chris Williams has received since being jailed.

number of votes out of 7 by the Everett City Council last month in favor of declaring marijuana a “nuisance,” effectively removing the ability of patients to form collective gardens or access their medicine.

Quoted IT’S SHOCKING, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WE ALL KNOW WHO ARE RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA USERS. INCREASINGLY, PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO SHARE HOW THEY USE IT AND NOT BE ASHAMED OF IT.” -California Lieutenant Govenor Gavin Newsom, noting that upstanding citizens who are leaders in their communities are becoming more open with their recreational marijuana use. Newsom told The New York Times such moves signal a real shift in public sentiment on pot.

national THE REAR WALL OF BROM’S HOUSE WAS BLOWN OUT

country’s largest dispensary fighting to stay open >> Landlords want to evict Harborside Health Center, which they say is violating fed. law

U.S.

Oregon patient severely burned making BHO >> After huge explosion, man is lucky to be in stable condition

F

ile this one under “proceed with caution” A Beaverton, Ore., man was severely burned in a large explosion at his home while trying to make a batch of butane hash oil.

The marijuana concentrate is legal to produce under the state’s medical marijuana program, but police are waiting to charge Nicholas Broms, 22, until he is released from the hospital, according to hempbeach.com.

The explosion ripped through Brom’s apartment, tearing out a back wall, knocking out windows and strewing his possessions far from the blast. Residents of three neighboring apartments had to be evacuated. Only Broms was injured, officials said.

It’s not yet clear whether the incident will be considered a kitchen accident or an actual crime.

These accidents The Sheriff ’s office is claiming it’s illegal to change the composition of underscore the pot in a way that may endanger the inherent danger public. of using butane These kinds of accidents do occur or other chemicals and underscore the inherent danger of working with butane or any other to create pot chemicals when creating any kind of concentrates. marijuana concentrates. Proper experience, ventilation, sterile tools and working conditions, and safe handling are highly essential.

People have lost their homes and injured or maimed loved ones in the creation of BHO and other concentrates.

Do not attempt it without experienced oversight and extreme caution. Of course, regular bubble hash doesn’t carry any risk of explosion, and might be a far better option for most patients looking to try their hand at concentrates.

If you want to leave the work to professionals, your local access point likely carries a fine selection of concentrates.

PHOTO COURTESY OREGONLIVE.COM

12/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Oakland and across California, and is Attorney Melinda Haag beused for a variety of health needs by all gan a campaign last summer kinds of people. to put Harborside Health The dispensary, profiled on the DisCenter, the nation’s largest dispensary, out covery Channel series “Weed Wars,” of business. NBC News Bay Area reported serves more than 100,000 palast month that Haag initiated The dispensary tients every year between its forfeiture proceedings of Hartwo locations, according to the from the Discovery borside’s properties in San Jose Mercury News. and Oakland, ensuring Harbor- Channel series “Harborside is in full comside would be left homeless.

“Weed Wars” pliance with the laws of the Unsurprisingly, the dispenState of California, and the sary’s landlords don’t want to serves more than regulations of the City of Oaksee the feds seize their property. 100,000 patients land and will continue to use In late December, the landlords every year every legal means at our dis-- Ana Chretien owns the Oakposal to protect the rights granted to land property and Concourse Business medical cannabis patients by the voters Center owns the San Jose facility -- argued in 1996,” said the dispensary’s founder in federal court that they should be allowed and executive director Steve deAngelo. to evict Harborside because they contend “We are confident that a Bay Area its owners are violating federal law. jury will recognize and support Harbor“We have no other recourse to stop side’s contributions to the community. the illegal activity,” Arthur Hartinger, an We hope Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena attorney representing Chretien, told Judge James will deny the motion for a prelimMaria-Elena James in a San Francisco inary injunction, and allow us to present federal courtroom, according to the San our case to a jury of our peers.”

Jose Mercury News. The judge has not set Many in the medical community bea date for her ruling on the eviction. lieve California will be the next state to Harborside has support from the city legalize recreational use of marijuana, of Oakland. City Attorney Cedric Chao joining Washington and Colorado. noted that medical marijuana is legal in

HARBORSIDE FOUNDER STEVE DEANGELO.

PHOTO BY ROBYN TWOMEY/HARBORSIDE

Arizona appellate judges won’t block zoning for new dispensary NEAR PHOENIX >> 3rd one set to open as medical marijuana law ruled constitutional

m

PHOTO BY FLICKR/RICHARDELZEY

Missouri Boy Scouts uncover wild marijuana grow >> Troops found 36 plants, some as high as 6 feet tall, near their campsite

A

bout 40 boys from a Kansas emergency “officer assistance” call, City, Mo., Boy Scout Troop and 17 police officers from around the were camping out in September region responded. at Longview Lake on an overnight Police dogs and ATVs ripped trip. But they didn’t just see fauna and through a quick search of the woods flora, they made an unusual discovery. and found two of the suspects. ”We While walking along a had officers all over the wild trail about a half mile It was obvious this place,” Parsons said. “It from their campsite, a few wasn’t wild ditch was insanely awesome of the older boys came upon for those kids. Wide eyes, 36 healthy marijuana plants. weed, a drug task jaws drop. Lots of exciteSome were reportedly 5 to force official said. ment. It was Christmas 6 feet high. The Scouts took times 10.” photos on their cellphones and went Officers were not able to find back to camp, according to the San three other suspects, according to the Francisco Chronicle.

Chronicle. While cutting down the A Scout volunteer, Brent Parplants, authorities said they found sons, who also works as a Kansas 5-gallon buckets containing water, City police detective, then sumfertilizer and fertilizer plants. moned a park ranger, who notified “It was obvious this wasn’t wild a Jackson County sheriff ’s deputy. ditch weed,” said Dan Cummings of The police, some of the Scouts and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.

Parsons then returned to the scene, Cummings said he was appreciative where life got even weirder. Five peoof the Scout’s efforts, though it wasn’t ple were seen harvesting the plants, a very large marijuana grow operation. and the Jackson County deputy ra“There are some budding detecdioed for backup. His call for help tives there,” Cummings said. ”Maybe was misinterpreted by dispatch as an I should offer them jobs.”

aricopa County cannot after an appeal deny a zoning clearance for White Mountain Health Center, a dispensary seeking to open in unincorporated Sun City, about 20 miles from Phoenix, AZNews.com reported last month.

A different appeal also established the state’s medical marijuana law as constitutional under federal law. Arizona has three dispensaries right now, but other counties have begun permitting dispensaries and providing zoning clearances. More dispensaries are U.S. attorneys from likely on the horizon. other states have Maricopa County lawyers arargued in the past gued unsuccessfully that its employthat state employees ees could face federal prosecution for implementing Arizona’s medicould be held liable cal marijuana initiative. The lower for instituting court ruled in favor of the dispenMMJ programs. sary, and officials appealed.

“This whole notion of criminal liability is somewhat mind-boggling,” Judge Michael Brown said during the appeal hearing. Because the appeals court only focused on the zoning issue, County Attorney Bill Montgomery said he would still be looking for a decision on whether the medical marijuana initiative is legal under federal law.

“The ruling denying the stay ignores the present reality of the obvious conflict between state and federal law,” Montgomery said. Deputy County Attorney Tom Liddy said he believes county employees would be needlessly prosecuted for “aiding and abetting,” marijuana trafficking, which is illegal under federal law.

U.S. attorneys from other states have argued that state employees could theoretically be held liable for their work instituting legal medicinal marijuana programs, but none have ever been charged, said Kelly Flood, attorney for the ACLU of Arizona.

Arizona’s MMJ law, which passed by 4,341 votes, allows patients to possess up to 2 1/2 ounces of Cannabis. Patients must live farther than 25 miles from a dispensary to be allowed to grow their own medicine, in which case, they can have up to 12 plants.

Dispensary licenses aren’t cheap – they can cost up to $5,000. The facilities cannot be within 500 feet of a school.

The MMJ law is among the best in protecting patients against eviction and firing.

Schools and landlords cannot discriminate against medical marijuana patients and caregivers, unless they are subject to federal penalty, while employers cannot fire or discipline a patient just for testing positive for marijuana. And one more thing: parents cannot be denied custody solely for their use of medical marijuana. Way to go, AZ.

jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/13

rehashed DECEMBER 6, 2012

The night I-502 passed If you’re over 21, i-502 allows you to possess an ounce of marijuana for recreational use. bUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN BUY IT ANYWHERE, SMOKE IT IN PUBLIC, OR skip the drug test. midnight, a radio host J ustwas before counting down the seconds

til I-502 would officially become law. A small crowd had gathered beneath a Space Needle glowing through the evening fog. Young and old clutched joints and hastily pulled pipes from their backpacks. Lighters were shared. This was their moment.

“4....3....2....1...,” the man bellowed.

“It’s legal! Smoke ‘em if you got em!”

Yet for all of the celebrating, and all of the marijuana consumption, it was hard to feel like this was victory night.

14/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

The police were nowhere in sight as the smell of Cannabis lingered in the cool, crisp air. But that didn’t mean those in attendance weren’t breaking the new law. Public smoking remains illegal under I-502. And if they weren’t medical marijuana patients, then there was no legal way for them to have obtained the pot. Well, atleast for another year, probably two, until the new state-licensed retail stores open across Washington. Even then, marijuana will likely cost us 3 to 4x as much money as it did before the law.

It’s difficult to calculate precisely how many arrests will come from marijuana DUI’s, but state reports suggest 10,000. That’s probably on the low-end, given the 5ng/ml THC limit that is not based on impairment, and for which no public supporter of the bill has been able to answer: how much can I use and drive safely?

A puff of the pipe? A brownie nibble?

These concerns aside, remember that employers can still drug test you for all of that legal marijuana. Better be careful of smoking ‘em if you got ‘em.

JOHN SANDERS HOLDS UP AN OUNCE OF MARIJUANA HE BROUGHT TO THE EVENT, ALONG WITH HIS 9 AND 11-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTERS, LILIA AND AUTUMN, AT RIGHT.

TEXT & PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/15

northwest RYAN BRAILEY

In the members-only area of Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill, you can pay $1/day to smoke marijuana and access a full-bar. Katheryn Fleming, 22, smokes a blunt with her boyfriend, Anthony Pennella, 23.

T

he two floors of Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill in Olympia are entertaining two very different kinds of clientele.

Downstairs, about a half-dozen patrons are seated around a horseshoe-shaped bar, sipping quietly from domestic beer bottles. Upstairs, about twice as many are playing pool, shuffleboard and poker. They, too, are tilting back brews, but many of them are also smoking marijuana. Far from a nuisance, the tokers have been welcomed by the bar.

The guests have come from around the South Sound area to sample what can only be described as a surreal environment. For $1 per day, or $10 annually, anyone older than 21 can join a club known as Friends of Frankie’s and gain access to the upstairs smoking section.

Cigarette smoking has been allowed up there for several years, but after I-502 was enacted in December, bar owner Frank Schnarr said he didn’t hesitate to make the change.

“People would already smoke pot before they would come here,” Schnarr said, drawing I can’t tell you on a cigarette. “They might as well do it here.” whether what So far, the move has he’s doing is helped improve busilegal or not. ness, but sales still slow outside of happy hours -Emilie Langlie on the weekends. “I stay U.S. Attorney’s Office up at night,” Schnarr, 62,

Happy hour

After I-502, an Olympia bar says ‘yes’ to pot STORY AND PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

‘‘

16/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

OWNER FRANK SCHNARR, 62

said. “I’m about to lose my business. So I’ve got to figure out some way to get em’ in here.”

