May 2012 — Issue #23

NORTHWEST LEAF THE PATIENT’S VOICE

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Fighting I-502 The initiative that hurts patients

May 2012

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contents MAY 2012 Nwleaf@gmail.com Facebook.com/nwleaf

20

44

57

`` EXTRACTS SPECIAL

40

cannabis has the amazing quality of helping many different ailments based on the ingestion method

of choice. Every method of extraction allows medicating with smaller doses and greater potency than regular bud, (sorry regular bud).

In our 12-page guide, you’ll gain a sense of how to be safe with extracts and ways to use them for maximum positive health gain.

i-502 money race 14 The Why nobody’s betting on one horse

of the month 36 strain Another beautiful bud close-up.

ACCESS POINT 20 TACOMA Triple C on Sixth Ave. offers much to patients

success 58 growtech How to avoid pests in your garden

apothecary seattle 28 the Capitol Hill access point has canna-art gallery

of the month 62 device Portable vape offers potency, discretion

EXPO IN THE 206 32 cANNABIS The Medicine Jar hosts well-attended event

ROSE TALKS CONCENTRATES 66 DR. Longtime Leaf contributor on the pro’s & cons

opinion ............9 news...........10 children.......19 seattle........50 cooking........52 cupcakes......57 Growing.......60 alison..........58 4/20 recap....70 COVER & CONTENTS PHOTOS Daniel Berman/Northwest Leaf

6

about us Thanks for picking up Northwest Leaf.

In doing so, you are helping to spread the cause of a natural plant that has more uses than any single plant in the world.

Founded in 2010, Northwest Leaf reaches 20,000 patients authorized for medical marijuana across Washington State and the greater community.

We are committed to serving as a source of information and education, and covering relevant cultural events in the greater I-5 corridor area.

Our goal is to reverse the stigma associated with marijuana from decades of misinformation and fear — and replace it with truth.

Marijuana is a growing solution to many medical issues and should be viewed as a source of inspiration and hope for patients worldwide.

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

Wes Abney photographer & designer

Daniel Berman issue contributors michael allison KIRK ERICSON mITCHell mOQUIN Aaron palmer DR. Scanderson DR. SCOTT D. ROSE nate watters

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

8/May 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

For advertising CONTACT founder Wes Abney at 206.235.6721 or email nwleaf@gmail.com

Legitimate, legal medical marijuana patients should not be persecuted, and we stand by our reporting of law enforcement misdeeds.

We also support the overall cause for hemp, which is a viable resource for a variety of commercial applications.

Hemp is a clean, carbon neutral fiber source that is used all over the world, and can lessen dependency on strained resources.

Look for Northwest Leaf at

your local MMJ access point, authorization clinic and select glass shops across the state.

You may find a digital version of this magazine at www.issuu.com/nwleaf. And be sure to like us on Facebook for expanded content and free giveaways!

Remember, it takes all of us to make the medical marijuana community strong , so do your part & support patient’s rights!

Thanks for reading!

OPINION

TRUTH, LIES AND BULLSHIT: DISPELLING CANNABIS MYTHS — A COLUMN BY MIKE ALLISON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

why ISN’T it legal? let’s ask the united nations How the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of ‘61 robbed our ability to regulate cannabis

T

he world of cannabis activism and law has been on a wild ride, lately! In early April, lawmakers from five states wrote to Obama demanding that the federal government stop their ongoing raids of access points and cultivation centers. In January, 42 Washington State lawmakers petitioned the DEA to reschedule cannabis. Soon after, governors from five other states did the same.

And, just yesterday, I read that the San Francisco Democratic Party adopted a resolution rebuking the President and demanding an end to federal actions against the San Francisco cannabis industry.

It’s pretty cool when members of congress, state governors, and other lawmakers and officials demand sanity from the federal government.

But, I wonder if it’s all just political posturing. In fact, I wonder if it’s even possible to reschedule cannabis, at all... under any circumstances.

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

Generally, we presume any country can make its own laws. And for the most part, that’s true. But, not always... let’s suppose your country signs an international treaty to regulate drugs, like our country has. Then, your country is bound by international treaty, right?

Right. The fact is that any government which opts for a legal framework to supply and regulate cannabis will find themselves in a serious bind. That’s because rescheduling and regulating cannabis is against international law!

Specifically, I’m referring to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

This is a United Nations treaty signed by 180 countries requiring signatories to regulate drugs along common lines.

any government which opts for a legal framework to supply and regulate cannabis will find themselves in a serious bind

So, unsurprisingly, the treaty is modeled much like our own laws with a similar “drug schedule” scheme. Drugs are placed in one of four schedules in the same way. And, not surprisingly, cannabis is in the class reserved for the most harmful drugs. Our Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and the UK’s 1971 Misuse of Drugs act are both designed to fulfill treaty obligations.

The World Health Organization has the authority to place new drugs in appropriate schedules and transfer drugs from one schedule to another.

In the US, the power to reschedule drugs lies with various entities, primarily, the Attorney General. But, it’s obvious that the US can’t violate an international treaty by rescheduling a drug which the UN, through the WHO, hasn’t rescheduled first.

So, even though our laws say drugs can be rescheduled by our domestic authorities, the fact remains, they can only do that after the UN does.

Well, then, why not get the UN to reschedule cannabis under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, right? Because, they can’t. Because cannabis is so special it is specifically forbidden within the language of the treaty, itself. So, instead of being just another “most-harmful” drug, which could be moved to a less regulated category, cannabis can only be rescheduled if the entire treaty is rewritten! That sort of thing takes about 20 years to pull off, by the way – and no one is even talking about it.

It blows my mind that this isn’t part of the ongoing discussion about regulation and legalization. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs never even gets a mention - from anyone either in government or in cannabis activism and advocacy. Why is that?

Surely, these lawmakers and politicians are aware of international law and treaties. Surely, advocates on our side have found what I’ve found. (On wikipedia, by the way... it wasn’t particularly well-hidden.) Could it be that the whole thing is just a dog and pony show? A charade? Or is it just willful ignorance, like an ostrich with its head buried in the sand? I don’t know.

All I know is nothing is ever as it appears to be. And this game is rigged.

may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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National

‘‘

I never made a commitment that somehow we were going to give carte blanche to large-scale producers and operators of marijuana – and the reason is, because it’s against federal law.

obama defends marijuana position >> Says he won’t go after patients but never promised protection for industry heavyweights

T

he president spoke last month with the publisher of Rolling Stone in an attempt to clear up his administration’s official position on medical Cannabis. Though Obama campaigned with a message of supporting Cannabis, at least far more than his predecessor, he has directed Justice Department officials to ramp up their takedown efforts.

The distinction is noteworthy, from Obama’s perspective.

“What I specifically said was that we were not going to prioritize prosecutions of persons who are using medical marijuana. I never made a commitment that somehow we were going to give carte blanche to large-scale producers and operators of marijuana – and the reason is, because it’s against federal law. I can’t nullify congressional law,” Obama said in the Rolling Stone interview. “I can’t

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ask the Justice Department to say, ‘ignore completely a federal law that’s on the books.’ What I can say is, ‘use your prosecutorial discretion and properly prioritize your resources to go after things that are really doing folks damage.’

“As a consequence, there haven’t been prosecutions of users of marijuana for medical purposes,” Obama said. In Washington state, the only access points to be hit by raids on a federal level have seen charges related to far nastier accusations, but luckily, not ones related to simply running a medical marijuana facility for patients.

At issue for many in the community, however, is the uneasiness of having to second-guess their government just to allow people the right to medicate with the medicine of their choice. And,

‘‘

STORIES BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

come November, the president will have to convince an awful lot of 2008-voters who supported his alleged marijuana position that his current actions, and inactions, are worth supporting once more.

there haven’t been prosecutions of users of marijuana for medical purposes.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TOURS THE PYRAMIDS AND SPHINX IN EGYPT ON JUNE 4, 2009.OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY PETE SOUZA

GOOD MONTH: Snoop Dogg, hip-hop legend, after releasing a quote book made of hemp rolling papers, with the spine a strikable matchbox flint at the Coachella music festival in California. Lyrics to “Gin and Juice’” and ‘Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” are included. No meds, tho.

man brings pot plants to station >> Police still had to test them

M

ichael Cabral lives in the Treasure Coast area of Florida’s eastern shores and made a surprisingly brazen move last month. He walked into the St. Lucie County Police Department with a bundle of plants. Cannabis plants. A dozen of which he said he had grown for personal use — lacking a medical marijuana card.

Police tested the plants, which, unsurprisingly, were positive for Cannabis, and arrested the man without incident according to ABC affiliate WPBF last month The 34-year-old Cabral, who was also in possession of seeds and unspecified drug paraphernalia, faces charges of marijuana cultivation. Cabral allegedly told police “he wanted to turn himself in to do the right thing.” Oh, okay.

CACTUS PHOTO BY FLICKR/RYNO

Quick Hits!

236 135

Arizona considers ADDING FOUR NEW qualifying conditions >> Petitioners say marijuana provides relief for a wide variety of health concerns

D

epression could become a qualifying condition for medical marijuana for the first time in this country. Arizona officials have left the decision in the hands of the state’s department of health. Those officials are also considering adding anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and migraines, as qualifying debilitating conditions allowing the use of medical Cannabis under state law.

An estimated 20,000 medical patients are in Arizona, according to Will Humble, a state official overseeing the department. Arizona would be innovating when it comes to the possible new conditions because only New Mexico allows recommendations for anxiety, and only California has a liberal enough medical marijuana law to allow doctors to recommend for anything they deem fit.

