Sensi Magazine - San Diego (April 2018)

SAN D I EG O

THE NEW NORMAL

high

4.2018

ON THE

HIGHWAY 420 BUS TOURS cannabis

VILLAGE

Returns to EarthFair

dear Bradley Tribute to Late Sublime Singer

Bradley Nowell

ICONOGR A PHY of the FAN

LEAF

from Counterculture Symbol to Marketing Cliché

420 Events Listing Setting Sun Sake + More

ISSUE 4 // VOLUME 1 // 04.2018

contents

FEATURES 16

Iconography of the Fan Leaf

22

It Takes a Village

26

Dear Bradley

The pointy cannabis leaf, once a badge of the counterculture, may be in danger of becoming an overused marketing tool and cringe-worthy cliché in legal states.

Advocacy exhibition Cannabis Village returns for its second year at San Diego’s acclaimed eco-fest EarthFair.

An open letter to late Sublime singer Bradley Nowell from his former manager and friend Jon Phillips on what would have been his 50th birthday.

10

R.I.P. DENNIS Remembering Cali's cannabis crusader.

12

ISSUE

EVERY 5 Editor’s Note 6 TheBuzz 8 AroundTown 420 BUS TOUR

1 2 HighSpirits

SET TING SUN SAKE

3 2 {SoSD}

WALK OF ART

Sensi San Diego is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 3

sensi magazine ISSUE 4 VOLUME 1

4.2018

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4 San Diego A P R I L 2018

FOREFATHERS of

editor’s

420

NOTE

OTHER THAN IT’S ICONIC SEVEN-POINTED LEAF, THERE’S NO MORE UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED SYMBOL OF CANNABIS—AND THE CULTURE THAT SURROUNDS IT—THAN THE NUMBER 420.

Despite early confusion regarding its origin, the

nabis Buyer’s Club—the nation’s first cannabis col-

term 420 has been traced back over 40 years to a

lective, providing free medicine to those in need. It

group of teenagers known as The Waldos who would

was there that Peron, along with a cadre of patients,

meet each day after school at 4:20 to get high and

providers, politicos, and protestors drafted the his-

go hunting for a secret cannabis garden. This meet-

toric initiative called Proposition 215. In November

ing time quickly morphed into their secret code for

1996, after years of tireless effort by Peron and grass-

all things reefer-related. Over time, 420 was adopt-

roots organizations throughout the state, Prop 215

ed and propagated first by the Deadhead commu-

was voted into law—beginning the era of medical

nity and then High Times magazine, until eventually,

marijuana in America.

it evolved beyond the stoner subculture and into the

Sadly, Peron passed away earlier this year—mere

mainstream mindscape. That’s why, each year on April

weeks after the legalization that his dedication and

20, millions of cannabis enthusiasts around the world

sacrifices paved the way for went into effect. So regard­

gather together to toke up, speak out and get down.

less of how you choose to celebrate the high holiday,

Yes, believe it or not, it all began at a high school in

I hope you’ll join me in a moment of silence at 2 :15

San Rafael, California back in 1971.

p.m. to honor the memory of our community’s fallen

Meanwhile, around the same time as The Waldos were inadvertently birthing the greatest marijuana meme of all time, a gay Vietnam veteran named Dennis Peron was restarting his life as a hippie pot

founding father.

Happy 4/20 everyone.

Highest regards,

dealer just across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Peron transformed his apartment into a sort of cannabis commune, where like-minded people could socialize, organize, cop a lid and get high.

That space served as the inspiration for what would two decades later become the San Francisco Can-

Bobby Black

SoCAL EDITOR @ BOBBYBL ACK

A D V I S O RY B OA R D FlowerKist by Steph // TOPICALS

Pot Drive (Kush Kandy) // MEDIA & ADVERTISING TECHNOLOGY

LINX Card // MERCHANT SERVICES

Therapy Tonics & Provisions // EDIBLES

Greenstar Solar // SOLAR ENERGY

Thrive CBD // CBD TINCTURES

Mighty Meds Vape // VAPE

Webjoint // POINT OF SALE SOFTWARE

Outco // CULTIVATION & DELIVERY

Yobi (Silver State Software) // STORE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 5

THE NE W N O R M A L

the

buzz

Originally located in the heart of North Park, Finest Social Club is the hybrid that resulted when veteran tattoo artist and owner of Finest Tattoo Company Pete Large opened the doors of his shop to the Kutthroat Barbers in September 2017. By combining their talents and resources into one space, the artists and stylists at Finest Social Club offer a much more elaborate and unique cannabis-friendly

at the

experience. During regular business hours, customers can just walk in and get award-winning haircuts, shaves, and ink (though appointments are recommended). After hours, however, the experience expands: clients can have a drink, take a dab, or smoke a blunt while waiting for a haircut or some fresh ink.

Interestingly, the building used to be a church in the early 2000s. These days, instead of pews and an altar, the space is filled with lounge-style couches, a 60" flatscreen, and a pool table. And rather than

TATTOO AND BARBER SHOP COMBINATIONS (USUALLY REFERRED TO AS “CHOP SHOPS”) ARE NOTHING NEW, NOR IS OFFERING THEIR PATRONS V.I.P. SERVICES LIKE DRINKS, SNACKS, FREE WIFI. WHAT SETS FINEST SOCIAL CLUB IN CITY HEIGHTS APART FROM THE REST OF SAN DIEGO’S CHOP SHOPS IS THAT IT’S 420-FRIENDLY.

HIGH HOLIDAY

stained glass and frescos, its walls are covered in flash art and barber competition trophies. The shop’s unique history and 125-person capacity allow it to double as a venue, hosting not only barber battles and tattoo exhibitions but also various private events and functions, such as bachelor and CD release parties, art installations, comedy shows, and, yes, even cannabis events.

Regardless of whether you come in for an event, some body art, or just a trim, you're guaranteed to have a fun time and walk out looking sharp and feeling great. Make your way down to the Finest Social Club and find out for yourself. Finest Social Club, 4239 University Ave. // FINESTSOCIALCLUB.COM —BENJI GARCIAREYES

4/20

festivities

What began with a nerdy group of San Rafael teenagers calling themselves The Waldos meeting to search for a lost pot garden after school back in 1971 has since evolved into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Today, the number 420 has become synonymous with cannabis, making 4:20 the preferred time of day to toke up and April 20 (4/20) the official day of education and celebration for cannabis lovers everywhere. As the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis has continued to expand, so too have the 4/20 celebrations. The secret seshes of the past have fast been replaced by huge, sophisticated and legally permitted events filled with music, food, seminars, and, of course, designated smoking areas. And while each of these gatherings is different, there’s one aspect they all share: a countdown to that magical moment at precisely 4:20 p.m. when the cheers of revelers and billowy clouds of smoke fill the air.

What follows is a rundown of some of the more prominent gatherings taking place to mark the high holiday here in California, as well as in the rest of the country and the world.

