Sensi Magazine-Denver/Boulder (January 2017)

D E N V E R // B O UL D E R

s é r p A

I K S

i te ab a b r g o t s p spot he slopes The to y on t a d a r afte

green

is the

BLACK

THE NEW NORMAL

01. 2017

LET’S GET

physical RESOLV E to make C ANNA BIS part of your exercise routine in

2017

CA N NA B I S : THE LATEST

IT’S

super, MAN!

& GREATEST SUPERFOOD

SPECIAL REPORT: Higher Tech + Mountain Festivals + The Weed Whisperer: Maureen McNamara

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36

The Weed Whisperer

42

Highly Reserved

48

A corporate trainer finds a place in the marijuana industry.

New Year, New You: You’ve got a friend for this year’s favorite resolution.

S P ECI A L R E P O R T

High Tech ech

Cannabis companies look for solutions to deal with a more demanding market. t.

CANNABIS : The Greatest!

64

EVERY ISSUE 9 Editor’s Note 10 Sensi Buzz 16 NewsFeed

this girl! th

FEATURES

36

© DANIELLE WEBSTER

contents.

ISSUE 1 // VOLUME 2 // 01.2017

48

SATIVA THE SUPERFOOD

20 EdibleCritic LONG -TERM MEAL MEMORIES

26 AroundTown WINTER SNOW DAZE

64 SensiScene CANNABIS BUSINESS AWARDS

66 CO I QA

LARRY LISSER

Sensi Magazine is published monthly in Denver, CO, by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2017 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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head.

editor’s

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 2 01.2017

NOTE

TIME TO BE

A DV I SORY B OA R D

F E A RLE S S.

5700 Consulting // CONSULTING Boss Tubes // GL ASS BiologicCBD // CBD OIL

Congratulations: you made it! Welcome to 2017. It was

Cannabis Clean // CLEANING

touch and go there for that last little bit of 2016, wasn’t it? But with a

Cannabis Insurance Services // INSURANCE

new calendar year comes the feeling of a clean slate, a feeling that we

Concentrate Supply Co. //

can all start anew. Now is a great time to hit refresh on your life.

RECREATIONAL CONCENTRATES

Whether or not you are a resolution-maker, set aside some time this

Contact High Communications //

month to take stock of your life and your habits, to see what’s working

PUBLIC RELATIONS

and what’s not. Create a plan to make the most out of the months to

Cohen Medical Centers // MEDICAL CENTERS

come. It’s time to be fearless.

Denver Custom Packaging // PACKAGING

For some, being fearless may mean trying something new and adven-

EndoCanna // MEDICAL CONCENTRATES

turous like bouldering, ice climbing, or mountain biking. For others, it could

ExtractCraft // AT-HOME EXTRACTION

manifest as meeting new people, asking for a raise, or saying yes to that

GreenHouse Payment Solutions //

speaking gig. For me, it means fearlessly holding myself accountable,

PAYMENT PROCESSING

creating and sticking to a budget, a schedule, a plan. Fearlessly laying

Grofax // HEMP

off the caffeine sometimes. As someone who has always been more of

Jett Cannabis // CO2 EXTRACTION

a “trust the universe will provide” type, I’ve got some adult habits to create this year. But I won’t let my fear of failing stop me from trying.

Kind Love // CULTIVATION

Being fearless also means owning what matters to you. If you’re still

Lab Society // L AB EQUIPMENT

in the cannabis closet, it’s time to come out. Because as Vice proclaimed

Loopr // LUXURY MOBILE CONSUMPTION

this fall: if we say it, we normalize it. If we normalize it, we will legalize

LucidMood // TERPENES

it. There’s still a lot of legalization work to be done across this country,

marQaha // SUBLINGUALS/SPRAYS

so: I’m Stephanie, I’m the editor of Sensi Magazine, and I smoke weed.

Mighty Fast Herbal Infuser //

What about you? By proclaiming loud and proud that you use canna-

HOME EDIBLE MACHINE

bis, you can help bust stereotypes about lazy, unhealthy stoners and

Mountain High Suckers // CBD EDIBLES

their bad habits.

Neos // BHO VAPE PENS

Cannabis can play a big role in a healthy, active lifestyle. The leafy

Purple Monkey // TEAS

green is even being hailed as a superfood, packed with nutritional ben-

Rx CBD // CBD PET TREATS

efits galore. Contributing editor Randy Robinson dives into some of the details in this month’s issue, which also includes a feature on how to

Simply Pure // MEDICAL DISPENSARY

make cannabis a part of your exercise routine.

Steepfuze // CBD COFFEE

If combining weed with your workout sounds like something that’s

Terrapin Care Station //

way out of your comfort zone, I encourage you to be fearless. Be open

RECREATIONAL DISPENSARY

TinctureBelle // TOPICALS Wana Brands // EDIBLES

M E DI A PA RT N E RS National Cannabis Industry Association Students for a Sensible Drug Policy Women Grow

to new possibilities, and you never know what you may discover.

KIM SIDWELL © CANNABIS CAMERA

The Clinic: The Bank Genetics // GENETICS

Happy New Ha ew Year.

Stephanie Wilson EDITOR IN CHIEF @ STEPHWILLL

JANUARY 2017

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THE NE W N O R M A L

sensi

buzz

BITE - SIZE

goodness

Cheeba Chew’s

Pure CBD

Taffies are one of those little-appreciated snippets of American culture. From the Atlantic City boardwalk where salt water taffy is thought to have originated in the 1880s to their inclusion in US Army’s MREs—Meal, Ready to Eat—taffies have long delighted many a sweet tooth.

Cheeba Chews, one of the most popular edibles brands on the market, makes chocolate taffies that come in indica and sativa infusions, but if you’re looking for sweet relief minus the space-headedness, look for the “Pure CBD” variety, a blend of chocolate taffy and cannabidiol extract.

The CBD variety can help dampen minor pain or inflammation and can help take the edge off a long day without getting you too elevated.

–R ANDY ROBINSON

Cassady

BIRTHDAY BASH Did you know Denver played a significant role in Beat history? Jack Kerouac’s muse for On the Road, Neal Cassady was born and grew up in the Curtis Park neighborhood.

Kerouac spent time with Cassady in Five Points and even lived in Denver briefly. Existing Beat-era haunts and hideouts from their stomping grounds can be found around town, but the ultimate way to honor the icon’s mark on Denver is at 8th Annual Neal Cassady Birthday Bash, taking place at the Mercury Cafe on February 10. Held in cooperation with the Cassady estate, the celebration includes music, poetry, and reminiscences celebrating the life of Denver’s self-described “unnatural son.” Some of Cassady’s “kids” will read and share memories, and Naropa poets from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics will honor Cassady’s impact on pop culture.

NEALCASSADYBIRTHDAYBASH.COM

7

–LEL AND RUCKER

$ BILLION - WITH-A- B PLANT THE SEED

N C I A SEED TO SALE SHOW // JANUARY 31 & FEBRUARY 1 // COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER

The legal cannabis market in 2016 is roughly $7 billion-with-a-b, according to market research by Arc View and Frontier Financials. Next year, with the newly legal states coming online, it’s expected to grow to at least $9 billion. By 2030, if all trends continue, we’re looking at a $50 BILLION industry—and that’s $50 billion taxed, legal funds that aren’t on the black market funding shady activities. So even if you’re merely interested in the cannabis industry, you should think about heading to the NCIA Seed to Sale show later this month. If you’re already in the industry, you’d just be nuts to miss it. The only national show focused solely on the innovative best practices, science, and cutting-edge technology in cannabis cultivation, processing, and sales strategies, this gathering in Denver promises to deliver two days of education and collaboration with 2,000 like-minded people from the cannabis community—all brought together by the good folks at the NCIA. What’s not to love? SEEDTOSALESHOW.COM 10

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JANUARY 2017

–STEPHANIE WILSON

JANUARY 2017

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sensi

buzz

Truth { or Consequences } I HEAR LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE LACK OF FACTBASED NEWS. MANY PEOPLE ARE UPSET ABOUT OUTLETS THAT PUBLISH INACCURATE, CLICK - BAIT HEADLINES OR JUST OUTRIGHT MAKE STUFF UP. OTHERS WANT FAKE NEWS OFF THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES OR WANT TV OUTLETS TO RUN TRUTH TICKERS ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN.

ask

Blaming the media or Facebook or Twitter for fake news doesn’t really wash, and expecting somebody else to give you the “truth” is, to me, just another LELAND excuse for being lazy. TV interviewers should always challenge their guests, but it’s not up to the media to inform you whether people are telling the truth. The news business today relies on clicks and page views, so it’s really up to each of us to be vigilant about what we read or see — and what we share on social media. And yes, I get as much fake news from my Facebook friends as I do from the Trending section next to my Timeline.