“At this point, it’s just a hearing process -- it doesn’t mean we’re approving these,” Humble cautioned to The Arizona Republic late last month. “Our medical review team thought they had at least provided enough evidence to warrant a hearing (on the four conditions), but that’s very different from an approval.” But there is widespread interest.

Department Spokeswoman Laura Oxley said health officials have received many letters and comments from people who believe they could benefit from medical marijuana for their currently uncovered conditions. The

an Arizona Dept. of Health official believes adding PTSD would yield an additional 20,000 medical marijuana patients to the official count of 20,000 registered across the state. department will have a public hearing May 25 to allow comment on the new conditions for medical marijuana. Petitioners for each of the newly proposed conditions were required to prove that their daily life is affected by their condition and that marijuana helps provide relief — in addition to submitting articles from peer-reviewed scientific journals showing that Cannabis helps for their ailments, according to Humble.

Hazarding a guess, Humble said that adding PTSD would yield an additional 20,000 medical marijuana patients across Arizona.

Under the state’s Medical Marijuana Act, patients and caregivers must register with the state and receive an ID card. The state will regulate nearly 130 proposed dispensaries under the law. According to The Arizona Republic on April 23 patients living within 25 miles of a dispensary would not be allowed to grow their own medicine. Protests against the 25-mile limit are planned for this month.

Quoted

number of votes for a medical marijuana law in the New Hampshire house which passed against 96 opposing votes in April.

estimated number of access points across Washington state, which collected $765,000 in sales and biz taxes from 50 different medical marijuana businesses in 2011, according to an April article by The Seattle Times concerning industry finances.

50 1,500 3 419

percentage of dispensary owners estimated operating without a bank account, the Times reported, based on a January survey from the National Cannabis Industry Association, an advocacy group. cost in dollars a California-based company is charging dispensaries to lease its marijuana vending machine, called “The AutoSpense.” Only one spot has taken the offer. number of games Jerome Simpson, a NFL receiver from Cincinnati, will sit out for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, after he pleaded guilty to receiving two pounds of pot shipped to his home, a felony.

amount in millions of dollars the hemp industry is valued at in the United States.

Fiber, seeds and oil from hemp are used in everything from food to textiles to skin creams.

Historians know George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams all grew hemp while in office.

amsterbummer >> Dutch judge upholds drug tourism ban

M

ore than 680 coffeeshops, the noted spots where residents and tourists from around the world flock to consume cannabis and other drugs, will be closed off to all non-Netherlands resident, a Dutch judge upheld. The decision hurts cafes, which won’t be able to sell marijuana or hashish to foreigners, theweek.com reported.

January 2013 starts the bad ban, a move that also requires residents to register to be able to buy at all.

POT SMOKERS VOTE. SOMETIMES A WEEK AFTER THE ELECTION. BUT THEY VOTE. -Comedian emcee Jimmy Kimmel remarking to President Barack Obama & others seated at the exclusive White House Correspondent’s Dinner, where he took the time to address marijuana legalization. “I would like everyone in this room to raise your hand if you’ve never smoked pot.”

National

when ducks love their marijuana

IN 2010, WHEN THOUSANDS SMOKED UP ON-CAMPUS AT 4:20 P.M. ON 4/20

>> U of O football players believe

that about 40 percent of the team has tried cannabis while on the roster

A

University quashes annual 4/20 celebration >> Police shutter campus as few show up to the normally raucous event averaging 10,000 marijuana enthusiasts STORIES BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

F

or the better part of the last decade, two conditions have remained constant in Colorado.

That snow would be on the slopes and that a massive marijuana celebration on the University of Colorado-Boulder campus would take place on the 20th day in April. Although 4/20 events exist all over the country, UC-Boulder’s was known to attract more than 10,000 enthusiasts each year who crowded the campus with smoke and cheering.

The event was deemed a seriously offensive distraction for faculty and students, many of which complained that the school’s stoner reputation was unwelcomed and hurt their professional images. So, for the first time ever, local police, at the request of university officials, closed the campus to everyone but students, faculty and staff for the entire day. Police checked

12/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

ID’s and told those without it to take a hike. Some appreciative students said that getting rid of the 4/20 celebration lets them focus on their studies and not take away from the value of their college degree. Police made just four arrests and issued fewer than a half-dozen tickets for trespassing.

Not that many people would

the famed quad area was trampled with fish-based fertilizer, leaving a rotten stench in the mile-high air. officials said the timing of the annual maintenance was not coincidental.

have wanted to trespass. School maintenance workers laid down putrid-smelling fish-based fertilizer onto the famed quad area, which, even hours later, left a rotten stench in the mile-high air. Although the fertilizer use is something they do every year, officials said that the timing was definitely not coincidental.

A few marijuana enthusiasts tried to enter the quad area anyway, but none were observed smoking marijuana in sight of the rows of police stationed at the yellow-taped borders all around. There is no telling whether this will become a new annual tradition of 4/20 in Colorado: police-state style actions to enforce the will of university officials to the detriment of enthusiasts everywhere.

ccording to a January survey by the NCAA, 26.7 percent of college football players have tried marijuana while in school. That’s a 1.5 percentage point increase from the last study in 2005, and puts college football players above the average for all college athletes, at 22.6 percent.

An exposé in ESPN the Mag a few days after 4/20 depicted players from the Univ. of Oregon as poster boys for marijuana on the field. In interviews with about 20 current and former U of O football players and staff, it emerged that between 40 percent and 60 percent of athletes on the team have smoked.

“If you’re not hurting the team, everyone’s cool with it,” said a current Ducks player. Which makes sense, because Oregon, California and Washington are home to the greatest number of marijuana cultivators.

There are 55k MMJ patients in Oregon.The use of marijuana has, surprisingly, not changed drug test policies. In some cases, athletes suspected of using can be tested with probable cause, and face punishments like suspensions or removal with a positive result.

The only time a student-athlete is drug-tested is during championship tournaments. “Some of us smoke,” said one former player, “and then we went and won the Rose Bowl. Know what I mean?”

PHOTO BY MICHAEL G. SEAMANS

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NORTHWEST

IT’S ALL ABOUT T >> WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN WHEN THE OPPOSITION HASN’T RAISED A DOLLAR

BY KIRK ERICSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

Two numbers stand out like fat asterisks on Washington state’s Public Disclosure Commission list of contributions by groups for and against initiatives in November’s general election. One number is $1,300,208.55. The other is $0.

T

he first amount is what New Approach Washington has raised to promote Initiative 502, the effort to remake Washington’s marijuana laws, including legalizing possession of 1 ounce or less of cannabis for people over the age of 21.

The second number is the amount raised by No On I-502, the only group that has so far registered with the PDC to oppose the initiative. Granted, money isn’t the sole arbiter of elections. The Nov. 6 election is six months away and more than half of that $1.3 million was spent to collect signatures to qualify I-502 for the ballot. But it is clear, at the least, that New Approach Washington is the horse to catch.

New Approach Washington has a campaign office staffed with three employees who are creating material for voter education and outreach, said Alison Holcomb, campaign director for New Approach Washington. And New Approach

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Washington is actively raising money.

A donation link has a prominent position on the group’s website.

Financially, “We’re good where we are today but we need to raise a lot more money if we’re going to run a campaign that’s going to include robust media outreach,” Holcomb said. “Because it’s a presidential election year, it’s going to be a busy campaign season so it’s going to be hard to get messages out. We have a lot of fundraising to do for this phase of the campaign.”

Fundraising against i-502 is handicapped because the measure doesn’t threaten the pockets of any big-monied, corporate interests — the kind of donors that can flood initiative campaign coffers.

PHOTO BY FLICKR/REDUCER

As of April, you can’t donate to the No On I-502 campaign through its website. Under the donation link on the site is a message that reads, “Coming soon! Donate online to help us defeat I-502! Stay tuned!”

O

ne longtime observer of initiative campaigns in Washington is a bit mystified that I-502 is not facing a more well-financed opposition. “What we have here is a situation where we’ve known since the beginning of the year that I-502 is a reality,” said Erik Smith, a reporter who has covered the statehouse in Olympia for 13 years. “Anybody reading the tea leaves during the current legislative session could have figured out by early February that I-502 wasn’t going to be passed by the Legislature, and so it was going to go to the ballot.

“So where’s the opposition campaign?” Smith continued. “It ought to be up and running by now.

You’d expect by this point to see a

campaign steering committee with officers and more importantly at least a few thousand bucks in the bank.”

“There are still a couple of months during which a credible opposition campaign might be formed, but still the lack of activity is a little surprising. And this ought to tell us something. Maybe there really isn’t a credible opposition campaign waiting in the wings to be formed.

At least not one with supporters who are willing to get serious and start putting up cash.”

No On I-502 spokesman Troy Barber said the group does plan to raise money, but that’s not its priority right now. Despite the lack of money, Barber said, the organization is getting its message out.

“Obviously we’ll be needing money for advertising in newspapers throughout the state so we will probably need a budget of $250,000 to work with, at a minimum,” Barber said. “So far, we’ve been doing everything through grassroots and via social networking. That’s been working fairly well, and a lot of the press comes to us to get our viewpoints.”

THE BENJAMINS Fundraising by the opposition to I-502 is handicapped because the measure doesn’t threaten the pockets of any big-monied, corporate interests — the kind of donors that can flood initiative campaign coffers.