Regardless of where you decide to spend your 4/20 this year, we wish you a safe and stony good time. –KEIKO BEATIE 6 San Diego A P R I L 2018

The High Times Cannabis Cup

WHERE: National Orange Show Fair Grounds // San

Bernardino

WHAT: High Times’ flagship event is back in Bernardino with A-List musical guests, a multitude of vendors and a celebratory 420 countdown at 4:20 pm each day.

WHEN: April 20–22 CANNABISCUP.COM

Her Royal Highness

WHERE: Queen Mary // Long Beach WHAT: The historic ship hosts a 420 party for the

first time, with education, food, vendors, and music.

Sponsored by OC NORML.

WHEN: April 20, 12 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

FB.COM/HERROYALHIGHNESS420

Cannabis Village

WHERE: EarthFair // Balboa Park, San Diego WHAT: CannaVillage at EarthFair 2018 is one of the

largest cannabis events in San Diego. Note: this is a non-consumption event. If you plan to medicate, do so discretely and respectfully.

WHEN: April 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

CANNABISPROFESSIONALS.ORG/CANNABISVILLAGE

Cannabis CRUSADERS Until very recently, the NFL, NBA, and MLB have all considered marijuana to be in the same league as hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and steroids. But due to mounting pressure from players, as well as growing evidence of cannabis’ therapeutic benefits, the stigmas and fears surrounding cannabis are changing, and some professional sports entities have finally begun to “look into it.” One organization that’s been ahead of the curve on the issue, however, is San Diego’s professional indoor football team the California Crusaders.

The Crusaders are part of the Super 8 Football League—a professional indoor football league formed in November 2010 by 1NN Entertainment, an organization that’s been promoting sporting events throughout Southern California since 1989. Neither Super 8 Football League nor their parent company, are opposed the use of medical cannabis by their athletes for treatment of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) among other injuries associated with the sport. Quite the opposite, in fact: the team’s management has made it clear that they are intent on using all resources available to make their team champions. Not only have they informed players that they’re free to use cannabis products, but they’ve also requested feedback about any specific products the players find effective in rehab or recuperation and are even seeking to bring on a medical marijuana training staff. Now if we could only get the NFL to follow their example…

— BENJI GARCIAREYES

The Palm Springs Cannabis Film Festival & Summit WHERE: Camelot Theatres // 2300 East

Baristo Rd., Palm Springs

420 in the Park

WHERE: Hippy Hill // Golden Gate Park,

San Francisco

WHAT: Sharon Meadows—a.k.a. Hippy

WHAT: This new film festival seeks to

Hill—is the traditional site for one of

erode stereotypes and clichés around

California’s longest running public

cannabis and promote positive discussion.

gatherings celebrating 4/20. Food vendors,

The lineup features screenings of feature,

bathrooms, security, and emergency

short, and documentary films, social

medical personnel will be there. There’s

gatherings, and educational panels and

also a Hippie Hill concert by rapper Berner

speakers—including a keynote address by

happening at the nearby Bill Braham Civic

California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control

Auditorium.

chief, Lori Ajax.

WHEN: April 20–22 PSCFF.JACKALYST.COM

VIP CannaSexual Couples’ Intimacy Weekend

WHEN: April 20, 9 a.m.–Dusk 420HIPPIEHILL.COM

Hempcon

WHERE: Cow Palace // San Francisco WHAT: One of Cali’s biggest, most popular

WHERE: Sacramento WHAT: Presented by Dr. Shameless and

cannabis festivals returns to the Bay Area

CannaSexual Ashley Manta, this cannabis-

course a medicating section.

with vendors, performers, seminars, and of

filled sensual weekend will include two

WHEN: April 20–22, Hours vary

nights in a historic bed and breakfast, an

HEMPCON.COM/2018-420

infused dinner, and intimacy building activities, workshops, and exercises.

WHEN: April 20–22 ELEVATEDINTIMACY.COM

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 7

{aroundtown}

by A.J. HERRINGTON

BUS TOUR: HIGH HOLIDAY ON THE HIGHWAY Celebrate 4/20 in style with a limo bus tour of San Diego’s burgeoning cannabis industry.

It’s April, and that means that 4/20 is once again right

ingly comfortable seat. The lighting in the bus morphs

around the corner—forcing all of us cannabis enthusiasts

from purple to red to yellow as my fellow cannabis ad-

to face the difficult decision of where and how to cele-

venturers, and I introduce ourselves and exchange pleas-

brate our high holiday. Do we spend a bunch of money

antries. Many of us are locals, but some are visiting from

to fly off to some pot-friendly destination? Drive an hour

the Bay Area, and others are even from out of state.

or more to some crowded corporate cannabis event? Or

Soon we’re welcomed by Todd Green, the owner of

just sit around on the sofa at home and blaze a blunt for

West Coast Cannabis Tours, and encouraged to light up.

the all-day Cheech and Chong marathon? Well, allow

Vape pens quickly appear and are shared generously. A

me to offer another alternative—a cannabis bus tour.

joint is soon circulating, and red and green laser beams

Cannabis tours are a great way to step up your April

emitting from concealed fixtures become evident, pierc-

20th celebration—getting you lifted while giving you a

ing the cloud of smoke that quickly fills the bus. A Ran-

lift around town for a behind-the-scenes adventure in

cho San Diego resident named D.J. balances a black

the cannabis industry. As legalization continues to take

plastic Pelican case on his knees and unpacks a glass

hold across the state, more cannabis companies are step-

dab rig and torch. It looks like we’ll be in for quite the ride.

ping out of the shadows, now proudly part of the new

Before the haze gets too thick, I ask Green about how

normal. They want to meet new and existing customers

West Coast Cannabis Tours got started. He tells me that

face to face and get a chance to show what they have to

he’d heard about similar tours in Colorado and saw

offer. These opportunities to bring businesses and the

founding West Coast Cannabis Tours as a way to get

public together are quickly being recognized by shrewd

into the cannabis industry while avoiding some of its no-

entrepreneurs, who host various themed bus tours sev-

torious pitfalls (such as dealing exclusively in cash). The

eral days a week—each with something special to make

company began conducting tours of San Diego area

it stand out. To see what they had to offer, I signed up

medical marijuana businesses to patients in May 2017,

for a tour with SoCal’s first licensed and insured canna-

and since the passage of Prop 64, has expanded its of-

bis tour operator, West Coast Cannabis Tours.

ferings to accommodate adult-use patrons. Green

My fellow passengers and I are picked up at a rendez-

views being a newcomer to the cannabis sector as an

vous point outside an office building in Sorrento Valley

advantage, as it allowed him to build his business from

around 11:30 a.m. Reggae pumps from the sound sys-

scratch without any preconceived notions.

tem as I board the limo bus and settle into the surpris8 San Diego A P R I L 2018

“I like to figure stuff out myself,” he says with a smirk.

West Coast Cannabis Tours

High Minded Tours

MJ Tours

WESTCOASTCANNABISTOURS.COM

HIGHMINDEDLIVING.COM

MJTOURSCALIFORNIA.COM

(844) 768-8687

PHOTOGRAPHS © A.J. HERRINGTON

(800) 295-WCCT

(833) MJ-TOURS

Urbn Leaf, Golden Hill.

Cheba Hut, Pacific Beach.