Look at current coverage of cannabis. You can read a story or find research that suggests that teenage use of cannabis can take points off your IQ later in life, and the next one will be about how the federal government admits that THC can kill cancer cells or might help NFL players with brain damage or the elderly to battle Alzheimer’s symptoms. Who do you believe? Are they all true?

So the next time you read a juicy headline and reach for the share button, take a few more seconds and think about it. {1 } If a headline sounds like it’s too good to be true (i.e., Republicans Change Their Mind, Legalize All Pot), it probably is. { 2} Check the URL, which can sometimes indicate the site is fake, or check the website itself for other suspicious headlines and stories. Many fake sites say so at the bottom of the page. {3} Search for other news outlets for corroboration. With search engines these days, this isn’t difficult or even time-consuming. {4} Don’t just read sources on the left, or sources on the right, or only ones with which you agree. Challenge yourself to understand both sides. {5} Turn on the bullshit detector. You’re gonna need it. {6} Use common sense, and perhaps most importantly, keep your finger off the share button until you check it out. I get too much crap in my inbox as it is.

Happy trails.

–L EL AND RUCKER

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JANUARY 2017

KIM SIDWELL © CANNABIS CAMERA

Leland Rucker

THE NE W N O R M A L

JANUARY 2017

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THE NE W N O R M A L

sensi

buzz

classiest MUNCHIES AROUND Mason Jar

Seasonal Pairing Dinner J A N U A R Y 27 B OU L DE R C R E AT I V E C O L L E C T I V E

One of the biggest stoner clichés is the munchies.

But like most stereotypes and clichés, this one is rooted in reality. Cannabis, particularly certain strains of indica, is known to stimulate your appetite— something about it just makes food taste better.

So imagine getting lifted and diving into a gourmet feast prepared by Top Chef-winner Hosea Rosenberg in a picture-perfect Colorado setting surround-

T HE WOMEN OF WEED G ATHER

W OM E N G ROW

ed by sophisticated cannabis enthusiasts who aren’t ashamed to get the giggles. If this sounds like your bliss, you’ll want to be at Winter: Mason Jar Event

L E ADE R S H I P S U M M I T

Group’s next farm-to-table gathering, hosted at the

Some 36 percent of executives in the cannabis industry are women, compared to just 22 percent of senior managers in other industries, according to the Marijuana Business Journal. That’s something worth celebrating. And from February 1 to 3, you can do just that with other high-minded wonder women and men from around the country and beyond who come to Denver for the annual Women Grow Leadership Summit. The event features TED-style lightning talks on Thursday at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, followed by breakout sessions on Friday at the Curtis Hotel. It’s an inspired and inspiring gathering (albeit pricey, at $597 for a general admission ticket) that you don’t want to miss if you can swing it. Head to WOMENGROW.COM for more info.

–SW

course paired with a different strain, it promises to

Resolution Resolve

Boulder Creative Collective on January 26. With each be an uplifting evening of luxe cannabis culture, dining, music, and the finest offerings of the Colorado High Life. Seats are going fast, so head to MASON JAREVENTGROUP.COM

and request your invite to the

private gathering now. While you’re at it, go ahead and put the spring dinner on April 20 on your calendar—because that will be the ultimate way to toast to the unofficial holiday of cannabis lovers everywhere.

–SW

CycleBar

Tap, tap, tap your booty into gear. If your New Year’s Resolution involves torching calories, drop-

EDITOR ’S

CHOICE

ping those holiday treat-induced lbs, getting into solid cardio shape and having a grand time doing so, I’ve got the place for you: CycleBar. The premium Denver Tech Center fitness studio does one thing and one thing only—high-energy cycling classes—and they do it better than anyone else in town. This goes doubly for sessions led by KMax, G, and Jason—my three ass-kicking faves. If you’re a recent Denver transplant with a hankering for SoulCycle or FlyWheel, get yourself into CycleBar, start tracking your CycleStats, and let the music move you into the best shape of your life.

Five stars, all my thumbs up. DTC.CYCLEBAR.COM

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JANUARY 2017

–SW

{newsfeed}

by RANDY R O B IN S ON

SATIVA THE SUPERFOOD More than half of all US states—28 in total—recognize cannabis as medicine. But cannabis may be much more than a medicine. It could be considered a superfood, too.

In recent years, Americans have veered away from drivethroughs and gas station food. Today, many are steering to-

can “activate” the plant’s cannabinoids, potentially causing the elevating effects for which cannabis is known.

ward healthier diets. As people prod the Internet, magazines, and shows for new sources of nutritious-yet-tasty meals, the term “superfood” is popping up quite a bit.

Which brings up the questions: What, exactly, is a superfood? And does cannabis fall under this category?

Nutritional Facts To view cannabis as a superfood, it helps to think about it as just another vegetable.

Parts of the Cannabis sativa plant are already available

A superfood could be considered any food item that’s in-

as a prepackaged superfood in nearly every grocery store.

credibly dense with vitamins, proteins, amino acids, antioxi-

Hemp seeds, which are non-psychoactive, won’t give any-

dants, polyphenols, or any number of other molecules that

one a buzz, and they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids,

provide health benefits. Examples of some superfoods include

the same nutritional stuff found in avocados and fish oil.

salmon, oatmeal, green tea, blueberries, and quinoa. Let’s see

The seeds contain proteins, vitamins, and amino acids, too,

how cannabis holds up to these superfood standards.

which every person needs.

The cannabis plant proper—its leaves and buds—offers

Beyond Edibles — Raw Cannabis

16

more nutrition than the seeds. Raw juice and plant material

As marijuana legalization sweeps the nation, infused edi-

are packed with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and oth-

bles have become a hot topic. Raw cannabis and its juice,

er nerdy-sounding stuff that confers a ton of health benefits.

although growing in popularity, haven’t been heavily market-

Those benefits include anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, an-

ed by the nation’s exploding cannabis industry. Cannabis juic-

ti-tumor, antioxidant, and possibly even anti-aging properties.

ing is exactly what it seems: dropping cannabis flowers and

Donna Shields, MS, RDN, founder of cannabis consulting

leaves into a juicer and separating its nutrition-dense juice

firm Holistic Cannabis Network, says making cannabis—

from the solid plant matter. Raw cannabis juice alone has no

especially raw cannabis—part of a healthy diet might help

“recreational” potential; it doesn’t get anyone elevated.

stave off illnesses. “Chronic disease is caused by inflamma-

However, cannabis can be incredibly useful without any

tion,” she explains. “The reason we eat superfoods is to tame

psychoactive effect. The buds can be eaten raw as part of a

the fire of inflammation in the body. Cannabis is an antiox-

salad or as some other side dish, but juicing is the quickest

idant and has anti-inflammatory properties.”

and easiest way to prepare cannabis as a part of a healthy

But wait, there’s more: Raw cannabis offers fiber, folic

and balanced diet. Cooking buds or heating them in any way

acid, potassium, riboflavin, zinc, niacin, phosphorus, thia-

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JANUARY 2017

Where

do I get fresh cannabis?

Your chances of finding fresh cannabis at most dispensaries or retail stores are slim. These businesses prefer to harvest and cure buds for smoking, not for juicing. If you’re a registered medical patient, you can ask a caregiver to grow your cannabis for you, and they can provide you fresh trimmings. Or, as allowed under Colorado law (if you’re 21+), you can grow your own cannabis.

How to Make

Raw Cannabis Juice ° Start with fresh cannabis buds and leaves. These should be moist. Avoid dried or cured buds. ° Mix the buds and leaves with other fruits or vegetables to add flavor and more nutritional benefits. Run the mix through a juicer and enjoy. ° Experiment with fruits and vegetables —especially carrots—to mask the bitter flavors of the cannabis. Consider eating a slice of orange after drinking the juice to clear the palette.

JANUARY 2017

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Where do I find

nutritional facts for pot?

If you’re looking for an official FDA chart, you won’t find it. The FDA won’t touch cannabis until the plant receives federal approval. We do, on the other hand, have some literature you can thumb through.

Hemp for Health by Chris Conrad Marijuana and Medicine by Janet E. Joy, Stanley J. Watson, Jr., and John A. Benson, Jr. Cannabis and Cannabinoids by Franjo Grotenhermen and Ethan Russo The eCS Therapy Companion Guide by Regina Nelson

Common Herbs, Fruits, and Veggies with the Same Compounds as Cannabis Cannabinoids: Camellia sinensis tea, Echinacea, kava, black truffles, cacao Omega-3 fatty acids: walnuts, avocados, sage, flaxseed Beta-caryophyllene: cloves, hops, basil, lavender, black pepper, rosemary Pinene: pine nuts, makrut limes, sage Myrcene: mangoes, lemongrass, thyme, verbena, bay leaves Limonene: oranges, limes, lemons, and other citrus fruits Linalool: sweet orange, sweet basil, lavender, coriander Quercetin: cilantro, dill, blueberries, kale, red onions Kaempferol: grapes, green tea, broccoli, peaches, berries

mine, beta-carotene, and beta-caryophyllene, and vitamins A, B12, D, and E. Woo! It’s practically like getting a full garden salad in one plant.

