April 14, 2021 - Pittsburgh City Paper by Pittsburgh City Paper

PITTSBURGH’S ALTERNATIVE FOR NEWS, ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT SINCE 1991

PGHCITYPAPER.COM PGHCITYPAPER PGHCITYPAPER PITTSBURGHCITYPAPER

APRIL 14-21, 2021

More photos online at

pghcitypaper.com

4 Smithfield Street, Suite 1210 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.685.9009 E-MAIL info@pghcitypaper.com

pghcitypaper.com PGHCITYPAPER PITTSBURGHCITYPAPER

APRIL 14-21, 2021 VOLUME 30 + ISSUE 15

Matt Tolbert of the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh rappels down from the Mount Washington overlook as part of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s 28th annual Emerald View Park cleanup on Sat., April 10.

Editor-In-Chief LISA CUNNINGHAM Director of Advertising JASMINE HUGHES Director of Operations KEVIN SHEPHERD News Editor RYAN DETO Senior Writer AMANDA WALTZ Staff Writers DANI JANAE, KIMBERLY ROONEY 냖㵸蔻 Photographer/Videographer JARED WICKERHAM Art Director ABBIE ADAMS Graphic Designer JEFF SCHRECKENGOST Digital Marketing Coordinator DARYA KHARABI Sales Representatives ZACK DURKIN, OWEN GABBEY, NICKI MULVIHILL Circulation Manager JEFF ENGBARTH Featured Contributors REGE BEHE, MIKE CANTON, LYNN CULLEN, TERENEH IDIA, CHARLES ROSENBLUM Interns COLLEEN HAMMOND, KAYCEE ORWIG National Advertising Representative VMG ADVERTISING 1.888.278.9866 OR 1.212.475.2529 Publisher EAGLE MEDIA CORP.

GENERAL POLICIES: Contents copyrighted 2021 by Eagle Media Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Pittsburgh City Paper are those of the author and not necessarily of Eagle Media Corp. LETTER POLICY: Letters, or e-mails must be signed and include town and daytime phone number for confirmation. We may edit for length and clarity. DISTRIBUTION: Pittsburgh City Paper is published weekly by Eagle Media Corp. and is available free of charge at select distribution locations. One copy per reader; copies of past issues may be purchased for $3.00 each, payable in advance to Pittsburgh City Paper.

FIRSTSHOT

FIRST CLASS MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Available for $250 per year (52 issues), $150 per half year (26 issues), or $32 per six weeks. For more information, visit pghcitypaper.com and click on the Subscribe tab.

BY JARED WICKERHAM

COVER ILLUSTRATION: MORG CUNNINGHAM

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

MEDI C A L MA RI JU A N A

PITTSBURGH’S

BEST DISPENSARY

thehealingcenterusa.com PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

A Guide to Relief An comprehensive list of Pittsburgh-area medical marijuana dispensaries BY JORDAN SNOWDEN // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program continues to expand. What started as just a handful of dispensaries in 2018, the Pittsburgh region, and the entire state, is continuously adding on more dispensaries and providing long-overdue relief to patients with a wide variety of cannabis products and medications. Pittsburgh City Paper reached out to Pittsburgharea medical marijuana dispensaries to get more information directly from the sources to help patients determine which one might be the best fit for their needs. If you are one of the people who qualify for medical marijuana, and have acquired a certified Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, here’s a guide to help you navigate the growing list of dispensary locations now providing patients relief in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

BEYOND/HELLO

Delta 9 PA

9337 Lincoln Highway, Irwin. beyond-hello.com

211 52nd St., Lawrenceville and 305 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. delta9pa.com

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

HOURS (ALL LOCATIONS): Mon. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. New patients are not accepted 30 minutes before closing.

COVID PRECAUTIONS: Only allows a limited number of customers inside. Encourages customers to order online to avoid time spent in-store. ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Westmoreland Transit bus routes: 1F, 4, 6, and 6C PARKING: Ample parking available. CASH OR CREDIT: Cash only, ATM on site.

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

PRECAUTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS WITH HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS: Curbside pickup is available for immuno-compromised, elderly, and high-risk patients. ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Lawrenceville location, Port Authority of Allegheny County buses: 87, 91, and 93

LOYALTY PROGRAM: Hello Club program means every dollar spent equals one point.

PARKING: Free parking lot on-premises.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE? Randomly due to shipments received at random. Changes occur daily as products become in and out of stock. “Check often.”

HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE? Reservation menu updates in real-time, and the in-store menu updates throughout the day.

FUN FACT: They have an on-site pharmacist and are LQBTQ+ friendly.

Delta 9 PA in Lawrenceville

CASH OR CREDIT: Accepts cash and debit. ATM on site.

FUN FACT: Delta9 is woman-owned and operated. They also offer monthly virtual certification events and will be starting a Best Buds discount where current Delta 9 patients can bring a loved one who has never been to a Delta 9 PA dispensary, and both will receive 10% off their purchase. CONTINUES ON PG. 6

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

A GUIDE TO RELIEF, CONTINUED FROM PG. 5

The Healing Center

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

The Healing Center in Cranberry

Ethos Pittsburgh West

Harvest of Cranberry Township

HOURS (ALL LOCATIONS): Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

470 Home Drive, Robinson. ethoscannabis.com

20269 Route 19, Cranberry. harvesthoc.com

SPECIAL HOURS FOR CUSTOMERS WITH HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS: Thu. 9-10 a.m.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

COVID PRECAUTIONS: Patients can shop online ahead of time for quick and easy pickup.

ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Not easily.

ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? No.

PARKING: Free parking lot on site.

LOYALTY PROGRAM: Patients can earn 5% cashback on any purchase in store or online. For every dollar spent, they earn one point. Points can be redeemed for cash, products or merchandise. Points never expire.

CASH OR CREDIT: Cash or “zero-touch payment” available through CanPay app. ATM on site. LOYALTY PROGRAM: No, but special discounts are available often. HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE? Online orders are available 24 hours before purchase. FUN FACT: Self-service kiosks are available inside. One of eight Clinical Registrant licensees in Pennsylvania that’s conducting ongoing research related to medical cannabis.

130 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville; 799 West Chestnut St., Washington; and, 270 Executive Drive, Cranberry. thehealingcenterusa.com

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE: Live menus are available online.

ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Monroeville location, Port Authority of Allegheny County buses: 67 and P67 PARKING: Free on-site parking at every location with security escorts available. CASH OR CREDIT: Cash and debit card swipes with PIN. ATMs inside. LOYALTY PROGRAM: Offers “Healidays” frequently with events for all patients to take advantage of special savings. HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE? Live menus available of products with one of the largest selections in the state. FUN FACT: No appointment is ever needed at The Healing Center. CONTINUES ON PG. 8

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

A GUIDE TO RELIEF, CONTINUED FROM PG. 6

RISE 3838 William Penn Highway, Monroeville; 20808 Route 19, Cranberry; and, 117 Beatty County Road, Latrobe. risecannabis.com HOURS: Monroeville: Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Thu.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cranberry and Latrobe: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. SPECIAL HOURS FOR CUSTOMERS WITH HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS (ALL LOCATIONS): Online reservation system available to ensure their medication will be ready at their selected pick-up time. CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Maitri Medicinals

ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Latrobe location, Westmoreland Transit buses: 2F, 9, 9B, 9C, and 11; Monroeville location, Port Authority of Allegheny County bus: 67 PARKING: Free parking at all locations.

Liberty

Maitri Medicinals

2320 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa. libertydispensarypa.com

5845 Centre Ave., East Liberty. maitrimedicinals.com

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

COVID PRECAUTIONS: Curbside pickup is available (cash only). ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Not easily. PARKING: Free parking lot on site. LOYALTY PROGRAM: House Choice Rewards program. Also, 20% off for Veterans, 10% off for Senior Citizens (60+), 10% off for “Medicaid/Medicare (SSI/SSDI),” and 10% off for Industry Employees.

SPECIAL HOURS FOR CUSTOMERS WITH HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS: Offers curbside pickup, but must call and be approved by a manager/pharmacist. 412-404-7464, option 3, ask for Curbside approval. ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Port Authority of Allegheny County buses: 71B, 75, 77, 82, and 86 PARKING: Free parking is available at the patient parking garage at 5869 Centre Ave., two buildings down from the dispensary.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE? Customizable menu available online.

CASH OR CREDIT: Cash and debit payments through the CanPay app.

FUN FACT: Liberty is 100% vertically integrated. This means they grow, process, and dispense their own medical marijuana products.

LOYALTY PROGRAM: Weekly specials, as well as veterans/first responders discount: 10% off everything. Birthday discounts: 20% off the most expensive item in order, once during your birth month. HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE: Menu is updated in live time.

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

CASH OR CREDIT: Cash with on-site ATM; debit cards can also be accepted. LOYALTY PROGRAM: A RISE loyalty program and discounts of 10% off for veterans, seniors, and people that participate in state government assistance programs like CHIP, WIC, SNAP, etc., and first responders. HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE: Menus operate in real time and are updated throughout the day. FUN FACT: Health care professionals on site at all times, and all products on the PA MMJ market are third-party tested. CONTINUES ON PG. 10

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

A GUIDE TO RELIEF, CONTINUED FROM PG. 8

Solevo Wellness 5600 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill; 22095 Perry Highway, Zelienople; and, 200 Adios Drive, Suite 20, Washington. solevowellness.com HOURS (ALL LOCATIONS): Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. COVID PRECAUTIONS: Dividers installed at reception and checkout. Dispensaries are regularly disinfected. ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Squirrel Hill location, Port Authority of Allegheny County buses: 65, 61C, 61D, 64, and 93 PARKING: Free off-street parking with accessible facility entry and handicapped parking available. CASH OR CREDIT: Cash, checks, and debit cards with a PIN (Debit card transactions have a $3.25 processing fee). LOYALTY PROGRAM: Earn one point for every eligible dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for discounts on select batteries and medical products. When 5,000 points are earned, patients can receive an additional $10 off their purchase. Also, discounts available for new patients and veterans, as well as birthday discounts, and all pediatric-related purchases of medical products qualify for a 10% discount. HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE? Update daily and available online. FUN FACT: For those exploring medical marijuana, Solevo’s relationships with licensed physicians can assist with the medical marijuana card certification process. A weekly newsletter is available.

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Solevo Wellness in Squirrel Hill

Sunnyside CP PHOTO: KAYCEE ORWIG

Sunnyside in the Strip District

201 Pillow St., Butler; 4 Kensington Square, New Kensington; and, 2116 Penn Ave., Strip District. sunnyside.shop HOURS (ALL LOCATIONS): Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. currently. Starting April 19, Sun.-Thu. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. COVID PRECAUTIONS (ALL LOCATIONS): Curbside pickup offered if requested. Disinfectant cleanings happening daily. ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? Butler location, Butler Transit buses: 1, 5, 2, and 4; New Kensington location, Port Authority of Allegheny County bus: 1, and Westmoreland Transit buses: 12, 12B, 14C, 14J, and 15; Strip District location, Port Authority of Allegheny County buses: 2, 54, 86, 87, 88, and 91 PARKING: Free parking at all locations. CASH OR CREDIT: Cash and debit cards only. HOW OFTEN DOES THE MENU UPDATE: Daily with deliveries, all available online. FUN FACT: Offers free consultations with their wellness advisors. Offers a new patient discount of 20% along with daily deals. •

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PurePenn Making Impact in Mon Valley Community purepenn.com s a rapidly growing force in the Pennsylvania medical marijuana industry, PurePenn is committed to improving the lives of PA patients by providing the highest quality medical marijuana products. However, it’s not the only commitment they have made to the region. PurePenn also has a deep commitment to giving back to the City of McKeesport and Mon Valley through its philanthropy and economic development initiatives. Located on the site of the former National Tube Works Steel Mill, and with founders born and raised in the area, PurePenn set out to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming the largest employer in the City of McKeesport. Initially PurePenn constructed a ground-up 20,000 square foot facility on the vacant former mill site. PurePenn then added nearly double the space in 2019, and in 2021 it added an additional 90,000 sq. ft. of space to its facility, placing a once vacant parcel of land back on the City and County’s tax rolls. As expansion continues, the number of employees has also grown. PurePenn currently has 100 employees, many of whom reside in the McKeesport and Mon Valley areas, with plans to continue adding employment opportunities in cultivation, processing, packaging, and shipping. In addition to its economic development initiatives, PurePenn has been a beacon of philanthropic efforts in the community. As

the founder and primary funding source for the McKeesport Community Fund, PurePenn has dedicated a substantial amount of time and resources to charity work and community improvement. Since starting the fund, PurePenn has provided over $155,000 in grants to local 501(c)(3) organizations through the McKeesport

Community Fund. These grants have been used to touch every part of life in the McKeesport community, everything from education and job training; at-risk and special needs youth; projects to improve infrastructure, removing blight, affordable housing; legal

services; local entrepreneurship and economic development; STEM education; drug treatment and sober living; and, healthcare assistance in the City of McKeesport during the pandemic. On top of all of this, PurePenn has collaborated on products to beneﬁt the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. All of these initiatives come together to form the foundation of PurePenn’s vision of improving the lives of Pennsylvanians through a comprehensive commitment to revitalization, job creation, and community and economic development. “We continue to strive to achieve our mission of providing family sustaining jobs and economic development in the City of McKeesport and Mon Valley, while also producing the highest quality medical marijuana products for the patients of Pennsylvania. What drives PurePenn and its employees is the knowledge that we are having a meaningful effect on Pennsylvanians and our region.” PurePenn’s goals will continue to grow and expand throughout 2021. As they look to continue growing the operations and the team, the community involvement will grow as well. PurePenn will remain based in McKeesport, and continue to be a presence in revitalizing the area and making sure everyone in the community has the chance at the best life possible through PurePenn’s products and impact.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

.ADVOCACY.