Schnarr said more than 100 new members have joined the club in the first few days of allowing pot. And the phone won’t stop ringing.

He has fielded dozens of calls from around the country -- not just from media outlets piqued by his story, but from other bar owners who want to duplicate Schnarr’s move.

The key lies in Washington’s private club laws, which allow owners to skirt the state’s indoor smoking laws by charging a membership fee. Hookah bars and cigar shops often operate in the same fashion, but smoking marijuana inside such establishments has always been verboten.

At Frankie’s, tokers can light up anywhere, except right smack at the bar. It’s unclear whether this is exactly legal because I-502 only permits smoking marijuana inside a private residence.

“Marijuana remains illegal under federal law,” said Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle, told Reuters. “I can’t tell you whether what he’s doing is legal or not.”

And Olympia City Attorney Tom Morrill would only say, “We’re looking into it. There are a lot of changes in state law right now.”

But to Greg Travis, an Olympia medical marijuana patient who has been here a few times since the new rules, it’s mind-blowing.

“I’ve been around the world three times, been to Amsterdam once, and this is the only place

RYAN WOLF, 28 ABOVE: A sign warns visitors before they are able to enter the member’s only section. RIGHT: Ryan Wolf, 28, smokes marijuana from a bong on his first visit to Frankie’s. He said he has smoked for 14 years.

inside the U.S., that I know of, where I can grab a cocktail, or some juice, smoke a cigarette, or some pot, and play a game of pool,” he said. There are whispers of other Washington bars making similar moves, but they remain rumors as of press time.

The first time visiting the bar was odd, Olympia resident Katheryn Fleming, 22, said as she smoked a blunt with her boyfriend, Anthony Pennella, 23, sitting at the way back.

“I’m still getting used to the idea, I mean it’s not like kids It’s a stepping can get in, but it’s strange,” stone for WA she said. “I guess it’s a step in to become like the right direction. A stepping amsterdam stone for Washington to become like Amsterdam.”

Wolf Dugan, an Olym-Katheryn Fleming, pia glassblower, said he enjoys First-time visitor meeting like-minded folks.

“To be able to smoke somewhere and not worry about going to jail or upsetting anyone ... it’s just really nice,” he said. “It’s a comfortable, quiet little bar.”

Dugan came with his friend and fellow glassblower, Ryan Brailey. They took turns inhaling big hits from a joint of Jazzberry Jam that Brailey had rolled there.

Brailey ordered a drink from a young waitress working upstairs, Melissa Coy. She doesn’t smoke while on shift, though customers have often tempted her, she said.

Coy has worked at the bar for two years, and likes that the move has brought in different crowds.

“When it first happened, people were just happy cause it was cold and they could smoke inside. Now they realize how cool of a spot this is. And it’s definitely busier.”

‘‘

T he d e cis io n s ho ul d act ua lly be pretty sim ple...

CANNABIS ALCOHOL ILLEGAL IN MOST STATES NON-ADDICTIVE ANTI-DEPRESSANT CURES CANCER

LEGAL ADDICTIVE A DEPRESSANT CAUSES CANCER

ZERO DEATHS

2 MILLION DEATHS ANNUALY

COULD SAVE BILLIONS

COSTS TAXPAYERS BILLIONS

NO TOXIC LIMIT PROTECTS BRAIN CELLS

HAS A TOXIC, FATAL LIMIT DESTROYS BRAIN CELLS

jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/17

N ew year SPECIAL $7/gram $180/ounce while supplies last

home of the GIRLS SCOUT COOKIES

MON-SUN: 11 am to 9pm 17517 15th Ave NE | Shoreline, WA | (206)687-7787

northwest

Rob Workman, center, an Everett patient of two years, reacts to the council’s vote.

‘‘

Why is it that the city of Everett is trying to fight the will of the voters?” -Ian Voje

everett declares marijuana a “nuisance.” >> City Council extends moratorium for 18 months, endangering access and banning collective gardens

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

T

he Everett City Council meeting was over capacity at the December 19th meeting when the council voted 6-1 to declare medical Cannabis collective gardens a nuisance.

The ordinance limits collective gardens to several small parcels of land well outside the city, and bans their existence within the city limits. It also bans the sale or distribution of Cannabis inside Everett, even when for more medical use. The ban will expire in 18 months, though it likely won’t last that long with several potential lawsuits pending.

Patients and medical access supporters urged the council to drop the ordinance without a single citizen appearing in support of the ordinance. Patient Don Skakie raised a critical point to the council, stating that “If you don’t like medical Cannabis, you aren’t going to like the future.”

Others spoke directly against the legality of the

ban including John Worthington, a co-writer of the lawsuit that was filed against the city of Kent.

He urged the city to drop the ban, reminding them that the same suit that targeted Kent could easily be brought against the city.

There was even a voice of reason that doesn’t use medical Cannabis, but respects the right to do so.

“Everyone should have safe access to the medicine they choose,” Ian Voje said. “Why is it that the city of Everett is trying to fight the will of the voters?”

Everett City Attorney David Hall tried to explain that they were not declaring medical Cannabis a nuisance. He stated that the city “wants to have the ability to use the nuisance law to make sure that the marijuana activity doesn’t occur where the city doesn’t want it.”

Hall conceeded that while the nuisance ordinance wasn’t the ideal way to deal with collective gardens,

see MORE PHOTOS FROM THE meeting: www.tinyurl.com/everettnuisance

it is a tool the city can use to enforce their will.

He said Tacoma’s nuisance ordinance hasn’t been challenged with a lawsuit yet, though he failed to mention that it hasn’t been enforced in such a way that access points are denied.

The trojan horse Cannabis ban didn’t fly with activists, or with all of the council members. Council member Paul Roberts stated for the record that he wasn’t “comfortable with recognizing this as a nuisance,” though he voted for the ordinance.

He went on to say that he believes the issue will be brought up again, and that the city will have to deal with it eventually.

Roberts is right, said Steve Sarich, founder of Cannabis Action Coalition.

“The city attorney [of Everett] is putting his client [the city] in harms way,” he said. “Cities have no right to regulate collective gardens in any way.”

jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/19

Hours

Delivery available for those within 30 min. of our collective

Mon-Friday 11-7 Sat. & Sun. 11-5

THE KIND ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL COLLECTIVE IS BACK!!! >> Formerly located in Preston, WA we have found a new home at Cannabis Corner on the grounds of MMJ Universe in Black Diamond.

Offering a wide variety of smokable medicines and concentrates

•(BHO, Bubble, Kief, Full Melt), Rick Simpson oil, •Medicated tinctures, topical oils •Cocoa and hash tabs, canna butter, lotions •Fresh-baked edibles, drinks, candies & clones

W h y c h o o s e K i n d A l te r n a t i ve M e d i c a l C o l l e ct i ve ?

We strive to set a positive example in the MMJ community. We are a true patient-based collective, sustained through donations from our patients or collective members.

The staff members at K.A.M.C. are compassionate about our patients and strive to provide the best care for them, in a professional, friendly and safe atmosphere.

We are HIPPA- compliant, and your privacy and confidentiality will be respected.

>> We try to accommodate every patients’ needs!

26130 SE Green Valley Road

(360) 886-8046

ada accessible, hippa compliant

Black diamond, wa

kindalternative@aol.com

Find Our Menu at Weedmaps.com

Contact us for more info

The Healing Leaf Collective Garden Lake Stevens

Safe, Clean and Friendly access in Snohomish Coun ty with a wide variety of products

Flowers * Topicals * Clones Medibles * Concentrates

NEW MEMBERS *Free Medible!*

4-Gram donation = Free Medible

Sativa Valley Skin Care Line *Donate for 2 get one Free *

N Everett

I-5

Hwy 9

Open 7 days a week 10-8PM MON-SAT 12-6PM SUN

Hwy 2 32nd

9626 32nd St. SE

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

(425) 263-0913 THEHEALINGLEAF.NET

access

granite falls a family business, riverside wellness center is helping patients in an underserved area

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

C

ommitting to a new access point is a tricky experience, especially in a rural area that has never had an access point.

Concerns and questions can run wild in a new patient’s mind, and those matters can’t be answered without a trip inside. Will the location be comfortable and secure? Is the Cannabis medical grade? Will the budtenders be knowledgeable and polite?

Fortunately this was the case for Riverside Wellness Center, a new collective that opened in the Granite Falls area. Run by partners Erik Offield, Jim Nicklin and Nicklin’s son, Tyler, Riverside Wellness is doing things right. They have succeeded in bringing a quality model for access to a new area.

“We are really trying to help patients in the North End,” said Tyler, who is known for his passionate and knowledgeable budtending. “It’s been hard for patients to get access to the medicine they need out here.”

The store is located about 25 minutes from Everett, but offers access to a wider area that extends north, east and south. Previously, patients had to drive into Mukilteo or Seattle or access one of the recently opened storefronts that have popped up along State Route 9. Cannabis access is slowly but surely spreading out of the Seattle-Tacoma region into unexpected directions.

“We kind of rolled the dice out here,” Erik said. “This is a big thing -- this is both our family’s future. We took everything we had to put into this place. And so far, the positive vibes and response has been fantastic.”

The collective features a clean and purposeful layout.

Hardwood floors extend throughout, and a comfortable

22/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

waiting room has ESPN or music playing on the flat screen for waiting patients. The storefront serves one patient at a time, which helps maintain patient privacy and makes for a leisurely wait. Once verified, patients head to the back area, which is focused solely on the medicine. Left to right are a large clone rack and doubled-up display cases full of flower, concentrates and medibles.

Patients looking for T-shirts and novelties: this isn’t your shop. Medicine is the highlight in this collective — everything is consistent across the board. On an average day, 15 to 20 strains will be available for patient’s perusal, for a $10 per gram donation.

“We’ve been working with Cannabis for a long time and have extremely high standards for our medicine, and we believe that the same top-shelf quality from Seattle should be available out here,” Erik said.

“New patients are usually surprised by the meds when they come in for the first time.”

The strains available at Riverside are worthy of being called top-shelf. The Super

Silver Haze has a creamy smell that fades into a lightly spicy flavor. The smoke is clean and sweet, and hits the frontal lobes quickly with an energetic feel. Their Green Queen is another solid sativa-dominant hybrid, with a strong piney smell and sharp taste. Both are suitable morning or daytime choices that won’t leave you feeling lethargic or out of sorts.

F

or indica lovers, the Grunk is a fine option, with denser nugs covered in red hairs and a fruity smell waiting to be released. The smoke is expansive and powerful, with a strong “stoney” effect that’s felt almost immediately. Also in this category is the LA Cheese, an 80/20 indicadominant strain with solid nugs and a cheesy smell.

Riverside takes $2 per gram off their monthly featured strains; in December, the Purple Pinecone was a tart and spicy strain that made for a terrific bargain. In the medible department, the collective is

CRIMEA BLUE, AN INDICA HYBRID

Patient Joshua Robbins gets a whiff of some Green Queen well-stocked. A healthy selection of sodas, suckers, tinctures and various baked goods are all waiting to tempt the taste buds. In the concentrates department, patients can find keif, bubble hash, several types of BHO and Dama Oil available at fair donations. To ease pain in a clean and convenient way, a full line of Cannabis Creations topicals is available.