“The fact there’s no money being raised (to oppose I-502) doesn’t really surprise me,” said Todd Donovan, a professor of political science at Western Washington University in Bellingham. “Maybe some will pop up, but where you get the big money in initiatives is when there’s a business interest that’s really threatened by this thing. Maybe with something like the marriage initiatives you’ll get some church groups that will throw in some money, but those are really kind of atypical.”

S

o what about the opposition by some access points and lawyers? “I don’t know that business, but it’s not like that’s a huge pre-existing industry,” Donovan said.

“I don’t think it exists on the scale of other things. What I’m thinking of is you put something on the ballot that affects groups such as trial lawyers, health care providers or the people who make cigarettes, it’s worth it to them to spend $10, $20, $30 million because the returns to the business are so huge,” Donovan explained.

Holcomb agrees that the anti-502 campaign might have a shallow financial well to draw from.

“We’ve seen in other marijuana law reform campaigns throughout the nation that the opposition doesn’t necessarily always raise a lot of money,” Holcomb said. “Traditionally, the opposition comes from law enforcement agencies or substance abuse prevention and treatment agencies. … It could that there doesn’t seem to always be a lot of money behind opposition campaigns on marijuana law reform or it could be more specific to this particular campaign and that folks just aren’t as excited as the No On I-502 message.”

The No On I-502 campaign is facing another fundamental fundraising problem. The only registered anti-502 campaign is being run by people who favor legalizing marijuana. No On I-502’s opposition to the initiative stems from the particulars of I-502, specifically the driving under the influence provisions. Groups opposed to legalization on principle have so far failed to ally themselves with No On I-502.

“I would imagine that the other groups that traditionally oppose legalization would want to create a separate political action committee so that their message wasn’t confused

TOP I-502 DONOR AMOUNT HOMETOWN

CLAIM TO FAME

Peter Lewis Drug Policy Action Thomas Cody Swift Harriet Bullitt Rick Steves Europe

Chair, Progressive Insurance Frequent talk show guests Wrote paper on demonism Local broadcasting mogul Explores foreign locales

$250,000 $115,000 $110,000 $101,000 $100,000

Ohio New York City Kirkland, WA Leavenworth Edmonds, WA

AMOUNTS COURTESY PDC with the current No On I-502 campaign,” Holcomb said.

B

arber agrees it’s an uneasy alliance between his group and self-described prohibitionists. “We’re actually working together on the voters pamphlet, but we’re keeping a line of separation between our group and theirs,” he said. “We can’t bring ourselves to join forces with them for the arguments that they present when we know their arguments are incorrect and inaccurate.”

At least one Washington group that opposes legalizing marijuana because its members believe cannabis is bad for you is contemplating its next move. “There’s definitely a group of people talking about whether we’re going to join the current campaign that’s forming or whether we would

have the resources to start one or just maintain an educational presence,” said Jim Cooper, a board member with the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention. “We don’t have the resources [to finance a campaign]. Our group is not really a campaign entity so we’re trying to identify people who would be interested in participating in a campaign committee that would be separate from us.”

Cooper said he expects, eventually, some campaign will arise to oppose 502 on prohibitionist grounds.

“I expect that to be the case,” he said. “There just hasn’t been an organized campaign effort at this point.

I think most of the people who work in the field who could be organizing this have been strapped for resources to the point where it’s hard to get their regular jobs done. It’s still early.”

may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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On 4/20, a whole pack of Bob Marley rolling papers

and two ounces of donated medicine went into the joint-slash-torch rolled by Sonshine volunteer Justin Lewis. He said he spent more than a half hour rolling up the joint. It was passed around for free to those gathered at the market at the exact minute it turned to 4:20. There is something to be said for patients coming together to unite around an issue — or in this case, one of the biggest cones we’ve seen in ages.

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access CANNABIS CLUB COLLECTIVE 2407 6TH AVENUE TACOMA, WA 98406 (253) 507-4725

triple c lights up tacoma in the bustling sixth avenue neighborhood, cannabis club collective fits right in.

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

E

very major metropolis has a part of town where the food, music and arts come together, creating a distinctive and friendly destination worthy of numerous visits.

Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue is that place, a hub of activity dividing the city’s north and south. While walking the Ave, you can find a delicious and locally sourced meal, a handmade decoration and access for medical marijuana patients.

Cannabis Club Collective, better known as Triple C, has been a part of the Ave community for a full year and has hit its stride as a successful local business.

“Art, food, clubs, bars and us,” notes co-founder Brian Caldwell. “Out of all the districts in Tacoma this one has it all. And it’s all local. We are bettering

20/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

the neighborhood, keeping things here clean and professional. We really care about Sixth Ave.” Brian and business partner Mike Ramirez chose the location with patients in mind. It’s situated along major bus routes, has ground floor handicapped access, and the proximity to other businesses makes it a convenient stop.

“My vision was and is for a comfortable but professional place that fits in locally,” Brian said. “We want to be on the next level of the industry, with professionalism and compliance with city ordinances. We want our city officials supporting what we’re doing.”

With a year complete and problem-free behind them, Triple C is moving forward with momentum.

A dedicated patient base keeps the six

employees busy; demand means new and fresh strains are always available.

This allows them to keep 30 strains on the shelf, with specials on select varieties.

“Our pricing here is based on margin, not potency. This means that when we get a good deal on top-shelf medicine, we pass the savings on to the patients,” Brian explained. “This means that a lot of our $10 donations would go for $15.”

O

ne of its more notable strains, the Jack Haze, is a proper topshelf choice. The initial taste is spicy, but it fades into a sweet, smooth finish. It has the look and smell of a true Jack Herrer, and the uppity sativa high is well-balanced, creating a long– lasting, cerebral experience.

When we get a good deal on medicine we pass those savings on to our patients.

This means that a lot of our $10 donations would go for $15.

”

-Brian Caldwell, co-founder

The Matanuska Thunder F**K is also a strong choice, with its haunting smell reminiscent of fermenting wine and a heavy smoke. The high is a slower onset, but when it hits, the effects verge on overwhelming. Either of these sativadominant strains are a perfect choice for a sunny afternoon.

Triple C also has a wide selection of in-house medibles. “Everything inhouse is done in a commercial kitchen, and guaranteed to be potent,” Brian said. “I also don’t believe a medible should ever be over five dollars.”

The list of made-from-scratch baked goods includes cereal bars, muffins, strawberry lemonade cakes and the store specialty: pineapple upsidedown cakes. These treats have a sweet taste, but pack a bite for those brave enough to consume a whole one. The

medicated cornbread loaf is a prime choice for those avoiding sweets, and the triple potency brownie loaf is an option for those with extra high medible tolerances.

F

or thirsty and on-the-go patients, Nature’s Twist Black Cherry Soda mixes a heady, potent blend of medicine into a soda that was welcome on a sunny day.

Triple C features a large selection of bubble hash, and a top-shelf dabbing oil called TKO. It’s a heavy-hitting blend of OG Tahoe, Matanuska, Blackberry Kush and West Coast Sour Diesel. For the TKO, a dab will do just that. “That TKO oil is loud,” said Brian excitedly, using his homemade term. “It has that loudness, that funk. Like the punch from a Chem Dog or proper Diesel.

You put it in a cigar and that’s what you want to sip cognac with.”

Whatever you want to call it, Brian and Mike have built a reputation for providing “loud” strains to patients. Even in the beginning, opening on a shoestring budget, the passion for good meds was there. “I always knew — if you build it they will come,” Brian said.

“But then we opened and you could hear the crickets.”

Ultimately, their business model paid off. The comfortable and friendly access point has grown tremendously in the past year.

“I believe we do well here because we focus on the medicine,” he said. “At the end of the day, isn’t that what it’s all about? Better meds at lower prices.”

may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

/21

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access

colors of cannabis Apothecary’s hallways showcase cannabis art worth checking out | The show continues through the end of May

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT: “Tiger with Blunt,” in a collaboration of Baso Fibionacci and Andrew E. Durgin Griffin, one shot on glass •”Free to Be,” by Venessa Latrimorti, 10”x10” mixed media piece, $75 vlatrimorti@gmail.com • “Born Free,” by CharlieGrrl, watercolor and ink, sold.• “The Motto,” by Anthony Linebarger.

26/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

S

tanding under a graceful stone archway, nibbling on cheese and mingling with other art enthusiasts is usually reserved for museum and high-priced gallery attendees. But the pieces, that day at the Apothecary art walk, had political and social impact. The art had little in common with the stuffy art scene: You couldn’t find tasteful nudes, starving animals or post-modern black and white pictures of garbage.

Rather, this art walk had one theme, a cohesive element in every piece displayed: Cannabis.

Dubbed “God’s Green Gift,” the walk was a culmination of efforts between co-owner of the Apothecary Cass Stewart and artist/ curator Quincy Quigg.

“At some point for almost everyone in life, Cannabis has been considered a negative thing, Cass said passionately, explaining his motive behind the walk. “People have had to ask questions, and wonder if this was bad. Does this make me a loser, or make me stupid and impotent? An event like this takes away the big question mark. Point being

— it’s a bit like coming out of the closet. Realizing that highly educated and talented people from all walks of life use and celebrate Cannabis.”

Patients and guests mingled through different rooms and hallways, stopping to pose for pictures.

One of the biggest attractions of the evening was a 7-foot-tall Sasquatch of Cannabis statue. For the night, he held freshly trimmed leaves and colas, with the imprints of Cannabis leaves making a striking pattern across his body. On the walls were a healthy variety of artistic mediums, including traditional oil paint, charcoal on canvas and 3D wall art.