TROLL TIME Meet the Pittsburgh online troll trying to improve Pa.’s marijuana laws, one post at a time BY RYAN DETO RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

O TROLL OR NOT TO TROLL? That’s

the question many people have to answer in the social media age. For some, trolling can relieve frustrations in an outlet they can’t find anywhere else. For others, trolls ruin any fleeting feeling of fun that social media has to offer. For one Pittsburgh-based social media user, trolling has a higher purpose, a very high one: fixing Pennsylvania’s marijuana laws. Pittsburgh City Paper spoke to the person behind two troll-y, marijuanathemed social media accounts about the successes and failures of their advocacy through trolling. City Paper verified the person’s identity, but is withholding the user’s name to maintain their anonymity online. The accounts they manage are @pittsburghatory on Twitter and @mconstant412 on Instagram. They have been an advocate for marijuana for most of their life. They worked at a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy firm for some time and have experience in traditional advocacy efforts like rallies and pressuring legislators through campaigns. They also sent emails to dispensary companies and the state health department, but rarely heard back. “Going to rallies, holding signs, and calling legislators, it only does so much,” says the user. “I am not gonna sell myself as this perfect advocate, but I was looking for something different.” They believe traditional advocacy is necessary, but sometimes can be a bit diluted. They say advocating for recreational weed is a noble goal, but to help medical marijuana patients in the immediate, trying to legalize the ability for patients to grow marijuana plants is more pressing. It’s illegal for individual Pennsylvanians, even medical marijuana patients, to grow cannabis plants, and doing so can result in a felony. So they started to reply to some large social media accounts who have power and influence over marijuana policy and advocacy, namely Pennsylvania Lt.

CP ILLUSTRATION: ABBIE ADAMS

Gov. John Fetterman (D-Braddock), Pa. Second Lady Gisele Fetterman, and Scott Paterno, a former Republican Congressional candidate turned lobbyist, who is also the son of late Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. The @pittsburghatory Twitter account often replies to John Fetterman’s account when he mentions weed, speciﬁcally asking John to call for legalizing growing plants for medical patients. They realize Fetterman doesn’t have unilateral power to make this ﬁx, but the replies started to see more engagement anyway.

Follow the Pittsburgh-area cannabis troll at @pittsburghatory on Twitter and mconstant412 on Instagram. To the user, the trolling was actually helping to spread this speciﬁc message and educate people about potential changes to Pennsylvania’s law. They say they have made similar efforts on Instagram using hashtags, and have seen more engagement on that platform. One time, they replied to a post Gisele made and “put them on blast.” They say Gisele ended up private messaging the user about not being happy over the harsh criticism, which the user agreed Follow news editor Ryan Deto on Twitter @RyanDeto

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

was over the top, but then they both ended up having a conversation about the state’s growing laws. Trolling resulted in direct communication with Gisele, which is farther than the user has gotten in reaching out to dispensaries and health department ofﬁcials. The user also says that Paterno once put out a PDF statement about his lobbying efforts with a marijuana group. But this also means abrasive tweets at legislators. On April 7, when state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Fulton) tweeted out an op-ed he penned about socalled vaccine-passports and wrote, “Medical freedom must be preserved,” @pittsburghatory replied, “LOL are you serious? Medical cannabis patients have NO freedom. You are a hypocrite and a seditionist. [Clown face emoji].” The user’s goal is to bring more attention to the state’s reluctance to allow patients to grow their own cannabis, which is opposed by some dispensary groups, as well as what they call other ﬂaws in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law. And maybe they will build some momentum, one troll-y post at a time. “The shepherding is a real thing,” they say of how to direct online marijuana advocacy. “Stop yelling at Fetterman and Wolf for not legalizing recreational weed,” they add. “Be a troll with nuance.”

•

.HEALTH.

HOW TO GET YOUR PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD BY RYAN DETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

1. Create an online patient profile Adult patients (18+) must first fill out a form with accurate and up-to-date personal information, including name, address, and date of birth, at the Pennsylvania Department of Health website (padohmmp.custhelp.com). Tip: Make sure addresses are inputted exactly how they appear on a patient’s driver’s license or state-issued ID. Do not include punctuation marks; do abbreviate words like “street” or “road”; and when directions are included in an address, patients are advised to input only the first initial. For example, “100 E MAIN ST” is the correct way to type 100 East Main Street. A similar form must be filled out by caregivers for medical marijuana patients who are minors, have a disability, or require in-home support.

2. Get a doctor to sign off Patients with one of the approved medical conditions, as defined by state law, can qualify for a medical marijuana card, but first must have a physician certify that they have at least one of the 23 qualifying conditions. (A full list of approved conditions can be found at pa.gov/guides/pennsylvania-medicalmarijuana-program.) According to the state health department, there are now over 160 practices in Allegheny County that can certify medical marijuana card applications. An up-to-date list of physicians is available on the Pennsylvania government website (health.pa.gov). Note: If your primary doctor has treated you for one of the approved conditions but is not certified, you can download your medical records and take them to an approved practice. The price of certification varies by provider. Some companies — such as Compassionate

Certification Centers (compassionate certiﬁcationcenters.com), HerbalCare RX (herbalcarerx.com), and Releaf Specialists (releafspecialists.com) — will take medical records and charge between $125-200 for a new patient certiﬁcation. During the pandemic, doctors and companies can authorize a card over the phone or over a virtual visit.

3. Turn in application and pay fee Once certiﬁed by an authorized physician, patients must return to the state’s health department website (from step No. 1). Patients then ﬁll out the rest of the necessary information, including the approved physician details and certification information (from step No. 2). A $50 application fee must be submitted to complete the process. Some patients who receive government assistance are eligible for discounts. A card will arrive by mail within two weeks.

4. Visit a dispensary Once you receive your medical marijuana card, you will need to take it to one of the licensed dispensaries to make a purchase. There are more than 15 located across the Pittsburgh region. First-time patients will need a consultation before placing an order, but once registered, dispensaries offer online ordering for easier pickup.

5. Don’t forget to renew next year Medical marijuana cards are good for one year in Pennsylvania, and you are required to get an updated certiﬁcate in order to continue with the program. When it’s time to renew, log back into your account on the Department of Health’s website (padohmmp.custhelp. com), pay the $50 renewal fee, then contact the doctor or certiﬁcation company to recertify you for another year.

•

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

FEATURED ON INK MASTER :ANGELS

PYRAMID

TATTOO & Body Piercing

.LEGAL.

MARIJUANA MISDEMEANORS The Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania cannabis

PYRAMIDTATTOO.COM

laws you can still get in trouble over

BRIDGEVILLE, PA

DENTAL Insurance

Get the dental care you deserve. Medicare does not cover dental care1. That means if you need dental work done, it can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your own pocket. Get Dental Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. It helps cover over 350 procedures — from cleanings and fillings to crowns and dentures. Call today to get help paying big dental bills. • See any dentist you want, but save more with one in our network • No deductible, no annual maximum • Immediate coverage for preventive care

Call to get your FREE Information Kit

1-855-385-3879 dental50plus.com/citypaper

“Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2020 Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/ certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, LA, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B).

6255

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

BY RYAN DETO // RYANDETO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ANY NEW LAWS and policies

have made marijuana more accessible — like Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis law passed in 2016 — and less punitive, such as the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana enacted by several cities, including Pittsburgh. These smaller marijuana victories have been championed by advocates, but despite efforts leading to legalization of marijuana in neighboring states near Pennsylvania, including both New York and Virginia just last week, weed for recreational use is still illegal in the Keystone State. Patrick Nightingale, director of cannabis advocacy group Pittsburgh NORML and a criminal defense attorney, wants to remind marijuana users, both medical and recreational, of these hard facts. He still has many clients in the Pittsburgh area facing marijuanarelated charges. “People can get a little bit of information and interpret it as much broader than it actually is,” says Nightingale. “I want to convey to people to just continue to be cautious. We have won certain rights, however, law enforcement doesn’t understand all of those rights.” For example, even though Pittsburgh

decriminalized small amounts of marijuana in 2015, there have still been hundreds of marijuana-possession arrests each year since that passage. Nightingale says this is because ofﬁcers can still follow the state code, which says any marijuana possession is illegal, and not all Pittsburgh ofﬁcers have come around to the cultural change to hand out citations over small amounts of marijuana instead of charging people with misdemeanors. With this in mind, here are the Pennsylvania criminal statutes related to marijuana that often jam people up, according to Nightingale.

Possession Pennsylvanians can be charged with misdemeanors for large or small amounts of marijuana possession under 35 Pa. Consolidated Statutes Annotated section 780-113 subsections (a)(16) and (a)(31). Subsection (a)(31) is the state’s small amount possession law, which means a person possessing or distributing, but not selling, 30 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish can be charged. A conviction under this small amount possession law can lead to up to 30 days in prison or a ﬁne of up to $500, in the strictest interpretation of the law. Outside of licensed medical

dispensaries, selling marijuana, even small amounts, is a felony. Pittsburgh police can, and many do, issue citations for small amount possession, instead of misdemeanors. But Nightingale says that not all officers use the citations, and some still charge people for misdemeanors under subsection (a)(31). And even though small amount possession charges are almost always lowered down to summary charges in Allegheny County courts, Nightingale says this still means people are fingerprinted and have records for charges in the state’s court system. Additionally, Nightingale says it’s usually only small amount possessions reduced to summaries. Pennsylvanians can still be charged under subsection (a)(16) for possession greater than a small amount. He says officers are likely to charge people under this statute if they believe people to have more than 30 grams of cannabis or more than 8 grams of hashish. This charge can lead to up to one year in prison or a fine up to $5,000. “Act like it is still illegal,” Nightingale says. “It sucks to say that, but when it comes to potential law enforcement encounters, it’s best to act like it’s still illegal.”

Paraphernalia Nightingale says that the state’s drug paraphernalia law is very broadly defined, which can lead to more charges than people realize. He says that even things like plastic sandwich bags can be identified as paraphernalia if there is evidence that they are used to pack or contain marijuana. Anything that is used “for the purpose of planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packing, repacking, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance” is a violation of the statute. Nightingale says this is rarely practiced by law enforcement in Allegheny County for things as unserious as baggies, but surrounding counties will use this charge. However, he adds that most law enforcement still don’t understand what is legal paraphernalia and what is illegal, since medical marijuana patients can purchase legal paraphernalia. According to a post on Nightingale’s legal website, at least one local District Attorney’s office has taken the position

that a patient may only lawfully possess devices and instruments purchased from a licensed dispensary. And that some local marijuana patients have been charged under the state’s paraphernalia statute. Violating subsection (a)(32) can result in a ﬁne of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

Medical patients and growing Medical card holders in Pennsylvania have significant access to medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries, but there are still laws and some loopholes that can lead to charges. For example, medical marijuana patients can be charged with DUIs even if they just have trace amounts of THC in their systems. Lawmakers are trying to fix this law, since THC can remain in patients’ systems weeks after use, but that fix hasn’t yet been taken up by the state Senate. For this reason, Nightingale advises medical marijuana patients to not tell police officers they are licensed card holders if they are pulled over, and are not asked by officers. He says some well-meaning patients have actually told police officers they are patients, out of transparency’s sake, which has led to DUIs. “I know a lot of patients that have walked into DUIs,” says Nightingale, who adds that patients should only tell officers they are medical card holders if asked. Lastly, and most seriously, is subsection (a)(30), which is felony manufacturing, distribution, possession with intent. Nightingale reminds Pennsylvanians that growing even just one single marijuana plant is illegal in the commonwealth, and can be charged as a felony, even for medical marijuana patients. Advocates have been trying to change this for medical patients, but amending Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis law has been difficult. Nightingale says Allegheny County courts aren’t as likely to charge felonies for people growing just one plant, but surrounding counties aren’t as lenient. Growing is not the only thing included in subsection (a)(30). People who aren’t authorized by the state (aka licensed medical dispensaries and growers) violate that law when they “manufacture, delivery, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver, a controlled substance.” Violating subsection (a)(30) in relations to marijuana can result in imprisonment not exceeding 15 years, a fine up to $250,000, or both.