Peter Yousif of Urbn Leaf assists a customer.

Welcome to your purple paradise.

West Coast Cannabis Tours’ Limo Bus

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 9

The first stop on the tour is a dispensary in Golden Hill

has a chance to easily show off their finds. Once we’re

called Urbn Leaf, so those who aren’t yet holding can get

back on the road, samples are eagerly shared around as

their provisions for the journey. Upon arrival, check-in is

we head toward the next stop.

quick and efficient, especially considering our group

A quick drive down the 5 brings us to the National City

numbers close to 30 people. Billing itself as a “feel good

studio of glass artist John Whelan. Whelan started blow-

drug boutique,” the dispensary is bright and attractively

ing glass back in the 1980s—creating lab apparatus for

designed, with multiple stations for the knowledgeable

biotech giants like Pfizer and the Salk Institute before

staff to assist customers with the vast selection of

going into business for himself in 1991 under the moni-

flower, concentrates, edibles, and more.

ker of Sour Glass. We’re all entranced as we watch him

Peter Yousif, the Operating Manager at Urbn Leaf,

craft a bong (or should I say functional glass art piece)

says tours help his business by bringing a steady flow of

right before our eyes, using a variety of propane and ox-

new, first-time customers to the shop. He says many

ygen torches and a lathe to fuse and shape the molten

are pleasantly surprised by the look and feel of the dis-

glass. Whelan informs me that he has different tour groups

pensary, which was designed to look like a high-end

visiting the shop three days a week and that they’re a

clothing store.

great way to get his business’s name out. They also al-

“These tours are great to help open the eyes of newer smokers and allow us to show off the up and coming industry,” Yousif tells me.

low him to drum up extra sales by offering his creations to guests at a steep discount off the usual retail prices.

Charlene Dunn, a recent visitor, professes that the

Once everyone is finished shopping we return to the

stop at Sour Glass was her favorite part of the tour. “The

bus. With seats situated around the inside perimeter of

glassblowing blew my mind,” she said. “I didn’t know all

the bus rather than all in a row facing the front, everyone

those things were handmade.”

10 San Diego A P R I L 2018

The third and final stop on the trip is at cultivation sup-

dropping down to La Jolla Shores and on to Pacific

plier Miramar Hydroponics. There, a rosin press demon-

Beach. This tour also includes a munchie break at Cheba

stration gives us the chance to process our flowers into

Hut, the weed-themed sandwich shop, and a stop at

dabs with the pull of a lever. We’re also treated to a home

Madison, a bar in University Heights with a CBD signa-

cooking class by Josh Wooden of the edible company

ture cocktail. Some tours by High Minded even include a

Brown Bag Bakery, who whips up a delicious, un-medi-

visit to a cultivation site on the itinerary.

cated chicken stir-fry. Finally, the tour is concluded by rep-

Yet another new cannabus tour company is MJ Tours,

resentatives from cannabis genetics company Seed Vault

which offers some specialized schedules in addition to

of California, who encourage us all to give home growing a

its introductory tours: For those who like to blend their

try. The ride back to our cars in Sorrento Valley puts the

buzz, craft beer, wine, or cocktail tours are available, as

total duration of the tour at just over four hours.

are “Girls Night Out” and customized VIP outings. Most

Of course, West Coast Cannabis Tours isn’t the only

of these San Diego cannabis tours start at around $99

game in town. High Minded Tours is a new operator that

per person, but discount deals are often offered. In fact,

just began offering cannabis excursions in San Diego as

one couple from Houston on my trip even told me they’d

of February of this year. Similar to Green, High Minded’s

purchased a Groupon for the tour while planning their

partners Blythe Goodwin and Martin Schulz were in-

Cali vacation.

spired to start the company after taking a similar excur-

So if you haven’t made your plans for 4/20 yet, con-

sion in Colorado. And like West Coast, their five-hour

sider a cannabis industry bus tour. You’ll not only make

tour begins with Urbn Leaf and Sour Glass, but then

new friends and connections, and enjoy an educational,

takes a more scenic turn, driving north to offer coastal

entertaining afternoon, you’ll also get to sit back, par-

views from the Coronado Bridge to Mt. Soledad then

take and party while someone else does the driving.

ALL-IN-ONE CANNABIS SOFTWARE Effortless Compliance + POS + Marketing Tools Servicing 200+ clients in California, schedule a demo today!

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sensimag.com APR I L 2018 11

{highspirits}

by DAVID RUISE

SETTING SUN SAKE: FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE Setting Sun Sake infuses a traditional Japanese spirit with modern SoCal style.

With all of the breweries and wineries continuing to

Josh Hembree and Keldon Premud, the superior qual-

pop up across San Diego County, it can be difficult for

ity of their sakes is a natural result of their individual

a newer brewer to stand out from the pack. But when

drives toward excellence every step of the way.

it comes to Setting Sun Sake, you need look no further than the name to realize what makes them unique.

Prior to opening Setting Sun in August 2016, both men had racked up years of experience in the craft

When you say the word “sake,” most people think

brew industry while working at Stone Brewing. Hem-

of sipping the hot Japanese rice wine from a tiny cup

bree says that from day one, his goal was to open his

while chowing down on some sushi or teriyaki. But

own place eventually. He knew that there was no-

Setting Sun Sake is out to change that image: the

where he’d rather be than in a brewery, but he wanted

owners are not trying to create the best Japa-

to do something a little more challenging than beer—

nese-style sake; rather, they’re on a mission to be the

something that no one expected.

best American craft sake. At the tasting room in Mira

“Don’t get me wrong—I come from the beer indus-

Mesa, Setting Sun offers a constantly evolving bottle

try, and I love it,” says Hembree. “Beer laid the foun-

list of what they refer to as “happy sakes with big bold

dation for me. I’ve been hands-on in the trenches, and

flavors” (e.g., pomegranate, hibiscus, and green tea)

I have the utmost respect and gratitude for my friends

that includes both cloudy and clear varieties, as well

and mentors I’ve met along the way. But I fell in love

as specialty monthly and seasonal brews—all of

with how hard sake was to brew.”

which are made using locally sourced ingredients and

When they originally set out on this entrepreneurial

a house blend of yeast. For the brewery’s founders,

venture in 2014, Hembree knew nothing about mak-

12 San Diego A P R I L 2018

SAKE

S

SAKE

SETTING SUN SAKE {Where} 8680 Miralani Dr., Suite 120 {Hours} Monday–Thursday, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.

Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. {Phone} (951) 757-1393 SETTINGSUNSAKE.COM

SAKE

SAKE

SAKE

SAKE

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 13

ing sake—he just knew that he wanted to prove him-

known as “koji” (rice containing a special type of mold

self and create something great. So he bought a book

called Aspergillus oryzae). Next, this mixture is placed

on sake brewing and his first rice steamer and began

in a large tank to sit and ferment for about three to

blazing his own trail.

four weeks—a process known as “shikomi.” After “With beer, you start with

that, the mash is pressed and filtered, then aged for

premalted grains. With

around six months. Of course, Hembree—who is also

sake, though, every

a long time jiu-jitsu student—adds his own mysteri-

time you touch the

ous, zen flair to the traditional process. Though he

rice it matters,” he ex-

wouldn’t disclose any details about his proprietary

plains. “When I learned

brewing method, he did offer a glimpse into the mys-

that about sake, it reso-

tical inspiration behind it: Hembree says he views the

nated with me. It’s a con-

Fibonacci sequence—the mathematical algorithm

stant challenge, and chal-

wherein each consecutive number is the sum of the

lenges make us better at our

two preceding it—as a metaphor for how he brews

craft, our business, and ulti-

his sake, in the sense of building exponentially on

mately, our lives.”

what came previously every step along the way. He

If you’re looking for a chal-

also times all of their new releases with the solstices

lenging pursuit, sake brewing cer-

and equinoxes. For him, it’s all about harmony, disci-

tainly fits the bill: first, the rice has

pline, and attention to detail. This level of devotion is

to be milled, washed, and steamed,

integral to both the business and the personal lives of

then blended with yeast and something

both men. Hembree says that he partnered with

Software should make your job easier... ...not just be another headache Easily export data Pre-packaged optimized No long-term contracts

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retail cannabis. simplified.

Premud because, quite simply, he was the smartest

to 300-gallon batches. Plus, in addition to the tasting

person he knew.

room in Mira Mesa, Setting Sun sakes can now be

“I like to be around people who inspire and chal-

found at all of the best bottle shops and a growing

lenge me,” he says. “Keldon is a polymath…a Renais-

number of bistros and gastropubs all across the city.

sance man.”

Yes, word is certainly getting out about these “deli-

The two friends have come a long way from their

ciously offensive and offensively delicious” sakes.

days working multiple jobs, boiling rice on the stove-

“It’s amazing to be out and about and see people

top at home, and fermenting it in the garage. In No-

I’ve never met before wearing Setting Sun Sake

vember 2016, after close to two years of experiment-

t-shirts,” Josh beams. “I know I’m doing the right thing.

ing and honing his sake skills, Hembree finally quit his

Being the best person I can be translates to building

other jobs and dove headlong into his dream. He’s a

the best business I can, and I’ve got a partner who

devout follower of the “10,000 Hour Rule” from au-

shares my vision.”

thor Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, which states

As you might suspect, that vision entails some am-

that the key to success in any field is simply a matter

bitious expansion in the coming years: the partners

of practicing a specific task for 20 hours per week for

plan to open a bigger brewery, a restaurant, botanical

10 years—a benchmark in brewing which he and

gardens, a test kitchen, and even their own distribu-

Premud have since met and exceeded. Today, Setting

tion company. The future is indeed looking bright for

Sun experiences capacity crowds on a regular basis,

Setting Sun Sake, and us San Diegans are fortunate to

causing production demands to skyrocket. Over the

be able to partake in this unique brewery’s success

past year, they’ve gone from being open two days a

firsthand. So stop in for a glass, a flight, or a growler,

week to seven and from brewing five-gallon batches

and taste these bodacious beverages for yourself.

FOLLOW US @POTDRIVE sensimag.com APR I L 2018 15

16 San Diego A P R I L 2018

iconogr a phy OF THE FAN LEAF: FAN

Leaf?

NOT A

OF THE

by ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE

The pointy cannabis leaf, ONCE A BADGE OF THE COUNTERCULTURE, MAY BE IN DANGER OF BECOMING AN OVERUSED MARKETING TOOL AND CRINGE-WORTHY CLICHÉ IN LEGAL STATES—BUT IT’S OUR ICON, AND WE’RE STUCK WITH IT. LET’S LEAD WITH TASTE AND RESPECT.

I own two pieces of clothing with cannabis leaves

When I visit my family and friends in the conserva-

on them: warm, fuzzy socks that were a gift from a

tive Midwestern state where I grew up, I leave those

dear friend and a three-year-old Women Grow t-shirt,

items at home. I’m a sissy rebel—or maybe no rebel at

vintage in this young industry and soft from many

all—because I wear them only in legal states, where

washings. I love wearing both in Colorado and Califor-

cannabis leaves are a networking tool, not a counter-

nia, where they spark good conversation.

cultural icon. They’re so ubiquitous in Colorado and sensimag.com APR I L 2018 17

California these days, in fact, that I might not wear my

Jacquie Aiche Sweet Leaf jewelry and clutches featur-

socks and shirt to industry events because I’m slightly

ing that leaf.

embarrassed about what a cliché that pointy leaf has become.

But let’s face it: Mara and Margot weren’t breaking new ground. They’re all following Gram Parson, who

If you’ve been in the cannabis industry for a minute

had suits with cannabis leaves embroidered on them

or two, you can’t help but catch the yawn. It’s been

made for him and his Flying Burritos Brothers band-

three years since Mara Hoffman dressed her New

mates to wear on the cover of their first album in 1968.

York Fashion Week models in dresses and pants wo-

The mainstream fashion world may still get a little

ven with green cannabis leaves and two years since

titillated by the leaf’s countercultural edge—*so* Che

Alexander Wang worked them into a black leather

Guevara—but in the cannabis industry, we’ve all seen

skirt that Margot Robbie wore on Saturday Night Live.

that guy wearing a suit plastered with leaves at a few

We’ve all gotten used to seeing celebrities flash their

too many events. (Just because you can doesn’t mean

RESPECT: eat your leaves Fan leaves, still considered a waste product by industrial and home growers because they deliver very minimal THC, are coming into their own as a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse, largely thanks to the work of Dr. William Courtney. The physician 4credits cannabis leaf juice with putting his domestic partner into remission from lupus, interstitial cystitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As food and medicine, the non-psychoactive leaves are finally getting the respect they deserve.

If you don’t or can’t grow your own cannabis, fresh fan leaves can be a hard-to-come-by delicacy. Here’s to seeing that change.

If you do grow your own, stop composting fan leaves when you remove them. Wash them in water and vinegar, then blend them into juices and smoothies, toss them into salads, sprinkle them into soups and over fish, and add them to pesto and tabbouleh. They add an earthy, slightly bitter taste and deliver vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

you should.) We’re classing up this industry, and as a friend recently pointed out, you don’t see people walking around wine festivals wearing leggings covered in grapes or earrings shaped like grapevines.

Our ennui is a problem of privilege—albeit one that should be a right for all—and I do know how lucky we are that we can display cannabis leaves as a universal symbol of pride, solidarity, and advocacy without fear of persecution. Because in the end, though there are more subtle ways of letting the world know we’re pro-cannabis—jewelry shaped like THC and CBD molecules make great gifts for friends in the Midwest— nothing says “I love weed” like the leaf.

It’s our icon, and we’re stuck with it. Let’s try to be tasteful.

Enemies of Society, Waiting for Our Emoji The cannabis leaf has history. The oldest depiction found so far dates to the Neolithic era (10,000–5,000 BC) and was painted on a cave wall on the coast of Kyushu, Japan. Many believe the pointy leaf often shown above the head of the ancient Egyptian idol Seshat, goddess of architecture, astronomy, astrology, and mathematics, was a cannabis leaf.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, when cannabis was a common ingredient in over-the-counter elixirs, the leaf could be spotted on medicine bottle labels— though it wasn’t nearly as ubiquitous as it is on cannabis products today. It went underground with the advent of prohibition in 1937, largely forgotten until it re-emerged, along with tie-dye and peace signs, in the 1960s.