“We try to ask as many questions as possible to try to find the right form of medicine for the patient. And we work hard to build the trust factor with the patients,” Erik said. “It’s the family business aspect, and patients really appreciate it.”

Whether you live up north or simply want to take a Cannatourism day trip, a visit to the friendly folks at Riverside Wellness Center is worth the drive. It won’t be a tricky experience.

Riverside Wellness Center

GREEN QUEEN, A POPULAR SATIVA

‘‘

We believe that the same top-shelf quality from Seattle should be available out here.

(360) 322-7257 8411 SR 92 Ste.#2 Granite Falls, WA 98252

CO-OWNER, ERIK OFFIELD JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/23

F al l S P E c i a l

Growing Starter Kit

420

$ Find Washington’s best prices on premium organic gardening supplies with a short trip north to The Grow Shop in Ferndale.

We get the power to the flower and help patients get results.

OPEN Mon-Fri 11-9p • Sat-Sun 12-5

5984 Portal Way Ferndale, WA

360-990-6009

Give us a call for more info!

profile

Not your average

potpreneuers privateer holdings Founding partners brendan Kennedy & Michael Blue are putting their Yale Business School minds to Leafly.com, which hosts user reviews for 500 strains, then helps patients locate an access point that carries them. It’s all part of the Cannabis industry valued at several billion dollars. They intend to capitalize on a market that for the moment is wide open.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

26/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

W

hile people in this Cannabis industry are often called potrepreneurs, their optimistic views of a burgeoning, multi-billion dollar industry don’t deserve to be shelved in the realm of pipe dreams.

As medical marijuana expands steadily, the business end of Cannabis is maturing and developing a new breed of investors.

Triple beam scales are being replaced by stock tickers and the basement pot guy swapped for high-end Cannabis access points operated by business school graduates. Nowhere is this more evident than in the emergence of Privateer Holdings, one of the first private equity firms to set its eyes on the Cannabis industry.

Founding partners Brendan Kennedy and Michael Blue envision the Cannabis industry to be worth between 40 and 60 billion dollars, and they intend to capitalize on a market that for the moment is wide open.

“The Berlin wall of Cannabis prohibition is crumbling down,” Kennedy told Bloomberg Business Week in December.

“It’s inevitable that it will end in our lifetimes, its inevitable that it will end sooner rather than later.”

That hope is what the partners are banking on. The trends are on their side. This is an industry with undeniable potential and the curtain call is coming for the Cannabis small business.

“Before starting Privateer Holdings I worked for Silicon Valley Bank Analytics, where my job was to assess and assign value to start-up companies and emerging markets for venture capital,” Kennedy said.

“When our first MMJ client appeared in mid-2010 the subject was taboo. But I was interested and set out to learn everything about the business of pot.”

He dove headfirst into the medical Cannabis industry, researching business models and meeting with activists and owners alike across five states.

It was through this process that the pair settled on a potential value for the industry: $40 billion. One day. In 2011 the industry was valued at $1.7 billion by the See Change Strategy, an analysis company.

‘‘

and that number is expected by many to grow to over $9 billion by 2016. But even with the immense value of the developing green rush, the people and politics of pot are extremely fragmented.

“The first thing I learned about the industry was that it didn’t really exist,” Kennedy said.

“There’s no business research, no data. But it was the lack of data that made me hungry.”

When the opportunity came to purchase Leafly [pronounced Leaf-Lee], a clean and functional website that at the time lacked a solid marketing concept, the pair jumped on it. Privateer Holdings made it’s first acquisition and immediately set out to develop the site’s brand.

In 2012, Leafly has exploded onto the MMJ scene. The Seattle Times reported the site receives two million hits a month. Kennedy said they are providing a service unlike any other available for patients.

“What we have found is the most people

visiting Leafly are looking for information, for education,” he said. “This is essentially a large clinical trial.

Taking 50,000 plus reviews and using them to guide patients to the right strain for their needs.”

T

he site allows patients to sort through 500 strains and sort them based on certain characteristics, including medical uses, effects and negatives.

Once the patient identifies the strain(s) they are looking for, the site helps them locate local access points that have the medicine in stock. Leafly also offers apps for iPhone and Android, enabling handy access when checking out access points.

“This is a lot harder than our previous jobs, but it is definitely a lot more fun,” Kennedy said.

Looking forward, the duo are optimistic about how their site will help this changing industry.

“We always wanted this to be a brand that could be covered by the mainstream media. That would be a victory for Leafly and for ending Cannabis prohibition. Ultimately we’re trying to create responsible businesses that will be effective at ending prohibition.”

This is essentially a large clinical trial. WE’RE Taking 50,000+ reviews and using them to guide patients to the right strain for their needs. jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/27

RAIN CITY MEDICAL DELIVERY

Delivers to Seattle w/free delivery to CAPITOL HILL

$10 a gram, $250 an ounce New Patients get one free gram, with no minimum for delivery

JAN. 1ST, STOREFRONT

GRAND OPENING 11537 Rainier Ave. S

www.raincitymedical.com 206.552.9444 or leafly.com & www.weedmaps.com

In compliance with RCW 69.51A

206-632-4021

Special Rate

$99

Includes Authorization and ID Card

Call Now for A ppointment

W alk-I ns W elcome!

Doctors available:

Tues: 2-6pm Thurs: 11-3p Fri: 11-3pm Sun: 12-4pm

Online Verification provided 7 days/wk! www.medicinemanwellness.com

4021 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle

access

THE RETURN OF ACCESS IN KENT IS A VICTORY, BUT THE FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

W

ashington Supreme Court Commissioner Steven Geoff ruled in favor of medical Cannabis collective gardens in Kent Wednesday Dec. 19, 2012, putting an ad hoc stay on the city’s outright ban on medical marijuana.

This news came as a major victory to both the Cannabis Action Coalition and Herbal Choice Caregivers operator Deryck Tsang, who has since been able to reopen his location and begin serving patients again. Currently, Tsang’s collective is the only access point operating within the city.

“I feel a little vindication but this Supreme Court hearing isn’t over,” Tsang said in an interview after the ruling. “But it’s not a win just yet.”

The decision comes after months of litigation over a May 2012 Kent City Council vote of 4-3 to ban collective gardens. That night, CAC director Steve Sarich had a member of his coalition serve Mayor Suzette Cooke, uttering a well-reported line -- “I told you if you tried to enact a ban I would sue you...” as the papers were dropped into the stunned Mayor’s lap.

The council blatantly ignored the will of the voters, bringing the fight into Kent Superior Court.

30/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

The mayor, who has actively opposed MMJ since taking office, cited conflict with federal law as the reason for her decision.

“I’m in an uncomfortable position if I determine what laws we enforce,” Cooke said at the fateful council meeting.

“I encourage people who want medical marijuana to change the federal law. As mayor I need

‘‘

Possession, conspiracy, intent to deliver — they tied us up in court for over a year and a half, now they’re about to give us our stuff back. Its been a waste of time & resources.”

- ACCESS POINT OPERATOR DERYCK TSANG on Kent’s medical marijuana moratoriun.

to uphold the laws and the laws do not allow medical marijuana from a point of distribution.”

But according to the CAC suit, Cooke is violating state law, and the city is liable for her decision.

“We can challenge any city’s ban simply based on state law,” Sarich said. “It’s in the case law. Cities have no right to regulate collective gardens in any way. As a city, you don’t get to do that. That’s the state’s job.”

The suit was first heard in Kent Superior Court, where an elected judge who lives in the city of Kent heard the case. The bias in the ruling was overwhelming. Judge Jay White granted every single motion for the city, ultimately ruling in the city’s favor. But this was expected by the CAC. They knew they would have to get to the Washington state Supreme Court to have any hope of a victory.

“We went into court that day knowing we were going to take a loss. It was a calculated loss, and not unexpected,” Sarich said. “There was no way a Kent judge was going to rule

DERYCK TSANG operates Herbal Choice Caregivers, the last remaining collective in the city. Tsang kept his access point open in defiance of a Oct. 2012 moratorium. Here he is in his clone room.

against his own city.”

Though the loss was expected it still meant that all access was shut down in the city, forcing several thousand patients to find access outside of the city. Tsang said the loss meant he had to close his doors to sick and needy patients.

“It has been really tough, not only emotionally but physically.” Tsang said. “We were closed for two months while the case was pending appeals — two long months. It was hard not being able to help patients.”

This wasn’t the first time Tsang has been targeted by the city: he has stood up for his rights

and those of his patients every single time.

“We’ve been closed by the city three times, they raided us once, they filed misdemeanor charges, then they pressed charges on my wife after she testified in court,” he said. Calamba Tsang, his wife, was charged with marijuana possession her self.

“Possession, conspiracy, intent to deliver, they tied us up in court for over a year,” Deryck said.

“Now after a year and a half, they’re about to give us our stuff back. Its been a waste of time and resources.”

In a city that once had four access points,

Tsang’s Herbal Choice is the last one standing. Were it not for the efforts of the CAC and Tsang, the ban would still be in effect.

“I want to take a stand here, I’ve lived here with my family for 12 years, I picked this because it was an industrial zone, there’s not a school for four miles,” Tsang said, standing in his access point’s clone room. “None of our neighbors have ever complained – we’ve never had any issues, except with the city.

ARTICLE CONTINUED PAGE 32

jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/31

access

ARTICLE CONTINUED FROM PG. 31

MEDICAL MARIJUANA RETURNS TO KENT While the impact of only one city banning access or collective gardens might seem inconsequential, the ramifications are far reaching.

Cities like Everett and Tacoma both looked to the Kent ban for case law in support of their own potential bans. Now that the stay has been granted, cities are looking to new methods to ban medical Cannabis access and gardens.

T

he recent ruling by the city of Everett declaring collective gardens a per se “nuisance,” is a perfect example of how far the cities will go to enforce their will. Tacoma instituted a nuisance order earlier this year, though it has yet to be enforced in a way that the city’s dozens of access points have been shut down.

In Everett, patients are lacking both access and the ability to grow collectively — a mainstay of the states MMJ law. For the CAC, these nuisance orders will be the next target.

“Cities can’t call this a nuisance, they can’t restrict it to vague commercial zones, they cannot enact moratoriums and not address the issues, and they certainly can’t enact an outright ban,” Sarich explained. “So we can challenge those cities directly, or we can go into the Supreme Court and beat Kent, and then use that case to beat any other city that tries to do this again.”

For now, Tsang is happy to be operating his

‘‘

Cities can’t call this a nuisance, AND they can’t restrict it to vague commercial zones. they can’t enact moratoriums and not address the issues, and they certainly can’t enact an outright ban.

- STEVE SARICH, Cannabis Action Coalition,

which filed a lawsuit against Kent’s moratorium.

collective again. Herbal Choice Caregivers is located in an industrial park in the Kent Valley.

The facility is safe and secure and under constant video surveillance linked to alarm monitors, Tsang said. Then there’s the neighbors: the Washington State Patrol office sits next door.

Commissioner Geoff noted that the City of Kent’s argument claiming relative harm is debatable, and that nothing in the state’s medical marijuana law, RCW 69.51a, “precludes a qualifying patient or designated provider from

engaging in the private, unlicensed, noncommercial production, possession, transportation, delivery or administration of Cannabis for medical use.”