•

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

Metro Community Health Center is an integrated medical, mental health, and dental clinic, located in Swissvale, in the Edgewood Towne Center plaza. We serve the greater Pittsburgh area and all people who come to us. At Metro, our providers collaborate with each other to treat every aspect of a patient’s health, all under one roof. We offer all of our services to everyone, regardless of identity, income, insurance status, or the ability to pay.

HOURS

Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM

PHOTO: MATT DAYAK, COURTESY OF MAITRI MEDICINALS

Jimil Wilson, Chief Financial Officer of Maitri Medicinals

Call to schedule an appointment: (412) 247-2310

.BLACK-LED COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT.

DIVERSIFYING THE MARKET Maitri Medicinals CFO aims to dispel the myths and

1789 S. Braddock Ave, Suite 410 Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Metro complies with the highest COVID-19 safety standards, as outlined by the CDC, in everything that we do.

“Whole People, All People.”

metrocommunityhealthcenter.org

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

misconceptions about the medical marijuana industry BY DANI JANAE // DANIJANAE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

EING A BLACK PERSON at the helm

of a marijuana-based business is important to Jimil Wilson. It’s “critical to the health of the industry,” as he describes it. He explains data shows that, while Black and white people consume cannabis at just about the same rate, Black communities are policed at a higher rate and are disproportionately represented in marijuana-related arrests. People with marijuana convictions, under Pennsylvania state regulations, can’t work in the industry. Wilson is the Chief Financial Ofﬁcer of Maitri Medicinals, one of four medical marijuana dispensaries that qualiﬁed patients can shop from in the city of Pittsburgh, with a location in East Liberty and one in Uniontown,

in Fayette County. “One of the things that we really are looking to do is we’ve had many or several candidates come through that we wanted to hire that were diverse, that we couldn’t because they had a record around cannabis or drugs,” Wilson says. “So one of the things that we’re looking to do is to really work with these candidates who’ve come to us, but with others as well, to really help them navigate the justice system to get their records expunged.” These efforts are only a part of Maitri’s vision, but getting records expunged is a big help for people in the communities they serve. As an executive at Maitri, Wilson believes that a diverse staff, whether that’s

in regard to race, gender, or thought, is a big move toward serving their communities better. Maitri touts itself as a collection of “third generation Southwestern Pennsylvania residents who are deeply invested in the region’s well-being and development.” Maitri has a ﬁrm focus on wellness, and provides their patients with a wide variety of products. Wilson was in banking before he left in 2015 and began to pursue a career in cannabis. He met Maitri founders Corinne Ogrodnik and Joe Vesely later in 2016 at one of their investment pitches. At the time, Wilson had been working as a consultant for small businesses looking to grow and providing them with ﬁnancial resources. Wilson says Ogrodnik

“LIFE IS CHALLENGING AND PEOPLE CONSUME CANNABIS TO HELP THEM GET THROUGH THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE IN LIFE.” and Vesely had been working on their pitch long before the commonwealth legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2016, and before it became available for purchase through dispensaries in 2018. The founders asked Wilson to join as part of their application process, and when they got their permit, he was asked to stay on full-time. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, the executives say generating wealth in the community is an important part of Maitri’s vision. Of their 100 investors, about 99% are based in Western Pa. Wilson says their Uniontown location was next to a coffee shop that ended up extending its hours to keep up with increased customer demand because patients who frequented Maitri would often visit before or after their appointments. There was also a summer basketball league in the city, and Maitri was able to sponsor the adult team. Being integrated into the communities they serve is a part of their business model. With hundreds of patients being served daily, Wilson says Maitri is seeing the fruits of its labor. “We try to be really responsible corporate citizens,” Wilson says. Maitri’s efforts to be “responsible corporate citizens” also extends toward their East Liberty location. “A great thing that we do here in Pittsburgh is we work with Bidwell Training Center, and we’ve been able to hire a number of their horticulture graduates to work at our grower facility, which is a half hour outside of Downtown,” Wilson says. In addition to helping the community, he also stresses the dispensary’s responsibilities for its patients, which includes dispelling some myths and misconceptions some people might still have about the marijuana industry. “I think one of the biggest misconceptions is, or has been, that most of our patients that we see, I’d say probably 80% have been consuming cannabis

through the legacy market to help them treat or alleviate symptoms of health conditions they’ve had for long periods or maybe even the majority of their life,” Wilson says. In the marijuana business, the “legacy market” refers to the prelegalization ways that people used to get marijuana. Wilson mentions one patient who was consuming a large amount of their products. “We had some questions as to whether it’s possible for her to be consuming that much cannabis just herself,” he says. It turned out that the patient had a severe case of endometriosis, a painful disorder where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus begins to grow on the outside.

MAITRI MEDICINALS 5845 Centre Ave., East Liberty. maitrimedicinals.com. Follow them @maitrimeds on Instagram and Twitter.

Wilson explains that the idea of people only just now using marijuana to treat physical or emotional disorders isn’t true, adding that cannabis has been used as a treatment for pain for a long time. “Life is challenging and people consume cannabis to help them get through the challenges they face in life,” he says. “As a company, we want to be there for them at the dispensary level, providing them with great selection and service to help them through their journey.” He also negates the idea that it’s too easy to get a medical marijuana card, saying the idea that people are taking advantage of the process is a myth that comes from old attitudes perpetuated by the war on drugs. Maitri’s pharmacists have been working hard in the community to reverse some of this harmful thinking, he says, by showing that cannabis has a long list of beneﬁts.

•

Follow staff writer Dani Janae on Twitter @figwidow

Health. Quality. Comfort.

Your Premier CBD Center for Natural Health Support

4213 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Totalpeaceandwellnesscbd.com PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

“Football” Glass Pipe Etsy artist GlassArtPa has labeled their black-and-gold glass creation as a “Football” pipe, but considering it’s spring, they’d have been more apt to have called it a “Baseball” pipe, as Pirates fans will be more in need of anxiety medication than any other sports fans in the coming months. etsy.com/shop/GlassArtPa

.RETAIL.

“The Food has Weed in It” Oven Mitt You don’t have to smoke pot to enjoy it. This oven mitt is perfect for your favorite cannabis chef. Kards Unlimited. 5522 Walnut St., Shadyside. kardsunlimited.com

LOCAL GIFTS FOR SMOKERS AND TOKERS BY LISA CUNNINGHAM // LCUNNING@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

“Jurassic Spark” Grinder This limited-edition, 4-piece wooden grinder, including a pollen catcher, features artwork by Pittsburgh Instagram artist @singlespirit.art. Curated Flame, 505 Grant Ave., Millvale. curatedﬂamepgh.com

ENNSYLVANIANS CAN STILL technically get jammed up for owning paraphernalia related to marijuana use, but it’s not always heavily enforced, especially in Allegheny County. (Read more about enforcement in our story “Marijuana Misdemeanors.”) And Pennsylvania medical marijuana users are technically not allowed to smoke the dry leaf they order, either; legally, it’s available for vaporization only. With that in mind, use the following gift guide recommendations at your own discretion. But also remember that purchasing CBD ﬂower is legal and can also be smoked, and glass pipes make pretty artwork too. ;)

I Might Be High mug High on life? High on caffeine? Or is this 16 oz. mug, perhaps, the perfect gift to give to a friend who just got their medical marijuana card? The Andy Warhol Museum Shop. stores.carnegiemuseums.org

Rachel Waterpipe This super cute pink porcelain bud vase is living a double life as both a vessel of beautiful paper rosebuds and the dantiest bong we’ve ever seen. Hippie & French. 5122 Butler St., Lawrenceville. hippieandfrench.com

Home is Where tthe Weed is Keychain Home is where the weed should be, whether you’re a recreational or medical user. And if you have a medical marijuana card, don’t forget to keep your product sealed in the original packaging when transporting. Carry this rad retro keychain as a reminder! Wildcard, 4209 Butler St., Lawrenceville. wildcardpgh.com

Don’t have your medical marijuana card yet, and don’t want to try the illegal stuff? Here are two local spots where you can legally order THC-free dry flower: Sour G CBG Flower “The Champagne of Cannabis,” a sativa-dominant hybrid, Pa.-grown hemp ﬂower. Comes in a .25 oz. bag. pennschoice.com

CBD Hemp Flower This CBD hemp strain is meant to provide a “chill factor.” Comes in a 3.5 gram jar. Total Peace and Wellness. 4213 Butler St., Lawrenceville. totalpeaceandwellnesscbd.com

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

Created from a conversation with Markita Wilburn, your friendly pharmacy manager at Maitri Medicinals

BY ABBIE ADAMS // ABBIEADAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM This will help your medical marijuana pharmacist figure out exactly what is bothering you and start formulating a treatment plan.

OK, first up ... what symptoms are you experiencing? chronic pain

There are 23 qualifying conditions in the state of PA, but each of those has various symptoms like: muscle spasms

nausea

headaches

stress

heightened anxiety

tremors insomnia

seizures

inflammation appetite loss

What form of consumption sounds good to you? Vaporization This can include things like: dry flower cartridges disposable pens concentrates

Infused edibles This could be: tinctures capsules RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) distillates

Topical This can include: lotions creams salves

It can actually be beneficial for some people to use multiple forms of marijuana, so you might try a few.

What cannabinoid is going to work best for you? THC • Produces a psychoactive effect — a high or sense of euphoria • You might feel it in your head more. • It can be good for things like pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, low appetite, nausea, and anxiety.

compounds found in cannabis

Here are where ratios come into play. There are products with both THC and CBD. Once you understand how each cannabinoid affects your symptoms, you can start to adjust the ratios as needed.

CBD • Does not produce a psychoactive effect • You might feel relaxed in your mind and body. • It can be good for things like seizures, inflammation, pain, IBS, stress, migraines, anxiety, or depression.

How quickly and for how long do you need relief? You might have both a daytime and nighttime regimen to provide different kinds of relief at different times throughout the day.

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ASAP!

Something longer lasting

Actually, I have localized pain

Try vaporization The effects can be felt quickly — generally, it lasts for a shorter amount of time so you can use it intermittently throughout the day or with different forms of medical marijuana.

Try infused edibles The effects can last longer, and because you know exactly how much you are taking, you can feel more in control while medicating.

Try topicals Topicals provide quick and long-lasting localized relief — Because they are absorbed through the skin but don’t enter into your bloodstream, they generally have little to no psychoactive effects. Everyone is different, and everyone’s treatment plan is different. Have a conversation with your local medical marijuana pharmacist to create a plan specific to you!