Jerry Rubin, the flamboyant radical who told hippies never to trust anyone over 30, anointed the leaf when he said: “Smoking pot makes you a criminal and a revolutionary. As soon as you take your first puff, you are an enemy of society.”

In 1966, the Saturday Evening Post described college students who used marijuana as fitting into “a

18 San Diego A P R I L 2018

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 19

general pattern of rebellion against society’s values.”

with animals (54.6 percent) and basketball teams with

The very fact that marijuana was illegal, according to

basketballs (52.6 percent) scored higher—and it’s not

a 1967 Life magazine article, was part of its appeal for

just about pictures. Think about how many cannabis

PEACE OUT

A HANDFUL OF YEARS BEFORE THE CANNABIS LEAF EMERGED AND BECAME FOREVER INTERTWINED WITH IT AS SYMBOLS OF REBELLIOUS TIMES, THE PEACE SIGN WAS INVENTED AS A BADGE FOR THE CAMPAIGN FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT. THE COLD WAR WAS ESCALATING WHEN BRITISH DESIGNER GERALD HORTON CREATED THE PEACE SYMBOL FOR A 1958 ANTI-NUCLEAR MARCH IN LONDON. HE BASED THE DESIGN ON HIS OWN PERSONAL DESPAIR, REPRESENTING AN INDIVIDUAL WITH HANDS STRETCHED DOWNWARD AND OUTWARD LIKE SPANISH PAINTER FRANCISCO GOYA’S DEPICTION OF TERRIFIED PEASANTS BEFORE THE FIRING SQUAD DURING THE SPANISH RESISTANCE TO NAPOLEON’S ARMIES IN 1808.

HORTON’S ORIGINAL DESIGN LOOKED MORE LIKE A PERSON, WITH THE LINES WIDENING TO MEET THE CIRCLE WHERE FEET, HANDS AND A HEAD WOULD BE, BUT THE LINES WERE STRAIGHTENED AND SLIMMED DOWN IN THE 1960S UNTIL HIS DESIGN BECAME THE BOLD, UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED ICON WE KNOW AND LOVE TODAY.

companies you know with the word “leaf” in the name.

the empty, materialistic striving of their parents, they

We could talk all day about the irony of baby boom-

turn the whole pot scene into a protest tool which they

ers exploiting the freedom leaf to make money as part

use to mock a middle-class culture they disdain,” the

of the very middle-class culture they once disdained—

article stated.

but let’s save that for a sesh.

We all know what happened next. Hippies became

The fan leaf is our icon, and

yuppies, Nancy Reagan told us to “just say no,” and can-

we’re stuck with it. Let’s try to

nabis leaves disappeared even from rolling paper la-

be respectful of its defiance.

bels and dorm room posters as the plant was forced

Those of us who get to experi-

deep underground. When Adidas attempted to unearth

ence the normalization of a

it by replacing its corporate logo with a cannabis leaf

symbol that once sparked con-

to market hemp sports shoes in 1998, US drug czar Lee

flict and controversy need to

P. Brown slammed the company for attempting to “cap-

keep working toward universal

italize on the drug culture” and implying that drugs are

acceptance, even as we fold it

associated with the “magic” of sporting achievement.

into our marketing materials.

Prohibition is ending. Despite Attorney General Jeff Sessions, attitudes are changing, and the leaf has nev-

We’ve come far, but we’re not there yet.

er been more popular. In 2016, a survey found that 44

We will have arrived when

percent of logos registered as trademarks for canna-

our phones come equipped

bis businesses included leaves—only veterinarians

with cannabis leaf emojis.

20 San Diego A P R I L 2018

Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook author Robyn Griggs Lawrence recently launched a company, Cannabis Kitchen Events, that includes a tiny turquoise cannabis leaf in the logo.

PHOTOGRAPHS © POVY KENDAL ATCHISON

young people. “Seeing themselves in rebellion against

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village

it takes a

by JARED SCL AR

Climate change ... SOL AR ENERGY … WATER CONSERVATION … WILDLIFE P R E S E R V A T I O N … O R G A N I C FA R M I N G … T H E S E A R E B U T A F E W O F T H E M A N Y I M P O R T A N T

I S S U E S T H A T T H E H O L I D A Y K N O W N A S E A R T H D A Y WA S C R E A T E D TO C A L L A T T E N T I O N T O .

SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO THESE COMPLEX CHALLENGES IS THE PURPOSE OF EVENTS LIKE SAN D I E G O ’S E A R T H F A I R, N O W C E L E B R A T I N G I T S 29T H Y E A R A T H I S T O R I C B A L B O A P A R K T H I S APRIL 22. PRODUCED BY ECO-ADVOCACY GROUP SAN DIEGO E ARTHWORKS, THE EVENT EXPECTS AROUND 400 VOLUNTEERS, 300 EXHIBITORS, AND OVER 60,000 AT TENDEES—EARNING IT THE S U P E R L A T I V E T I T L E O F “L A R G E S T F R E E A N N U A L E N V I R O N M E N T A L F A I R I N T H E W O R L D.” AMONG THE MANY EXHIBITIONS YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO FIND AT THIS SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS FESTIVAL (SUCH AS THE EARTH ART GALLERY, EHOME PAVILION, AND CLEANER CAR CONCOURSE), THERE’S AN EXCITING NEW AREA THAT, UNTIL RECENTLY, WOULD’VE BEEN UNTHINKABLE AT A “FAMILY-FRIENDLY” EVENT LIKE THIS : CANNABIS VILLAGE. Making its debut just last year, Cannabis Village is

Markgraaff felt the best way to further integrate canna-

an expansive educational exposition that seeks to unite

bis into mainstream culture is by facilitating an all-in-

the cannabis community and educate the general pub-

clusive showcase, or “village,” where the cannabis com-

lic about the many positive social, economic, and en-

munity can come out and physically show their

vironmental benefits of cannabis and hemp. The in-

fellow San Diegans the myriad benefits that legal

augural event was a huge success, drawing larger

cannabis brings to the community at large—with a

than expected crowds as activists came out of the wood-

particular focus on the environment.

work to support the cannabis community. Being a

“We are going to emphasize hemp’s great potential

non-consumption, non-display environment not only

for solutions to the many environmental problems we

ensures that Cannabis Village is 100 percent legally

face, including climate change and fire danger,” he

compliant but also that it provides a safe and welcom-

declares.

ing space for families to gather and learn about the im-

For example, many people know cannabis is a cash

portant contributions the industry is making to San

crop, but most don't know about the sustainability

Diego’s culture and economy. This was precisely the

advantages that building with hemp can provide, or

vision of Cannabis Village’s founder, longtime canna-

about how effective a substitute for plastic hemp

bis activist and entrepreneur Dion Markgraaff.

can often be. To demonstrate ideas such as these, an

Markgraaff’s bona fides are impressive: back in 1993,

entire section of Cannabis Village will be dedicated to

he opened Europe’s first hemp store, Cannabis in

the environmental benefits of building with hemp.