For Quincy, the walk was an opportunity to add curator to his resumé, and he said he hopes for more chances to curate. He has been a published, professional artist since 2003 and has a passion for Cannabis and its culture.

“I curated this walk, mainly because I personally knew the artists from around the Northwest,” he said.

“What’s crazy is that I did this for the art, but ended up having a lot of great interaction with the patients.”

Between Cass and Quincy, the walk was a success, and a reminder

One of the evening’s biggest attractions was a seven-foot-tall cannabis Sasquatch.

For the night, it held freshly trimmed leaves and colas, with the imprints of cannabis leaves making a striking pattern across its body. that MMJ patients come from all walks of life. While some work full time as artists, others maintain day jobs and family commitments. They choose to make time for the plant and art they love.

“This is a way for us to reach out [to the public]. If you have any doubts or questions, walk through the doors and see what this is about,” Cass offered. “Most of the people who are negative about medical Cannabis have never even seen an access point.

There are a certain percent of people who will never accept this as medicine, but every day

we move forward [with events and access] we gain more and more ground.”

With Quincy renting a studio space for on-site art development, chances are the walk will become a recurring event. Most of the unsold pieces will remain up through May, with more coming each month. Artists are sourced through day-to-day patient interactions and suggestions from those working within the medical community.

“Patients and artists can come in here and realize one thing. They’re accepted,” Cass said with a smile.

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access

A FEW OF THE FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS AT APOTHECARY: PAM, OTIS, VERA AND BETTY

MASSAGE THERAPY IS ONE NEW FEATURE OF THE HUGE RENOVATION

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THE STUDIO WHERE QUINCY (THE ART WALK’S CURATOR) MAKES HIS ARTWORK

arch deluxe Capitol Hill’s Apothecary expands medicine room and service with renovation

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

T

he Apothecary might have a trendy museum feeling, but the underlying strength is its location and friendly staff, which contribute to creating a terrific medical marijuana access point for the Seattle area.

Situated on Broadway, the Apothecary is a short elevator trip from the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill. The interior is brightly lit and open, with a large waiting room.

Once verified, patients are brought through a maze of rooms to find whatever services or medicine they need. In their first year, Cass Stewart and business partner Kevin D. have steadily reinvested in the business, and it shows in their new services.

“We’ve expanded our bud room to be able to help more patients efficiently and stepped up our strains and medicated products,” Cass said.

“It took time to grow into this, and it has been a good model.”

They’ve also added a clone room, an art studio and a space offering massage therapy.

As most access point owners know, there is no guide or book to starting in the MMJ industry.

Each business is distinct, from the build-out to the model for handling patients and profits.

“Who told us what to do?

Nobody. We’ve had to be proactive

APOTHECARY 210 BROADWAY E. SEATTLE, WA 98102 (206) 369-6708

and evolve,” explained Cass.

“Evolving over time is what helped us learn what our patients’ needs are and helped us grow to meet them.

We’ve done it since day one.”

Now, the space that once felt overwhelming and empty is filled with smiling faces. Much like the MMJ movement, the Apothecary has taken on a life of its own.

Kevin and Cass have let it develop while remaining focused on the real message. “It’s not about me or Cass,” Kevin said. “It’s about the folks who need the medicine.

That’s what’s really important.”

Medicine-wise, the Apothecary has much to consider.

Donations range from $10 to $15 per gram, and several strong examples are available. The Cascadia Crush is a sweet and mellow hybrid, with uplifting effects and a smooth finish. The nugs are large and full, with a tangy, dank smell.

The Poppa’s Candy is an exclusive Apothecary indica that’s designed for nighttime use. It has a sharp, strong smell of sweet tarts, which lingers in the smoke, offering a strong body high without becoming overly heady.

A full selection of medibles are available, including glutenfree Wrecking Balls and Fabulous Fudge. Also available is a vegan product: the Capitol Hill Bar. The bar is a medley of vegan ingredients and potent cannabis. For a $10 donation, each package has two servings. They’re healthful and extremely potent.

After grabbing meds, patients can

CASCADIA CRUSH IS A SWEET AND MELLOW HYBRID STRAIN WITH TANGY, DANK NUGS POTENT AND GLUTENFREE, THE CAPITOL HILL BARS ARE A GREAT MEDIBLE OPTION

Evolving over time is what helped us learn what our patient’s needs are, and helped us grow to meet them.

We’ve done it since day one. opt for a tour of the clone room, schedule a massage, or check out the art. No matter what, everyone is welcome and invited to have a good time. After all, the Apothecary is more than another trip to get your meds. It’s a destination.

may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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W

hen it comes to buying in bulk, the U.S. is king, with membersonly businesses such as Costco offering retail consumers access to wholesale pricing without a warehouse.

We dropped in on the Medicine Jar’s Cannabis Expo Saturday, April 15. The next event will take place May 20th from noon until 5 p.m. April’s event featured direct producer-to-consumer medicinal Cannabis access. When we arrived on a sunny afternoon, the line was already through the check-in area and spilling out the main door.

Because the Medicine Jar crew verifies each patient by phone, entry takes just a couple minutes, but the process ensures proper and safe access. Inside, we were surrounded by vendors offering every MMJ product imaginable, from medicated taco chips (three was enough) to savory cannabis-infused pho.

“Once a month, this is the perfect event for patients to come in and be able to afford to try a variety of new products,” said founder Cale Morgan. “Even beyond direct to patient access, it’s also an opportunity for other access point operators that want to

32/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Great expotations >> The Medicine Jar’s Cannabis Expo, was a fantastic opportunity for patients to explore their medicine

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN connect with vendors to make that happen.” For many access points, the products on their shelves often are whatever vendors have cold-called and delivered. The expo is a solution to that, with a variety of reputable vendors in one place. And it had just the right blend of a relaxing atmosphere, trendy music and a lot of laughter among patients and vendors.

“This expo has been really informative, with a great selection of products and a lot of friendly vendors,” said patient Bryson Myers. “It makes me feel like this is more acceptable, in a safe

and secure way where you don’t feel judged.” The interactions are also a great way for vendors to learn more about patient needs and develop products to address them.

“It’s great to hear what patients have in mind for what to medicate,” said Michael and Jeff, who produce the Cannabis chips. “We’re getting ideas to change and tailor to our patients needs.” In order to better grasp the true potential of the expo, we checked out more booths. After taking a hash oil vape hit with the Atmos/Fubar Chew crew, we wandered the expo, tasting products, making new friends, meeting patients

and a host of excited vendors.

One of our first stops was at the Get Well Foods booth, which featured a menu of infused broths, soups, varieties of butter and even pot pies.

Lamont Brewer is the chef behind the menu. “I suffer from Crohn’s disease, and really enjoy eating Cannabis as opposed to smoking,” he explained.

“That’s what got all this started for me. I can’t eat sugar, can’t have caffeine, but healthy infused canola oil products are great for my health and I enjoy sharing with other patients.” We

10326 AURORA AVE N. SEATTLE, WA 98133 WWW.THEMEDICINEJAR.COM (206) 462-1008

also saw Green Fairy there, featuring a line of chocolates and canna absinthe sugar cubes. The cubes are a tasty, quick way to ingest medicine. The Golden Dragon Syrup representative enlightened us about his medicinal grade tinctures as we dipped bread slices in delicious Wayfinder dressings and marinades, which are processed without alcohol or solvents. Harmon from Cotton Head Candy gave us a quick lecture explaining the differences between BHO-infused oil and Simpson-infused oil. Then we sampled one of his Simpson Oil lozenges. We also saw Pure Cure oil, Ganjes Roast Coffee and Chris/ Destiny with their classic hash suckers and jolly ranchers. With more vendors than we can mention, the expo was an opportunityto see a variety of products and learn something in the process.

Explained Cale, “This is paying it forward to patients with the wholesale (50-percent-off ). From economy to connoisseur, everyone is taken care of.”

It makes me feel like this is more acceptable, in a safe and secure way where you don’t feel judged.

-Bryson Myers, medical cannabis patient, on experiences at The Medicine Jar expo

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH REVIEW BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

AVAILABLE FROM:

FUSION MEDICAL MARIJUANA 1602 DEXTER AVE. N. SEATTLE, WA 98109 (206) 402-3957 FUSIONMEDICALMARIJUANA.COM

36/MAY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Cinex CINDERELLA 99 X VORTEX | A well-balanced and uplifting sativa-dominant hybrid

The buds are pillowy soft and coated in a fine layer of highly visible crystals

THC: 22.20% CBD: 0.15% Tested by Seattle Cannabis Association

The Cinex is a bright and clean strain that features a lush bouquet and beautiful spring smell. The nugs are soft and pillowy. Upon being snapped, the nugs release a pungent smell with hints of mango, lemon, petrol, and an overwhelming sweetness reminiscent of over-ripe fruit. The smoke leaves a wonderful green taste that lingers on the tongue and mind long after the bowl is finished. The strain is very clean, leaving a bright white ash. This Sativa-dominant hybrid is definitely a daytime smoke, and it has a quick upswing that is remarkably well balanced and long lasting. It’s very uplifting and left us with euphoric energy without becoming racey or jittery.

Shishkaberry (Indica Dominant Hybrid) DJ Shorts Blueberry X Afghan THC:13.12%

(Tetrahydrocannabinol) THC is used to treat pain, nausea, muscle spasms and stimulate appetite.

Other effects include relaxation, euphoria and altered space-time perception.