LIGHT QUARANTINE READING? WE DELIVER TO YOUR MAILBOX 6 weeks for $32 6 months for $150 1 year for $250 VISIT WWW.PGHCITYPAPERSTORE.COM TO SUBSCRIBE

MEDICAL MARIJUANA CERTIFICATION MEDICAL CBD PRODUCTS

PENN’S CHOICE is Quickly Becoming the Local Choice for All Things CBD

f you drive down Gibson Road in October, you might think you’ve been transported to Humboldt County, but no, the Gibson family hemp farm is about as local as it gets. Nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Butler County, their 200-acre farm is filled with the purples and greens of their various CBD and CBG hemp strains of all terpene profiles and phenotypes. It’s the home of their aptly named hemp farm and brand, PENN’S CHOICE, and it’s a pretty magical place, especially if you’re a cannaisseur. Neither the name, the location, nor the crop are accidents. Many people might be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania has a long tradition of hemp cultivation dating all the way back to when the state was first founded. In fact, hemp was even recognized as valid currency in the Commonwealth’s early years. PENN’S CHOICE, the family-owned company, seeks to not just continue but to build on that tradition. “We’re putting PA on the map for premium quality hemp. People tend to think of California or Colorado, but hemp doesn’t actually grow naturally in those states. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has the perfect climate and the history to prove it,” said Steve Gibson, Co-Owner and CEO of PENN’S CHOICE. Joe Gibson, fellow Co-Owner and CGO, or Chief Growing Officer added, “Our farm has been in our family for generations, and so we’ve been tilling this land for two hundred plus years. We know it like the back of our hand, and we knew that with our passion for cannabis and our experience, that we could leave the land better than we found it as well as grow something really special for our neighbors and the Pittsburgh community.” For PENN’S CHOICE, cultivation is just one piece of the puzzle. In a time when it seems like everyone is starting a CBD brand, from Martha Stewart to that old buddy from high school, PENN’S CHOICE could’ve stuck to farming and sold their product off to another company to white label. Instead, they chose to be fully seed-to-sale, which means they grow, process, produce, and sell all their own products, and they do so locally. Both their farm and their headquarters, which houses production and shipping, are located in North-

ern Butler County, just a stone’s throw from Pittsburgh. “There’s not always a lot of transparency in the CBD industry. People don’t always know where it’s actually grown or how its processed, and so for us, it was incredibly important to do it all ourselves from start to finish and to do it right here in Western PA,” Steve Gibson said. Rebecca Zaccard, Co-owner and COO added, “It’s a heck of a lot of work, but it’s absolutely worth it. Especially when we get a call from someone who just tried one of our products, and they tell us that they finally slept through the night or that they have real relief from pain…it reminds us that we’re doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing.” Speaking of their products, PENN’S CHOICE offers a range of hemp products that seek to calm your mind, relax your body, and ease your pain. They specialize in craft CBD and CBG Flower, of which they currently offer 5 different strains from the 2020 grow season, ranging in terpene profiles and effects. They also offer each of their strains as their signature SELFIES, a tin of three mini pre-rolls, which are a crowd favorite. Lastly, they offer full spectrum CBD products that they make by hand in small batches, including CBD Bath Bombs, CBD Salves, and CBD Oils. You can purchase their entire product line at www.pennschoice.com, as well as at several local retailers and farmers markets. For a full list of locations, check here. Once there, you can also sign up for their email list to receive exclusive discounts and updates on new releases, new retail locations, and events. There’s even talk of farm tours in the upcoming season, and so if you’re an email subscriber, you’ll have first access. Maybe by this coming October, you won’t have to imagine the rolling Western Pennsylvanian hills filled with hemp, instead you’ll be frolicking in them yourself. To follow along on their journey and to get all that farm content, follow PENN’S CHOICE on Instagram and Facebook. PENN’S CHOICE brings you a little education and a lot of levity as they take you behind the scenes on the farm, in the office, and around the community.

Greenleaf Compassion

Mention this ad during April and patients seeking initial medical marijuana evaluations will be charged a reduced fee of $150 while patients seeking renewals will be charged a reduced fee of $100. Assistance in ﬁling registration with PA Dept of Health is also available.

Dr. Vera Sherman 330 E 8th Ave., Homestead, PA 15120

Greenleaf Compassion also carries a variety of medical

412-462-6001 GreenleafCompassion.org

Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on CBD products throughout April.

CBD products that may provide relief for many conditions.

Explore cannabis as a support for what ails you. Become a medical cannabis patient. We provide low-cost certifications and expert assistance, over the phone. $125 - New Cannabis Card Certification $75 - Card Recertification $75 - New Certification for Veterans/SSI/Disability

www.herbalcarerx.com • 215-554-4044 • HELP@HERBALCARERX.COM PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

.ART.

PHOTO: CHRONIC CHAIN

Earrings by Chronic Chain

DOPE ART

Find weed-themed art, clothing, jewelry, and more from these Pittsburgh artists BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ECREATIONAL MARIJUANA ISN’T LEGAL yet

in Pennsylvania, but there’s no law against freely making and buying weed-themed art and apparel. Pittsburgh City Paper found some local artists who integrate marijuana imagery and themes in their work, as well as a smoke shop setting its brand apart with custom-designed merchandise. Check out this list for items to wear, use, or hang in your home, from fun jewelry to BIC lighters with ﬂair.

Leaf earrings by Chronic Chain Local jeweler and artist Maggie Cirillo of Chronic Chain makes a line of earrings — many of which integrate her signature chainmail — featuring lightweight resin weed leaves in a variety of bright colors and styles. Customers can choose from single-leaf weed danglers or three-leaf drop earrings. Complement them with one of Cirillo’s heart-shaped ashtrays that pop with suspended rainbow sprinkles, dried ﬂowers, glitter, and other materials. chronicchain.bigcartel.com

Lighters and trays by DeMussi Designs Those who like their smoking accessories with a generous hit of pop culture should check out DeMussi Designs. Proprietor Chelsey DeMussi has a line of custom BIC lighters wrapped in collages of bud-drenched backgrounds with characters from popular animated series, comics, movies, and more. Many of DeMussi’s items are one-of-a-kind, including rolling trays, so make sure to follow along on Instagram for updates on the latest designs. etsy.com/shop/DeMussiDesigns and instagram.com/ demussidesigns

PHOTO: DEMUSSI DESIGNS

Bob’s Burgers rolling tray by DeMussi Designs

Stickers by Jerome “Chu” Charles Famed local grafﬁti artist Jerome “Chu” Charles has a few items that combine his tag with cartoony, weed-inspired imagery. Spice up your laptop with stickers of TamagotChu, a play on the 1990s digital pocket pet sensation that shows a tiny character with its own tiny bong. jeromec.squarespace.com/store

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PHOTO: JEROME “CHU” CHARLES

TamagotChu

PHOTO: CURATED FLAME

Nun sweatshirt at Curated Flame, design by Maria Coughanour

Branded merch at Curated Flame Curated Flame owner Anthony “Mo” Rabinovitz set out to open a shop selling everything a smoker could possibly need, ranging from artful pipes to fun snacks, as well as CBD and Kratom. That effort also extends to making and selling creative, custom branded merchandise featuring special designs. Since its opening in July 2020, Curated Flame has sold limited-edition sweatshirts and hats featuring a smoking nun — created in partnership with Maria Coughanour of Ethereal Studio — and stickers by Kira Hovanec — most notable for the @celebfoodiesonthebreadcarpet Instagram account where she posts punny drawings combining celebrities and food. An irreverent Bong Dxck Energy/Statue of David sticker, conceived with Curated Flame’s in-house artist Single Spirit, reimagines Michelangelo’s famous sculpture holding a joint, with his private parts replaced by a bong. Rabinovitz has also worked with tattoo artist L. Hammel, aka Math Goth,multimedia artist Darrien Burke, and others. “I am constantly on the pursuit for artists who I can work with to make weed-themed art,” says Rabinovitz. 505 Grant Ave., Millvale. curatedﬂamepgh.com

PHOTO: MAD RABBIT LAB

“Tri-Terpentops” woodcut by Mad Rabbit Lab

Woodcuts by Mad Rabbit Lab Christian “Rabbit” Miller of Mad Rabbit Lab is an illustrator, painter, muralist, and printmaker. He also uses his talents to turn out painted woodcuts for people looking for playful weed art. His Dinostoner series has depicted dinosaurs taking bong hits or enjoying a joint, with humorous titles like “Tri-Terpentops,” “Dabosaurus,” or “Rolling Raptor.” The holidays look a lot more chill with the Halloweenthemed “Frankenbong,” or buds standing in for Christmas trees with colorful festive lights and stars. Rabbit says he takes commissions for anyone interested in owning their very own Dinostoner or holiday piece. instagram.com/mad_rabbit_lab

•

Follow senior writer Amanda Waltz on Twitter @AWaltzCP

Check the following list of qualifying conditions to find out if you qualify:

GET YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD FROM HOME!

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Anxiety

• Intractable Seizures

• Autism

• Migraines

• Cancer/Remission Therapy

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Chronic or intractable pain

• Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease

• Crohn’s Disease

• Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brainspinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies • Dyskinetic and Spastic Movement Disorder

• Neuropathies • Opioid abuse disorder • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Sickle Cell Anemia • Terminal Illness • Tourette Syndrome

• Epilepsy • Glaucoma • HIV/AIDs

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

CANNABIS CANINES BY LISA CUNNINGHAM LCUNNING@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

CBD-infused peanut butter for dogs

We can’t let cats have all the fun. These local stores offer CBD products for hyperactive pups in need of some chillout time.

ZEN DOG PUMPKIN DOG TREATS These organic, gluten- and grain-free biscuits contain a list of ingredients, including pumpkin, molasses, oats, and 4 milligrams of CBD with the goal of helping dogs with “pain, anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, and immune function.” Available at Total Peace and Wellness, 4213 Butler St., Lawrenceville. totalpeaceandwellnesscbd.com CP PHOTO: KIMBERLY ROONEY 냖㵸蔻

Toaster trying to open the SunMed Cat Snacks container after eating four of them.

BROAD SPECTRUM HEMP OIL “We tried an expensive prescription separation anxiety medication, but the results were just fair. We switched to LabNaturals CBD, and it has made a world of difference!” This dog owner’s testimonial is referring to products like LabNaturals’ CBD pet tinctures — available in 50 and 250 milligrams, depending on the animals’ weight — meant to calm anxiety. Available at Murray Avenue Apothecary, 4227 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. labnaturalscbd.com

CBD-INFUSED PEANUT BUTTER FOR DOGS This peanut butter was developed by a veterinarian and contains three ingredients, including dry roasted peanuts and 10 milligrams of CBD per tablespoon. There are 16 ounces per container. Add it to your dog’s food, or serve as a treat. Available at Pittsburgh House of Oils, 559 Beaver St., Sewickley. pittsburghouseofoils

CBD PET SPRAY This 1 ounce container of Nature’s Best CBD Pet Spray has a pump cap, which makes it easier to apply to your dog while outdoors in “high-stress situations like street fairs or dog parks,” according to the description. Available at Simply CBD Pittsburgh. simplycbdpittsburgh.com •

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

.REVIEW.

FELINE IT

Some Pittsburgh-made CBD products to enjoy with your cat BY KIMBERLY ROONEY 냖㵸蔻 // KIMROONEY@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Y CAT TOASTER is a little more than 10 months old. A grey tabby with white on his belly, chest, and all four paws, he’s the largest of his litter, weighing in at about 13 pounds depending on the day. He is spoiled, loves screaming at me, and enjoys playing with plastic forks and spoons. Naturally, he was eager to try several CBD products made speciﬁcally for cats, but I wasn’t going to let him have all the fun. Neither of us have tried CBD before, so together, we tried ﬁve products, two pet products and three for humans, from local shops Hippie & French and the Bellevue location of Your CBD Store.

Smokin’ Salmon tincture, Hippie & French This pet CBD tincture has an easy-touse design. It comes with a 1 milliliter dropper, with each milliliter containing

10 milligrams of CBD. Markings down the side of the dropper make it relatively easy to determine the dosage. The entire 300 milligram bottle contains 30 servings of 10 mg each, although I decided to start Toaster off slow with .25 mL, or 2.5 mg of CBD. Toaster unfortunately was not fond of the taste. I ﬁrst tried administering the tincture directly into his mouth, only for him to spit it back up. I also coated several salmon-ﬂavored treats with the tincture to see if he would be more willing to ingest it that way. He sniffed but did not taste, leaving me unable to fully observe anything other than Toaster’s picky palate.

SunMed Hemp Broad Spectrum Vegan Gummy Bears, Your CBD Store Clear labeling was a relief for these fruit-flavored, sugar-coated gummies.

The ﬂavor was sweet, slightly sour, and just different enough from regular gummies that you would notice. When purchasing the gummies, there are options for dosage (5 mg or 10 mg) as well as the number of gummies per package. Per a friend’s suggestion, I only had one, which, according to the packaging, contained 5 mg of CBD. While I did not feel a strong effect, I noticed a slight decrease in neck pain and stiffness, along with a slight mellowness and calm throughout the evening.