“ It’s just another ingredient,” adds Shields. “It’s like if I put kale in my drink. If we put cannabis in the context that this is just another nutritious ingredient placed in the juicer or the blender, then it becomes easier for people to wrap their head around it.”

As for how much cannabis you should include in your diet, that’s entirely up to you. If you’re drinking cannabis juice for medicinal purposes, you’ll need to gauge your intake based on your individual needs. If you’re drinking cannabis juice for general health purposes, adding as little or as much as you want according to your tastes should suffice.

About Those Cannabinoids

Will Cannabis Juicing Show Up on a Drug Test?

SHORT ANSWER : Yes, it can.

LONG ANSWER : Drug screenings look for THC and its metabolites (the smaller molecules created by THC’s breakdown in the body), so it’s entirely possible that you may come up hot if you’re drinking raw cannabis juice, even if it doesn’t get you high.

The one way around this is to stick to high-CBD strains (i.e. hemp). Most drug screenings only look for THC and THC metabolites. However, consuming massive quantities of CBD buds/ products could trigger a positive result on a drug screening. Keep in mind high-CBD strains will contain trace amounts of THC-a and THC, so this is not a surefire way around a test.

Commercially available hemp oil should be safe because it’s supposed to contain no THC. However, there’s still a risk that it could contain minuscule levels of THC, although it's rare and a positive test would require you to ingest unusually high amounts.

18

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JANUARY 2017

The two prominent cannabinoids in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the stuff that gets us lifted; CBD can make us feel chill, but it won’t get us spacey. In raw cannabis, these two compounds are in their natural, acidic forms, which we designate THC-a and CBD-a. When we heat the plant (such as by smoking), we knock off the acidic part of the molecule, which allows it to activate receptors on our cells.

THC-a won’t get us high, but we don’t need to get elevated to benefit from the plant. “One of the upsides of using it in its raw state is that you’re not getting the high,” explains Shields. “Most people are able to consume a greater quantity of the plant matter, getting a greater quantity of cannabinoids than if they used it in some other form.”

JANUARY 2017

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{ ediblecritic }

by JOHN LEHNDORFF

MEAL MEMORIES Where to find great pre-slope and après ski meals in ski country Colorado In the past year, I have eaten more than a thousand meals—maybe fifteen hundred depending on how you de-

KEYSTONE RANCH // 1239 KEYSTONE RANCH RD. // KEYSTONE, CO

fine a meal. How many of those meals do I remember in

970-496-4161 // KEYSTONERESORT.COM

detail? Not that many, and I blame neither the sativa nor

Dinner here is an evening-long experience in the Colorado

the indica. It just takes great food, ambiance, and hospitality to make it into my long-term memory. After visiting many dozens of restaurants over the years in Colorado’s ski towns, there are some meals I can still picture clearly.

It would be hard to forget absorbing a soulful bowl of pozole in my car in Eagle, standing in line in the snow for a crepe in Breckenridge, and nibbling pork belly and smoked pineapple outside at 9,540 feet above sea level in Telluride.

Nearly 15 years ago, I was having a good dinner at Key-

woods with an earthy menu including starters like bison tartare and roasted bone marrow with onion jam. Main dishes range from duck breast with sweet potato cakes to pappardelle pasta with wild mushrooms and shaved fennel. Leave room for a Grand Marnier souffle with pistachio crème anglaise.

{ 2 } SILVERTHORNE SAUCE ON THE BLUE // 358 BLUE RIVER PKWY. // SILVERTHORNE, CO 970-468-7488 // SAUCEONTHEBLUE.COM

stone Ranch with my then-young son. The repast became

Yes, Virginia, there really is a good Italian restaurant with a

legendary when the staff guided us to cushy seats before

fine wine list in Silverthorne, the highway home of discount

a huge, crackling fireplace. We talked, nibbled elaborate

outlet stores. The recently opened eatery has an open con-

desserts, and sipped coffee for what seemed like an hour.

temporary feel that works for pizza and a beer with friends

I remember sitting at the Alpenrose in Vail one morning

as well as wine and pasta platters with the family. Don’t

last spring. The air was so chill my breath froze into a cloud of powder as I walked to the 40-year-old patisserie and Central

20

{ 1 } KE YSTONE

miss the arancini, the eggplant, and the meatballs.

European eatery. Even now, the aroma of the pastries, the

{ 3 } FRISCO

warmth of the coffee, and the taste of that pear almond

LOG CABIN CAFÉ // 121 MAIN ST. // FRISCO, CO

torte are front of mind.

970-668-3947 // LOGCABINFRISCO.COM

I can’t guarantee you a memorable meal, but here is a road-

They had me at homemade jam. From blueberry to straw-

map to a few of my favorite independent mountain eateries.

berry rhubarb, it’s on the table all day at this quintessential

Traveling west through Summit County and the Vail valley with

Colorado mountain diner. I also go back for the bacon Bloody

a side trip to Telluride, I included special occasion destinations,

Marys, green chile cheeseburgers, and giant, heavily glazed

down-to-earth cafes, and a few all-important bakeries.

cinnamon rolls.

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JANUARY 2017

JANUARY 2017

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21

RECOMMENDED

MOUNTAIN

BAKERIES

{ 4 } BRECKENRIDGE CREPES A L A C ART // 307 S. MAIN ST. // BRECKENRIDGE, CO 970-453-0622 // CREPESALACARTS.COM

You will always stand in line outdoors whenever the cart is open, but it gives you time to decide. My savory choice is usually the Breck Ribeye crepe with Swiss, sautéed onions

LA FRANCAISE 411 S. MAIN ST. // BRECKENRIDGE, CO // 970-547-7173

Raisin brioche, chocolate éclairs, baguettes, lemon meringue tarts.

AVON BAKERY & DELI 25 HURD L ANE, AVON #4, CO // 970-949-3354 AVONBAKERYANDDELI.COM

Cinnamon pecan rolls, chocolate chip muffins, croissants.

BAKED IN TELLURIDE

and mushrooms, and horseradish. The Lemon Souffle is a stunner middled with butter, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and Chantilly cream (plus a little Nutella).

{ 5 } VAIL ALPENROSE RESTAURANT AND PATISSERIE 100 E. MEADOW DR. // VAIL, CO 970-476-8899 // ALPENROSEVAIL.COM

By day, the sweets from eclairs to Sacher torte and Linzer cookies rule the 40-year-old eatery. Old-world classics pre-

127 S. FIR ST., TELLURIDE, CO // 970-728-4775 // BAKEDINTEL.COM

pared traditionally fill the comfort food dinner roster. They

Cheese Danish, bagels, donuts, muffins, cookies, croissants, empanadas.

make Colorado’s best Wiener schnitzel—a thin cutlet with a lemon juice squeeze, spaetzle dumplings, and red cabbage made for a pilsener.

DAILY BREAD 346 E. MAIN ST., MONTROSE, CO // 970-249-8444

Apple turnovers, chocolate peanut butter cookies, caramel croissants, sticky buns.

NUDORU RAMEN BAR // 2161 N. FRONTAGE RD. WEST // VAIL, CO 970-476-7570 // NUDORUVAIL.COM

If typical ski town fare means ginger-chile hot wings and pan-sizzle potstickers, then count me in. Chef Chris Mackenzie’s also dishes exceptional ramen with chewy noodles and slurp-worthy broth with crisp pork belly and poached egg. The hip modern bar pours a wide selection of sake and high-end Japanese whiskeys.

{ 6 } MINTURN MINTURN COUNTRY CLUB // 131 MAIN ST. // MINTURN, CO 970-827-4114 // MINTURNCOUNTRYCLUB.COM

This is not your grandfather’s country club. The only sport at this ultra-casual steakhouse is indoor shuffleboard. The bartender doubles as the in-house magician, and you get to sizzle your own New York strip or salmon filet on the open grill in the middle of the dining room. The twice-baked spuds are the must-have side dish.

22

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JANUARY 2017

{ 7 } AVON BARRA PINTXO // 137 BENCHMARK RD. 4W // AVON, CO 970-688-5037 // BARRAPINTXO.COM

Somehow you don’t expect to find first-class tapas in a tiny eatery off the beaten track in Avon, but big flavor comes on small plates here, from the patatas bravas to the fritto misto. Make a reservation for paella night and settle in with a bottle of Spanish or South American wine, house-baked flatbreads, and a bowl of aromatic rice tumbled with chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and calamari.