CBD:0.02% (Cannabidiol)

CBD may hold the most promise for many serious conditions. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is believed to relieve pain and anxiety, seizures, inflammation, nausea, vomiting and risk of artery blockage.

CBN:0.01% (Cannabinol)

High CBN levels in medical cannabis can indicate its age. The longer cannabis is exposed to light and air, the more other cannabinoids will degrade into CBN’s, which have been known to aid sleep, relieve pain and suppress muscle spasms.

Medical Benefits (Strain Specific)

Shishkaberry has been known to aid such symptoms as anxiety, stress, pain, muscle spasms and migranes.

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SPECIAL SECTION

The Northwest Leaf Guide to Extracts 42_debating best practices 50_seattle’s best concentrates 44_why PURGING IS ESSENTIAL 52_carbon dioxide and you 46_the benefits of isopropyl 53_why use rick simpson oil?

A glass-on-glass oil dome attached to a standard water pipe is the ideal glass device for medicating with concentrates. The quartz nail is heated by torch prior to applying a small amount of the desired concentrate.

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

40

“What Is A Dab?” I hear that question from MMJ patients as often as nonpatients ask, “What’s a sativa?” Let me explain: A Cannabis concentrate is an essential extract of dried flower, plant matter or both that is processed and developed by using a solvent or other extraction process. A dab is medicating with a concentrate.

The vast majority of patients are either unaware or unsure about the category of Cannabis known simply as concentrates, especially with the high donation rate associated with most varieties.

Here at Northwest Leaf, we want patients to know what types of concentrated Cannabis exist and that they understand the medicinal value and risks associated with consumption. So we put together our Essential Concentrate Guide. We hope you learn something new and find a concentrate that works for you!

Sincerely, Wes Abney Editor

SPECIAL SECTION

the attraction of extraction >> There are numerous ways to extract THC and CBNs from Cannabis — but which are the best for patient’s bodies?

BY MITCHELL MOQUIN FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

F

or those of us who need high doses of medicine to combat the debilitating pain and anxiety that our illnesses cause, Cannabis concentrates can become our only form of relief. Extreme levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol are only reached by botanical extraction, which can be dangerous with some methods. The known extraction processes are dry-sifting (agitation), water (solvent), butane/hexane/co2 extraction (supercritical temperature), or

naptha-soaking (an astringent). We will address the butane and naptha products and explore their processes further.

First, remember why most of us are medical Cannabis patients.

Most of us have chosen Cannabis to be our medicine because we fled the fallacy of the pharmacy in search of a more natural and healthful lifestyle.

I believe all of these forms of oil can be just as safe and beneficial to our health as they can be dangerous.

42/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

Photo courtesy norcanna.com

T

he manufacturer and the medicator should be fully knowledgeable of the products they are producing and consuming. Until it is further established that wax, or budder, is an improperly purged form of BHO in most cases, hash oil will carry a sour taste in the mouths of many. Slang terms for hash oil are abundant, much as the word snow has countless synonyms among Inuits. The terms you should get used to, however, are: oil, shat-

ter, reading hash and earlz. Properly purged oil will be transparent and tacky. Much of the pliability offered from waxes and budder are desirable to many patients because of the ease of application. However, the reason why many in the community dismiss waxes and budders is because of the paraffin, air and water content.

Void of wax content, BHO could prove to be just as effective in any means of ingestion as Phoenix tears (the naptha solution). In essence, bu-

B.H.O

tane is a nitrogen molecule with a carbon molecule attached.

I Firstly, let us remember why most of us are medical cannabis patients: wE have chosen cannabis to be our medicine because we have fled from the fallacy of the pharmacy with the aspirations of a more natural and healthful lifestyle.

f any moisture is in the air or in the cannabis when the butane is coming down in temperature, that carbon molecule will turn into paraffin or wax, hence the term. Butane is not trapped in any of the cannabanoids, but in the water and or air content. You’re vaporizing a candle, no way around it.

Putting “wax” in a small Pyrex ramekin and lightly adding heat to the dish until the remaining product is transparent can solve that problem. When it has reached a slightly viscous state, place it in a freezer and the product should be much harder once removed from the cold. The problem many patients have with transparent oil is that it is hard to deal with and difficult to apply to their dry medicine.

Which leads me to my next point: using less heat can solve much of the texture issues. In fact, keeping the product cooler during production will leave it in a more malleable state, avoiding the need

for hot water in a purge. This improved my product tenfold, consistently. Those who have an issue with tackiness should consider picking up a set of small dental tools to use when working with your medicine.

My neighbor Ruth introduced me to the Cash Hyde story a little more than a year ago and since then I have medicated strictly with concentrates. I tossed my Concerta, Clonazopam, and Omeprisol in the garbage and switched to a completely organic diet. I began vaporizing and eating oil. When made properly, Rick Simpson Oil is the safer of the two when vaporizing because naptha and isopropyl are both soluble in water. If you use a water pipe to vaporize your isopropyl oil, you’ll always be safe.

When ingesting orally, ISO and BHO can enter the body and do damage as toxic substances, if not purged properly.

Overall though, isopropyl oil is doing less damage to our bodies and the atmosphere. Eventually, we’ll have to switch to tamisium extraction completely or we will

have a stack of butane cans to the moon! And unless big changes are made in the medical cannabis world soon with regards to making isopropyl and butane extracted hash oils, the government will step in to set up standards.

T

hese strides toward self-governance must set manufacturing provisions in place to ensure quality standards for processors and consumers alike. Until everyone -- from patients to law enforcement sees that -- it will be a tossup over which of these medicines is superior. But, when they are done properly, they should both be a viable level II narcotic rather than a Schedule I as they are presently.

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SPECIAL SECTION

wHY PURGING IS ESSENTIAL >> Getting rid of solvents left over from the extraction process is key to crafting safe and potent medicine

BY AARON P. FOR NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

H

oney oil, also known as hash oil, is the strongest derivative of Cannabis available. Its mix of high THC and CBD counts make it ideal for experienced medical patients.

Making the oil involves using a solvent, traditionally alcohol but more frequently butane, to extract the oil from the dried plant material. The process of making honey oil can be learned easily, but the purging of the solvent is one area where mistakes are oft-made.

Purging the solvent from the oil is a critical component of the process to obtain a clean and quality product. With proper purging, you can effectively remove any remaining solvent -- solvent is potentially harmful if consumed. Purging also has a substantial effect on the potency of the oil, increasing both THC and CBD levels and activating the oil so it can be consumed orally.

Purging involves heating the oil after all visible solvent has evaporated. Wait until you think that all the alcohol/butane is gone and then place your oil dish in a preheated 200-degree oven for about 20 minutes. Stir the oil every five minutes to speed the evaporation process and monitor the progress.

Remove the oil from the oven once it obtains a glassy-like texture.

Practice makes perfect. If you want to learn more, come down to Columbia City Holistic Health and talk to our honey oil experts. Happy extracting!

44/MAY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

RAW BUTANE BUBBLES SHOWCASE EXACTLY WHY PURGING IS SO IMPORTANT

COLUMBIA CITY HOLISTIC HEALTH •5265 RAINER AVE. S, SEATTLE 98118 •(206) 725-1040

MAY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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SPECIAL SECTION

ISOPROPYL VERSUS B.H.O >> This particular extraction method results in an arguably cleaner, more potent product every patient should consider

BY NATE P FOR NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

I

sopropyl honey oil is an oil derivative of Cannabis made by extracting the cannabinoids (THC and CBD) from the dried flower with isopropyl alcohol. It produces oils that can contain up to 90 percent cannabinoid levels, making it ideal for the experienced patient. Although many different solvents are used to make honey oil, isopropyl alcohol has many benefits that make it a superior option for all patients.

For users, isopropyl honey oil is the strongest oil available. Isopropyl honey oil often tests in the 90 percent level for cannabinoids while butane honey oil (BHO) tests at half that level. While isopropyl honey oil might taste slightly harsher then BHO as a result of improper purging, the residues left from the isopropyl alcohol are safer than butane residues.

This yields an overall cleaner medicine in most cases.

For the producer, using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent simplifies and reduces the danger in the extraction process. It allows for a simpler, passive oil extraction process, instead of the use of pressurized butane that can seem extreme for many producers.

The isopropyl alcohol is readily available at drug stores, reducing the need for trips to specialized

46/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

THE LIGHT COLORED OIL VIAL IS BHO SUSPENDED IN OIL AND THE DARK MIX IS ISO SUSPENDED IN OIL

Isopropyl honey oil often tests in the 90 percent level for cannabinoids while butane honey oil (BHO) tests at half that.

stores to find the correct butane.

The purging process is also safer, reducing the main concern associated with oil production.

Isopropyl alcohol’s benefits make it ideal for the MMJ community. It is a strong, clean oil that can be produced simply and safely.

If you are an experienced user who wants your oil to pack a punch, isopropyl honey oil is perfect for you.

For more information on isopropyl honey oil, come down to Columbia City Holistic Health and consult with our friendly honey oil experts.

GEMS OF A DIFFERENT KIND >> At Columbia City Holistic Health, no two extracts are alike, as these images & test results indicate — but all offer tremendous potency & value PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

O.G. Kush B.H.O THC: 75.5% CBD: 5.6%

Space Oil ISO THC: 93% CBD: <1%

Aaron Palmer ISO THC: 45.2% CBD: 25.2%

Blue Haze

Mango Kush

Purple Haze

ISO THC: 92.9% CBD: 4.3%

B.H.O THC: 82.1% CBD: 10.5%

B.H.O THC: 45% CBD: 22%

COLUMBIA CITY HOLISTIC HEALTH •5265 RAINER AVE. S, SEATTLE 98118 •(206) 725-1040

MAY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Custom concentrates >> A Q & A with Nolan Foster of Seattle’s Best Concentrates, which makes potent extracts for access points across I-5 corridor

COMPILED BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF

how long have you done this?

why do you support extracts?

tell me about your business:

For several years before going pro.