Moksha 50% Criollo Milk Chocolate, Hippie & French The next product was also for humans, and while it was labeled milk chocolate, it had a slight bitterness that made it taste closer to dark chocolate. The entire chocolate contains 20 mg of CBD, but it’s made to be broken into fourths.

HIPPIE & FRENCH 5122 Butler St, Lawrenceville. hippieandfrench.com

YOUR CBD STORE 512 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. cbdrx4u.com/find-us/pennsylvania/bellevue

I started with a fourth, and after an hour, decided to eat the rest since I wasn’t feeling anything. After another hour, I became slightly more aware of my arms. Thoughts such as “wow, those are my arms” ﬂoated through my head unbidden, but otherwise, I felt slight alleviation from my chronic neck pain.

SunMed Cat Snacks, Your CBD Store Toaster was a huge fan of the SunMed cat snacks. The label says there are 5 mg per treat and recommends 10 treats for a 10-12 pound cat, but, concerned about giving Toaster too much, I gave him four treats to start. He scarfed them down, and 20 minutes later, he was perched by the windowsill, ears twitching and nose constantly snifﬁng. Catnip makes Toaster more playful and energetic, and the CBD cat treats made him roam around the apartment, but it wasn’t to play with a new toy. Instead, he was on the prowl for a new lounging spot. His eyes seemed wider than usual for the duration of the effects, making him look like he was realizing things all afternoon. He screamed much less than the average afternoon, was

more accepting of cuddles, and simply hung out in close proximity to me more than usual as I worked.

Seventh Hill: Unwind Vegan Caramel, Hippie & French A day after trying the chocolate with only slight effects, I ate half of the caramel, containing 20 mg of CBD and 10 mg of Delta-9 THC, according to the label. After about half an hour of not feeling an effect, I ate the other half. Then it hit … and it was six hours later. More than the other products, the caramel had some unclear labeling. When I double-checked the label, I discovered that the inside of the caramel label listed its nutritional values at two servings per caramel. The dosage information, however, was outside of the nutritional facts box, leaving it slightly ambiguous just how much was in the caramel. Like the other Hippie & French products, there was a QR code on the label linking to a third-party lab report, but as a CBD newbie, I wasn’t quite sure what each number meant. Still, had I not been in the middle of the workday, and wanted to feel out of sync with myself, this caramel would have achieved its purpose.

•

Follow staff writer Kimberly Rooney 냖㵸蔻 on Twitter @kimlypso

Obtaining A Medical Marijuana Card with Herbal Care Rx erbal Care Rx can provide low cost certifications over the phone for those who want to get their medical marijuana cards, as well as low cost recertifications, also over the phone. Our fees are the lowest in the state. Certification for a new patient card is $125 (with an additional discount for Veterans/SSI/Disability to $75 for a new card) and recertifications are $75. All of this is performed over the phone, with compassionate, friendly support from the scheduling team, and a kind doctor, Dr Rebecca Maury, who is easy to talk to and makes this important process easy.

How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania There are a couple of keys to obtaining a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. The steps are as follows: 1. Visit the Patients and Caregivers Registry and create a patient proﬁle in the Department of Health’s patient and caregiver registry (we can assist with this step if needed) 2. Obtain a physician’s certiﬁcation by speaking on the phone with Dr Maury at Herbal Care Rx 3. Return to the Patient and Caregivers Registry and pay the $50 fee for your medical marijuana ID card. 4. Await the arrival of the card in the mail, usually about 2 weeks.

5. Once you have the card in hand, you can visit any dispensary in the state of Pennsylvania. 6. Card renewal is required by the Department of Health every 12 months.

How Can Herbal Care Rx Help Herbal Care Rx believes that cannabis is medicine, and their mission is to help as many people have access to this medicine as possible. Founded in 2018, Herbal Care Rx has been one of the leaders in affordable and compassionate certifications since the beginning of our state cannabis program. Cost should not prohibit people from gaining access to this medicine, so Herbal Care Rx always maintains the lowest possible cost for their patients. For new patients, this is $125, while it is $75 for new certifications for veterans, or those on SSI/Disability. It is also only $75 for all renewals. In a continued effort to be at the forefront of customer care, Herbal Care Rx also is able to schedule all consultation appointments over the phone, so you can start the process towards certification right from home. Dr. Rebecca Maury has been a practicing physician for close to 20 years, and has an extensive knowledge of cannabis and the therapeutic potential that it has. Go to herbalcarerx.com, or reach us at (215) 554-4044, and get started on getting the relief you’re looking for.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

.MUSIC.

HIGH TUNES AND CHILL TRACKS Soulshowmike’s Album Picks BY MIKE CANTON CPCONTRIBUTORS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

N ADDITION TO covering the usual emergent album of note in this month’s installment, I’m joining in on the fun for this week’s Pittsburgh City Paper Marijuana Issue. Editor Lisa asked nicely, and what came to mind right away was something Neil Young said in his memoir. His songwriting suffered terribly after abstaining from marijuana — a shame, indeed, for one of his generation’s proliﬁc composers. It’s a good time to reﬂect on his heyday, and it makes sense for The Soul Show’s host to do this in the context of R&B.

Get out your buds, launch your favorite music service, and check these out these Young covers: “Southern Man” by Merry Clayton. She’s best known for the haunting vocals on the Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” An extended and live “Down By The River” by Buddy Miles of Hendrix and Band of Gypsys.

“Ohio/Machine Gun,” either from the Isley Brothers’ Givin’ It Back (1971) or their Live release of the following year. The medley is mostly Young’s Kent State opus, with hints of “Machine Gun” by Band of Gypsys. With only a little bit of space left for this month, I’ll quickly rave about the debut album Irene by Melbourne

trio Izy (eye-zee). It’s a total chill listen, sparsely arranged and with beautiful vocals. The opening track, “Moon,” has a halting beat reminiscent of country people Hiatus Kaiyote, but then Izy goes its own way. Highly recommended, and already on my ballot for Top Ten 2021 consideration. Listen at izymusic.bandcamp.com/ album/irene.

•

Mike Canton is the longtime host and producer of The Soul Show on WYEP 91.3FM. He recently launched a syndicated edition of the program, now airing in four markets. Both are produced in his Electric Basement Studios. Canton is also a Pittsburgh-area voice artist.

GET YOUR MOOD ELEVATED AT

Get 15% off your online order using CITYPAPER or visit us at 559 Beaver Street

Stock up on the best CBD, Delta 8 and s u p p l e m e n t p r o d u c t s i n We s t e r n PA !

in Sewickley and mention this ad. Expires on 4/30/21

559 Beaver Street, Sewickley PA 15143 • 412-259-8763 • www.pittsburghhouseofoils.com • 28

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

@ pghhouseofoils

MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 8 P.M. SUNDAY 12 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Solevo Wellness Offers Personalized Treatments for Anxiety | Medical Marijuana for Anxiety

ear and anxiety are adaptive responses essential to coping with threats to survival. Certain anxiety disorders may have unique symptoms, but they all have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. Trauma, excess stress, genetics, medical problems, comorbid mental illnesses, and even drug and alcohol use are some common factors behind the development of anxiety disorders. In July 2019, anxiety disorders were approved conditions for medical marijuana use in the state of Pennsylvania. The cannabis compound known as cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to offer substantial benefits for people suffering from a variety of anxiety disorders. Not only does research and evidence suggest that CBD counteracts THC’s adverse effects, but accumulating evidence from human experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies suggests CBD has powerful anti-anxiety properties. When administered acutely (“as needed”), medical marijuana and anxiety (namely, CBD) has shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and may be beneficial to treat and improve a number of anxiety-related disorders. This is where Solevo Wellness can help. Solevo Wellness is a medical marijuana dispensary based in Pittsburgh that is dedicated to providing medical marijuana solutions for Pennsylvanians certified with serious medical conditions approved by the PA Department of Health, including anxiety. They currently have 3 convenient locations in Squirrel Hill, Cranberry Twp., and Washington, PA. Anxiety can be very difficult to deal with. Regardless of the severity of the case, an anxiety disorder makes usually simple activities feel like insurmountable tasks. People who suffer from anxiety typically experience both emotional and even physical symptoms including feelings of apprehension or dread, feeling tense or jumpy, pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath to name a few. There are many types of anxiety disorders, and each may have different symptoms. Symptoms

arising from excessive fear and anxiety occur in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder (PD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), phobias, and more. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States. It has been shown that marijuana, specifically CBD-dominant strains, can offer temporary relief for anxiety. Solevo Wellness offers many different CBD-dominate strains, THC-dominant strains and even strains with a balanced cannabinoid and terpene profile so that you, with guidance from your pharmacist or PCC, can select a strain that is best for you. The relief Solevo Wellness can offer doesn’t stop there. They also offer a broad range of medicine for chronic pain, PTSD, terminal illnesses, and more. In total, there are 23 conditions that, according to The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, allows PA residents to obtain medical marijuana. Solevo Wellness partners with local Physicians for certifications and recertifications via telehealth and offers guidance and support to their patients throughout the whole process to obtain medical marijuana. Solevo Wellness even offers each New Patient a 10% discount on their entire order during their first and second visit. There are other ways to stay up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, events, and promotions from Solevo Wellness as well. When you sign up for their Newsletter, you can receive these important updates right to your inbox. Nothing is more important to Solevo Wellness than your health. They have options available to purchase medical marijuana online for patients who register with their Online Reserve system. As always, PA Medical Marijuana cardholders, including first-time patients, may walk in at any Solevo Wellness location without an appointment. Be sure to follow Solevo Wellness on Instagram at @Solevo.Wellness and on Facebook.

For all of your ! wellness needs FREE

15%

OpuFrcF hase!

any

30ML OF HOUSE JUIC E with $10 purchase! with this ad !

! with this ad

3 LOCATIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: 7206 McKnight Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412)358-0200

20232 Route 19 Cranberry, Pa 16066 (724)779-2040

4960 Route 8 Allison Park, Pa 15101 (724)939-3275

WWW.COOLVAPES.COM PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ASHLEY BIANCA CORTS

Ashley Bianca Corts

.RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.

HAPPY TRAILS BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

SHLEY BIANCA CORTS is best known for Black Forge Coffee, her metal-themed coffee shops located in Allentown and McKees Rocks, but now she is expanding her expertise to weed. In January 2021, her business went mobile when she kicked off a nationwide Save Our Stages tour, focused on raising money for music venues struggling due to the pandemic. While on the road, she found another calling: reviewing different kinds of marijuana products and dispensaries as The Traveling Bud. Back in Pittsburgh, Corts put that expertise into her business, releasing a Black Forge “Wake & Bake” box a few weeks ahead of 420. Each box contains cannabis-themed products including a custom coffee, tea, and various handcrafted, locally made marijuana paraphernalia. The shop is also selling a limited-edition Wake & Bake T-shirt,

featuring a colorful stoner illustration by Pittsburgh artist Peter J. Larkin III, with “Sip It & Rip It” written on the back. Since starting The Traveling Bud website in March, she has reviewed 10 stops in cities where recreational marijuana is legal. Right now, reviews are available on her Instagram and TikTok account under @ladylightbearer, and she plans on releasing a Traveling Bud website in June 2021. Corts spoke with Pittsburgh City Paper about going from coffee to chronic.

with people. … Marijuana smoking is rather communal. I have met my bestest of friends over a toke, and I wanted to continue that community virtually with others who may be searching for the perfect dispensary and product while they are on the road or visiting a new city. I started writing down my dispensary stops and bought myself a legit marijuana review book so I could keep track of all the things I tried. … My goal overall with The Traveling Bud is to inspire others to get out there and live their best lives.

CITY PAPER: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START THE TRAVELING BUD?

CP: WHAT’S THE MOST UNIQUE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD SO FAR? IS THERE A PARTICULAR PRODUCT OR SHOP THAT STANDS OUT?