He went on to say in his report that “if the city has cause to believe Mr. Tsang is engaged in illegal activities rather than a collective garden, it can control those activities by means other than a zoning ban on collective gardens.”

After being raided, charged criminally, and then subjected to a ban against his medicine, Tsang hopes the end is near.

“Our case is likely to influence the outcome of other moratoriums, other bans, it matters a lot, if we lose,” Tsang said. “Everett and all the other places will use this as case law to justify their ban. I would like this community to come together and fight these cities together.”

To support the ongoing legal battle, contact either the CAC or Herbal Choice Caregivers for donation information. A Supreme Court case isn’t cheap -- and the outcome will affect patients all across Washington.

The medical Cannabis community needs to stand up to unjust laws, and support those fighting against them. The case could be heard as soon as mid-January, though a ruling is months away. The return of access to Kent is a victory, but it’s a fight far from over.

KEY MOMENTS FOR KENT ACCESS RALLY IN MAY

CAC LAWSUIT

CITY COUNCIL

RALLY IN MAY

JUDGE JAY WHITE

32/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

BLACK DIAMOND ACCESS

safe access in beautiful

black diamond

MEDICAL CANNABIS HAS A PLACE IN MEDICINE

360-886-2010 OPEN M-SAT: 11A-7P 34828 Enumclaw Black Diamond Rd SE

indicarecollective.com

OPEN 11A-7P MONDAY-FRIDAY

* $100 * RENEWAL $150

NEW YEAR FOOD DRIVE

1-YEAR AUTH. NEW PATIENTS

BRING 3 CANS AND RECEIVE $10 OFF YOUR OFFICE VISIT!

SPECIAL

GETTING TO WAMM Renton

405 18

167

have you tried

blueberry?

All top-shelf only $10/G

I-5

C

n

gto

in ov

Veterans eligible for $20 discount 169 MAPLE VALLEY HWY.

* WAMM

FROM SEATTLE, TAKE I-405 NORTH EXIT #4 THEN HIGHWAY 169/MAPLE VALLEY HIGHWAY TOWARD MAPLE VALLEY/ENUMCLAW FOR 18 MI.

Combining science and nature for medication Puyallup can rely on.

MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CLINIC You deserve to know what goes into your medicine.

That’s why we use the best unbiased testing service

Couch Lock Cookies 145.16mg Activated THC Blue Magic Strain of the Month Nov. 2012 23.27% THC Glenda’s Tonic Capsules 5.05mg CBD Ruby Slippers Medicine 10.58% CBD Dama Oil 74% THC

As a service to our patients, we have partnered with the great folks at Analytical360 for the analysis of all of our medicinal products. Analytical 360 is the only Washington lab utilizing peer-reviewed, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, which is the most widely accepted method for the identification and quantitative measurement of medicinal plant constituents, as recommended by the American Herbal Products Association, WHO, FDA, DEA and UN.

Analytical 360

is offering $10 off potency tests & free microbial tests for everyone who leaves their medication at Mt. Medicine Clinic for testing

Tested By

ANALYTICAL 360 Cannabis Analysis Laboratory

128th St. E

Meridian Avenu e

South Hill Mall Mountain Medicine Clinic 7-11

10217 128th St. E. Suite E Puyallup, WA 98374

www.MountainMedicineClinic.com

CALL FOR DIRECTIONS

• FREE PARKING!

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS, VETS & ALL 1ST TIME PATIENTS

3202 15TH AVE. W. SEATTLE, WA 98119

(206) 402-5082

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN INTERBAY 1/4 MILE S. OF BALLARD BRIDGE

D1 X Sour Diesel

Blueberry x Sour Diesel

DS

Malawi

OPEN MON-SAT 11A-8P • SUN: 12-6P

ImperialSour KushDiesel

Pineapple

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR DAILY SPECIALS Info@PugetSoundHealthAlternatives.com

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

REVIEW BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

NORTHWEST LEAF

It is best used for pain or insomnia, SO be prepared for a little bit of couchlock.

37/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

4204 RUSSELL ROAD UNIT A MUKILTEO, WA ( 425) 346-4533 www.medicalmarijuanapatientsnetwork.com

Available from medical marijuana patients network

Albert Einstein once said “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

Judging from the hair and demeanor old Albert probably would have enjoy the Grape Dyno, which happened to come along by accident. One day a Grape Ape plant met with a beautiful Dynamite, and the rest, as they say, is history. Their offspring produce solid yields of extremely potent medicine that carries the best traits of both strains.

The parent strains are dominant Indicas, and the effects are clear in the finished flower. This is not your average daytime strain. It is best used for pain or insomnia — be prepared for a little bit of couchlock. The cured flowers’ smell is tropical and sweet, with some deep earthy tones that linger in the background. Taste-wise, the smoke is fruity and easy on the lungs. There’s a quick phase of euphoria after initial use, but it settles in for an even and long-lasting Indica high.

Grape Dyno is available as either flower or a limited batch concentrate. A small number of clones are also available to patients, but inquire early and get them before they’re gone!

14.89% thc • 0.09% cbd

Cannabis Analysis Laboratory

ANALYTICAL 360

Tested By

Grape Dyno

NEW LOCATION! 12001 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA 98133 Fweedom.com 206.734.9333

A view looking east in the nursery of the old Montana Cannabis, after federal agents raided in March 2011

profile

The Jail Interview federal prosecutors threw the book at PROLIFIC mONTANA GROWER CHRIS WILLIAMS & his 1,500 plants.

As the OffenderConnect telephone system lags to connect Chris Williams to the outside world, it’s hard to stomach the contradiction that life in Missoula County Detention Facility presents. Before his incarceration, Williams, a practicing Buddhist, lived in harmony with nature to produce a medicine that helped many sick people and provided him a simple living for him and his son. The only threat that faced his way of life was a government that has refused to respect his medicine, his way of life and ultimately his freedom. Now his plants and greenhouse have been replaced by steel bars and a coveted Montana lifestyle furloughed indefinitely for a world without sunlight.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY ELIZA WILEY/INDEPENDENT RECORD

ARTICLE CONTINUED PAGE 40

jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/39

profile

ARTICLE CONTINUED FROM PG. 39

The Jail Interview

J

ust two weeks before Christmas, Williams was facing eight felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana and seven enhanced weapons charges, which together total a mandatory minimum 92-year sentence.

As of print time, his sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

Williams was persecuted for growing medical Cannabis for roughly 400 patients in Montana, but he was obeying Montana’s medical marijuana law at the time federal prosecutors indicted him. His operation had business licenses in every county they operated in and underwent frequent inspection by local law enforcement and department of health officials. As far as he and his partners knew, their operation was legal.

In March 2011, federal officers raided Williams’ and his partners’ four businesses, plus a large-scale greenhouse garden and charged them for an activity that’s legal in his home state. On that same day, 25 other raids were carried out against numerous other providers, growers and locall access point owners.

Williams’ case, in particular, has re-

prolific montana grower chris williams & his 1,500 plants

“BEST-CASE SCENARIO, I COULD BE OUT IN FIVE YEARS AND GET TO WATCH MY SON GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE.”

1 ounce of usable marijuana. (b) A provider or marijuana-infused products provider may possess 4 mature plants, 12 seedlings, and 1 ounce of usable marijuana for each registered cardholder who has named the person as the registered cardholder’s provider.

With their facilities having 370 registered patients, the plant count was legal and justifiable under state law, his attorney said.

“We did always worry [about the federal government] but we were in absolute compliance with the mmj law,” he said. “It’s sad now to think that even though we did everything to maintain that compliance, I am now in prison. In hindsight, it will have probably cost me five to 10 years in prison and potentially a life sen“THE TRIAL WAS THE MOST DISAPPOINTING PART,” WILLIAMS SAID. “I’VE LEARNED tence.”

THAT THE U.S. CONSTITUTION DOESN’T REALLY EXIST AS YOU READ IT. IT’S BEEN A major aspect of the sentencing WATERED-DOWN BY POLITICS AND POLICY. I GUESS I WAS A LITTLE NAIVE. structures with his case are the weapons charges brought against him.

Several hunting rifles and a pistol “The grow started with 30 plants, were found during the raids. All the weapceived national attention, an outcry mainly mothers representing 27 strains ons were legally purchased and possessed, of support and has helped to highof medicine,” Williams said. “When Williams said. The federal sentencing guidelight the disparity between compasthe feds came in, we had 1,500 total lines transformed the legal possession of the sionate state mmj laws and draconian plants. I had just done a count of the guns into felony possession while engaged in federal drug laws. grow, which had roughly 900 plants criminal enterprise. They made up most of When he originally started providsplit between vegetative and flowering, the 92-year sentence, and have been used as a ing Cannabis in 2009, he said he was 37 mothers and around 550 clones.” tool by the prosecution to paint the operation obeying the law.

While the plant number might as criminal. There’s one problem with the as“When we first started, our plan sound high, it was within legal limits. sumption: Montana. was to have a statewide delivery, not The law at the time of the raid read, (1) “It’s a part of our culture out here,” Wilto have outlets,” Williams explained. (a) A registered cardholder may possess liams said. “Not a gun culture, but a provid“We didn’t think that the state was up to 4 mature plants, 12 seedlings, and ing for yourself culture. Through the process ready for dispensaries. It turned out

40/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

that we were right. The industry grew fast, and was too much for small communities.”

By the time of the federal raids, Montana had dozens of legal dispensaries. Williams and his partners operated dispensaries in Miles City, Billings, Missoula and Helena. The group had three delivery drivers statewide for patients with disabilities. They also had multiple medical gardens producing the medicine, including a massive greenhouse that Williams was explicitly in charge of.

Chris Williams waits Sept.

27, 2012 for the jury to return a verdict in his federal trial involving the cultivation and distribution of marijuana and four related charges regarding possession of a firearm and drug trafficking.

WILLIAMS WAS NOT ALLOWED TO PRESENT A MEDICAL CANNABIS DEFENSE DURING THE TRIAL. WITHOUT IT, PROSECUTION HAD A FAR EASIER JOB CONVICTING HIM.

A view looking east in the nursery of Montana Cannabis from 2009.

of the trial, it was one of the issues I struggled with. The government was leveraging my Second Amendment rights against my right to a trial and enhancing my charges.”

During breaks from gardening at the greenhouse, Williams and coworkers often would hunt on the 160-acre property west of Helena on U.S. Highway 12. Several deer were harvested each season legally, and the meat fed the workers. The hunting guns were also practical for another reason: Protection against wild animals. The greenhouse was in a rural area that made the presence of guns necessary for protection.

Those guns that helped provide food and safety would provide neither in the hands of federal prosecutors. Shortly after the raid, his three partners, Chris Lindsey, Thomas Daubert and Richard Flor, all took plea deals, dumping the majority of the weapons charges on Williams. He rejected the first plea deal offered, believing that if he took his case to trial he would not be convicted.

“Williams is one of only four Cannabis caregivers to take his case all the way to trial, out of more than 70 indicted since President Obama took office,” said activist and personal friend Kari Boiter, who has worked tirelessly to fight for Williams after his conviction. “A White House petition to pardon Williams has received more than 27,000 signatures to date.”