BOXCAR // 182 AVON RD. // AVON, CO 970-470-4121 // BOXCARRESTAURANT.COM

If you’re in the mountains with people you actually want to talk to, eat here. The space is warm and comfy and so are the well-crafted fare and cocktails. I am always willing to go back for their roasted cauliflower with black garlic, brick chicken with fingerlings, and banana cinnamon roll bread pudding with bacon maple ice cream.

{ 8 } BE AV ER

CREEK

MIRABELLE // 55 VILLAGE RD. // BEAVER CREEK, CO 970-949-7728 // MIRABELLE1.COM

Take a left before you head up the hill to Beaver Creek Resort and sneak into a fine dining oasis tucked inside a historic farmhouse. The feeling is charming and romantic with a focus on French classics such as Dover Sole Meunière served with a crispy potato tuile, baby spinach, and lemon beurre noisette. The multicourse Le Menu Gourmand is matched with sips from a stellar wine list.

REVOLUTION ROTISSERIE // 26 AVONDALE LN. // BEAVER CREEK, CO 970-845-1730 // REVOLUTIONDINING.COM

I left Revolution smiling. What’s not to like when you get to choose from a cool array of juicy meats and vegetables roasted on a Brazilian rotisserie and dished with shareable flatbreads, sides, sauces, and craft cocktails?

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{ 9 } EDWARDS BOOKWORM CAFÉ // 295 MAIN ST. // EDWARDS, CO 970-926-7323 // BOOKWORMOFEDWARDS.COM

Can I confess? Sometimes I need to take a break from my beloved family and friends. Among the cookbooks, novels, juvenile fiction, and quiet, one can read and revive with a crepe, a big chocolate chip cookie, and tea or an Eat, Pray, Love salad with prosciutto and pear and a glass of red wine. Say “Ahhhh.”

THE GASHOUSE // 34185 U.S. HIGHWAY 6 // EDWARDS, CO 970-926-3613 // GASHOUSE-RESTAURANT.COM

This is not a good place to dine with your vegan ski and board buddies, but if you appreciate meat, it’s a must. There are Rocky Mountain “oysters” and bison, venison and elk steaks on the sampler plates, and stuffed animal heads on all the walls at this Western roadhouse and restaurant.

{ 10 } EAGLE LONCHERIA PRIMABERE // 332 GRAND AVE. // EAGLE, CO 970-328-0454

If you find yourself on a weekend morning in the Vail valley with a head full of pea-soup fog then you know it is time for a menudo moment. The penance for your excesses is to stand in the cold and snow at this authentic, family-run take-out taqueria and wait. You can eat outside or drag your goat stew, tortas, empanadas, and posole to a tasting room in town.

{ 11 } TE LLUR IDE BL ACK IRON KITCHEN & BAR // L A MADELINE HOTEL 568 MOUNTAIN VILLAGE BLVD. // TELLURIDE, CO 855-923-7640 // MADELINETELLURIDE.COM

After you ascend from Telluride in the free gondola, it’s a gas to take in the winter scene at a heated, flame-centered table on the patio at Black Iron. Maybe it was the altitude but I loved the combination of a hot cocktail, falling snow, and Serrano ham with pickled serrano chilies and smoked pineapple. If you stay at La Madeline, you will love the appropriately named Sky Terrace deck, which delivers mind-blowing views, steaming Jacuzzis, and a menu of sandwiches and small plates.

JOHN LEHNDORFF is a professional après skier. He is the Contributing Food Editor for Vail Beaver Creek Magazine and Colorado Summit Magazine. He hosts Radio Nibbles Thursdays on KGNU-FM: NEWS.KGNU.ORG/CATEGORY/RADIO-NIBBLES .

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{ aroundtown }

by STEPHANIE WILSON

WINTER SNOW DAZED Get elevated and take advantage of that scenic undulating playground in Denver’s backyard this winter—even if you aren’t the type to strap planks to your feet and hurdle yourself down a mountainside.

This winter, there are plenty of excuses to head to the mountains—skiing and snowboarding among the top ones,

ULLR FEST BRECKENRIDGE

followed by sledding and tubing, mountain-dog mushing,

JANUARY 11–14 // GOBRECK.COM

snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and more wintery

According to Norse mythology, Ullr (pronounced “Oool-er”)

activities that ultimately define what Colorado living is all

was a winter god, son of Sif and stepson of Thor, better

about. These are the types of body-moving activities for

known as the striking god of thunder. Ullr loved the cold, opt-

which the state is celebrated—and there’s certainly a lot

ing to travel over the land on skis or skates. The mountain

to celebrate.

town of Breckenridge has celebrated the Norse god every

The folks in the mountain towns appreciate the patron-

year for the past 53—and 2017 makes 54. The annual Ullr

age of travelers from near and far—and on select winter

Fest is a celebration of snow and tradition—one of those tra-

weekends, they pull out all the stops during big festive

ditions is the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen, chosen for

gatherings that toast to various parts of the mountain life.

their contributions to the community. There’s also a town-

We’ve gathered up some info on this month’s top cele-

wide talent show, a ShotSki event during which participants

brations in some of the mountain towns—everything from

line up and take a shot simultaneously from a 1,250-plus-

Nordic ski shots to challenging ice climbs to sculptures so

foot-long ski, bonfires, ice plunges, comedy nights, and more.

cool, they are literally on fire.

Skiers and snowboarders get in on the fun by donning horned

mark your calendars now,

these are some celebrations you don’t want to miss.

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Viking hats on the slopes. Downtown, “Ullympic” competitors fling frying pans for prizes, and more than 12,000 spectators gather to watch a parade complete with crazy float participants skiing off jumps right on Main Street or gliding through town in a hot tub. It’s a pretty good time.

WINTERSKÖL ASPEN JANUARY 11–15 // ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

The 66th annual “toast to winter” also traces its roots to the Nordic lifestyle. Taking place in Aspen, the event kicks off on Wednesday this year with a special addition: The Helen K. Klanderud Wintersköl Awards dinner at the St. Regis, which will honor the 2017 King and Queen. The more public events begin the next day during the Anderson Ranch Art Center’s Wintersculpt, a lively 48-hour snow sculpture competition during which teams work around the clock for two days to transform their 8-foot by 8-foot cubes of snow into freestanding creations of wonder. The gathering also features receptions at the art museum, film screenings, a party by Men’s Health and Women’s Health mags, skating performances, free yoga classes, dog agility presentations, canine fashion shows, bingo, and more family-friendly fun.

ULLRGRASS GOLDEN JANUARY 27–29 // ULLRGRASS.COM

After a fun-filled weekend in Breckenridge, the Norse god of winter heads to the foothills for a music and beer festival in Golden. Attendees are invited to raise a drinking horn to craft beer, great music, local fare, artisan merchants, and more at this festive winter part in Parfet Park. The volunteer-driven gathering kicks off with the UllrGrass Park Parade, followed by a music festival complete with premier acts from Colorado to Nashville. Live performances by the likes of Coral Creek, Chain Station, and more take place from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

Within the UllrGrass Beer Festival, bottomless craft beer samplings flow freely from 1 pm to 4 pm. A VIP weekend pass runs for $250 and includes entry to pretty much everything, including the beer festival—and gets you complimentary meals and drinks all weekend long. Or if you’re mainly interested in seeing the bands, you can get a standard weekend pass for $90.

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ICE F EST I VAL OURAY JANUARY 19 –22 // OURAYICEPARK.COM

Ouray bills itself as the Switzerland of America, and for three days each year, the southwestern Colorado town is the very center of the ice-climbing world. The 22nd annual Ouray Ice drawing novices and pros from around the globe to celebrate

MARY JANE’S BI RTHDAY WINTER PARK

the growing sport and to demo the latest ice tools of the

JANUARY 28 // WINTERPARKRESORT.COM

trade. On Saturday and Sunday, the world's best ice-climbing

Head for the hills and honor one of Winter Park’s favorite

athletes show off their skills, speedily ascending frozen ice

ladies: Mary Jane. There are activities for the whole family

formations while hundreds of spectators cheer them on. At

during this daytime base party. There’s even “Mary Jane’s

night, the town comes together for multimedia presenta-

Mogul Duel” to see who is best cut out for the bumps on

tions, music, food, dance parties, and live and silent auctions

Rainbow Cut. The day also features live music, swag give-

full of coveted outdoor gear.

aways, and birthday cookies. Mmmm … cookies.