Cannabis has been a part of my life for a long time, and the last few years, I have required heavy consumption of cannabis for my pain. It took too much time, too much product.

Extracts remove the element of time, because they are super quick to use. It blows my mind that there is a natural alternative to painkillers, heavy ones, in nature — that is completely hidden from us. I just love when I hear patients are able to quit heavy pharmaceuticals by using solely cannabis concentrates and extracts.

It started from keeping a journal of extracts and access points I had tried, which became my site, Seattle Cannabis Journal — then I realized I wanted all patients to not only know about good medicine, but I wanted to make it and bring it to patients. I work with a refiner and we are consistently in 10 to 20 spots at any one time. I want to make sure that patients get a quality experience and a quality concentrate in a quality access point. Cannabis is 100-percent of my life. It’s all I do.

What inspired you to start this visionary company?

My patient experience—I didn’t always see a quality patient experience out there, the way that you wanted to see patients have access to. I wanted growers driven by interesting genetics and the best cannabis in the world. Now, I work with people driven by the same things I am: real quality and true consistency.

SEATTLE’S BEST CONCENTRATES IS WORKING ON LAUNCHING A WEBSITE WITH SEATTLE CANNABIS JOURNAL BY THE END OF JUNE. FOR INFO+RATES CALL (425) 310-5268.

50/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF • PHOTO ABOVE BY DANIEL BERMAN | SHATTER PHOTOS CBY NATE WATTERS FOR NORTHWEST LEAF

KNOWN AS SHATTER OR JUST SIMPLY CONCENTRATES, EXTRACTS ARE A QUICK AND EASY WAY FOR PATIENTS TO MEDICATE WITHOUT IMPACTING THEIR DAILY LIFE.

what does seattle’s best concentrates actually make?

It’s called concentrate, a lot of patients call it ‘shatter.’ And it’s processed in an industrial grade botanical extractor, then transferred through multiple filters to remove waxes, lipids, particulates — followed by multiple vacuum purgers and a proprietary process called ‘Total Clarity’. It’s 60-to-80 percent pure resin.

what are your top products?

Our Rascal O.G. came back at 25 percent C.B.D. As a smokeable extract that’s pretty crazy, and we did it. Our Chem dawg tested at 78-percent THC.

hOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE? It really varies, but it all starts with an invoice, weighing of raw cannabis material, determining what the client wants to do with the product when it’s done. All that is a huge part of my business — refining it for patients. We really collaborate with growers to create connoisseur medicine. We are always interested in expanding our client base, as long as it is in keeping with the quality of our existing products and selection.

what are your future biz plans?

Keeping the same attitude of taking care of my clients and working hard. I may do some consulting, but I just plan to continue working with Cannabis for as long as I am able to do so.

SEATTLE’S BEST CONCENTRATES ARE AVAILABLE AT: THE GREEN DOOR• BOTH COLLECTIVE •FWEEDOM COLLECTIVE

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MAY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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SPECIAL SECTION THIS BOTTLE MAY LOOK SMALL, BUT INSIDE IS A GRAM OF SATIVA CO2 EXTRACT FROM FUSION MEDICAL. THIS CARTRIDGE FITS DIRECTLY INTO SEVERAL ATMOS VAPE PEN MODELS

co2 EXTRACTION OF CANNABIS >> Working to understand a less-common but highly potent form of concentrate available at two area access points

BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF | PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

What is Co2 Extracting?

is this a great option?

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in the photos?

It is a highly effective but relatively unknown process of extracting essential cannabinoids from dry flower cannabis. It is also a valuable mainstream extraction process for everything from essential oils and scents to pharmaceutical development on a corporate scale.

The best aspect of CO2 extraction is the purity. It is a natural solvent that penetrates through the flower faster than butane, and leaves little to no residue behind in the oil. It is still important to purge CO2 properly to ensure the best safety and quality for patients.

In the bowl is roughly 20 grams of Plum CO2 extract from The Secret Garden. The CO2 preserves the taste of the Plum strain, making it a delight to medicate with. It is one of the few concentrates that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mask or dilute the original flavor, and has an extremely clean taste. This bottle container may look small, but inside is a gram of Sativa CO2 extract from Fusion Medical. This cartridge fits directly into several Atmos vape pen models, like those at The Medicine Jar Expo.

but how is b.h.o different?

Critical extraction is done by exerting high pressure on a solvent to pass through and around the cannabis plant matter, taking the essential extract with it. This is how BHO is made, but in this case, the solvent is CO2 and not butane. As the CO2 passes through the dry flower it separates the cannabinoids from the plant matter, leaving a pure extract suspended in the oil.

52/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

This wax is just $40/g donation from The Medicine Connection in Seattle (206) 393-7194 and shows how when wax is properly purged and decarboxylated, it can be both healthy and quite tasty. This wax tested at a whopping 63.65 percent THC and 1.35 percent CBD. Hmmmmmm.

Understanding

simpson oil

>> The powerful extract has an unreal number of benefits, as revealed in this look back at a Northwest Leaf archive piece by Dr. Scott D. Rose

PHOTOS BY DANIEL BERMAN

R

ick Simpson has developed an oil extract from cannabis that has seemingly offered remarkable results in reversing cancer and greatly diminishing cancerous tumor growth. In addition to reported cancer-curing properties, the oil has been successful in treating diabetes, skin disorders, intestinal disorders and a host of other major medical problems in many, many countries.

The preferred ways to use it are ingestion or vaporizing, although it can be used topically with good results.

Rick speaks widely of curing his own melanoma skin cancer lesions with topical application. Sharing the information with his doctor, he perceived a lack of interest, and the fear of even hearing and knowing that information. Topical application is not new. It’s quite effective. The use of Cannabis topically dates back to 2800 B.C. China. Topical oil preparations date back to ancient Mesopotamia, where human civilization is thought to have begun.

Oral ingestion is the most profoundly effective way to use the oil. Ingestable therapies include any Cannabis preparation taken by mouth. The active components must first be heat activated, then extracted into fats, oils or solvent (such as alcohol) before taking. Oral cannabis feels much different than inhaled Cannabis, and is described as a “body high” sensation. Following oral ingestion, effects set in within 30 to 90 minutes, reaching a maximum after two to three hours and lasting about four to 12 hours, depending on dose. Effects take longer and last longer. The Cannabis passes through the liver and is processed into by-products, these by-products known as four to five times more potent than the original compounds themselves. Edible forms of Cannabis can be more potent than when inhaled. Overall, Rick Simpson oil is one of the best ways for patients to medicate with extracts, and when taken with proper caution has a tremendous, noteworthy power to heal.

A half-grain of rice-sized portion of the Pure Cure was added to olive oil, allowing easy medible creation.

Pure Cure Simpson Oil is a food grade quality extraction of cannabis. It was tested by Cannatest with results of THC Delta 9 at 80.82% and THC Delta 8 at 10.84%.

Doodle’s Lab Simpson Oil is a pure sugar alcohol extract. There are a wide variety of strains available under the Doodle label. Tested by Cannatest, Doodle’s “The Flav” tested @ 64% THC, 1% CBD, 1.5% THCV, 2.4% CBG and 1.6% CBC. These are extremely rare test results, as the THCV and other Cannabinoids shown are not normally found in extracts.

Donation: $40 for 0.5 gram or $70 for a full gram

WWW.GREENLINKCOLLECTIVE.COM Liquid Gold Oil from Greenlink Collective is a professionally extracted butane Simpson Oil approved for combustion use, but recommend for oral ingestion or topical application. The Liquid Gold product packaging is noteworthy as it outlines dosage, warnings and other product information in the proper way.

Vaporization of the oil is the transition into a gaseous (or vapor) phase using heat. The medically active compounds of Cannabis are found in the resin glands on the plant mate-

rial. The technique for producing Rick Simpson Oil is an extraction of the active compounds from these resin glands. It is these compounds that “boil” at a relatively low temperature. The vaporization range is 356-392 degrees F is just below the combustion point, or burning point, where smoke is produced, and combustion of the plant material occurs at 446 degrees F.

MAY 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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Reviews

orEo cupcakes REVIEW BY NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

$5, TWO SERVINGS HIGH CLASS CANNA CATERING FEDERAL WAY, WASH. (253) 561-6605 FOUND AT SACRED PLANT FARMER’S MARKET | THE APOTHECARY SEATTLE | TACOMA & SEATTLE ACCESS POINTS

From High Class Catering comes a delicious twist on an old school treat. Their mini Oreo Cupcakes

(seen above) are a fun, portion-sized treat great for sharing with a fellow patient, or keeping all to yourself.

The first taste is all Oreo cream, with a soft chocolate cupcake finish. High Class has a full line of dessert medibles, with choices ranging from homestyle Apple Pie to Raspberry Cheesequake. Their Cheesequake was recently tested by Analytical 360 and found to have 15.57 miligrams of THC and .12mg of CBD per serving. This is a solid test result, indicative of the potency we’ve found with everything from High Class. Definitely give these tasty treats a try! may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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growtech

Best Pest Treatments >> UNDERSTANDING 4 DIFFERENT WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR GARDEN AND PRESERVE YOUR INVESTMENT BY DR. SCANDERSON FOR NORTHWEST LEAF BEFORE YOU CHOOSE TO CHANGE YOUR PRODUCT OR APPLICATION METHODS, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING A HARD LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 1) If you are in an open room is any or all air intake treated with a HEPA filter or equivalent?