Amsterdam; in 1997, he organized San Diego’s first

The centerpiece of this area will be a fully functional

medical marijuana club; and in 2002, he founded the

and mobile hemp house that Markgraaff and his friends

San Diego branch of Americans for Safe Access. To-

paid for and constructed themselves over a three-day

day, he serves as the chancellor of Cannabis Interna-

period last year, then transported safely to the park.

tional University and as a board member of the Associ-

In addition to the aforementioned hemp area, the

ation of Cannabis Professionals—the San Diego-based

Village will contain close to 70 different vendor booths

trade organization that produces Cannabis Village.

showcasing a wide variety of innovations from the can-

22 San Diego A P R I L 2018

Advocacy exhibition CANNABIS VILLAGE returns for its second year at SAN DIEGO’S acclaimed ECO - FEST E ARTHFAIR.

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 23

nabis industry, from edibles to vaporizers to state-

It is just such marginalized communities that have

of-the-art growing equipment and everything else in

been most ravaged by the War on Drugs, which for

between—except for products containing THC, which

decades has been the front lines of America’s ongo-

are unlawful to sell at the fair. There’s also the “Sun

ing civil rights struggle. Decriminalization of canna-

Stage,” which will host the day’s speakers and perform-

bis is not just a medical or recreational issue but a

ers. Last year’s lineup included a performance by reg-

social, criminal, and racial justice issue as well. Only

gae artist and longtime cannabis activist Pato Banton

now are we starting to see jurisdictions like San Fran-

and speeches from several prominent activists such

cisco and San Diego County begin to dismiss or reduce

as Dan Herer—son of the late legalization legend Jack

sentences for prisoners incarcerated for nonviolent

Herer, whose landmark book The Emperor Wears No

cannabis-related crimes, as part of a reluctant acqui-

Clothes first extolled the virtues of hemp ( both ecolog-

escence to cannabis becoming an acceptable part of

ical and otherwise) over three decades ago.

adult society. Though long overdue, this is a huge

This year’s roster will include musical performanc-

and heartening step forward. In fact, since the passage

es by the bands Psydecar and Ironstagewood, as well as

of Prop 64, San Diego has taken several such steps that

addresses from an all-star array of activists and indus-

are worthy of celebration: the city has voted to grant

Cannabis Village at EarthFair 2018

WHEN : Sunday, April 22 // 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE : Balboa Park

ADMISSION : General Admission—Free, VIP (includes food, beverages and access to VIP only area) — $99 NOTE : Cannabis Village is a child-friendly, educational event— consumption and sale of cannabis products are strictly prohibited. In the spirit of the day, guests are encouraged to arrive via bike, foot or public transport rather than car if possible to help reduce the event’s carbon footprint and reduce traffic congestion around the park.

PRODUCED BY: The Association of Cannabis Professionals GOLD SPONSORS : The Tree House Balboa, Outliers Collective (OutCo) OTHER SPONSORS : CV Sciences, KB Pure Essentials, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Harbor Collective, Culture Magazine, Sensi Magazine FOR MORE INFO : CANNABISPROFESSIONALS.ORG/CANNABISVILLAGE // EARTHDAYWEB.ORG try leaders: pro-cannabis candidate for San Diego Dis-

adult-use sales permits to retailers, a decision the vast

trict Attorney Genevieve Jones-Wright, pro-cannabis

majority of municipalities in California have not yet

candidate for San Diego Sheriff Commander David My-

had the courage and common sense to make. San Di-

ers, former NFL all-pro lineman Kyle Turley, renowned

ego has also agreed to grant 40 permits for indus-

grow guru Ed Rosenthal, and, perhaps most impres-

trial-sized manufacturing and cultivation operations

sive, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, whose inclu-

within city limits—a move that will significantly

sion has attracted some major media attention.

benefit the local economy by adding thousands of

In the early 1960s, Huerta worked alongside Mexi-

jobs and reducing both costs and carbon footprint

can-American folk hero Cesar Chavez to co-found the

for cannabis retailers. As a result, industry leaders

National Farmworkers Association (which later became

have begun to shift their focus to San Diego, and a

the United Famer Workers union). She is also widely

number of new cannabis startups are being enticed to

credited with coining the populist rallying cry, “Si, se

launch operations right here in America’s Finest City.

puede!” (Spanish for “Yes, it is possible!”), upon which

So, yes, the cannabis community here in San Di-

Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign slogan

ego has a lot to celebrate this year, and Cannabis Vil-

“Yes, we can!” was based. So it’s only poetic justice

lage is an ideal location to do just that. Consider

that in 2012, Obama would award her the Presidential

this your cordial invitation: come out and join in

Medal of Freedom for her devoted advocacy on behalf

the fun this Earth Day, commemorate the end of pro-

of marginalized communities against large, more

hibition in California, and help to make our world a

powerful institutions and corporations.

cleaner, saner place.

24 San Diego A P R I L 2018

Our mission is to create equal access and economic empowerment for cannabis businesses, their patients, and the communities most affected by the war on drugs.

DEVELOPING A nationwide network of cannabis business owners within a variety of disciplines, including ancillary businesses ADVOCATING For creation and fair enforcement of sensible, equitable policies ACCELERATING Increased cannabis industry growth by ensuring patient and consumer access to the most people SERVING As a voice for the minority population with programs that foster opportunity, education, and equality

Visit us at MinorityCannabis.org to join the movement today!

memberships@minoritycannabis.org @MinCannBusAssoc

@MinorityCannabis

@MCIA.org sensimag.com APR I L 2018 25

DEAR

BRADLEY SUBLIME

JOSH COFFMAN © JOSHPHOTO.NE T

REMEMBRANCE

26 San Diego A P R I L 2018

An OPEN LETTER to late Sublime singer BRADLEY NOWELL from former manager and friend Jon Phillips.

Orange County has produced some fantastic musical artists over the years: from 1950s classics like Dick Dale and the Righteous Brothers to modern shredders like Fu Manchu and Avenged Sevenfold and everything in between. But there’s No Doubt (another great OC band, by the way) that one of the most beloved and influential groups to ever emerge from the area is Sublime. Their melodic mixture of ska, punk, reggae, and rock took the country by storm. Surfers, skaters, stoners, frat boys, Rastas, and rockers—everybody loved Sublime. And from early on, they were one of the few bands that weren’t afraid to sing about smoking weed and support legalization in their songs. They were innovative, raw, and tremendously talented—especially their charismatic lead singer Bradley Nowell. With his funky, soulful vocals and boyish good looks, he had the guys swinging and the girls swooning. But sadly, like too many other great artists of the day, Bradley fell victim to the dark allure of addiction. And on May 25, 1996, the world learned it had lost another brilliant artist to heroin. He was just 27—the same age that Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and many other rock stars have prematurely met their ends.