During the trial, Williams was not allowed to present a medical Cannabis defense. By denying his right to present a defense, the prosecution had an easier job of convicting him.

“The trial was the most disappointing part,” Williams said. “I’ve learned that the U.S. Constitution doesn’t really exist as you read it. It’s been watered-down by politics and policy. I guess I was a little naive. I tried to stand up and tell the truth, to say that this is wrong! But the court orders kept me from telling the truth [through a MMJ defense] in court. It was an overwhelmingly huge lesson.”

T

he first plea bargain offered to Williams would have likely resulted in no jail time, but his faith in the justice system and in his own right to engage in activities that were legal under state law led him to reject the deal. In the months after his arrest and facing an uphill battle and missing his teenage son, things settled in.

“As a citizen and as a former Marine, I really believed in the system,” he said. “But when I learned that my right to appeal could have been taken away ... It would have ended my fight and I would have been in prison for life.”

A new plea deal was put on the table in December 2012 and Williams took it. This settlement came after his conviction, which is considered atypical but not surprising, given the unusual details of his case. Six of the eight charges will be dismissed in return for Williams withdrawing his motions for acquittal and a new trial. His remaining charges are possession

get involved: www.facebook.com/freechriswilliams

with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum term of five years imprisonment with no mandatory minimum, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence.

“Best-case scenario, I could be out in five years and get to watch my son graduate from college,” Williams said, with hope in his voice. “I didn’t predict how hard it would be on my son. The hardest part is being separated from him, trying to be a positive influence without being able to be there.”

Prison life has not been easy for Williams, and the government has been moving him every couple of weeks, making writing letters and ordering items from the commissary impossible. He says that every prison or jail he has been in has been at or over capacity. Inmates often sleep on floors three to a cell.

The majority are in for drug-related offenses, he says, highlighting the hypocrisy of the war on drugs.

“I talk to a lot of inmates,” he said. “A lot are good people who need therapy and counseling. If the government took all the money they spend locking people up and gave these people what they really need, most would be productive members of society.

The prison system and the country would be better if half the inmates weren’t in prison.”

As the war on drugs continues, the prison system is being flooded with people who simply possessed or used illegal drugs. Nonviolent offenders like Williams are locked away for activities a growing number of Americans see as a health problem, not a criminal problem.

“The greatest benefit of my fight is the national level of attention it has received,” Williams said optimistically. “Hopefully this will help protect mmj patients and providers nationwide so they don’t have to live with what I’ve gone through.”

Federal agents seize medical marijuana plants at Montana Cannabis during a raid at the Helena business on Monday March 14, 2011.

jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/41

vbv

T O E V I S E R A D T o u C n T Y t e r v y L a P H H E r i e c es! ?

W ...W

NEW PATIENTS GET FREE MEDS!

CONCENTRATE WEDNESDAYS BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF!

$30 1/8’s

DAMA OIL, BHO AND MORE!

*

(360) 243-3399

16510 Hwy. 9 SE Snohomish 98296

any $10 gram, every day

*

Top-Shelf Mondays All strains $10/g donation

Visit Hwy9wellness.com

GREEN RUSH

ALTER

1st exit off West I-90, head north on Rainier Ave. S.

CARE.co Exit Dearborn off I-5 and Right on Rainier Ave. S

FREE GIFT W/ PURCHASE OF $20 OR MORE BEFORE 2PM FOR ALL PATIENTS. EXP 1/31/13

TOP-SHELF

STRAINS

AVAILABLE Open 11-9 Daily

206-329-2223 828 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98144

“SO, WHAT’S YOUR STRAIN?”

WASHINGTON ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Call or email WAM for a FREE sample or request WAM products through your local access point.

CALL: 206.457.8848 / EMAIL: sample@wamoil.com / www.wamoil.com

rehashed

This clip-out board game was found in select issues of the Fabulous Freak Brothers comic books.

The board, playing cards and game pieces all had to be cut out by hand in order to play.

a blast from the past h

ere at Northwest Leaf we love the new emerging culture of Cannabis that has redefined stereotypes and helped gain acceptance of Cannabis use. But we wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for those who pushed drug use to the forefront of society in times of extreme drug prohibition.

Characters like Cheech and Chong may seem dated and slightly ridiculous in 2013 Washington, but they were critical in reversing the stigma of marijuana through comedy and hubris.

Our nation could soon have a generation raised where Cannabis isn’t illegal, and where the failed war on drugs is a chapter in their history books.

But in the 60’s and 70’s the majority of mainstream Americans believed in reefer madness.

They believed Reagan in the 80’s when he said, “I now have absolute proof that smoking even one marijuana cigarette is equal in brain damage to being on Bikini Island during an H-bomb blast.” And those same people went on

46/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

They’re nearly artifacts: games and comics from a time when marijuana was far less accepted than it is today.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

to found D.A.R.E, history’s single least effective drug education.

But during that time a growing movement of enlightened minds were using Cannabis and other psychoactive drugs, stepping out to create what was known simply as “counterculture.” Nowhere is this more evident or fun than in the adventures of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, a comic strip series that emerged from the Berkley area in 1968. Let’s take a trip back in time, time, time...

“Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope.” –Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers The Freak Brothers were a trio of “hippy” characters created by artist Gilbert Shelton, and they first appeared in underground newspapers in Texas beginning in May of 1968. Their comic book debut was in “Feds ‘n’ Heads,” and

The phrase “for enlightened adults,” let concerned parents know the comics were for their eyes only, but also served as a calling card to a new counterculture rejecting societal norms.

download printable pdf’s www.tinyurl.com/leafblast For more comics, ripoffpress.com

forget about a little car, try homemade gamepieces

their adventures were combined in 1971’s “Collected Adventures of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers,” which has been continually in print to this day.

Their adventures revolved around scoring drugs, mainly Cannabis, and the shenanigans that would occur in the process. Their biggest goal was to “not get burned,” by a bad drug deal, and avoid getting busted by the cops. None of them have jobs, and were consummately lazy about work/hygiene/cleaning while conversely being highly motivated during their adventures. One of their other favorite catchphrases was “While you’re out there smashing the state,

the comics presented social commentary in a seemingly harmless way, though the subject matter often went far beyond simply being high.

The strip was often reprinted in Playboy and High Times. many are still in circulation today.

don’t forget to keep a smile on your lips and a song in your heart!”

Other recurring themes in the comics question the corruption in law enforcement and government of the time, and the war on drugs. It presented social commentary in a seemingly harmless way, though the subject matter often went far beyond simply being high. The strip was often reprinted in Playboy and High Times, and many are still in circulation today.

To honor the impact of the Freak Brothers, we would like to bring back their official board game for modern use. It’s essentially a hybrid of the Life game and Monopoly, but in this game, the goal is to get around the board and score as much marijuana as possible, without getting busted by the man. You even play with old taped-up roaches instead of metal cars and battleships.

The full game is available for download at www.tinyurl.com/leafblast and find copies of the comics at www.ripoffpress.com. Aww, what a trip.

jAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/47

TASTY

Reviews 10 Reasons You Should E

at Hemp Seed

1) Provide superior form of natural energy, exceptional source of protein

s

6) Is a complete protein source – more balanced and digestible than any soy product

2) Best source of protein, essential fats, vitamins & enzymes on earth

7) Contain all the essential omega-3 fats required for human health

3) Don’t have significant amounts of sugar, starches or saturated fats

8) Unmatched in nature for balance of required proteins, essential fats, vitamins & enzymes

4) Contain more amino acids (proteins) than milk, meat or eggs 5) Contain more omega-3 essential fats than any fish

9) Provide more energy than energy bars — without their sugar, milk, nuts and meat 10) Suitable for those watching carbs or unable to eat gluten, sugar, milk nuts or meat

ways to eat hemp seeds: • Sprinkle a handful on a salad • Add to yogurt, cereal, soup, or fresh cookies • Mix into a dip, smoothie, pasta or cooked rice • Add to any baking recipe for increased nutrition

48/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

COMPILED BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

GET 2 FOR 1

TOP-SHELF EIGHTH

ALL EDIBLES

$30

FIRST-TIME PATIENT FREE GRAM

WITH EVERY DONATION FREE PREROLL

TASTY

THE MEDICATED POWDER TASTES LIKE CHAI AND PROVIDES AN ENERGETIC, POSITIVE BOOST BELOVED FOR CENTURIES IN INDIA AND ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST. WHY THE POTENT MIX IS MAKING A COMEBACK HERE.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

BHANG 50/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

30.57% THC • 0.34MG CBD

TASTY

Reviews EXAMINING A HISTORIC USE FOR CANNABIS

W

HEN MOST PATIENTS think about ancient Cannabis, the farthest many will think back is George Washington with a pipe full of sweet hemp.

But Cannabis has actually been used in India and different parts of the Middle East for thousands of years for medicine, spiritual use, and often simply for a relaxing good time.

One of the most popular ways is a delicious concoction called Bhang. In fact, India regulates and authorizes the sale in several of it’s states through the form of Bhang shops. Fast forward to 2013 Washington with a medical Cannabis program and Bhang is going to make a comeback.

This is all thanks to a patient named Madhu, who said he spends about half of each year in India. During his travels he discovered the joys of Bhang, and set out to make a product for medical patients stateside.

“I’ve lived in India going on 20 years now and I’ve known that Bhang is part of the culture,” Madhu said. “When I got my MMJ recommendation last year I thought, ‘nobody

here knows about Bhang.’” That’s changing thanks to Siddhi Tonics, the brand name behind his delicious proprietary blend. His product is a little bit different than the different forms offered for use in India, though it is just as effective.

“In India they take it as a paste and mix it into a drink. Imagine a man with an ice cream scoop offering you a giant glob to mix into a drink,” Madhu explained. “You’ve got to be careful... the big globs have serious potency.”

To further refine the paste, Madhu cleans and processes the paste into a versatile powder. Nothing from the original style product is left out -- the product is simply easier to apply and keep fresh as a powder, he said.

All the medicine used in the process is grown organically, and Madhu is hoping to eventually come up with a tonic that is made with a high CBD strain. But even without high levels of CBD, Bhang Tonic is still a high quality product.

“The effects of the tonic are very elevating, and leave the user with a clear mind,” Madhu

said. “In India they recommend practicing an instrument or language while medicated.

And it’s perfect for daytime use, unlike most medibles on the market.”

One of the most interesting parts of the Bhang is that it uses the entire plant, from the stalk down to the leaves, and of course the flower. All the other spices and ingredients are vegan, to boot.

Overall, the taste is reminiscent of Chai massala, though simply labeling it as a Chai beverage is a little to simplistic. There’s a proprietary blend of over a dozen spices and herbs, making Chai simply one part of the puzzle. It has an effervescence, a light bubbly quality. The blend uses ancient Ayurvedic, Chinese and Amazonian medicine with known beneficial effects for health, rejuvenation and vitality.

“Overall, this is a quality product from start to finish,” Madhu said.

“My biggest goal is to pass this medicine along to the next generation, to get back to a natural way of healing and living.”

In India they take it as a paste a n d

mix it into a drink. Imagine a man with an ice cream scoop offering you a giant glob to mix into a drink,” bhang maker Madhu explained. “You’ve got t o b e c a r e f u l . . .t h e b i g g l o b s h a v e s e r i o u s p o t e n c y.