2) Are there areas of your room that may have cracks or gaps where untreated air is entering (light fixtures, corner joints in walls, areas behind reflective paper)?

3) Does your room have adequate air circulation (almost every leaf shaking at periodic times)?

4) Do you wear the same clothes and shoes into your garden as you do anywhere else?

5) Do you allow pets in your garden?

the SPIDER MITE is known to EAT 1,100+ PLANT species, including cannabis | PHOTO COURTESY UNIV. OF UTAH

6) Do you cover any area of your body and or clothes before your go in your garden?

7) Do you sterilize your hands, scissors and other tools, and have a weekly room cleaning routine?

8) Do you allow time for proper cleaning, sterilization and new set up procedures between rounds?

9) Do you EVER, EVER, EVER let other cuts into your room (with out extensive quarantine)?

10) Do your plants get what they need to get a strong start and build a healthy rhizosphere?

O

If you answered no to any of the questions above or are not sure what is being referenced, I welcome your e-mails and encourage you to get informed. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that medical growers can afford to not have rigorous procedures ensuring safe and sterile growing. Better than any treatment offered in this article, is preventing any infestation in the first place, and providing completely clean, untreated medication for the patients. I cannot stress enough how frequently the cryptic answer to eradicating the nuclear-resistant, psychosexually reproducing, spider mites is to stop reintroducing them into your environment.

58/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

ne thing of great importance when evaluating the categories listed below is to be aware that you are dealing with nature and attempting to interrupt or limit a naturally occurring process.

As you climb the ladder from completely natural to completely synthetic treatment options, the time the product takes to interrupt the pest life cycle shortens. But at the same time, the treatment will be effective longer, and the less options you will have to turn to next if the initial treatment method fails to be effective as your infested population builds resistance to your treatment.

ON P. 60, LEARN FOUR METHODS FOR PREVENTING PESTS Biological Treatments OMRI-RATED ORGANIC TREATMENTS All-natural treatments sYNTHETIC PESTICIDE TREATMENTS

Got a growing question? Email thegreengardengroup@gmail.com

growtech four ways to eliminate grow pests | CONTINUED FROM P. 58

Biological Treatments natural approachES ORGANIC options

synthetics

>> GOOD PESTS TAKING OUT BAD PESTS

>> SAFE TO USE FOR PLANTS, HUMANS

>> BROAD PRODUCT SPECTRUM

>> TOO EFFECTIVE?

P

M

he category I have seen used most widely are ones you wouldn’t necessarily add to breakfast, but are organic or OMRI-rated. They’re believed to be safe for consummation. In this category are a spectrum of products like neem oil, derived from a neem tree, to products like azatrol, azamax and spinosad, which have a combo of compounds involving more complex processes to produce — i.e. fermentation, distilled extractions, etc. I believe these are used because they are a nice balance of efficacy and safety.

Some of these products (be sure to check and follow ONLY the manufacture’s recommendations, I always start off at about 2/3-3/4 of what is recommended

ests are indeed pests, no? So why not put the pests’ to work for you instead of working against it? The bad news is your precious medical cannabis is an ideal resource for a thriving bug populace.

The good news is that a thriving population of bugs is an ideal resource for a thriving population of other bugs that don’t harm cannabis at all, but feed on the pests that do. By intentionally introducing the natural predators of pests, growers are able to control and eliminate those pests that are harmful to cannabis. So bring in more bugs to get rid of the old ones? That’s precisely accurate. The predators that are introduced will naturally carry through their

The obvious benefit of using biological controls is that you are applying no substances of any kind, natural or otherwise to your plants

life cycle as their food source, so the pests to be eliminated will be depleted.

The obvious benefit of using biological controls is that you are applying no substances of any kind, natural or otherwise to your plants, rather helping recreate nature’s defenses. The not so obvious are the benefits for successfully preventing predators. Growers like Soma report and advocate keeping a small and healthy population of friendly predators like lady bugs in your garden at all times and provides methods for sustaining and enjoying a healthy biological population as part of your overall indoor environment. The one problem of this solution is that, depending on the life stage of your plant, and, level of infestation, you may not have enough time prior to harvest to eliminate the entire infestation.

Plus all bugs may have completed their life cycle and may be unfortunately left by some predators at harvest time. Some growers also report having difficulty controlling rampant outbreaks using biological methods alone.

60/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

any completely natural, completely organic, completely edible items can be used to prevent and control pests and infestation. Readily available, easy-to-mix and apply, naturally occurring extracts, oils and spices of other plants, flowers, trees, barks, sap, seeds and the alike have the power to prevent, eradicate infestations.

One may consider this biological as you are largely using defense mechanisms from other species of plants to fight your infestation. Because such treatment doesn’t occur with regularity in nature and requires the gardener to step in, I have provided it in its own category. Putting the same things on your plants to treat infestation that you may be putting in your breakfast brings with it safety and comfort for the patients ingesting the medication. Less obvious is that many of the treatments provide stimulating aromas for both you and your plants.

There is an entire developing science that involves exposing cannabis plants to aroma therapy alone to treat stress, increase vigor, and improve potency, oil production and more.

A disadvantage is that it gardeners must be highly diligent to ensure any infestation is caught early, and that it’s controlled with precise regularity to be effective. While this principle holds true for any treatment method, those with higher levels of

Putting the same thing on your plants to treat infestation as you may be putting into your breakfast brings with it safety and comfort synthetic concentrate often need applying once or twice to be effective, compared with much higher frequency over several weeks characteristic of more natural choices. Know that as natural as these substances may be, they can still cause harm your plants if they are applied improperly.

T

These products are used because they are a nice balance of efficacy and safety for the most diluted mixtures) can be applied hydroponically and in the medium directly. This helps eliminate missing areas of the plant when treating with foliar applications (spraying solution onto the leaves). It’s as easy as feeding your plants or mixing nutrients, and is sustained with easy consistency for the longer durations required to interrupt life cycles.

Because of the large spectrum of OMRI-rated products, some require careful application.

They can be harmful/irritating to humans and pets if not applied, controlled and disposed of properly. While many manufactures state on their label that the product is safe to use late into bloom or very close to harvest, the question remains as to the latest date in the plant’s life cycle it is safe in applications for medical cannabis.

Got a growing question? Email thegreengardengroup@gmail.com

I

n this category is an arsenal of natural, synthetically occurring compounds from pyrethrum, Gnats, Floramite and avid. These are the best attempts at interrupting life cycles, offering protection w/ minimal treatments. Included are products falling outside requirements for EPA registration. Their advantage is their effectiveness. With the

Their effectiveness is the advantage; that they can kill you, a downside. gloves off, humankind is capable of destroying things in myriad ways.

For some growers, these products go into the “all else fails” category.

They can be used with reasonable safety for cleaning in-between rounds by following precautions.

A disadvantage is many of them kill you. There are many ways to eradicate spider mites. American agricultural science has made valiant efforts to protect precious crops. To ensure billions of bushels of corn are produced without interruption, we have turned to extensive, chemical-based fertilizers and GMO’s to control pests.

The spectrum of products available is astonishing. What grows looks like cannabis. Smells like it. Tastes like it. Sorta. But, it may be loaded with residual and active chemicals as effective at eradicating infestations as doing harm to the body. Advantages were beneficial initially. Now, the pop. has increased exponentially, demand for food is higher than ever and the results of these methods have reared their ugly heads. The fed. govt. maintains that no conclusive evidence linking these products to causing harm to humans exists, and that more time is necessary. As of Aug. ‘09, statistical data concludes that 1:3 men and 1:2 women will be struck with cancer.

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omicron-ic >> Powerful Omicron oil vape allows medicating on-the-go, discretely

BY WES ABNEY | PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN

In the world of portable concentrate vaporizers,

AVAILABLE FOR $110 FROM: Olympic Wellness 9520 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, Wash. 98103 (206) 257-4628 Hours: M-Sat 11a-7p myolympicwellness.com

62/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

this Omicron sets the standard for excellence. We photographed the V2 model, which is a super value at $110 from Olympic Wellness. The kit is a must-have for any patient interested in vaporizing concentrates or discrete medicating. You can really use this device anywhere an E-cigarette could be.

The kit contains the vape pen body, two rechargeable batteries (charger not shown but is included), the filling funnel, one oil cartridge (empty), and a stainless steel mouthpiece.

Charging and filling the unit is a breeze, just by melting your chosen concentrate into a funnel-like area that requires minimal effort. Those preferring to donate for pre-filled cartridges, will be happy to know Olympic Wellness offers full cartridges that contain .8 grams of concentrate for $50. A replacement empty cartridge costs $10-20 depending on the vendor, making the pre-filled option a great value.

Olympic Wellness also offers the full line of Seattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Concentrates, and several in-house strains on special including their Super Lemon Haze and Sour Grapes BHO. For those interested in other

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behind the strain

alison wonderland NORTHWEST LEAF CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCANDERSON ON 80/20 INDICA STRAIN

How it grows: It combines two highly indica-dominant strains known

for incredible resin production and yield results in an extremely productive, incredibly frosty plant that is surprisingly easy to grow.

Afgooey has long been used to provide relief from multiple sclerosis, arthritis, chronic pain and migrains. It has also been used in some cases to substitute bipolar agents, along with anti-psychotic and anti-anxiety, anti-spasmatic and anti-inflammatory medications.