Festival is the main fundraiser for the world-famous ice park,

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FIRE ARTS F ESTI VAL BRECKENRIDGE

creatures. It too has a connection to Burning Man, where it

JANUARY 26 –29 // BRECKCREATE.ORG

named Libby, weighing in at 3,500 pounds and rising seven

The 2017 Fire Arts Festival is a multi-day exhibition featuring

feet tall, plus other top-notch fire sculptures.

was first exhibited. There’s even going to be a fiery robot

burning sculptures, fiery performances, and other spark-

The festival also features fire spinners, candle-making

filled attractions throughout the Breck Arts District campus.

presentations, hot arts presentations, fire painting (using

All fire sculptures are ignited on the hour starting at 6 pm.

fire to layer, torch, and move wax to create paintings with

The first two fire sculpture artists on display—Joshua

depth and luminosity), talks, and tours, along with some

Birkmaier and Caitlin Morris—hail from Gammaspace Art-

impressive artworks displayed throughout town. It’s an ex-

ist Collective in Denver. They’re bringing Arcus Hymenoptera

plosive event—and it’ll help warm you to the creative core.

to the fire fest, the roots of which can be traced to the local Burning Man community. Because that’s totally a thing.

BONUS : It’s presented in conjunction with the Internation-

Artist Shane Shane is showcasing pieces titled Biodiversity

al Snow Sculpture Championships and part of the Colorado

Fire Sphere and Obelisk, constructed from a 500-gallon pro-

Mountain College’s 50th anniversary celebration, so this is

pane tank from the 1950s. The hand-cut sculpture features

one weekend you’ll want to be in Breck, even if hitting the

dolphins, elephants, rhinos, an owl, a wolf, and various sea

slopes isn’t really your thing.

JANUARY 2017

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A corporate trainer FINDS A PLACE in the marijuana industry.

WEED whisperer

by LEL AND RUCKER

photography by DANIELLE WEBSTER

T H E R E ARE A LOT OF GOOD STORIES ABOUT HOW PEOPLE WIND UP IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY. FOR

Maureen McNamara , I T B E G A N , L I T E R A L LY, W I T H A W H I S P E R. McNAMARA HAD BEEN TE ACHING CL ASSES FOR R E S TA U R A N T E M P LOY E E S F O R A L M O S T T WO D ECADES. WHILE TEACHING A FOOD-SAFE TY COURSE IN 2013, SHE BEGAN BY ASKING STUDENTS WHERE THEY WORKED. ONE WOMAN MUMBLED SOMETHING, AND WHEN McNAMARA ASKED AGAIN, SHE WHISPERED,

“It’s not a restaurant. It’s

POT

BROWNIES.’”

JANUARY 2017

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37

Born in Chicago, McNamara moved with her fami-

and said, ‘You’re in trouble,’ and the owner can show

ly at age three to Connecticut. She spent four years in

that all the employees have been trained, it could be

Paris before returning to graduate from high school.

a mitigating factor if something were to go on.”

She went to St. Michael’s College in Vermont with lit-

She says that although there are other people teach-

tle idea what she wanted to do. “I went as what was

ing Responsible Vendor Programs in Colorado, Sell-

called an ‘exploratory ’ student. It could also mean

SMaRT is the first approved by the Marijuana Enforce-

‘undecided’ or ‘I have no idea,’ but my school called it

ment Division and the Colorado Department of Health

exploratory, which just seemed more about possibili-

and Education. She’s working on a compliance class

ties instead of what I didn’t know.”

for cultivators, extractors, and infused-product mak-

After graduating with a degree in philosophy, she

ers. Cannabis Trainers also provides services and pro-

went into bartending. “What else would a lady do with

fessional development in presentation skills, leader-

a philosophy degree than start to pour the drinks?”

ship, and customer service, and she’s also working on

she says. She liked working with people, and her em-

programs for other states with legal marijuana.

ployer asked her to develop training programs for em-

She says running her businesses takes up much of

ployees. She moved to Colorado in 1995 and started her

her time, but she loves yoga classes on the weekend,

own restaurant consultant business in 1998. “It was a

hiking with her 12-year-old German Shepherd, listen-

slow evolution that just made sense, and I’m so lucky because it is totally my bag of expertise,” she says.

After that initial brownie encounter, she wondered if her training talents, which included building national certification programs for food safety and responsible alcohol service, might work for the cannabis industry in Colorado. Almost gone are the days when budtenders dressed in tie-dye shirts and smelled of patchouli. To bring in new customers, dispensaries need people who are responsible and knowledgeable about their prod-

ON PAINTING:

It’s the one thing I do that “ truly creates a meditative, quiet mind. Watch out for those masterpieces soon.

”

ucts and understand the rules and regulations just as restaurant and alcohol providers do. Although she

ing to audio books, skiing in Vail, and painting. “It’s

had some trepidation about entering a then-uncer-

the one thing I do that truly creates a meditative, qui-

tain industry, she started Cannabis Trainers and be-

et mind. Watch out for those masterpieces soon.”

gan offering classes in 2014.

38

Students are always asking whether she consumes

Cannabis Trainers’ signature cannabis class is

herself. She’s not been a daily user but confesses to

called Sell-SMaRT. Designed for dispensaries and

an occasional elevation. Her favorite way is by eating

budtenders, it’s based on the responsible alcohol use

“a little bit less than one serving of a Sweet Grass

class but crafted specifically for those selling can-

Kitchen chocolate chip cookie. What I love is the up-

nabis. If you’re new to the state or the industry, this

lifting element. Everything is more amusing, and I

is the one that might really interest you. “I sat in on

like to have a dance party.”

a workgroup that the liquor enforcement division

Given the new Denver law that will allow desig-

did to create vendor guidelines for selling alcohol

nated consumption in certain areas, she’s also work-

responsibly,” she says. “And in 2014 I was part of the

ing on a new class for vendors applying for city per-

working group that worked with the Marijuana En-

mits that will cover everything from navigating the

forcement Division to develop the curriculum for a

new rules to basics like checking IDs to prevent sales

responsible vendor program.”

to intoxicated individuals and minors.

Sell-SMaRT is a voluntary program designed to

“Now that we have consumption possibilities, let’s

ensure that dispensary workers are selling cannabis

make sure we do this with the utmost responsibility,”

professionally and with integrity. It’s not a state re-

McNamara says. “If I can help them be more thorough

quirement, but McNamara says it helps keep workers

with their ID check or help someone else use more

and businesses up-to-date with basic practices and

responsibly and safely, we’ve created a win for the

changing rules and regulations. “If the MED came in

industry.”

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highly re★solved NEW

YEAR, NEW

YOU!

by RANDY ROBINSON

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You’ve got A FRIEND for this year’s FAVORITE RESOLUTION. IT’S THAT T IME AGAIN : WE PUT ON A LIT TLE THICKNESS FROM ALL THE TURKEY, MASHED POTATOES, C A N DY C A N E S, A ND AS S O R T E D C H O COL AT E S WE DEVOURED OVER THE HOLIDAYS. AF TER RECOVERI N G F R O M T H E N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E C H A M PA G N E HANGOVER, WE’RE MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO SHED THE POUNDS AND KEEP THEM OFF.

This time we mean it .

According to the University of Scranton’s “Statistic Brain” research, most of us are just wishfully thinking. “Lose weight” consistently ranks as the most popular resolution, and the fifth most popular is “staying fit and healthy.” Yet only 8 percent of people stick to their resolutions.

There are a lot of reasons why most Americans fail to fulfill their New Year’s exercise resolutions. But a commitment to improving your life doesn’t have to be a pipe dream—with a little pot, it can become a pipe reality.

CA NNA BI S A S A MOT I VATOR Get that old, rehashed image of the lazy stoner out of your head. Believe it or not, cannabis can get a real go-getter up and running.

Although cannabis can induce the dreaded couch-lock effect, some strains can get you pretty wired. These strains are usually denoted as sativas, but many hybrids and even some indicas provide a smoky shot of energy. Ask your budtender which strain may be right for you, and prepare for a little experimentation until you find the best one.

JANUARY 2017

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The idea that cannabis can act as an exercise supplement is gaining momentum. A series of active

RU N N E R’S H IG H I S PE R F EC T LY NA M E D

events known as the 420 Games seeks to dispel the

Hardcore athletes experience something called

stigma of lazy “stoners” while promoting the healthy

the “runner’s high.” Marathon runners may be most

and responsible use of cannabis. Jim McAlpine, found-

familiar with this phenomenon, but weightlifters,

er of 420 Games, says attendance tripled between

swimmers, and hikers know it, too. The runner’s high

2015 and 2016. The series is slated to take place in six

is a feeling of contentment and joy simultaneously

states in 2017.

dissociated from the pain caused by physical activi-

McAlpine may wholeheartedly support cannabis,

ty alongside an inner awareness of the body. Pain,

but he cautions against treating it as a miracle sup-

strain, or exhaustion ebb away as the runner’s high

plement. “I’m not of the mindset that it’s just some-

takes effect.

thing everybody should do or that it’s good for every-

For decades, scientists thought runner’s high was

body,” he says. “I think everybody should explore the

caused by endorphins. Endorphins are natural brain

“

Start with 5 milligrams or less of an edible , or smoking or vaping a tiny bit and seeing how it affects you . Then you can slowly and gradually increase your intake .