AVAILABLE FROM

For more information, visit www.siddhitonics.com

Olympia Alternative Medicine Seattle Cross & Tacoma Cross Puget Sound Health Alternatives Kind Help Tacoma

The best part about this product is nearly 100 percent of the medicine is already activated. This means the bhang powder doesn’t require heat to provide the medicated effects we want. With 32.72Mg of activated THC/CBD, we recommend new users start with 1/3 of a package. Don’t feel it after an hour and a half? Have a half a glass more. But be warned: a full packet can have extremely powerful effects that stack up.

JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/51

TASTY

Recipes

COMPILED BY NORTHWEST LEAF

that are simple, potent & delicious White Chicken Chili It’s kinda spicy, so watch out! Substitute mild green chiles for jalapeños if you’re scared! Use more chicken and cheese as desired. Very tasty!

PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 20 MIN.

2 TBS. MEDICATED COOKING OIL 1 ONION, CHOPPED 3 CLOVES GARLIC, CRUSHED 1 (4 OZ.) CAN DICED JALAPENO PEPPERS 1 (4 OZ.) CAN CHOPPED GREEN CHILES 2 TSP. GROUND CUMIN 1 TSP. DRIED OREGANO 1 TSP. GROUND CAYENNE PEPPER 2 (14.5 OZ.) CANS CHICKEN BROTH 3 CUPS CHOPPED COOKED CHICKEN BREAST 3 (15 OZ.) CANS WHITE BEANS 1 CUP SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly cook and stir the onion until tender. Mix in the garlic, jalapeno, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes.

2. Mix

chicken broth, chicken & white beans. Simmer 15 min., stirring occasionally.

3. Remove the mixture from heat. Slowly stir in the cheese until melted. Serve warm.

52/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Blazed Buffalo Chicken Nachos Nothing says game day like nachos, and this medicated version is sure to make you enjoy your afternoon, no matter how the home team’s doing. Try adding some guac, too.

PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 15 MIN.

4 Tbsp. MEDICATED BUTTER 1 (13 oz.) bag WHITE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS 1/2 cup bottled CAYENNE PEPPER SAUCE 3/4 cup PREPARED BLUE CHEESE DRESSING 2 cups SHREDDED COOKED CHICKEN 1/3 cup DICED RED ONION 1 large TOMATO, SEEDED AND CHOPPED 1/2 cup BLACK OLIVES, SLICED 1/4 cup BOTTLED PICKLED JALAPENO PEPPERS 4 oz. PRECOOKED BACON, CRUMBLED 1 1/2 cups SHREDDED MEXICAN CHEESE 1 cup SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE 1 Tbsp. CHOPPED FRESH CILANTRO

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet (such as a ‘half-sheet pan’) with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour tortilla chips out onto the baking sheet, and shake pan to distribute pile evenly.

2. In a bowl, combine the bottled cayenne pepper sauce, melted butter and 1/4 cup of the prepared blue cheese salad dressing and mix well. Add the shredded cooked chicken and toss well to coat.

3. Sprinkle the red onion, tomato, black olives and jalapeno slices over the tortilla chips. Sprinkle the buffalo chicken over the tortilla chips and top with the crumbled bacon.

4. In a small bowl,

combine the shredded Mexican cheese blend with the Monterey Jack cheese and mix well.

Evenly sprinkle cheese over the entire pile of covered chips.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and lightly browned. Remove from oven and drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup of blue cheese salad dressing. Top with the chopped cilantro (or parsley) and serve with a frosty-cold beverage (or two!) of your choice. Enjoy!

PHOTOS BY FLICKR/JENTILLEY & KAKE_PUGH & SHANEY & GROMGULL & BENGARRISON

spicy cajun jambalaya Another crowd-favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy. Adding more medicated oil is worth it for the experienced edible eater.

PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 35 MIN.

MEDICATED buddery FETTUCINI Medicated pasta is a hearty meal that will leave you warm, stoned, and at peace with winter.

PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK: 15 MIN.

3/4 cup CANNABUTTER 12 oz FETTUCINI NOODLES 1 can BUTTON MUSHROOM PIECES 1 can PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM PIECES 2 cups LIGHT CREAM OR HALF & HALF 1 cup GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE 1 cup ROASTED RED PEPPERS 2 Cloves CHOPPED GARLIC 1/2 tsp PEPPER

2 tbs. MEDICATED OLIVE OIL 12 shrimp, CHOPPED 4 oz. CHICKEN, DICED 1 tbs. CREOLE SEASONING 1/4 cup DICED ONION 1/4 cup DICED GREEN BELL PEPPER 1/4 cup DICED CELERY 2 tbs. MINCED GARLIC 1/2 cup CHOPPED TOMATOES 1 tsp. WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE 1 tsp. HOT SAUCE 3 bay LEAVES 3/4 cup WHITE RICE 3 cups CHICKEN STOCK 5 oz. ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE, SLICED Salt AND PEPPER

1 package OREO COOKIES 2-3 HEATH BARS 1/2 cup BUD BUTTER 1/2 gallon VANILLA ICE CREAM 1/4 cup CARAMEL SYRUP

1. in a bowl, combine shrimp, chicken and Creole seasoning.

1. Crush Oreo cookies

2. heat oil In large saucepan over high heat and add on1. Cook fettucini. Drain, cover & set aside 2. melt cannabutter In large skillet over med. heat 3. Add garlic and saute 1-2 min. Stir in 3/4 cup cream 4. stir constantly over med. heat 2-3 min.

5. add fettuccine, red peppers & mushrooms to skillet 6. stir in remaining cream, cheese, pepper and salt

ion, pepper & celery, 3 min. Add garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire and hot sauces. Stir in rice and slowly add broth.

3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

4. When rice is tender add shrimp and chicken mixture and sausage. Cook ‘til meat is done, about 10 min. Season w/ salt and pepper.. Top with some medicated hot sauce if available.

oreo cookie dessert This simple ice cream dessert is tasty and sure to satisfy guest’s sweet tooth.

You can also try this one with chocolate ice cream, or different candies, if you’re into that kind of thing.

and Heath. Mix crushed cookies with the melted Cannabutter.

2. Put half the crumbs in 9x13 pan.

3. Cut up the ice cream onto the crust.

4. pour caramel syrup on ice cream and cover with remaining crumbs.

5. freeze, and enjoy a tasty dessert.

JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/53

CONCENTRATES effects take a couple minutes to fully settle in, and that’s when the Indica freight train finally reaches the station.

Triple Purple Blueberry Hash Origins: Purple People Eater, Purple Dragon, Purple Erkel & Blueberry Durban

53.18% thc • <0.01% cbd

T

his superhero combination of strains provides an intense high that keeps on giving. The taste is deep and “purple,” with strong earthy tones and easy taste on the palate. The smoke is not very expansive, making multiple hits easy and, actually, quite fun. But watch out: the effects take a couple minutes to fully settle in, and that’s when the Indica freight train finally reaches the station.

Hope you didn’t have anything planned..

The duration of this hash is incredible, with solid effects lasting several hours. The high really doesn’t want to let go, especially if you medicate frequently. It’s excellent for patients experiencing high levels of pain or nausea. It will induce

couchlock in most others during the day.

At night, this strain is perfect, providing relaxing effects that are more desirable after a rough day.

Sleep comes easy with this strain, and the next morning we were left refreshed. There was a striking lack of “weed-over” sluggishness.

The best part of this concentrate is that it is solvent-free. Extracted using only ice and water, this is a pure extract without any outside impurities.

This bubble hash can be used to infuse butter or oil, or a small flake can be eaten on a little cracker.

For smoking it’s best to take a small piece and place it on a bowl of bud or flower. Of course, it can be smoked straight in a hash spoon or pipe.

available from Delta 9 Collective 8007 Lake City Way N.E. Seattle, WA 98115 (206) 525-4202 delta9seattle.com

View full test results: www.tinyurl.com/purplepowerhash Tested By

54/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

ANALYTICAL 360 Cannabis Analysis Laboratory

SERVING DELIVERY

100% Tested, Organic, Top Shelf Medicine Over 30 Highest Quality Strains Over 20 different concentrates including SBCC's N-Tane BHO, Pure Cure, Dama Oil, and the city's best full melt bubble hash The most effective and trusted medibles in the state including Ettalew's, Golden Dragon, Seattle Cannabis Kitchens, Happy Wayz, Vita Verde and Kush Creams

Seattle Seatac Kent Renton Mercer Island Bellevue Bothell Shoreline

FREE! eighth for all returning patients from Sure Can Access Point! limit 1 eighth per patient no exceptions-expires 2/1/13

11am-10pm 7 days a week

206-535-7645 surecan.org

Our patient-centered model brings together innovative technology and caring physicians to manage your healthcare needs in a way that serves you best.

Why Patients Choose Us:

Primary Care Services Insurance-Friendly Pro-Cannabis Doctors HIPAA Compliant Patient Verification

Finally, an easy decision in medical cannabis healthcare.

2717 152nd Ave NE, Bldg 6 Redmond, WA 98052 (P) (800) 840-8875 (E) info@gmgwa.com www.greenmedicalgroup.com

Q: NEED A HAND WITH BUSINESS GROWTH? A: Get Found Online!

Being online isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same as being found online...

Expand your business with an affordable, search engine optimized website and online marketing strategy by the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading web design company.

We can help you with: custom site design & development increasing site traffic (SEO) branding & logo design customer acquisition & client retention ecommerce & online shopping social media strategy mobile website design

CALL TODAY

206.384.4909 www.efellemedia.com

growtech AFTER RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR we would like to take a step back and have a look at a fundamental question that many of us overlook: why are you gardening? Often we get involved with growing medical Cannabis without first being totally clear on the goal of the endeavor.

As a result many growers get educated through the “School of Hard Knocks.”

The curriculum often includes famed lessons such as “Biting off more than you can chew” “Splitting everything 50/50, I promise brah” “It’s way too hot in here,” “What’s so hard about growing a weed?” and everyone’s least favorite, “dude that didn’t yield 500g/m2 !?”

If you’re reading this, there is good news: the world did not end and an entirely new beginning filled with infinite possibility now exists.

If 2013 is your year to actualize the possibility of cultivating your own medication or taking your current efforts to the next level, let’s start with the basics. Why are you gardening? We will be examining this questions through the classification of three types of gardeners: (the) Private Cultivator, Professional Cultivator and Commercial Cultivator.

Inside each category, which we will, from time to time, be referring back to in this years’ later articles, we will identify the benefits and deficits of each approach and take a look at the types of responsibilities, liabilities and rewards each type of gardener can expect.

BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

WHAT KIND OF GARDENER ARE YOU? PRIVATE CULTIVATOR • PROFESSIONAL CULTIVATOR • COMMERCIAL CULTIVATOR

THE PRIVATE CULTIVATOR is cultivating medication only for their personal use. This means they are looking to keep start-up costs, operating costs and time capital low, and efficiency, ease of operation and predictability of results high. The Private Cultivator has heard about the benefits and cost efficiency of growing your own medication and is looking to create an ample and ongoing supply of high quality medication that they enjoy at an average cultivation cost of $2-$4 per gram. The easier the system is to run and maintain with predictable results the better. Things that are not important to this type of grower are getting the most exotic strains, latest growing gear or adding every possible gadget or nutrient additive to achieve the highest possible potential for the plant.