I had the privilege of assisting each week in managing the crop with a fellow medical grower and patient, Rednose. as soon as The true indica genetics immediately express hardening and themselves in a tight, stocky, bushy plant ripening starts, that respond extremely well to topping. It displays incredibly short internodal growth the weight of these kolas is patterns with lots of beautiful foliage. simply too much After some low stress training over a 35 day veg. period, we had several multi-top bushes that grew apart nicely, giving one another plenty of room to expand and thrive. Light thinning helps improve air flow and penetration of light. This is a short plant that wants to spread out, establish itself then start the work of building towering kolas that expand from base to tip. They challenge the circumference of a wide-mouth mason jar for placement. • Hint: this plant needa lots of support in late flowering. While the short, stocky growth pattern keeps the form throughout the beginning and middle flower periods, as soon as hardening and ripening starts the weight of these kolas is simply too much and will require physical, structural support.

Because of the super tight internodes, this plant has a fairly low calyx-to-leaf ratio that’s compensated for by the amount of resin glands produced on every square inch of available tissue this plant grows. She took around 64 days to come to term in hydro and began displaying moderate purple towards the end of flower that was not temperature-induced.

64/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

I can’t really be sure if my uplifted mood is due to my pain leaving or if I’ve fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole.

The Genetics: Thanks to patient Smoky Haze for sending the strain. [Afgoey (Afgani x Maui Haze)] x [William’s Wonder (unknown indica)]

Smoke Report: The first thing I notice

about the cured meds is the bud size. Each is swollen with a mixture of blond and purple hues, reflecting off the resin heads sparkling on the flower.

The supertight internodes and quality trimming creates an array of tight, spear shaped nugs emitting a sweet perfumed citrus scent. The easy, comfortable smoke without lung expansion provides an initially earthy, peppery taste. The smoke heads comfortably to the bottom of my lungs, taking up a restful position as my eye lids slide down in gratitude.

The smoke leaves as effortlessly as it entered, with a flowery citrus note.

The Effect: Body relief sparkles in from the tips of

my toes and floats towards my chest. With a clear head, I feel my body aches melt away.

The stool I’m sitting on suddenly feels like a reclined barca-lounger The sensation of complete with a thousand massaging massaging hands generously l u m b a r support. I can’t easing my nerve endings really be sure begins to subside after if my uplifted about 45 minutes. mood is due to my pain leaving or if I’ve fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole. I’m clear I could move from my new favorite wooden seat, I simply don’t want to. The sensation of a thousand massaging hands generously easing my nerve endings begins to subside after about 45 minutes. I’m left in a relaxed, warm place.

Special thanks to Smoky and Rednose for their essential roles in supporting this review.

Bottom Line: With its forgiving growth characteristics, many medical uses and high resin production (it’s an excellent candidate for hash and other extracts), Alison Wonderland is a powerfully relaxing strain with a taste so fantastic you are sure to remember it for a while. Make sure to try this mysterious strain.

health & science WITHIN MANY PLANTS IS A SYMPHONY OF COMPOUNDS WORKING TOGETHER TO BRING ABOUT POWERFUL MEDICINAL EFFECTS. THIS IS, OF COURSE, VERY TRUE OF CANNABIS.

CONCENTRATING CANNABIS >> Over thousands of years and across every continent, plants have been harvested for their maximum potential ABOVE: A SHATTER-TYPE EXTRACT AT SEATTLE’S BEST CONCENTRATES

BY NORTHWEST LEAF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR DR. SCOTT D. ROSE | PHOTO BY NATE WATTERS

B

otanical Medicine is the use of whole plants and herbs as medicines. The use of Cannabis, or Medical Marijuana falls under this classification. It is likely that humans have used plants as medicine for as long as we have existed. Dated back nearly 60,000 years, there is archaeological evidence of the use of medicinal plants, such as opium poppies, ephedra, and Cannabis. It is likely that our knowledge about the curative properties of plants came about

66/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

through the observations of how animals use them. Humans believed throughout much of history that the “vital spirit” of the plant contributed to its medicinal effects. In the practice of Shamanism for instance, individuals “communicate” with plants in hopes of gaining access to abundant healing properties.

Within the whole plant is a symphony of constituents working together to bring about powerful medicinal effects. This is, of course, very true of the Cannabis plant.

Since the isolation of morphine from the opium poppy in the early 1800s, a reductionist belief that a single, non-living compound within a plant is responsible for its therapeutic effect has existed.

P

harmacotherapy (the use of pharmaceutical drugs) truly owes the roots of its origin to the plant kingdom and botanical medicine. Aspirin, Valium, cardiovascular meds, opiate pain meds, blood thinners, etc. are derived

from plants. In fact 25 percent of all current pharmaceutical medications still contain plant-derived active ingredients.

Today, however, most pharmaceuticals contain synthetic compounds. Man-made chemically synthesized compounds, no longer needing the plant, may lead to a more potent and potentially much more toxic end product.

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CONCENTRATING CANNABIS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66

system can be useful, but is clearly inadequate in explaining the complexity of plant and animal physiology.

W

hile botanicals are like pharmaceuticals in many ways, there are important, substantive differences. Botanical medicines generally have a wider margin of safety, with synthetic drugs typically possessing a narrower margin of safety. Synthetics also tend to have a greater potential for adverse effects and overdose.

Pharmaceuticals, for the most part, are a single active ingredient with a higher concentrated potency and well-defined specific activity.

They don’t tend to contain the dozens to hundreds of interrelated compounds found in plants.

Botanical medicines are used commonly in modern society as antioxidants and to help stimulate the immune system, help gut issues such as nausea and constipation, maintain or improve psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and help insomnia — to name but a few. The complex biochemical makeup of the Cannabis plant is such that it offers a wide array of health benefits, addressing a multitude of health issues as the whole plant.

When humans first learned that the Cannabis plant’s sticky resin glands contained the highest concentrations of active ingredients, the first cannabis concentrate was born - hashish or hash. Modern innovations using alcohol, butane and other solvents to chemically extract cannabinoids are often called hash, but they are not hashish in the traditional sense of the word. These are termed “cannabis concentrates.”

Many Medical Cannabis patients find the Cannabis concentrates to be more effective medicine, as smoking or vaporizing lower-potency Cannabis can be impractical and ineffective for them. Cannabis concentrates are widely available and rapidly gaining popularity amongst Medical

68/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

This plant has been used by many different cultures as fiber, food, medicine and magically charged religious sacraments for centuries.

The use of Cannabis is nothing new.

Cannabis patients. Delivering a concentrated dose of active ingredients without combustion or smoking the buds or “flowers” of the plant material is a big plus. However, many solvent extracted products are contaminated with solvent residues if proper experience and careful attention is not given.

C

oncentration and isolation are not necessarily better.

Tests have found Butane Honey Oil, or BHO, to contain 80 to 90 percent of its cannabinoids as THC. BHO contains rather small percentages of cannabidiol

(CBD), the compound with the most promising medicinal effects.

CBD also moderates the stimulating effects of THC. BHO is also mostly devoid of terpene compounds (the odor compounds), which have been shown to work together with the cannabinoids for medicinal effects.

Again, plants are comprised of multiple active ingredients that all work together. If you remove the tubas from the symphony you are listening to an incomplete symphony.

Synergy is where all of the instruments are playing together to create the music. Similarly, when all of the plant compounds are working

together, the greatest beneficial effect is attained. This is a fundamental principal for modern botanical medicine, with a body of knowledge that stretches back centuries to easily support its validity.

In the production of synthetic cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, concentrated forms of Cannabis and the possible rescheduling of these medicines, we musn’t lose sight of the use of whole plant as being important. The use of Cannabis is not a new concept. This plant has been used by many different cultures as fiber, food, medicine, and magically charged religious sacraments for thousands of years.

In raising the bar of validity for cannabis as an accepted medicine for the already proven health benefits and those to come, we must maintain access to whole plant cannabis.

Reductionism states all of physical reality is comprehensible by studying the parts of the whole.

In contrast, the concept of holism contends that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Cannabis, is rightfully real botanical medicine.

Dr. Scott D. Rose is a pain management specialist with a private practice in Kirkland, WA.

and i quote

In 1978, Pres. Jimmy Carter said the federal government would continue its research “to make the smoking of tobacco even more safe than it is today.” In honor of his complete ignorance, we’ve decided to pit some of the most famous quotes about cigarettes against the worst marijuana propaganda.

GETTING BURNED >> Quoting cigarette ads that glorified smoking and public figures who lambasted marijuana use

‘‘

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.

-PRES. RONALD REAGAN

’’

It is a scientific fact that tobacco is its own true filter.

’’ ’’ -1950’S PALL MALL AD

“Noted throat specialist report on a 30-day test of Camel smokers... Not one single case of throat irritation due to smoking camels! Start your own 30-Day Camel mildness test today!”

-VINTAGE CAMEL AD

‘‘

“Vintage tobacco makes Phillip Morris naturally gentle and mild.

More delicate in flavor, too... for those with keen, young tastes.”

-1955 PHILLIP MORRIS AD

Smoke marihuana cigarettes for a month and what was once your brain will be nothing but a storehouse of horrid specters.

-PUBLISHER WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST

No one knows, when he places a marihuana cigarette to his lips, whether he will become a joyous reveller in a musical heaven, a mad insensate, a calm philosopher, or a murderer...

-HENRY J. ANSLINGER

70/may 2012 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF

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