ASHLEY BIANCA CORTS: While on tour on my days off, I ﬁnd that there’s nothing better than climbing a mountain, soaking in a hot spring, or hiking around in the desert enjoying a joint, and all I wanted to do is share these special experiences

CORTS: Experience starts with the person who helps you ﬁnd what you need from the dispensary, the Bud Tender. The best Bud Tender I have ever

had the honor of getting serviced by was at a wonderful dispensary called The Lighthouse in Coachella, Calif. Often I find that the general vibe is to be rushed through some of these dispensaries across the U.S. This place took their time and made sure I understood everything I was buying and answered all of my questions, even with COVID restrictions. The place was large and full of so many goodies to pick from with an inviting atmosphere. I felt really happy and excited to be there, like when I was a kid in the toy store. CP: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS? CORTS: The first thing I ask for from the Bud Tender is, what is the best pre-roll option and deal. ... When I am not puffing on a pre-roll, I am enjoying my P u f f c o P lu s P o r t a b l e O i l Va p e CONTINUES ON PG. 32

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Live by your own rules. :LWK ;ϙ QLW\ 0RELOH \RX PDNH WKH UXOHV (QMR\ WKH EHVW FRYHUDJH PRUH ϗ H[LEOH GDWD DQG DZHVRPH VDYLQJV $OO RQ WKH PRVW UHOLDEOH QHWZRUN DQG VDYH KXQGUHGV RQ \RXU ZLUHOHVV ELOO 3OXV ;ϙ QLW\ [)L JLYHV \RX WKH VSHHG FRYHUDJH VHFXULW\ DQG FRQWURO \RX QHHG IRU WKH XOWLPDWH LQ KRPH :L)L 1RZ WKDWǺV simple, easy, awesome.

&DOO [ϙ QLW\ JR WR [ϙ QLW\ FRP RU YLVLW \RXU ORFDO ;ϙ QLW\ 6WRUH WRGD\ Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Mobile: Ŝ +&16 , &)" /".2&/"0 /"0&!"+1& ) -,01W- 6 Ŝ +&16 +1"/+"1C &+" )&*&1 1&,+0 3 /6C ,/ Ŝ +&16 , &)" /, ! +! &0 ),02/"0D 3&0&1 5Ŝ +&16C ,*c*, &)"c-,)& &"0c /, ! +!W!&0 ),02/"0C Ŝ +&16 , &)" 21&)&7"0 1%" %&$%"01 / +("! +"14,/( #/,* ,,1 "1/& 0k ; ;9;9 /"-,/1C & & +"14,/(0 +,1 1"01"!C "02)10 * 6 3 /6C 4 /! &0 +,1 "+!,/0"*"+1C Internet: 12 ) 0-""!0 3 /6 +! /" +,1 $2 / +1""!C ,/ # 1,/0 Ş " 1&+$ 0-""! 3&0&1 5Ŝ +&16C ,*c+"14,/(* + $"*"+1C Ŝ +&16 5 & &0 3 &) )" 1, Ŝ +&16 +1"/+"1 0"/3& " 201,*"/0 4&1% ,*- 1& )" Ŝ +&16 1"4 6C )) #,/ /"01/& 1&,+0 +! ,*-)"1" !"1 &)0C g ;9;: ,* 01C )) /&$%10 /"0"/3"!C +!&3&!2 ) -/,$/ *0 +! * /(0 /" -/,-"/16 ,# 1%"&/ /"0-" 1&3" ,4+"/0C ;<<<?9W999= ; 5 & ?

140021_NPA233360-0004 Own Rules ad 9.25x9.75 V6.indd 1

3/17/21 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

4:39 PM

HAPPY TRAILS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 30

Socially-distancing herself but still broadcasting LIVE Every Monday thru Thursday at 10 a.m. Listen in at lynncullen.pghcitypaper.com

and the Puffco Peak Smart Rig. I recently started exploring the world of concentrates. These items are what’s up when you wanna get ripped with your favorite concentrate. My favorite product is by Harmony Extracts THCa Crystals ISO. It is a concentrate additive. I like the extra zing it adds to the ritual of smoking. CP: WHAT ARE YOUR PREFERENCES WHEN IT COMES TO MARIJUANA? ARE YOU MORE DRAWN TO INDICA, SATIVA, OR HYBRIDS? DO YOU PREFER TO SMOKE OR TAKE EDIBLES? CORTS: I like it all, honestly. I am not one to turn down any marijuana. All in all, if I had to pick, I would say I’m an Indica ﬂower girl at heart. Indicas help me fully get in my relax zone and allow me to use my mind to be more creative. All of my best ideas are #highdeas. CP: BASED ON YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR, DO YOU THINK MARIJUANA TOURISM IS A VIABLE INDUSTRY? HOW COULD PENNSYLVANIA, AND PITTSBURGH SPECIFICALLY, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT IF AND WHEN IT LEGALIZES MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL USE? CORTS: It is a viable industry. People will spend their money no problem on marijuana — I see this everywhere I have been. The idea of having access to a more natural drug to help the community instead of medicating people with addictive pills alone is a good reason to be legal. It provides more jobs to the community as well. For instance, Colorado used some of their tax money

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

THE TRAVELING BUD @ladylightbearer on Instagram and TikTok

BLACK FORGE COFFEE blackforgecoffee.com

to provide a day center for the homeless and also funded scholarships for underprivileged students. Imagine if they used all the tax money to help the homeless, fix our streets, and better our school systems? CP: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO DO SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE TRAVELING BUD OR, AT THE VERY LEAST, EXPLORE OPTIONS IN CITIES WHERE RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IS LEGAL? CORTS: First things first, always ask a local. Locals will know where the small business shops are. Often you’ll find statewide commercial chains, don’t get me wrong, I’ve stopped at those, too. I try to support locals first if I can. I find when I travel, I am often googling places to eat food on the road. Finding bud shops online is quite easy these days, as easy as finding a restaurant. There is a wonderful app online called Leafly. This app will provide dispensaries nearby based on my location or you can search a city ahead of time. It’s a well-organized app that can provide you with information on the products and deals the shops have. Always remember to tip your Bud Tender.

•

Req's separate subscription/login for HBO Max,

SAY HELLO TO Watch your favorite entertainment in one place. Plus,

CHOICE™ PACKAGE

99 MO.

For 12 mos. plus taxes & Regional Sports Fee.

included for a year.

• Stream on your phone, tablet and TV - anytime, anywhere. Available only in the U.S. (excl. Puerto Rico & U.S.V.I.). Req’s compatible device & data connection. Limited to 3 concurrent streams.

• Access HBO Max, Netflix and more on Google Play. Req's separate subscription/login for HBO Max, Netflix. Google login required. Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

HBO Max Offer: Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on AT&T TV. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. AT&T TV: *$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE ($15/MO.) FOR TV FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. CHOICE AT&T TV Pkg. 1 AT&T TV device included for well-qualified customers; otherwise $120. New residential customers only, excluding DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers. Restr’s apply.

Get AT&T TV Today!

1-877-350-1003 AT&T TV: AT&T TV requires high speed internet. Recommend minimum 24 Mbps for optimal viewing (min 8 Mbps per stream). Limit 3 concurrent AT&T streams. CHOICE: Ends 1/16/21. 1st & 2nd year Pricing: $64.99 for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies $110/mo. for CHOICE Pkg, unless cancelled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Includes: CHOICE Pkg. Req’s 1 AT&T TV device, included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120. Add’l devices avail for $120 each or on installment; non-qualified customers must purchase additional devices up front. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Regional Sports Fee of up to $8.49/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and higher Pkgs), and certain other add’l fees & charges. AT&T TV: Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions. Avail. in the U.S. only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). AT&T TV service will continue monthly at the prevailing rate charged to your payment method on file, unless you cancel, subject to any early termination fees. If you cancel in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included AT&T TV device within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Additional devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Compatible device req’d. Residential customers only. Pricing, channels, features, and terms subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. GENERAL: Limit 3 concurrent streams per account. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Taxes may apply. See your Order Confirmation email and att.com/legal/att-tv.html for more details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is requiredfor viewing on mobile devices. HBO Max is used under license. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all offers. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marksare the property of their respective owners.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH

PHOTO: DAVID BACHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; COSTUME DESIGN: KAREN J. GILMER

^ Charlie Parker (Martin Bakari) and Dizzy Gillespie (Yazid Gray) in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird livestream with Pittsburgh Opera

THU., APRIL 15 LIT • VIRTUAL Nobel Prize and Booker Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro is joining Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures’ New & Noted series to discuss his latest book Klara and the Sun, in conversation with Madeline Miller, author of The Song of Achilles and Circe. Ishiguro’s eighth novel is a dystopian science fiction story about an Artificial Friend who longs for a customer to choose her. Like other works by Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun investigates a fundamental question: this time, what it means to love. 7 p.m. Available online for one week. $36. Includes a hardcover copy of Klara and the Sun shipped to your home. pittsburghlectures.org

FRI., APRIL 16 MUSIC • VIRTUAL The Pittsburgh Opera presents a free livestream performance of Yardbird, a story about jazz icon Charlie “Yardbird”

Parker’s life, music, and relationships. Directed by acclaimed theater veteran Tomé Cousin, the opera revisits the saxophonist’s past through the ghost of Parker on a journey to complete his final masterpiece by “calming his demons” before his body is discovered. Available on both the Opera’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. 7:30 p.m. Free. pittsburghopera.org

WORKSHOP • VIRTUAL Get the tools to create the sexiest most artful selfies during Naughty Nudes & Thirsty Traps: A Selfie Science Workshop. Hosted by Kelly Strayhorn Theater, the event invites anyone to come and learn how to style, filter, and shoot the most enticing photos with artists Lena Chen, Maggie Oates, and Goofy Toof. Chen and Oates are currently part of KST’s Freshworks creative residency working on OnlyBans, a game exploring the policing of sex workers and marginalized bodies on the Internet. The workshop will take place over Zoom. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Pay what makes you happy. kelly-strayhorn.org/events

SAT., APRIL 17 ART • IRL Grab some rad art and a beer at Roadkill Gallery and Evolve Coaching’s SEE US art pop-up at Hop Farm Brewery, featuring over 20 neurodivergent artists in honor of World Autism Month. Spearheaded by local autistic artist A.drift Arguello, the exhibit gives the opportunity for neurodivergent artists to be showcased, supported, and promoted as they often struggle to feel seen and heard. COVID precautions will be in place, artwork will be available for sale, and there will be a live demo from Society for Contemporary Craft artist, The Kreepy Doll Factory. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 5601 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. roadkillgallery.org/seeus

ART • IRL Zynka Gallery’s newest exhibit explores the theme of hard work in sculptor Ed Parrish Jr. and painter Jack Taylor’s Labour of Love, featuring artwork that “honors the tools, products/by products, and kitsch created by working hands.” COVID precautions

will be in place, and opportunities to meet the artists will be available during opening weekend. Timed appointments 12-7 p.m. Opening weekend continues 12-5 p.m. Sun., April 18. Exhibit continues through May 30. 904 Main St., Sharpsburg. Free. zynkagallery.com

SUN., APRIL 18 COMEDY • IRL Downtown Pittsburgh invites audiences to laugh again with the return of Arcade at the Oasis, an outdoor event showcasing comedy with social distancing and other COVID precautions in place. Arcade Comedy Theater kicks off its opening night of what promises to be a summer of live, in-person shows with comedians Suzanne Lawrence and Samantha Bentley, along with an improv set by duo Daddy New Year (Sara Kantner and Kyle Longsdorf). Buy a pair of tickets, or opt for one of the theater’s new “Starlake-style lawn seats” that will be “pay what you wish.” 7 p.m. 133 Seventh St., Downtown. $15. arcadecomedytheater.com/outside CONTINUES ON PG. 36

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Blazing Fast Internet! ADD TO YOUR PACKAGE FOR ONLY

19.99

/mo.

where available

2-YEAR TV PRICE

GUARANTEE

99 MO.

for 12 Mos.

America’s Top 120 Package

190 CHANNELS Including Local Channels!

“All offers require credit qualification, 24-month commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification.

FREE

The DISH Voice Remote with the Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature.

* Requires eAutopay discount and includes Hopper Duo DVR ($5 discount for 24 months) or Wally/211

1-877-857-5995 Se Habla Español

STREAMING ON ALL YOUR DEVICES

SMART HD DVR INCLUDED

VOICE REMOTE

CALL TODAY!

FREE

Plus ... Switch to DISH and GET A FREE $100 GIFT CARD Promo Code: DISH100

Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST

Terms and condition s apply. Ca ll for deta ils.