”

possibility because for some people it doesn’t work.”

chemicals that resemble morphine, one of the world’s

McAlpine notes some athletes may become “sed-

most powerful painkillers. However, the endorphin

entary” from smoking pot, or that it could impair

hypothesis didn’t hold up to scrutiny, so scientists

motor coordination. For these people, he advises

looked elsewhere for the source of runner’s high.

avoiding cannabis before, during, or after workouts.

In 2004, a research team at the University of Georgia

Some people, however, may find cannabis inspires

found it: our bodies’ endocannabinoids (endo- mean-

them to become physically active. For folks curious

ing “inside” + cannabinoids), otherwise known as our

about cannabis and exercise, he recommends micro-

“brain’s natural pot,” were partially responsible for

dosing, a method of ingesting small amounts of can-

runner’s high. The endocannabinoids produced in

nabis in order to gauge an optimal dose.

the brain behave much like the cannabinoids found

The key to incorporating cannabis into an exercise

in marijuana (e.g. THC and CBD). This may explain

regimen is “starting slow and small,” McAlpine adds.

why the runner’s high quite literally feels like a high

“Start with 5 milligrams or less of an edible, or smok-

– because it is.

ing or vaping a tiny bit and seeing how it affects you.

Arne Dietrich is the psychologist who led the

Then you can slowly and gradually increase your

University of Georgia study. He says it’s true the en-

intake.”

docannabinoid system activates while running, but

The 420 Games is just one sporting endeavor team-

44

it’s inaccurate to say our brain’s natural pot is solely

ing up with marijuana. McApline is joining forces with

responsible for the runner’s high effect. He credits a

former NFL superstar Ricky Williams to open a canna-

complex soup of neurochemicals, including serotonin,

bis gym in San Francisco, with sights set on 2017 as

adrenaline, and dopamine, to the overall feeling.

well. Williams’ gym will go beyond simply promoting

Additionally, Dietrich doesn’t see cannabis as a

cannabis as an athletic aid; it’ll allow lifters, trainers,

performance enhancer, per se. “Marijuana has two

and other sports enthusiasts to consume on site, too.

strong effects that would interact with running,” he

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. gh s Hi a m e d ner ’ c t l y n R un i s p e r f e

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writes in an e-mail. “First, it is an analgesic. In run-

hungry should automatically cause weight gain, that’s

ning, it would mask pain, which is not necessarily a

not usually the case.

good thing. Second, marijuana is a sedative, not a

This was discovered in 2013 when researchers

stimulant. Given this, I cannot see much of a moti-

with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Har-

vator potential.”

vard University, and the University of Nebraska investigated pot smokers and obesity. They found pot

CA NNA BI S FOR REC OV E RY

smokers rocked smaller waistlines than non-users, had higher levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”), showed

Any personal trainer will tell you that recovering

balance in blood sugar levels, and demonstrated im-

from a workout is just as important as the workout

proved insulin resistance. Although the researchers

itself—if not more important. Optimal healing and

weren’t sure why this was the case, they suspected

repair of a post-workout body are what gives ath-

it had something to do with cannabis regulating in-

letes increased strength and endurance.

sulin, the hormone responsible for breaking down the

Cannabis can reduce inflammation in muscles

sugars we eat.

Paradoxically, cannabis appears to cause slimmer figures for the average person, athlete or otherwise .

Although we’d think a plant that makes us hungry should automatically cause weight gain, that’s not usually the case . and joints, and as noted by Dietrich, it can dull pain,

Does all of this mean smoking a bowl between

too. In terms of recovery, easing aches can make

workouts will keep you looking leaner and slenderer

post-workout recovery much more bearable. A 2013

than ever before? The verdict is out on that, but the

study in Nutrition & Metabolism concluded canna-

data suggests it can’t hurt.

bis use after exercise can help the mind and body calm itself, leading to deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

Good sleep, after all, is the key to recovery.

CA NNA BI S FOR M E TA B OL IS M Marijuana can make us hungry. Ravenously hungry. This is a good thing for weight trainers, who need to slam down massive amounts of calories throughout the day. Some athletes, especially those with high metabolisms, may have trouble working up an appetite. With a little pot, they may find themselves scarfing down plenty of ( hopefully high quality) calories with ease.

Paradoxically, cannabis appears to cause slimmer figures for the average person, athlete or otherwise.

Although one would think a plant that makes users

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Happy, Happy New Year,

{ and BEST of LUCK }

HIGH TECH

by L E L A N D RUC K E R

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CANNABIS COMPANIES look for SOLUTIONS to deal with a more DEMANDING MARKET.

JANUARY 2017

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WITH

eight states AND THE District of Columbia NOW APPROVING

RECREATIONAL USE OF CANNABIS AND 28 OFFERING SOME KIND OF MEDICAL PROGRAM, CANNABIS IS THE FASTEST - GROWING INDUSTRY IN THE US. THAT’S GOOD NEWS, BUT IT OFFERS ITS OWN CHALLENGES, TOO, AS BUSINESS OWNERS TRY TO FIND WAYS TO STAY AHEAD IN A MARKETPLACE THAT COULD RIVAL THE NFL IN REVENUE IN JUST A FEW YEARS. More customers means lots of people demanding

gradually over a longer period of time. WanaCaps, the

better merchandise and more accurate information

first extended-release cannabis capsules, are available

about what they’re buying. Today’s consumers want the

in varying combinations of THC and CBD. Depending

highest-quality flower, standardized edible doses, and

on the individual, the effects of a single dose can last six

more ways to consume. As cannabis companies strug-

to 12 hours. “It gives users a level of psychoactivity they

gle to keep up with demand, they are finding new ways

can be comfortable with and lasts about twice as long

to create products, promoting themselves and connect-

as other edibles,” Whiteman says.

ing with customers online, and seeking more efficient ways to grow and produce higher-quality crops.

Take the edibles market, one of the fastest-grow-

a straw hat tending to a field of pot plants is ludicrous

ing segments of the industry. In Colorado alone, ap-

today. With a host of rules and regulations governing

proximately 650,000 edible units are sold each month.

the industry—like, for instance, that most cannabis

Still, some users complain that it takes too long for

has to be grown indoors—cannabis farmers have to

many edibles to take effect—sometimes more than

find ways to increase production and quality without

two hours—and that doses aren’t standardized or

raising costs. They are looking for the best lighting,

controlled across products. Others don’t like the para-

the right nutrients and soil for their crops, and a way

noia and unease that can sometimes accompany a

to track their plants from inception to sale.

THC experience. Medical patients, on the other hand,

“One thing about this industry: If you’re not inno-

are seeking a bedtime edible medication that will last

vating, you’re left in the dust. It’s changing so fast,”

all night.

says Andy Williams, owner of Medicine Man, a large

Complicating matters, the National Institutes of

Denver cannabis operation with two dispensaries.

Health provides no edibles or concentrates to research

Medicine Man grows, harvests, produces, and sells

facilities, which means that there is no way for re-

its own products, which makes it a manufacturing

searchers to study the effects of cannabinoids in ex-

facility, Williams says. He explains that a breakdown

tract or edible form anywhere in the US. This makes it

anywhere in the system can have serious ramifica-

more difficult for a company to come up with new or

tions further down the line. So the company uses a va-

improved products to please their customers.

riety of computerized machines. “You have to control

Wana Brands, based in Boulder, makes edibles, ex-

inputs and standardize processes like environment

tracts, and medical products. The company recently

and climate,” Williams says. “The technology comes in

partnered with Cannabics Pharmaceuticals, an Israeli

to do that, to help make sure to maintain specific tem-

research-and-development firm that develops cancer-

peratures and CO 2 levels, keep the alarms on, and

fighting drugs. Cannabics approached Wana because

make sure the plants are always in ideal conditions.”

the situation in that country is the opposite of what’s

Medicine Man recently joined forces with well-

happening in the US: Israel has great research facilities

known California grower Joshua Haupt, who devel-

and opportunities, but only a small market of limited

oped a cultivation technique that doubles plant pro-

medical users there. “They came to us looking for a part-

duction in the same amount of space. “He has come

ner who could manufacture a product using their tech-

up with revolutionary cultivation techniques that

nology,” says Wana co-founder Nancy Whiteman.

create beautiful plants in a way that I’ve never seen,”

They developed an edible product that kicks in within 15 minutes and continues to release cannabinoids

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For farmers, trying to improve plant production is nothing new. But the concept of the single grower with

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Williams says. “That is disruptive technology. I would not have believed it if I hadn’t seen it myself.”