On February 22, on what would have been Nowell’s 50th birthday, Jon Phillips—the cofounder and CEO of San Diego’s Silverback Records, and who managed and helped sign Sublime—penned a touching letter to his long departed friend, explaining to him how his life and music have impacted his many friends and fans, and posted it on Facebook. To honor this fallen musical hero of the LBC, we’d like to present an excerpt from that letter. Rest in power, Bradley.

—BOBBY BLACK

Dear Bradley,

DAMN DUDE —YOU WOULD’VE BEEN 50

to go check out some vintage vinyl at the famous

YEARS OLD TODAY. HOLY SHIT ... IT’S HARD TO

local record store Albums on The Hill and ended up

BELIEVE THAT NEARLY 25 YEARS HAVE PASSED

walking through a little neighborhood by the campus

SINCE WE FIRST MET. I CAN STILL REMEMBER ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES SEEING SUBLIME P L A Y. Y O U B R O K E O U T “P O O L S H A R K” A T A UCLA FRAT PARTY IN FRONT OF AROUND 50

where, after taking a small toke of a vape pen (I’ll explain what that is later), I heard a loud bass line carrying from down the street. As I got closer, I heard “Don’t Push”—your little ditty from 1992’s 40 Oz. To Free-

dom—coming from a backyard keg party. It’s fucking

PEOPLE, MAYBE A YEAR A F T E R I F I N I S H E D

2018, and the college kids are still blasting Sublime—

COLLEGE THERE. I WAS 23, AND A RECENT

still waking the town, still pushing the envelope. The

COLLEGE GRAD JUST STARTING OUT IN THE

good vibes keep on playing. Fresher than ever, and

MUSIC INDUSTRY. I STOOD ALONGSIDE YOUR TATTERED AMP SHOT-GUNNING KEYSTONE LIGHTS (THE COLLEGIATE BEER OF CHOICE AT THE TIME), AND I CAN STILL REMEMBER

almost 30 years from when you first dropped that shit in the LBC. And I started thinking because I forgot for a second, holy shit—it’s Brad’s 50th birthday this week! That’s why they’re playing Sublime!

I started to wonder what gets played more today in

THE FEELING OF MY HAIR STANDING ON END,

college dorms and parties, Sublime or Dave Matthews?

GOOSEBUMPS, WITH THE EERIE REALIZATION

Nirvana, The Grateful Dead, or Lynyrd Skynyrd? Can

THAT THE LYRICS IN YOUR SONG MIGHT

they measure that through Spotify and Pandora and

EVENTUALLY BE PROPHETIC OF YOUR OWN IMMORTALITY. I OFTEN THINK BACK TO THAT MOMENT: WE ALL INNOCENTLY STOOD IN THE PRESENCE OF GREATNESS, AND JUST A FEW O F U S K N E W . T H A T W A S A L M O S T 25 Y E A R S AGO —YOU WERE 26.

iPhones? Wait...what’s Spotify? What’s an iPhone?

Oh shit, Brad—didn’t you hear? People are no longer stealing 40 Oz. CDs out of cars. Most people don’t even have CD players. People don’t really buy albums anymore, and they don’t need to steal them. There’s this thing called “streaming” now, and no one really gives a fuck about albums anymore. Bottom line though, Sublime is still being played in every capacity, and it’s

So here we are, old man. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Take a look at your life: do you even know

still the soundtrack for a new generation—still “triple rectifying that son of a bitch.”

what you started? Just last weekend, I happened to

I mentioned that music is free now, but did I tell

be walking down the street in Boulder, Colorado, and

you that weed is LEGAL?!? No shit. In January 2018,

I ended up in the area on the hill by the university on

California became the sixth US state to legalize recre-

a beautifully sunny, rare, 67-degree winter day. I went

ational marijuana sale and usage, and more than half sensimag.com APR I L 2018 27

of the states have “medical” marijuana. Can you believe that? You can now buy herb from the store down the street. I remember when we all went to that little studio off La Brea in Hollywood, and you and Miguel

Sublime's Bradley Nowell with Skunk Records co-founder Miguel Happoldt and band manager Jon Phillips at Nowell's wedding, just one week before his death.

COURTESY OF JON PHILLIPS/SILVERBACK MUSIC

and Bud and Eric recorded that version of “Legalize It” for Capricorn Records’ Hempilation album for NORML back in ’94. Well, that day has come. I know you didn’t always love smoking weed, but I think you would be intrigued by the movement this plant has ignited— the political disparity, the science and technology, and how much deeper the culture has become than simply, “Smoke two joints in the morning, smoke two joints at night.” There are medicinal uses starting to prove that this seed and its flower could be a redeeming miracle of nature with many industrial uses and healing properties. I gotta go dig out that version of “Legalize It” you

in our history, in a world that you aren’t here to see. I

did, it’s somewhere in the archive. I can probably just

wonder what you would’ve had to say about all of this.

go to YouTube and find it. Oh yeah, Brad—YouTube,

You were always quite the historian, and I can only

vape pens, iPhones—a lot has changed. If only you

imagine what impact this would’ve had on your worl-

were still around ….

dview and your music. But your music continues to

So in case you’re wondering, I’m still wading in this cesspool (insert Hunter S. Thompson quote here)

inspire us, remaining a positive light in dark times that’s more relevant than ever.

called the music industry. Still putting out records and

The Dub Allstars broke up shortly afterward. Things

managing bands for the music I love. For a few years,

were cool for a while, but eventually everyone went

I had a good run with your boys from the LBC: Bud,

their separate ways, and like all of those Behind the Mu-

Eric, and the Long Beach Dub Allstars. We traveled

sic shows on VH1 (you were on one, by the way), every-

the world, enlisted some of your world-class influenc-

one ended up suing everyone else, and the lawyers and

es (Half Pint, Barrington Levy, and others) and made

record labels made a shit ton of money while everyone

a couple of albums. On May 25, 1998 (the second an-

else got screwed. I don’t want to waste a lot of time on

niversary of your passing), we were in Germany while

the negative; I just wanted to make the point that you

touring internationally for the first time when Opie, in

and Sublime really made the music business worth the

a drunken rage, sucker punched me in the face. It was

fight for me. I tried to fight for you—I originally didn’t

a rough tour, but a rite of passage that I’ll never forget

feel it was right for anyone to use your name posthu-

and always treasure. On that trip, Opie coined me a

mously, so I became outspoken about the attempted

“Silverback” and made me a prototype business card

usage of “Sublime.” I didn’t think any band except one

with his art, and that was the start of what I still do

with Brad Nowell in it should ever be called Sublime.

now—Silverback Music. With all the ups and downs

I mean, there’s no Nirvana without Kurt. So, as a le-

and peaks and valleys of this existence in the music

gal exception, it became “Sublime With Rome.” They,

biz, I’m proud to say it’s mainly because of you that I’m

among others, are still playing those songs for throngs

still in the game and it’s now the 20th anniversary of

of people that tragically will never see the real thing.

Silverback. Thank you, Bradley.