If you find yourself falling into this category there are several key components that will allows you to achieve these results fastest. Private Cultivator almost certainly benefits from growing in soil and better yet, pre-fed soil like Sub Cool’s super soil, that require little or no supplementation outside of water from start to harvest.

THE GOOD -LOW START-UP COST -LOW TIME COMMITMENT, LIABILITY

-FLEXIBLE CLEANING, PESTICIDE CHOICES

-COST-EFFECTIVE TO MAINTAIN MEDICINE SUPPLY

THE BAD -LIMITED ON STRAIN SELECTION -CAN’T EXPECT TO GROW THE VERY HIGHEST GRADE CANNABIS

Using small environments such as closets or tents create instant access to a growing facility. Managing heat by decreasing the watts you are using (versus HVAC or AC solutions) is generally preferred. For example, running a 400-watt bulb which may deliver lower total lumens but provide an ideal temperature and humidity for your plants to grow in will deliver favorable results compared to a garden illuminated by 600 watts, but with environmental conditions that are too hot and too dry.

Selecting strains that grow with well-balanced structure

and deliver a reliable high quality yield of medicalgrade sensimilla without requiring training, pruning, thinning or specialized nutrient programs is essential for success in this set up.

A garden run as described would likely take a minimal amount of time to tend to (10 to 15 minutes every other day or daily). The majority of the time will be required at harvest. It’d also be cost effective to run with the primary additional cost coming from the electricity and initial setup cost both of which would be strongly offset by the relief created from limiting donations for your medication.

B

ecause the private cultivator is only growing for their own personal consumption, they are free to exercise whatever cleaning regimes, pathogenic treatment/prevention programs, flushing techniques, etc. they are comfortable with, as their medication is precisely for them and them alone. Lastly, the private cultivator in the state of Washington has one of the smallest burden of liability to bear. Over and over, patients participating in gardens that are legitimately producing for just their own use have been and are protected by their affirmative defense.

The Private Cultivator is limited in strain selection, as it requires a special strain that will thrive and achieve in environments that suit the Private Cultivator most appropriately. As a result they’re likely to continue visiting local collectives from time to time to appease any benefits of variety or specific strains that fall outside the realm of Private Cultivation.

Also, in order to reach peak efficiency, the private cultivator cannot abandon attending the garden regularly without it affecting production. This can become a consideration for vacations, travel and the like.This is one of the easiest problems to resolve for the private cultivator due to the small amount of time and ease of responsibilities the garden itself demands from a qualified babysitter or automated system upgrades.

ARTICLE CONTINUED PAGE 60

JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/59

growtech

ARTICLE CONTINUED PAGE 59

WHAT KIND OF GARDENER ARE YOU? PRIVATE CULTIVATOR • PROFESSIONAL CULTIVATOR • COMMERCIAL CULTIVATOR THE PROFESSIONAL CULTIVATOR is the next category.

This type of grower is looking to create the best Cannabis possible. They likely participate in a collective garden with three or more members.

Professional Cultivators have the largest span of execution from people who’ve successfully taken their Private Cultivator techniques and replicated this environment to people who work out of facilities dedicated to nothing more than the garden that operates in it, complete with every grower gadget and technology the mind can conceive.

The Professional Cultivator is genuinely distributing medication to only the static members of the collective garden. From time to time, the professional grower’s yield exceeds the needs of the static members of the collective garden and the extra medication is donated to members of the collective. This amount is always the minority of the total yield amount from which any proceeds are donated back into the collective.

Any growers who see themselves in this category share a commonality, in my experience: just a raw

cultivator employs various advanced growing techniques to produce the desired outcomes. In most cases, the goal of this grower is to maximize the potential of each plant grown in all ways possible.

The professional cultivator occasionally enjoys the spoils of producing a crop that is representative of the highest quality medication available today. Because the time requirement of the professional cultivator can be very, very high they are often able to focus fulltime on something they are truly passionate about, allowing a freedom in life that comes only from loving what you do and doing what you love. Professional Cultivators are often able to assist in being the ambassadors of new strains never, ever having been grown before, along with developing their own gardening techniques and touches.

T

he professional cultivator is limited by the locations they can grow in as in many cases the commitment to excellence requires a dedicated area that not all homes or circumstances can provide. The high initial startup costs and amount of knowledge required to properly outfit a garden, accurately calculate and account for the heat and humidity load required to bring crop to term is daunting.

This is the category where strain hunters, seed collectors, a dynamic The professional cultivator generally max gram per watt “experts,” gear junkies and weed nerds supports higher maintenance and upoften find themselves. keep costs and is required to be prepared with a cash reserve to mitigate the impassion and love for growing this plant. This is so pacts of failing equipment. Most every successful gardener consistent because the amount of time and possible I’ve met who fits this category prefers to be spending time cost paired with the lack of predictability found in with their plants often and isn’t necessarily aware of the this category attracts people who find enough joy actual time commitment involved. and fulfillment in what they are doing that the exA single garden with 4000 watts yielding around perience transcends the huge efficiency gaps.

1g/watt with a separate veg. room usually takes 25 to If you are really committed to learning how to 35 hours per week, on average, including harvest time. maximize your plant’s potential, chances are you But that depends on the type of system you are running, have both exceeded and fallen short of the mark in which explains why many gardeners in the professioneach category you hope to master. al cultivator category have time for little else.

This can express itself simply as a small defiBecause the professional cultivator is producing mediciency in nutrients resulting in little more than a cation for others in the collective garden and, potentially, loss of flavor, to miscalculation in strain selection for dynamic members, they must adhere to the highest that results in an unintentionally pollinated room. cleanliness regimes and agreed upon pathogenic treatment These types of gardeners are using the highest and nutrient programs. possible watts for their space, expertly cooling their And because there can be several people involved in the environments with a combination of air cooled collective garden along with higher amounts of commerlights, intake and exhaust ports and/or air condicial transactions, they are required to have tip-top record tioning. They generally opt for all the additional keeping, filing and accountability systems. This ensures all benefits including C02 supplementation, complete members of the collective are afforded the highest possible and customizable nutrient regimes the professional legal protection with their affirmative defense.

60/JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

THE GOOD -GROW THE VERY BEST MEDICATION -BRING NEW STRAINS TO PATIENTS -GETS TO BE A FULL TIME JOB

-ABLE TO CREATE NEW STRAINS

THE BAD -HIGH START-UP & RUNNING COSTS -REQUIRES EXPANDED KNOWLEDGE BASE -CASH RESERVE NEEDED FOR EQUIPMENT -HIGHER LEGAL LIABILITY FOR GROWER

PRODUCTS:

SOIL/SOILLESS MIXES AND HYDROPONICS

LIGHTING:

600-1000 WATT HPS/MH

GROWING SPACE: DEDICATED ROOM

STRAINS: ELITE

PRIVATE CULTIVATOR • PROFESSIONAL CULTIVATOR • COMMERCIAL CULTIVATOR THE COMMERCIAL CULTIVATOR is the last classification we will be exploring. For this grower, the goal is production. They are cultivating for larger collectives garden with many dynamic members along with several static members. The commercial cultivator is skilled at combining efficient use of resources, the correct strains and growing set ups and the most advanced gardening techniques to meet the demand of the patients they serve in a cost-effective way, and must abide by all the laws and regulations available to follow. The commercial cultivator serves the greatest number of individual patients of all three categories and is therefore always faced with the burden of maintaining or improving quality, while keeping operating costs and time capital manageable.

People who find themselves in this category have very special responsibility. Creating and maintaining larger scale garden operations is not simply a matter of taking a smaller room and replicating it. Commercial cultivators are usually relegated to growing in large rooms or warehouses. These require meaningfully different techniques to maintain ideal environmental conditions compared to the dedicated rooms often used by the professional cultivator. Passive cooling, lung rooms, vaulted or steeple-cooling ceilings can all be used to cool down the garden while maintaining cost efficiency.

C

ommercial cultivators also have some of the most creative solutions to keep daily maintenance responsibilities from monopolizing their time. Running all stages of the facility is critical for the commercial cultivator to ensure they serve their patients to their best ability with no gaps in production. Most facilities are run by a small team, which is lead by a crop manager to ensure all duties and responsibilities are completed and not left to the efforts of one person.

Commercial cultivators easily bear the burden of the highest liability from a legal standpoint as they are producing the largest amount of weight and servicing the greatest number of patients in most cases. As a result, superior legal representation and fiscal advice is required from early stages and ongoing throughout the life of the commercial cultivators garden(s) career. Commercial

Commercial cultivators easily bear the burden of the highest liability from a legal standpoint as they are producing the largest amount of cannabis and servicing the greatest number of patients in almost all cases. cultivators, like any business owner, must have significant capital reserves in order to efficiently run and account for ongoing costs of servicing its members. The time commitment for the commercial cultivator is so great it must be serviced by multiple people and therefore the skills of working with and managing others is a necessity for success. This kind of growing is a whole ‘nother ball game.

Were you able to find yourself in any of the three cultivator categories?

Are you trying to be in one of them but stuck in the other?

If you have more questions about how each of these types of gardeners can perform more efficiently in specific circumstances please e-mail thegreengardengroup@gmail.Com as always happy gardening!!!

THE GOOD -SERVICE THE MOST PATIENTS -SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES -EXPERTS IN EFFICIENCY

THE BAD -HIGHEST ONGOING COSTS -EXTENSIVE TIME COMMITMENT -GREATEST LEGAL LIABILITY

PRODUCTS:

LARGE SCALE GARDEN EQUIPMENT

LIGHTING:

1000 WATT HPS/MH

GROWING SPACE: WAREHOUSE

STRAINS:

DESIREABLE & PRODUCTIVE

JAN. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/61

N w ew i t av h cl ai 10 o la -20 ne bl s b e tr ar da ai n ily s ! fremontgardens.org

316 N. 36th St. sEATTLE, WA 98103

206-362-7126

More clones than ever!

epic selection of affordable glasswear

OFFERING every strain

every ounce

hours: MON-Sunday 10AM-8PM

FLOWERS • CLONES TINCTURES• EDIBLES CONCENTRATES

Offering

10 different

Concentrates!

Safe & Responsible access to medicine

Great Medicine

Local Edibles

NEW PATIENTS GET A FREE MEDIBLE WITH DONATION Knowledgeable Staff

Ask about our Daily Specials Neverending Food Drive

Make the trip to Bellingham!

We offer many varieties of locally produced medicines & are committed to working with Patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual needs.

GET 1/2 GRAM MEDS FOR EVERY 8 CANS NONPERISHABLE FOOD,

16 ITEMS MAX PER DAY, WITH MIN. $20 DONATION

OPEN 10-7 DAILY

www.northerncrossnw.com (360) 778 - 2959

1311 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225

health & sscience cience

s

moking is the oldest and most common method of inhalation drug delivery. It provides rapid onset of drug action. This results in the ability of the drug user to carefully titrate their drug intake and regulate the desired effects. However, smoking is unsuitable for delivery of pharmaceutical products because it results in the delivery of the drug compound(s) contaminated with combustion products.

Cannabis smoke has irritating, noxious effects on the lungs and respiratory system, very similar to tobacco.

The vaporization of medicinal plants has been going on for centuries, but only in recent years has this method been applied to the use of Cannabis.