Keeping up offers its own challenges to small-business owners, says Dan Anglin, owner of Boulder-based AmeriCanna, which makes cannabis-infused gummies. The company has created its own proprietary techniques for metered, standardized dosing its customers are seeking. And it is applying the same technologies used in automated food processing to increase productivity without increasing space or power demand. Beyond that, he admits that he hasn’t had too much time to concentrate on new technologies. “We’ve been so focused on all of the financial investment and getting our brand into the marketplace that we haven’t been able to focus on the new tech out there. And almost daily something new comes out.”

Anglin, whose grow operations are in older converted warehouses, says he thinks mostly in terms of power output. He desperately wants LED lighting in his operations to reduce the cost of power and lower temperatures inside, which lessens the environmental impact. But, he says, switching lighting involves a large capital outlay. “I can’t afford to reinvest because I’m trying to keep up with what I got,” Anglin says. “It’s not that we’re trying to recreate the wheel — we’re doing this because I can’t afford the technology. There isn’t anybody in cannabis who wouldn’t be using these bulbs if they could afford them.”

On the consumer side of things, cannabis users are looking to websites and apps to find reliable strain reviews, product info and availability, dispensary news, and deals, coupons, and rewards. Many also want to be able to share their experiences with other users. Dispensaries are advertising and partnering with sites and apps like Leafbuyer, MassRoots, Weedmaps, and Weedlife Network, all of which offer their own variations on community and an almost bewildering amount of news and information. But until one wins out or some other unifying network comes along, consumers are left to sort out the reliability of the various outlets.

“Dispensaries want to leverage the online market and offer reviews and discounts, to be able to connect sites,” says Shawn Tapp, co-founder of Weedlife Network. “But there needs to be a kind of industry Yellow Pages.”

Everyone I talked with feels that the industry will see big changes in the next few years. A lot of that enthusiasm comes from the recent votes legalizing recreational cannabis in Massachusetts and California. Besides almost tripling the number of people who will be able to purchase cannabis legally, California’s approval means that West Coast college graduates can find industry jobs in Silicon Valley right out of school. And with Massachusetts coming online, grads from major schools like MIT and Harvard can do the same. That means more innovation and collaboration and even bigger changes in grow operations, edibles makers, and online collaboration tools.

“These are places where tech companies thrive,” says Anglin. “There are gonna be lots of companies that are gonna jump right into this now. Who knows what’s next, man?”

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P R O MOT ION A L F E AT URE

CA N NA B I S CLE AN

Clean It Up CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO GROW. Whether you operate a commercial cannabis

and cleaning business could be applied to the fledg-

operation or grow your own plants, you know that

ling cannabis industry. With help from his colleague

contamination is a major concern. If steps aren’t

Josh Alper from Blue Diamond Consulting, McMor-

taken to protect your plants, salmonella, E. coli,

row developed a cleaning operation strictly with

mold, and mildew can quickly destroy yields, pol-

the cannabis industry in mind. After attending a few

lute your facility, and cost you losses in revenue

High Times Cannabis Cups, he found a growing de-

while creating unsanitary conditions that could be

mand for his services. “Initially we tried selling prod-

unhealthy for your workers.

ucts, but I started getting growers asking if we could

Steven McMorrow and his family started Canna-

just come in and clean their facilities.” He moved to

bis Clean to help create clean, sanitary environ-

Denver in July 2015 and started Cannabis Clean, a

ments for the cannabis industry. Cannabis Clean

family-run company of six employees.

offers everything from simple janitorial services to

Cannabis Clean was built around the concept that

post-harvest grow room cleaning and most things

stopping problems before they begin is the only real

in-between. The company also specializes in antimicrobial applications that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on surfaces once applied.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, McMorrow moved to North Carolina after his father died to help his mother out with her business and be closer to the family. Eventually, he and his mother started an odor-removal business for used cars, gymnasiums, daycares, and apartment complexes.

McMorrow has epilepsy, and he uses cannabis to help combat the side effects of the drugs he uses to control his condition. He first saw the medical marijuana industry while working in the film world in California. “I didn’t touch the plant until I was al-

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most 30 years old,” he says. “But I came to under-

way to deal with contamination and the only ap-

stand the benefits for people with epilepsy and

proach to take when growing/producing medica-

many other ailments. For me, it’s more to even me

tion. “We take a proactive approach to inhibit issues

out. There isn’t enough hard evidence for me to

with molds and cross-contamination and offer grow-

control my epilepsy with cannabis, but hopefully in

ers clean facilities to grow their medication. The MED

the future with the help of my neurologist, I can

is cracking down harder and harder on contamina-

one day grow my own medication. That’s the goal.”

tion testing, and business owners and growers should

He found that the same tried-and-tested prod-

be on top of cleanliness as much as anything else so

ucts and processes he used for his odor removal

they don’t lose crops. It’s much more expensive to

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have to go backward after a failed crop.”

Common problems in grows include mold on walls and in facilities and employees not dressed in proper clean suits and gloves, taking an allaround relaxed approach to cleanliness. Food manufacturing and beer breweries are safe and sterile operations regulated by state rules, he notes. Why shouldn’t cannabis businesses do the same? “We use chemicals and processes already used in many commercial industries including agrobusiness and antimicrobial applications that are used in many fields, including the medical field. I always hear people talk about pesticide residue, and ‘organic’ gets thrown around as much as anything else, but what about clean? What about the really small, harmful stuff that can get on what many users consider medicine. People need to be concerned about harmful bacteria and poor, unhealthy growing conditions for growing something that the public is going to consume. You can’t serve anything else for public consumption, especially any medication, without being constantly sanitized and sterile. The cannabis industry needs a wake-up call to take cleaning seriously.

Some do, but many don’t.”

Industrial-grade sprayers help ensure 100 percent coverage for disinfecting and sanitizing everything in-between grows and simply scrubbing tables, floors, and walls. “We try to take proven processes that are used in other industries like food manufacturing and medical community and make them applicable to the cannabis industry. If you’re taking a really clean/sanitary approach, it saves money and increases revenue. You don’t have as much crop loss due to contamination, employees aren’t getting sick as much from unsanitary conditions, which costs money, and it helps patients have peace of mind knowing their medication was grown in a clean facility. If your facility is Certified Cannabis Clean, customers will know that you have taken extra steps to help ensure safe, clean medication.

It’s a win all the way around.”

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P R O MOT ION A L F E AT URE

E X T R AC T C RA F T

Straight from the Source M AK E E X T R AC T I O N S AT H O M E W I T H TH I S SA F E A ND S I M P L E A P P L I A N C E .

So you’ve been seeing the news about how cannabis extracts are being used for medicinal and therapeutic uses, but you’ve also read the stories about exploding buildings and injuries from people doing their own extractions. How can patients or caregivers make their own pure, quality medicinals without hurting themselves?

Enter ExtractCraft. The company’s trademark Source appliance makes extraction something more akin to blending veggies than blowing the roof off your garage. Its alcohol-extraction process is completely safe, and the Source, with Bluetooth wireless technology, is an easy, professional way to make your own concentrates and dabs. The only limit is your imagination.

Lee Sutherland spent 25 years working in mechanical, electrical, and optical engineering in the commercial aerospace industry before founding ExtractCraft a couple of years ago. The company is based in Longmont, where it does its own manufacturing, assembling, and shipping.

Born in Oregon to a logging family, Sutherland moved to Colorado at age 12. As his parents grew older, his father developed joint problems and his mother MS. Both found that cannabis was better in terms of alleviating pain and swelling than any of the medications they were prescribed. “They were making butter, but it wasn’t doing what they wanted,” he says. “I wanted to bring a more engineered solution right into the kitchen and make it as easy and safe as possible.”

The two most popular methods for extracting essential oils involve CO2 and butane, both of which pose serious safety and legal issues for home use. Butane is a good way to extract THC, and it can be done inexpensively, but it’s not ideal for whole plant extraction. Alcohol, on the other hand, has been used in extractions for thousands of years and is today more effective than ever for plant extractions. Large commercial systems separate the alcohol for reuse, but the Source does the same thing right in the kitchen. “It’s a very affordable, closed-loop system that allows you to control everything,” he says. “You can experiment and mix herbs to make custom medicinals, using spice, citrus, mint and rose petal extracts, mushrooms for salad dressings, or hot pepper oils for therapeutic purposes.”