You gave me some gifts as well. The first one was a

LBDAS toured until 2001 and made a second al-

little band from Ocean Beach, San Diego called Slightly

bum called Wonders of the World, which ironically

Stoopid. I remember the first time I met Miles. He was

dropped on 9/11/2001—the day the Twin Towers fell

16 years old. You brought him to my office on Wilshire

in New York City. I went to NY with the “Dubs” a cou-

in Beverly Hills (the Gasoline Alley headquarters), and

ple of weeks after while they attempted to tour the

you said, “Jon, this is Miles from Slightly Stoopid.” I

country in the aftermath of 9/11 (and amongst the

remember feeling the hint—like you were saying, “Hey

stress of their own internal substance abuse issues).

bud—I might not be here forever, so if you want some-

Upon arriving at Ground Zero, you could still smell

one to carry the torch, this guy can do it.” (How did

the stench of darkness. What a crazy, defining time

you know?) And man did he and Kyle do that and then

28 San Diego A P R I L 2018

some. If you ask anyone today, they’ll tell you that

that we will continue to grow old with—is your beau-

Sublime and Stoopid are the real deal. Unfortunately,

tiful son Jakob. I remember when you brought him

you didn’t get to relish in the success of the reaction

to the office as an infant fresh from the hospital. You

to your music, and Stoopid lost their older brother—no

were so proud…and you should be. What a beautiful

big tour to hop on, just the notion and the spirituality

kid and deep soul. We’ve become closer now that he’s

that Bradley and Sublime and Skunk Records had em-

older (he just turned 21 last year) and started to pur-

braced them and dropped some real knowledge their

sue music a little more seriously. He has an uncan-

way. And shit, those two little grommets not even out

ny resemblance to you—good looking, introspective,

of high school whose first notes I saw at Fake Niteclub

well-read, artistic, innocent, and talented. He conveys

(Sublime’s little ’94–96 makeshift studio on Anaheim

your energy and soul but is finding his own identity

Street) with you and Miguel at the boards are now two

musically. He has quite the shoes to fill, but he has a

decades and 10 albums deep into their careers with

bright future. You should be proud. I would do any-

no sign of slowing down. Thanks to you, we all became

thing I can for your kid, man—I owe that to you be-

brothers and partners—including my brother Matt,

cause you and your music have given me so much.

who became their manager. (You met Matt—he actu-

Don’t hold it against me, but I’ve never brought my-

ally smoked his first jay with you at my folks’ place in

self to visit your gravestone. I feel guilty about it, but

San Jose.) You’d be proud of these kids—they’re seri-

honestly, there isn’t a day I don’t think about you or

ous musicians, good dudes, and excellent songwriters.

feel your guidance and presence. I’m not perfect, but

They’ve cultivated a large legion of fans called “Stoop-

I’m passionate about the lineage of this music and the

idheads” and sell out 5,000–10,000 seat amphitheaters

future. Sublime laid the foundation and nothing ever

every summer. They continue to carry that torch with

touched it. Reggae music is still on the loose, and you

much respect and gratitude.

have your own 40 Oz. To Freedom beer now, so I’m

The other gift—aside from all of the indelible memories and timeless songs that will never grow old, but

tipping one of those to you. We are all still, and forever, “under your voodoo.” Happy Birthday, Bradley.

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@thrivecbdinc #thrivecbdinc sensimag.com APR I L 2018 29

S P E C I A L A DV I S ORY BOA R D S E C T ION

AS THE CANNA B I S I ND U S TR Y G R OW S, SO DO T H E N UM BE R OF N I CH E E X P E R T S W I T H I N IT. FROM TOP-TIER DISPENSARIES AND EXTRACTION BRANDS TO EDIBLE MAKERS AND MARKETING SPECIALISTS, THESE COMPANIES ARE INCREDIBLE SOURCES OF INSIDER INFO ABOUT THE TRENDS AND ISSUES DRIVING THIS THRIVING MARKETPLACE FORWARD. THE SENSI ADVISORY BOARD IS COMPRISED OF LE ADERS FROM A VARIETY OF FIELDS WITHIN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY. EACH ISSUE, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS SHARE SOME OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE WITH OUR READERS IN THIS DEDICATED SECTION. THIS MONTH, WE H E A R F R O M E X P E RTS AT T H R I V E C B D For a full list of Advisory Board Members, turn to the masthead on page 5.

Thrive CBD CBD 101: Redefining Wellness

by Johnny R, CBD Advisor, Thrive CBD CANNABIDIOL IS ONE OF MORE THAN 113 ACTIVE CANNABINOIDS IDENTIFIED IN CANNABIS. IT’S A MAJOR PHYTOCANNABINOID, ACCOUNTING FOR UP TO 40 PERCENT OF THE PLANT’S EXTRACT. CBD DOESN’T HAVE ANY PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS SUCH AS THOSE CAUSED BY TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC). CBD HAS A DOWN-REGULATING IMPACT ON DISORDERED THINKING. IT CAN ALSO HELP TO MANAGE STRESS AND ANXIETY, EASE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, AND SERVE AS AN EXCELLENT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AS WELL.

There are many forms of CBD—edibles, topicals, capsules, cartridges, and more.

for CBD products:

At Thrive CBD, we have thousands

1. Make sure the product states the total milligrams as

of clients who see the best results

well as the milligrams per dose.

when taking CBD in the form of a tincture or a concentrate. The key is know-

30 San Diego A P R I L 2018

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping

2. Buy products whose labels are easy to understand.

3. Only purchase products that have been lab tested.

ing what milligram dosage works best

4. Stay away from CBD sold on the black market, as the

for you. For example, someone with

products are not regulated and what you buy may be

average stress that keeps them up at

unsanitary.

night should probably start at around

When properly sourced, processed and dosed, can-

10–20 milligrams a day. Someone

nabidiol can be a safe and powerful remedy for a num-

who is treating fibromyalgia or rheu-

ber of physiological and psychological conditions, pro-

matoid arthritis should use a higher

viding calm and comfort with almost no negative side

strength concentrate, more like 25–50

effects. If you do your research and determine the best

milligrams or more a day.

product for your needs, you too can thrive with CBD.

sensimag.com APR I L 2018 31

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by A.J. HERRINGTON

walk of

Art Now in its 34th year, San Diego’s iconic Mission Federal ArtWalk will once again grace the neighborhood of Little Italy at the end of this month. The theme of this year’s festival is “Connecting Creative Communities,” and that’s exactly what it aims to do—bringing the work of local, national, and international artists to the streets of America’s Finest City for all to see. Paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, drawings, and other works of art will all be available for sale directly from their creators, enabling collectors to form a strong and satisfying relationship with the pieces they purchase.

Entertainment is also on the bill, with performances by a number of local musicians, singers, dancers, live painters, and more scheduled throughout the weekend. Aspiring young artists can find inspiration in the family-friendly activities at KidsWalk. New this year will be poetry and spoken word recitals on the Grape Street Stage, as well as interactive art installations in the Piazza della Famiglia—a recently completed community park at Date Street. Plus, the neighborhood’s classic eateries will be augmented with street vendors offering fair-friendly fare to make your art artistic adventure complete.

Mission Federal ArtWalk takes place Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ARTWALKSANDIEGO.ORG

32 San Diego A P R I L 2018

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