Offer for new and qualifying former customers only. Important Terms and Conditions: Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and 24-month commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. Offer ends 7/14/21. 2-Year Commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Included in 2-year price guarantee at $64.99 advertised price: America's Top 120 programming package, local channels, HD service fees, and Hopper Duo Smart DVR for 1 TV. Included in 2-year price guarantee for additional cost: Programming package upgrades ($74.99 for AT120+, $84.99 for AT200, $94.99 for AT250), monthly fees for upgraded or additional receivers ($5-$7 per additional TV, receivers with additional functionality may be $10-$15). Regional Sports: RSN Surcharge up to $3/mo. applies to AT120+ and higher packages and varies based on location. NOT included in 2-year price guarantee or advertised price (and subject to change): Taxes & surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DISH Protect, and transactional fees. Premium Channels: 3 Mos. Free: After 3 mos., you will be billed $30/mo. for Showtime, Starz, and DISH Movie Pack unless you call or go online to cancel. Remote: The DISH Voice Remote with the Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. The Google Assistant Smart Home features require Google account and compatible devices. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price lock are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., if selected, you will be billed $9.99/mo. for DISH Protect Silver unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. Free standard professional installation only. * DISH Network received the highest score in the Nation in the J. D. Power 2018-2019 U. S. Residential Provider Satisfaction Studies of customers satisfaction with their current television provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards. All new customers are subject to a one-time processing fee. Gift Card terms and conditions apply, call for full details.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

7 DAYS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 34

Read Rege Behe’s interview with Kazuo Ishiguro online at pghcitypaper.com

PHOTO: ANDREW TESTA

^ Kazuo Ishiguro with Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures

MUSEUM • IRL People of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with sensory processing differences may not experience traditional museum exhibits the same as others. With that in mind, the Heinz History Center is focusing on inclusivity with its first ever Sensory Friendly Days. In partnership with Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, the museum has identified and implemented modifications to support a more sensory-friendly experience, allowing all to enjoy the exhibits showcasing Western Pennsylvania’s wonderful history. Timed reservations. Continues Mon., April 19. Free for individuals with ASD or sensory processing differences, plus one guest. heinzhistorycenter.org

MON., APRIL 19 FILM • VIRTUAL When Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner was elected in 2017, it was a progressive triumph. Almost immediately after, however, Krasner started to receive criticism from police and conservative politicians. This year, Krasner’s in a tough race for re-election. Learn more about his story with the virtual showing of the documentary Philly D.A., part of August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s Black Bottom Film Festival, where viewers can learn more about Krasner’s effort to lower Philadelphia’s record high incarceration rate. 7 p.m. Free. aacc-awc.org

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

TUE., APRIL 20 MUSIC • VIRTUAL The Quiet Loud, a Pittsburgh-based music collective, is celebrating 420 with a free, live “immersive musical journey.” The event features bandmates Brandon and Johnny spinning vinyl from their personal collections in a DJ Set in Cyberspace, with genres ranging from ska to gothic. There will also be a rare vinyl giveaway that includes records from Machine Gun Kelly, Fleet Foxes, and more. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. thequietloudofficial.com

WED., APRIL 21 TALK • VIRTUAL The Pittsburgh Humanities Festival @ Home continues its virtual festival of engaging livestream interviews focusing on “Smart talk about stuff that matters” with Cookie Activism: Using Sugar as a Platform for Social Justice with Jasmine Cho. The local Asian-American artist, baker, and founder of Yummyholic has gained national attention for her unique combination of cookie art and social justice, icing portraits of Asian-American figures onto cookies as a way to increase representation and raise awareness of history and identity. Cho will be interviewed by Pittsburgh multidisciplinary artist and illustrator Sara Tang live on the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Facebook and YouTube pages. 7 p.m. Free. facebook.com/culturaltrust

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM

Thank you to the following readers who have signed up for Pittsburgh City Paper’s new membership campaign Aaron Aupperlee Aaron Jentzen Abbey Farkas Abby Cook Abby Kuftic Abigail Gardner Abigail Hunter Abigail Noyce Adam Hart Adam Knoerzer Adam Schweigert Adam Shuck Addi Twigg Adeline Lord Al Hoff Alaina Cauchie Alan Cox Alan Sisco Alan Steinberg Albert Presto Alec Magnani Alex Blackman Alex Friedman Alex LaFroscia Alex McCann Alex Walsh Alexandra Hiniker Alexandria Rizzo Alexis Johnson Alison Marchioni Allen Ellis Allison Rowland Amanda Komar Amanda McAllen Amy Bayer Amy Bilkey Amy Hartman Amy Klodowski Amy Loveridge Amy Montgomery Amy Scanlon Amy Walker AmyJo Sanders Andrea Boykowycz Andrea Laurion Andrea Loew Andrea Lynn Andrew Bloomgarden Andrew Brown Andrew Conte Andrew Davis Andrew Hayhurst Andrew Mulkerin Andrew Seymour Andy Collins Andy Faulhaber Andy Mowrey Andy Terrick Anita Napoli Anna Reilly Anna Samuels Anni Riwen Sweetser Anthony Roscoe April Gilmore April McCann Ariel Zych Arlan Hess Arvind Suresh Ashleigh Bartges Ashley Kenawell Ashley Olinger Barbara Johnson Barbara Valaw Barbara Weaver Becca Tasker Ben Wilson Benjamin Weaver Bennett Aikin Beth Boroumand Beth Newman Beth Nolle Beth Wickerham Bethany Davis

Bethany Hallam Bethany Hockenberry Betsy Yates Bill Lazur Bob Heister Brandon Haines Breanna Jay Brentin Mock Brett Scruton Brett Yasko Brian Kaleida Brian Kell Brian Kelly Brian Lysell Brian Stoots Brittany Fagan Brittney Chantele Brooke Strosnider Bryan Routledge Caitlin O’Connor Caitlin Virtue Campbell Robertson Cara & Bill Blumenschein Carlin Christy Carol Fraley Carolyn Biglow Carolyn Hall Carolyn Regan Carrie Blazina Carrie Roy Cassandra Masters Cassia Priebe Cassidy Turner Catherine Feiler Catherine Simpson Catherine Straka Cathy Elliott Chad Efaw Chad Vogler Charles Anthony Charles McMichael Cherie Winner Chloe Bark Chris Belasco Chris Flyer Chris Gillotti Chris Ivey Chris Mueller Chris Potter Chris Sichi Chris Watts Chris Whissen Christen Cieslak Christian Resch Christine Dvonch Christopher Briem Christopher Peplin Christopher Perez Christy McGuire Chuck Kowalski Chuck Pascal Cindy Hudson Clare & Dennis Pawloski Cody Schalk Colby King Cole Gleason Coleman Lamb Courtney Ehrlichman Cory Mailliard Costa Samaras Cristy Gross Dan Gardner Dan Kaufmann Dana Bell Dana Estep Dana Farabaugh Daniel Bain Daniel Burke Daniel Jacobowitz Daniel Jones Daniel M Crawford Daniel Scullin Daniel Tasse

Danielle Walker Danielle Wenner Danika Lagorio David & Catherine Bomstein David Andersen David Boevers David Eckhardt David Eichelberger David Findley David Hartman David Lampe David Newman David Oakley David Pratt Deanna Bucci Debbie Breckenridge Debbie Saville Denise Agliori Denise Seiffer Deno De Ciantis Diane Walter Divyansh Kaushik Dominic Campbell Don Pellegrino Donna Harrison Doreen Krut Dorothy Falk Dwight Chambers Eamon Geary Earl Laamanen Ed Ehrlich Ed Giles Ed Wrenn Edward Venator Eileen French Eliana Beigel Elaine Miller Elisabeth McCoy Elise Lavallee Elise Lu Elizabeth Archibald Elizabeth Butler Elizabeth Collura Elizabeth Engelhardt Elizabeth Silver Ellen Cicconi Ellen Doherty Ellen Philips Emiko MacKillop Emilie Yonan Emily Cleath Emily Forney Emily Kiernan Emily Skopov Emily Wolfe Emma Neely Emma Rehm Erica Warnitsky Erin Kelly Erin Larkin Eva Schlinger Evan DiBiase Evelyn Meinert Filomena Manns Finnian Carstens G Ronald Ripper Gabriel Ackman Geo Maroon Geoffrey Hutchison Georgann Jenkins George Kanakis Georgia Crowther Geral Schatten Gillian Kratzer Gina Vensel Gordon Core Greg Carey Greg Kellerman Greg Kochanski Greg Seaman Gregory Johnstone Gregory Nesbitt

Gregory Scott Gretchen Swecker Griffin Conley Hal B Klein Hannah Diehl Harley Nester Harold Smoliar Heather Slack Heidi Bartholomew Helen Gerhardt Henry Doherty Hobart Webster Howard Seltman Ian Oman Ian Riggins Jacob Bacharach Jade Artherhults James Conley James Heinrich James Kiley James Morgan James Saal James Santelli Jamie Piotrowski Janet Lunde Jared Pollock Jasiri X Jason Meer Jay Aronson Jay Walker Jean McClung Jeanne Cobetto Jeff Betten Jeffrey Benzing Jeffrey Brooks Jeffrey Bigham Jeffrey Zahren Jenni Easton Jennie Sweet-Cushman Jennifer Reigler Jennifer Shumar Jennifer Strang Jenny Ladd Jeremy Kimmel Jess Williams Jessica Benham Jessica Bevan Jessica Manack Jessica Priselac Jessica Prom Jessica Prucnal Jill Bodnar Jill Harmon JoAnn Zindren Joanne Gilligan Jocelyn Codner Jodi Hirsh Joe D’Alessandro Joe Pasqualetti Joe Wagner Joey Gannon John Bechtold John Berry John Meyer John Oliver John Riggs John Ryan John Wise John Yackovich Jonathan Salmans Jordan Bender Joseph Corrigan Joseph Morrison Joseph Rubenstein Josephine Ulrich Josh Nygaard Joshua Axelrod Joshua Kiley Joshua Pinter Joshua Pirl Joshua Smith Jude Vachon Judith Hartung

Judith Koch Judith Lenz Juli Wright Julia Lee Julia Posteraro Julia Scanlon Julian Routh Julie & Nick Futules Justin Dandoy Justin Krane Justin Matase Justin McVay Justin Nodes Justin Pekular Justin Romano Justin Rossini Kai Gutschow Kara Holsopple Karen Brown Karen Hodes Karen Shepherd Karen Van Dusen Kate Jones Kate Roberts Kate Rosenzweig Katharine Kelleman Katherine Kennedy Katherine Oltmanns Kathleen Heuer Kathryn Feeney Kathy Dax Kathy Woll Katie Damico Katie Hudson Katie Markowski Katie Urich Katy Greulich Kay Brink Kayla Cline Keegan Gibson Keith Bare Keith Recker Kelly Burgess Kelly Hiser Kendra Ross Kenneth Mostern Kevin Gallagher Kevin Marpoe Kevin Vickey Khris & Tom McGarity Kim Lyons Kimberly Ressler Kimberly Taylor Krista Wright Kristin Ebert-Wagner Kristin Komazec Kristopher Olson Kyle Cunningham Kyle Gracey Lady MacBonald Lara Putnam Larry Lynn Laura Adams Laura Dickey Laura Drogowski Laura Everhart Laura Heberton-Shlomchik Laura Hershel Laura Myers Lauren Banka Lauren Lief Lazar Palnick Leah Hoechstetter Leo Hsu Lesley Carlin Lesley Rains Leslie Cooley Leslie Harman Levon Ritter Liam Lowe Linda Schott Lindsay Forman Lindsay Hagerty

Lindsay Wright Lisa Saks Lisa Steinfeld Liz Dewar Liz Hrenda Liz Reid Lois Apple Loretta Deto Lori Delale-O’Connor Lorie Milich Lucas Miller Luke Rifugiato Lynn Cullen Lynne Cherepko Lynne Frank Lynne Hughes Lyudmila Sanina Mackenzie Moylan Madelyn Glymour Madison Stubblefield Magda Gangwar Mahita Gajanan Mandy Kivowitz-Delfaver Margaret Buckley Margaret Krauss Margaret Prescott Marjorie Waters Maria Sensi Sellner Marianne Donley Marilyn McCarty Marina Fang Mark Goodman Mark Solomon Mark Westbrook Mark Winer Marlee Brown Mary Briles Mary Guzzetta Mary Russell Maryellen Lammel Matt Adams Matt Dunlap Matt Malarich Matt Moret Matthew Buchholz Matthew Cartier Matthew Demers Matthew Griffin Matthew Kroen Matthew Lamberti Maureen Byko Max Garber Max Moclock Megan Brady Megan Fair Megan Winters Melinda Wedde Melissa Kohr Melissa Melewsky Micaela Corn Michael Colaresi Michael Damico Michael Donovan Michael DiGuglielmo Michael Lamb Michael McKinney Michael Shuker Michael Wasson Mike Beattie Mike Kutilek Mike Weis Mimi Forester MJ Holmes Moira Egler Molly Kasperek Molly Toth Morgan Jenkins Nan Alexander Nancy Dubensky Nancy Latimer Nate Good Nathan Thompson-Amato Nathaniel Feuerstein