Even low-quality cannabis trim makes excellent extracts. All you do is put the trim into a jar, add grain alcohol (Everclear), let it sit for three to four minutes, strain the alcohol through a coffee filter, place the liquid in the machine, and two hours later you have a pure extract product with the clean alcohol separated for re-use.

Sutherland admits that there is a lot of confusion out there about extracts. Which is why the company has videos and lots of information on its website, EXTRACTCRAFT.COM. “Today there are many videos and people showing how to use it on the web. We have great customer service that gives people directions to go and resources they can use,” he says. “The main value is that they’re doing it themselves and that it pays for itself. If you can find a great low-cost trim, you’ll be spending a fraction as much for your concentrates. It’s as safe as mixing a gin and tonic, and easy for anyone to use."

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MOUNTAIN HIGH SUCKERS

P R O MOT ION A L F E AT URE

Lick it, Like it, Love it HANDMADE INFUSED S U C K E R S AND LOZ E N G E S F O R YO U R P L E AS U R E .

Mountain High Suckers, today’s leader in infused lolli-

manufacturers like Tribble. “We are, and still are, the first

pops, started as a small operation back in 2009. Founded

licensed edible company to sell an infused CBD product in

by Chad Tribble and John Garrison, the company initially

America,” he says. “We were for over two years before any-

only distributed their suckers to three dispensaries in the

one else jumped in. We are the original pioneers of CBD

Denver area.

in Colorado—and probably the nation.”

One day, while Tribble was making deliveries, he spoke with

As the company began switching to higher CBD lolli-

a patient who wanted to express her gratitude—she said her

pops, some patients expressed their confusion. “Lots of

life was more fulfilling now because of their product.

people were like, ‘Hey, this didn’t get me high,’” recounts

“‘Thank you for helping me change my life,’” Tribble re-

Tribble. “And we’re like, ‘This will do a lot of things for a lot

calls her saying. She could better manage her pain condi-

of people. You can get high but you just have to eat more.’”

tion with Mountain High Suckers. She asked him for a hug,

Mountain High Suckers stepped it up again one night

and he complied. “That was my first contact of a testimo-

when Tribble was making suckers with his wife. She asked

nial from a person,” he says.

him if he’d ever thought about putting something on the

Lollipops and other hard candies feature a few benefits

candies, so they offered more than just a hard candy on

over other edibles. For one, their shelf life lasts practically

a stick. “I was making orange that night, and she had dried

forever. They also work sublingually, or under the tongue, so

mango,” he recalls. “The mango was rolled in brown sugar

the cannabinoids absorb directly through the mouth and

and chili flakes. So we cut it into thin slices and we put it on

into the bloodstream. By going under the tongue, the med-

the orange sucker. I was like, holy gosh. It gave it some tex-

icine—an infusion of whole-plant cannabis oil—bypasses

ture, gave it some spice, nothing too hot. I was like, ‘That is

the digestive system, kicking in faster than other edibles that

unique. That was incredible.’”

only start working after they’re swallowed.

But everything changed for Mountain High Suckers when,

ens of wild, exotic lollipop combinations including but not

one day, a patient asked him how much THC each lollipop

limited to Apple Cinnamon (with a swirl of real cinnamon

contained. Tribble wasn’t sure, as lab testing for cannabis

through the center), Caramel Apple (dipped in a thick lay-

products was still in its infancy in those days.

er of caramel), Lime in the Coconut (with real coconut

Determined to get better information, he submitted some suckers to a lab. When the lab got back to him, they

flakes), Strawberry Banana (bits of dried banana and strawberry included), and, of course, Spicy Mango Orange.

wanted to know what cannabis strains he was using. His

With such an inventive, succulent brand, Mountain High

product contained an unusually high amount of CBD, the

Suckers plans to take its gourmet cannabis candies be-

compound in cannabis currently being studied for its prom-

yond Colorado’s borders. In the next year, they expect to

ising medical potential. CBD, however, wasn’t of much in-

expand into seven other states, as well as Canada, Jamaica,

terest to companies in 2009 because it didn’t give patients

Colombia, and Spain.

the characteristic “buzz” most edibles offered.

After the lab tested Mountain High Suckers’ plants, they identified the strain with the high CBD content. One of the lab techs then told Tribble, “This is a cannabinoid that’s being focused on. Not that THC is getting kicked to the curb, but CBD is a different cannabinoid that’s blowing people’s minds on how cannabis can help you.”

The rest is medical cannabis history. In 2010, Colorado began assigning licenses to marijuana-infused product 58

Today, Mountain High Suckers offers dozens upon doz-

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HELLO, LARRY

by STEPHANIE WILSON

New year, new elevated questions, new high-minded answers. Kicking off 2017, Denver-based entrepreneur

Larry Lisser gives us his high-minded guide to the very best of Colorado’s capital city. The busy

man is the senior vice president of business development for HelloMD, the nation’s largest medical cannabis community. In the midst of raising two teenagers in the Snapchat era, exploring Denver’s food scene, and spending time outdoors with his wife and dog, Larry curated this insider’s guide to the best the city has to offer.

© DANIELLE WEBSTER

Name // Larry Lisser Age // 50 Occupation // Entrepreneur

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Lives in // Hilltop Originally from // Montreal (but in Denver via 20 years in San Francisco) Coloradan since // Late 2014 Motto // Don’t judge, try to understand their perspective first

Q // What’s your favorite way to elevate?

A // Edibles, particularly micro-dosing and 1:1 THC/CBD ratios. I’ve also found great success with topicals.

Q // How often do you use cannabis?

A // Weekly.

Hero // My late grandmother

Q // What do you use it for?

A // Sleep. Stress. Fun.

2017 New Year’s Resolution // Let more stuff go

Q // How’s it make you feel?

A // Good. Or better.

Currently Reading // Sensi Magazine

Q // What stoner stereotype bugs you most?

A // Two things in fact: {1} That anyone who adds cannabis to their weekend lifestyle is somehow a stoner. {2} Worse, that people who medicate regularly are stoners. For some, cannabis is medicine—chosen over various pharmaceuticals like antidepressants or painkillers. Don’t get me started …

{INSERT SHAMELESS PLUG HERE}

Currently Binging // Fleabag Currently Loving // My family (and my dog) LARRY ’S LOCAL FAV ES Neighborhood // RiNo Coffee Shop // Aviano’s Restaurant // Cart-Driver Brunch Spot // Snooze Dispensary // GroundSwell Cannabis Boutique Edible // Julie’s Naturals Go-To Place to Take Guests // Boulder Park // Cherry Creek State Park (The off-leash dog area) Hiking Trail // Herman Gulch Ski Resort /Mountain // Winter Park Local Getaway // Beaver Creek E L EVAT E D TOPICS Sensi Mag // Who first introduced you to cannabis? How old were you?

Larry // Nineteen in my university dorm by people who have been lifelong friends ever since.

Q // Do you pair your cannabis use with any other activity?

A // Every so often when I’m lightly elevated, I find I can “crack a code”—come up with a creative solution to an otherwise unsolved business or personal problem. At the right time, with the right dose, my brain can function productively in ways it does not otherwise.

Q // If your parents are alive today, do they know you use cannabis? How do they feel about it?

A // Yes. And I’m lucky in that I was not raised in a judgmental environment. A responsible one, just not judgmental.

Q // Do your kids know that you use it?

A // I have worked very hard, along with my wife, to nurture a very open dialog about anything taboo —drugs, booze, sex—with my teenagers. So far, so good. Amazing how kids act when they feel they can talk to you.

Q // Any words of wisdom for anyone new to cannabis?

A // Get advice from someone you trust.

And go slowly. Micro-dosing is perfect for newcomers.

JANUARY 2017

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HIGHEST HONORS

sensi

SCENE

On a chilly night in December, the local cannabis crowd donned their finest © PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDECK PHOTO

and gathered together in downtown Denver for an evening celebrating the

What: Cannabis Business Awards Where: Downtown Denver When: December 7, 2016

Wanda James of Simply Pure, Cannabis Woman of the Year.

accomplishments of the community’s best and brightest. Known as the people’s choice awards, the fifth annual Cannabis Business Awards honored advocates, entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations in the recreational and medical cannabis realms in categories like Most Valuable Brand, Advocate of the Year, Most Innovative Product, and Cannabis Woman of the Year. Industry leaders such as Wanda James of Simply Pure, Jason Cranford of Flowering Hope, and Matthew Aiken of Sweet Leaf were among those who took to the stage to accept a leafy snow globe of honor from the evening’s host, Chloe Villano, and emcee, Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon.

Chloe Villano, founder of the Cannabis Business Awards.

An uplifting evening celebrating the cannabis community.

Sensi associate publisher Liana Cameris and Lee Stonehouse.

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