Vaporization is the transition of matter from a solid or liquid phase into a gaseous (or vapor) phase. Water boiling into steam is an example of vaporization. The medically active cannabinoid and terpene compounds of Cannabis

66/ jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

On the high-end, Volcano vaporizers cost over $600 and are renowned for their efficiency and design.

vaporizers. wh y the gadgets are the best way to medi cate

BY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCOTT D. ROSE are found in the resin glands on the external surface of the plant matter, and it is these compounds that â&#x20AC;&#x153;boilâ&#x20AC;? at a lower temperature than the burning of the plant matter.

The vaporization range is 356-392 degrees F (180200 degrees C), which is just below the combustion point, or burning point where smoke is produced. Benzene is liberated or released at 392 degrees F and combustion of the plant material occurs at 446 degrees F. Benzene is one the many aromatic hydrocarbons found in smoke. These aromatic hydrocarbons are carcinogenic or cancer causing toxic compounds. Smoke also contains other toxins such as tar and irritating particulate matter. These toxins make smoke more thick and harsh. Vaporization is said to allow the connoisseur access to the flavor compounds in the medicine more so than smoking, offering a fine mist of the active essence of the medicine.

Many people are familiar with the use of a machine

called a nebulizer for delivery of medication in the treatment of asthma. This form of treatment is preferred in an acute attack due to its effectiveness of rapid onset delivery of the medication. Medication inhaled into the lungs is much quicker in its effects versus an orally ingested form of the medication that must be absorbed through the intestines. Nebulizer technology mixes a gas and particles of the asthma medicine together creating a fine mist which is inhaled. This mist is essentially what is created by a vaporizer machine through some low heat technology.

Conduction style vaporizers for Cannabis use were first introduced in the early 1970s and were largely inefficient with the plant material directly in contact with a heat source like a hot metal plate. Modern day convection style vaporizers started coming on the scene in the early to mid 1990s. The efficiency of vaporizers has been greatly improved, however no vaporizer is 100% efficient. There are many incarnations of the vaporizer on the market today and one can expect to pay any where from 20 to 500 bucks. There are even portable versions that are marketed to be inconspicuous for discretionary use out in public as there is essentially no offensive odors associated with the vapor.

The ability to vaporize a large num-

SO MANY OPTIONS. WHICH ARE THE BEST? ber of medically important drug substances for systemic delivery through inhalation opens the possibility of treating a variety of acute and episodic conditions. Conditions such as breakthrough pain, migraine headache, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, and seizures. Such treatments will be particularly valuable in cases, such as pain, where patients have an awareness of their need for medication and can therefore control the timing and amount of their drug intake safely and reliably. The quick delivery of medication through the lungs has much utility and has been fairly well studied.

T

o help show that vaporization is a viable delivery route of Cannabis, the California chapter of NORML and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) teamed up to conduct and fund a study that was published in 2004. The results of the study were published in the peer reviewed journal, The Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics (which incidentally ceased to exist shortly thereafter in 2004, after the first edition having been printed in only 2001). The title of the journal article “Cannabis Vaporization: a Promising Strategy for Reducing Harm” outlined a great reduction in toxicity - vaporization vs. smoking Cannabis.

Smoking is known to lower resistance to lung infections due to impaired immune responses. These negative effects are not due to the cannabinoids or terpene compounds, rather the toxins in smoke attack immune cells, the hair-like cilia, and other natural defense mechanisms of the lungs. An interesting finding from the research on vaporization as compared to smoke from water pipes, water pipes were shown to be ineffective at removing tars and gases that are toxic in the smoke from the combustion of plant material. The main benefit of smoking through a water pipe seems to be restricted to the physical cooling of the smoke before entry into the lung thereby reducing resultant inflammation.

A 2007 pilot study sponsored by the California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research demonstrated in 18 individuals that the “smokeless” delivery route of vaporization was a “safe and effective” cannabinoid delivery

route in those who desire a rapid onset of the medicinal effects with a reduction in the toxicity associated with smoking. This study was printed in the journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. One perceived downside to the widespread of vaporization for the delivery of cannabis is that if the individual patient is not an experienced smoker already, the concept of pulling even a vapor into the lungs may be so foreign that it is impractical for that patient and thereby reducing compliance of use and outcomes. A corollary to that argument would be that most who are habituated to the smoking of Cannabis as a primary delivery route may find it undesirable to simply vaporize for medicinal purposes as the behavioral patterning of smoking may be so deeply entrenched.

A large survey conducted of chronic users demonstrated that those who primarily use a vaporizer were less likely to report upper respiratory complaints of phlegm accumulation, coughing, and wheezing. There has been no conclusive evidence of an increased incidence of lung cancer in Cannabis smokers, evidence has shown that it is at least less than previously expected. It stands to reason however if Cannabis is a medicine that is to be used for any duration, especially over the life-span, seeking delivery routes that reduce harm makes sense.

Due to the strong medical opposition to the smoking of Cannabis as medication, vaporization offers a superior alternative to the smoking of Cannabis as a primary delivery route. A lung cancer patient treating their nausea associated with chemotherapy would be one prime example for the use of a vaporizer. We need the immediate effects of inhalation therapy along with reducing the short and long term detrimental effects on the lungs of the toxins in the smoke.

Vaporization reduces the harm associated with combustion, or smoking of the plant material, while effectively delivering the active components of the medicine. Vaporization is truly preferred to other methods in order to shift the paradigm away from “the smoking of pot” to the use of Cannabis as the important medicine that it is.

Mag i c Fl i g ht L au nc h B ox $119 This nifty handheld vaporizer is made out of solid wood and runs on AA batteries! Simply pop off the lid, load the bowl with herb, shut the lid and engage the button.

Vapor comes out within 2-3 seconds and is delivered in a powerful yet efficient way.

I o l i te O r i g i nal $149 Like the name says, the Iolite is the original portable vaporizer that has been tried and true. It runs off butane and delivers powerful hits of flower quickly and discretely. Like the Flightbox, it fits easily in a pocket for on-the-go use.

Ph anto m D i g i tal Vap o r i zer $150-350 The Phantom digital vaporizer is an economical, easyto-use device. It relies on a bag, and fills quickly and accurately according to temperature. Overall, for the casual user, this is a great Volcano alternative.

The author is a naturopathic physician acupuncturist specializing in pain management with a private practice in Kirkland, Wash.

For more information, please visit www.Askdrrose.com.

jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/67

WORLD FAMOUS CANNABIS FARMERS MARKETs

have you tried kit-tea’s?

50+ varieties • Great value • Easy dosage

CANNABISFARMERSMARKETS.COM AMAZING VENDORS • WONDERFUL PEOPLE • GREAT DEALS & FREE SAMPLES

THE FIRST & THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH! 11 am -5 pm Kit-teas medicated herbal tea 90 Varieties of Herbal Teas, Pain Creams, Salves, Lotions, Sprays, Cooking Oils, Bathsalts, Pain Sticks, Lip Balms, Peanut Butter and Jellies and more!

Sacred Plant Medicine

253-761-7806 1 9 1 2 C e nt e r S .

Tacoma 98409 open 10a-7pm M-thur 1 0a-8p Fri-S •11a-5p Sun

Sacred Plant Medicine has daily specials, senior, military and low-income discounts. > Free refreshments and a vape patient lounge for your convenience and pleasure. > Offering massage therapy, grow classes, cooking classes & free patient counseling. > We are a unique experience focusing on patient needs and satisfaction while enriching the community at the same time. > For sports fans, we will be hosting Monday Night Football parties in the lounge all winter! > Come root for your favorite team and vape a bag of Blue Dream with friends! Or just relax with a perfect cup of Kit-Tea’s.

The World Famous Cannabis Farmers Markets was the first of its kind in the world and is the largest, most-attended market in the industry. It has been featured on the cover of High Times Medical Marijuana Magazine, on G4 TV’s Attack of the Show 420 special and by every major news organization in the state.

The mission is to empower and unify the local Cannabis community, while raising awareness on the medical benefits of cannabis. Markets are attended by 50-60 of Washington’s premier sources of medical cannabis all at one location. Thousands attend monthly. Won’t you?

FREE ADMISSION! COME JOIN US!

BEHIND THE STRAIN

BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

Lineage Matthew Riot from Southern CA is known for having and creating some of the best fire on Earth, and ruffling feathers now and again, as all consummate breeders who refuse to sell out often are.

You wonʼt find him on Attitude, Seedbay or anywhere besides his website. This guy works his released lines and is committed to achieving excellence in Cannabis breeding at any cost.

He secured one of the very finest cuts of pre-ʻ98 bubba kush, adding magic to every strain he crossed it with. In an untested onetime run (partly due to the super high hermaphroditic traits evident in the crosses) he crossed his bubba with grape stomper and released just three packs of six feminized seeds.

Those three people lucky enough to secure a pack and find a nonhermaphroditic plant have taken a long journey to create some of the best Cannabis available anywhere.

HOW IT GROWS

This is a special plant.

Bubba Stomper >> Please check around your seat for any items you may have left behind, including, but not limited to, your hands and face

smoke report: Far and away the most unique part of this plant is it’s smell. It starts with a sweet but strong grape Kool-Aid smell then takes a sharp and abrupt turn to the funky, meaty, danky smell of the breeder’s champion Bubba Kush.

The flowers are densely coated in trichomes and present a uniform colors of a heavily frosted bud with just a twinge here and there of light purple and pinks. A deliciously sweet expanded smoke carries with it thick notes of grapey citrus flavor quickly giving way to the savage, tongue puckering, lip twisting meaty dank, goodness that deserves its own category.

The Genetics: many rumor that the grape stomper is in fact crossed to a headband x sour diesel with no chemdawg at all.

(Jo Jo Rioʼs Grape Stomper [purple elephant (purple urkle x “probably” Hash plant)]) x chemdog sour diesel) x pre ʻ98 Bubba Kush

70/jan. 2013 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

With 35-45 days in veg it responds well to topping, high nitrogen & low pH. In flower, this plant will take off and stretch out 200-300%, sets flowers early and quickly and demands phosphorous around week two of flower, unlike other OG crosses. Like most elite OG kush crosses she’s sensitive and finicky, preferring very low nutrient levels, high calcium (use those PPM’s wisely), lots of light and not much heat. Once dialed-in, this plant produces a med. yield of spear-shaped kolas of the frostiest nature. Patience is a virtue with this yield as it sets flowers early but doesn’t really bulk up until the last couple weeks.

Odor control is essential; the smell is super potent.

The Effect: nothing short of damaging. Do not attempt to operate anything on this medication. Ladies

and gentlemen, welcome to the famed hall of mirrors of your mind exhibit. Sit back, relax, don’t bother to fasten your safety belts cause you won’t be able to move from your gleeful, pain-free state for several hours. Do, however, please check around your seat upon exit for any items you may have left behind including, but not limited to, your hands and face. Excellent for anyone suffering from IBS, Crohn’s, or other digestive issues, as well as a consummate pain reliever with high medical viability, Bubba Stomper is in a league of its own.

Knowledgeable.

Compassionate.

Reputable.

Have a

Heartcc

W e a re N o r t h S e a t t l e â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s P re m i e r C o l l e c t i v e .

W e b e l i e v e i n a l t e r n a t i v e h e a l t h W I T H c a re .

(206) 257- 4500

haveaheartcc.com

11736 Aurora Avenue N. Seattle, Wash. 98133