Neil Bhaerman Neil Owen Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh Nicholas Gliozzi Nichole Remmert Nicole Connor Nick Goodfellow Nikki Walton Noah Theriault Norma Bronder Office of Public Art Olie Bennett Guarino Olivia Enders Olivia Tucker Olivia Zane Ollie Gratzinger Paolo Pedercini Patricia DeMarco Patricia Oliver Patrick Conneely Patrick Kelley Patty Delaney Paul Hertneky Paul McGowan Paula Majersky Peter McKay Peter Mudge Peter Reichl Rachael Hopkins Rachel Belloma Bonnet Rachel Busch Rachel Dalton Rachel Tiche Rachelle Haynik Rainy Sinclair Randall Baumann Randy Gowat Randy Sargent Raymond Kozlowski Raymond Leech Raymond Martin Rebecca Boyer Rebecca Ciez Rebecca Seibel Regina Connolly Regina Yankie Rich Lord Richard Kress Richelle Meer Rick D’Loss Rob Rossi Robert & Erin Blussick Robert Baird Robert Davis Robert Jauquet Robert Lang Robert McKnight Robert Nishikawa Robert Raczka Robert Sage Robin Bolea Ron Vodenichar Rosemary Mendel Ross Reilly Rossilynne Culgan Ruth Craig Ryan Rydzewski Ryan Warsing Samantha Mudrinich Samantha Ritzer Samantha Wire Sam Barrett Samuel Boswell Sara Innamorato Sara Simon Sara Zullo Sarah Birmingham Sarah Cassella Sarah Flaherty Sarah Hamm Sarah Paul Sarah Pearman

Sarah Peterson Sarah Sewall Sarah Sprague Sarah Vernau Sarah Wiggin Scott Bricker Sean Bailey Sean Collier Sean Mahan Sean ODonnell Selene Wartell Shanna Carrick Shannon Kelly Sharee Stout Shawn Cooke Shawn Melvin Sherri Suppa Shirlie Mae Choe Siena Kane Slava Starikov Smitha Prasadh Stacey Campbell Stacey Federoff Stephanie Sedor Stephanie Wein Stephen Riccardi Stephen Wagner Steve Felix Steve Holz Steven Haines Steven Thomas Stuart Strickland Sue D’Nihm Susan Caplan Susan Hawkins Susan Jackson Susan Rogers Susan Smith Susan Speicher Suzanne Kafantaris Sylvain Goyette Taia Pandolfi Tammy Schuey Tara Spence Tara Zeigler Tasha Eakin Ted Schroeder Tereneh Idia Terry Bicehouse Terry Peters Thomas Bartnik Timons Esaias Tina Shackleford Tobin Seastedt Todd Derr Tom Samuel Toni Haraldsen Tracy Certo Tracy Travaglio Travis Hefner Trenton Tabor Trevor Baumel Trey Mason Tyler Bickford Tyler McAndrew Uwe Stender Valerie Moore Vicki Cunningham Victoria Donahoe Virginia Alvino Young Will Bernstein Will Halim Will Simmons William Doran William Fulmer William J Schoy IV William Lovas William Maruca William O’Driscoll Yonatan Bisk Zack Tanner

NO NEWS IS BAD NEWS

If you value City Paper’s news reporting and arts and entertainment coverage, please consider becoming a member. More info — including perks! — can be found at pghcitypaper.com PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021

I DAIRY YOU

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

ACROSS 1. Ready for anything 8. With 67-Across, whipped cracker topping, and theme of this puzzle 14. Like classic records expanded with B sides and demos 16. Price of pitching 17. Actor who voiced Gurgle in the Finding Nemo films 19. Allow to enter 20. Bartlett or Comice 21. One working under an assumed identity 22. Long of NCIS: Los Angeles 24. Put a curse on someone? 27. Wedding reception line? 29. Renewable energy type 33. Go through some shit, say 37. Insta posting 38. Creator of Heffalumps and Poohsticks 39. “There’s an ___ for that” 40. Cleaned up in the nursery, probably 45. Expression grunted while dropping a mic, maybe 46. LGBTQ member 47. Lines on a staff

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

level of play 25. Burning leftover 26. Turn bad 27. Chocolate bean 28. Bad for farming 30. Alternative facts peddlers 31. Pavement boxes? 32. Agent 33. Ritz Cracker alternative 34. Smelling of mothballs 35. Army detachment 36. Park and 1. Said aloud neutral, e.g. 2. ___ Galerie (New 37. Toxic pollutant, York City home for for short Gustav Klimt’s Portrait 41. TV scientist in of Adele Bloch-Bauer I) a bow tie 3. Basic idea 42. Corny joke 4. Spartacus 43. One whose actor Peter specialty is coats 5. Completely ridiculous 6. Stocking flaw 7. Actress Lily-Rose ___ 8. Close-knit group 9. The good cholesterol 10. Prior, palindromically 11. Packs away some bow ties? 12. “That’s enough of that” 13. Really tiny 15. Goes on dates with 18. “I’m gonna pass” 23. Highest

51. John Hancock 52. Eyebrow-raising 55. She killed Jabba 57. Don’t Know Why singer Jones 61. Skill for a particular job 65. Crying sound 66. Riders of the Purple Sage author 67. See 8-Across 68. iPads and iPhones, e.g.

DOWN

44. Eat way too much 48. Vampire’s thirst quencher 49. Dict. entry 50. ___ and the Tantrums 52. Places to play the ponies 53. Remove, as from a fantasy sports team 54. Fancy handbag name 56. Moments when the lights come on 58. Not that frequent 59. Middle East port 60. Heads-up cries 62. Revolutionary in a beret 63. Org. that offers glamping 64. Envelope insert: Abbr. LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

MARKETPLACE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISEMENT, CALL 412-685-9009 ext. 106

HELP WANTED

REHEARSAL

SERVICES

WANTED! 36 PEOPLE

Rehearsal Space

DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-877-857-5995

to Lose Weight. 30-day money back guarantee. Herbal Program. Also opportunity to earn up to $1,000 monthly. 1-800-492-4437 www.myherbalife.com

starting @ $150/mo. Many sizes available, no sec deposit, play @ the original and largest practice facility, 24/7 access.

412-403-6069

HELP WANTED

ENGINEERING Adoption Engineer, 3M, Pittsburgh, PA: Develop software to enhance physicians’ user exp. w/ electronic medical records & speech recognition using multiple programming languages, dvlpmnt tools, software eng’g processes, & systems design. Must have Bach. in Comp. Sci. & 2 yrs of exp. in software dvlpmnt. Of exp. req’d, must have 1 yr of exp. w/ C# & .NET dvlpmnt. Exp. may be gained concurrently. Apply to 3M at: https://3m.wd1. myworkdayjobs.com/ en-US/Search.

CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT Bentley Systems, Incorporated, Pittsburgh, PA: prov virtual design & construction (VDC) svcs to clients, incl providing critical support to 4D construction planning, integration of Bentley products & svcs into building info modeling (BIM) & VDC workﬂows, & executing projects & developing customized client solutions; prov prod testing & deployment; prov direct customer support, incl responding to software & hardware user support issues; prov in-person at client sites & remote training. Req’s U.S. Master’s deg, or frgn equivt in Arch-Engng-Construction Mgmnt, + 2 yrs exp consulting clients on BIM, VDC & 4D construction planning, & working w/ tools incl Microsoft Project, AutoCad, Revit, Primavera P6, Navisworks, HubSpot, PROCORE, Camtasia, Avidemux, & PCL PartsLab. Will consider work from home arrangement. Competitive Salary. Contact Meghan.goff@bentley.com.

HELP WANTED TECHNOLOGY Philips RS North America LLC (formerly Respironics, Inc.), is accepting resumes for the position of Senior Security Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA (Ref. #MOGD). Utilize indepth technical knowledge to provide strategic/technical guidance and implementation of Philips policies and standards related to information security in a diverse environment. Lead security activities within the operations team. Telecommuting permitted. Mail resume to Philips North America LLC, Legal Department, Barbara Bickford, 222 Jacobs Street, Third Floor, Cambridge, MA 02141. Resume must include Ref. #MOGD, full name, email address & mailing address. No phone calls. Must be legally authorized to work in U.S. without sponsorship. EOE.

HELP WANTED SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER Smith Micro Software, Inc. seeks Sr. Software Engineer (Pittsburgh, PA) to design & implement features based on product reqs & lead them to acceptance by using quality eng’g processes as part of server devmt team. Reqs: Master’s degree in Comp Sci or Comp Eng’g; 1 yr exp in job offered or related occup; 1 yr exp in Java/Java EE dev & Java EE frameworks, Jboss 4 & Hibernate; 1 yr exp in Java Bean (EJB), XML, JSON parsing, JDBC connection, MultiThreading, Rest API development, & JMS API; 1 yr exp in Java Script Frameworks & Oracle Relational Database; 1 yr exp working in both Windows & Linux Environments; exp w/ Integration frameworks (Apache Camel, Spring Integration); & knowledge of Design Patterns & Clean Code. Mail resume to Krysten Medzie, HR Generalist, Smith Micro Software, Inc., 5800 Corporate Dr, Ste 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, & note Job Code “SMS-003.”

NAME CHANGE

LEGAL NOTICE

MISCELLANEOUS

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-21-001963. In re petition of Cole Robert Johnson for change of name to Nicole Robin Johnson. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the ﬁling of said petition and ﬁxed the 30th day of April, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

NOTICE is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 13th day of March, 2021 with respect to a proposed nonprofit corporation, ile Abo Our Place which has been incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law 1988. A brief Summary of the purpose or purposes for which said corporation is organized is: To create a community of empowered, emotionally intelligent, financially literate and socially responsible adolescents with a refugee, asylum and/or immigrant background.

Guaranteed Life Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non-payment. HOURS: M-F 9a-10p & Sat 11a-2p EST 1-888-386-0113 (Void NY) (AAN CAN)

FINANCIAL

DENTAL INSURANCE

Struggling With Your Private Student Loan Payment? New relief programs can reduce your payments. Learn your options. Good credit not necessary. Call the Helpline 888-670-5631 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Eastern) (AAN CAN)

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-385-3879 www.dental50plus.com/ citypaper #6258

SERVICES AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand On All Your Favorite Screens. CHOICE Package, $64.99/mo plus taxes for 12months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year! Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply. W/ 24-mo. agmt TV price higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies. Call IVS 1-877-350-1003

MASSAGE M2M Massage by Lee 24/7 • 412-628-1269 Male to Male by Dallas. Same Day Appt. 412-494-8170

PERSONALS Female Companion wanted 30-40 y.o. Waist length hair and/or cornrows a PLUS PLUS! Permanent Position 724-223-0939 Wash. Co Advertise your Business in City Paper. Call 412.685.9009

Metro Community Health Center offers full dental services to everyone regardless of identity, income, insurance status, or the ability to pay. Make an appointment by calling 412-247-2310 and visit our website, www.metrocommunityhealthcenter.org, to learn more. 1789 S. Braddock Ave, #410 Pittsburgh, PA 15218 To make an appointment: (412) 247-2310

OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Free confidential testing HIV • stD • hep c

OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Belleﬁeld Entrance Lobby, 341 South Belleﬁeld Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213,

Dr. Stacy Lane, D.O. • 412-515-0000

on April 27, 2021, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for:

HELP HEal all WITH NO JUDGEMENT

PGH. STERRETT 6-8

your body & soul

are welcome

• ALL INSURANCES ACCEPTED • WALK INS WELCOME • tRANSPORATION PROGRAM • NO INSURANCE? WE CAN HELP

• Replace PA Sound System • Electrical Prime

Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district.

North Shore - 127 Anderson Street - Suite 101 Timber Court Building, PIttsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: (412) 322-4151 washington, pa - 95 Leonard Avenue Suite 203, Washington PA 15301 Phone: (724) 249-2517 beaver county - 2360 hospital drive Suite 1, aliquippa, pa 15001 Phone: (724)707-1155 Erie - 3104 State Street, Erie, PA 16508 PHONE: (814) 619-4009

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER APRIL 14-21, 2021