Sensi Magazine - Orange County (April 2019)

ORANGE COUNTY

THE NEW NORMAL

Going to Towne

Spring Awakening Cooking with Ease

The Sky Is Lit Aurora Borealis

{plus}

YOU FEELIN’ LUCKY? A DOZEN DO’S

4.2019

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 3

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www.Green-Flower.com/Academy

4 APRIL 2019 Southern California

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sensimag.com APRIL 2019 5

i am

VITALITY

( n .) T h e s t a t e o f b eing.

6 APRIL 2019 Southern California

t: 1.833.ARTEMIS www.iamARTEMIS.com ig: @iamARTEMISca

ISSUE 4 //VOLUME 2 //4.2019

FEATURES 34

CBDo or CBDon’t?

SP EC IAL R EP OR T

When it comes to cannabidiol, confusion reigns supreme. We’re going back to basics to clear it up for you.

40 Pot In Pans

Why the history of eating cannabis matters.

26 TOWNE MAYOR Beer o’clock

every issue 09 Editor’s Note 10 The Buzz 16 GreenHouse

WHY GROW AT HOME?

18 TasteBuds

GOING GREEN Home grow tips

16

A BITE OF LATIN AMERICA

22 AroundTown

THE NOT-SO-DIRTY DOZEN

26 HighProfile

PAINT THE TOWNE

30 HomeMade

SAVORING SPRING

48 The Scene

INDIO: KIND MUSIC FESTIVAL

50 HereWeGo

FARMING LEGISLATION

Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2019 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 7

sensi magazine ISSUE 4 / VOLUME 2 / 4.2019

EXECUTIVE FOLLOW US

Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Tae Darnell tae@sensimag.com PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Alex Martinez alex@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

EDITORIAL sensimediagroup

Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Dawn Garcia dawn.garcia@sensimag.com

MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Dr. Angie McCartney askangie@sensimag.com A.J. Herrington, Seffrah Orlando sensimagazine

COLUMNISTS

Eli Dupin, David Duran, Amaryllis Tsegou CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

A RT & D E S I G N Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rheya Tanner, Wendy Mak, Josh Clark em@sensimag.com sensimag

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Amaryllis Tsegou

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Mark Basser mark@sensimag.com PUBLISHER

Karen Petersen karen.petersen@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, ORANGE COUNTY

Vanessa Fleur vanessa.fleur@sensimag.com Chuck Milles chuck.milles@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS, SAN DIEGO

Amber Orvik amber.orvik@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Velez andre.velez@sensimag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hector Irizarry distribution@sensimag.com DISTRIBUTION

M E D I A PA RT N E R S Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy 8 APRIL 2019 Southern California

ADVISORY BOARD 4Blooms Cannabis Business Services // BRAND CONSULTING SERVICES

HAPPY MISFITS

editor’s

NOTE

Southern California is abundant in rich

55 Hydroponics // HYDROPONICS

culture, adventure, cannabis-friendly events, and the best Latin food

Bailey’s CBD //

come spring. This issue we are reveling in the brightness of what’s

PET CBD TINCTURE/PET TREATS

Bees Knees // CONTROLLED DOSAGE VAPORIZERS

CHX & BLNZ // CANNABIS ACCOUNTING

outside of Latin America. It also happens to be one gorgeous place ahead including finding a great craft brew, sitting down with the Towne Mayor, exploring some crazy fun in San Diego, and introducing a brand-new column centered around cultivating your own cannabis crop at home—all while we usher in the new season.

March kept us on our toes with college scams, political investiga-

Fiddler’s Greens // CBD TINCTURES

tions, uncertain economic outlooks, and a slew of the strange and

Flowerkist // CBD COSMETICS

while those of us with allergies may not be as thrilled about the new

wonderful. All of which make welcoming April more endearing. So

LINX Card // MERCHANT SERVICES

blooms, we’re all too happy to bid farewell to the countless days of

PNS Ventures // RECREATIONAL DISPENSARY

rainfall did put an end to our endless drought.

The Right Dosage // PACKAGING Therapy Tonics & Provisions // INFUSED DRINKS

Witlon, Inc // PAYROLL

rainfall—though we’re grateful for Mama Nature because this year’s In this issue we are focused on celebrating all of the things that make living in Southern California so much fun. From the lineup of foodie events to cultural infusion, refreshing spring recipes, testing your will to think outside the box in oddly exciting escape rooms, talking about the Farm Bill, learning the history of cooking with cannabis, and getting the ins and outs of CBD, we aren’t shy of reasons to love where we live, or things to expand our knowledge. The truth of Southern Californians is we aren’t afraid to take risks; we embrace change, beauty, oddities, magic, and diversity and that makes everything far more exciting, so while you thumb through these pages, I hope you’re inspired to etch your path in this wild world.

To wrap this up, I defer to a brilliant advertising slogan by Rob Siltanen as the perfect words to live by—and the motto for April: “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

May we all be happy misfits.

Live boldly, bravely, and tenaciously,

Dawn Garcia

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R

SENSI SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 9

O R A N G E C O U N T Y — A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Titi, Nunu, And Klembolo:

Helena Modjeska’s Fairy-Tale Book Laguna Beach // On View Now Until May 27 Orange County has stories we’ve not yet heard, and

living on planet Mars who run way from home with their

thanks to the Laguna Art Museum, one such story about

six-legged blue dog Klembolo. When faced with one

Polish actress Helena Modjeska is being told. Known

too many scary adventures, the brothers return to their

for her unforgettable Shakespearean performances,

friends and family just in time for Christmas.

Modjeska was a star of the stage in the 1880s and 1890s,

The original manuscript was gifted by the Museum

and she and her husband built Arden, their country

of the City of New York and is being restored thanks

home in Modjeska Canyon in the OC. While her love was

to UCLA Library Conservation Center and the UCI (Uni-

for the stage, it was her ability to tell a story through fairy-

versity of Irvine) Special Collections and Archives de-

tale illustrations and the written word, created for her

partment. The manuscript will be digitalized as a re-

grandson Felix as a Christmas gift in 1896, that showed

source of education, and the exhibition is now proudly

the heart and wonder she embodied. Made with ink and

on display.

watercolor, the story tells of Titi and Nunu, two brothers

LAGUNAARTMUSEUM.ORG

10 APRIL 2019 Southern California

–Dawn Garcia

SAN DIEGO'S FAVORITE STOREFRONT

A Lil’ Bit Country Indio // April 26–28 // All Day Event

Beginning in 2007 with country legend Willie Nelson and classic Lucinda Williams, Stagecoach has since become the best mainstream-witha-touch-of-indie country music fest around. Hell, they even had the Exes from the TV Show Nashville perform two years back. This year, country music lovers get to come together in their daisy dukes, cowboy boots, rhinestone jackets, and boho chic Instagram-ready attire to listen to the likes of Luke Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sam Hunt, Ashley Monroe, and more (though this year there aren’t as many ladies performing). With special features like Guy Fieri’s smokehouse, pit passes, an energy playground, pop-up shops, a honky tonk dance hall, and even a recycling center, guests will be up to their ears in music and good ole fashioned Americana country.

–DG

3-DAY PASSES: $350–$1,400 // STAGECOACHFESTIVAL.COM

Dapper Day

Anaheim // April 13–14 // 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Who’s feeling dapper? Disney is. This two-day extravaganza harkens the stylistic wiles of Mary Poppins and Burt the chimney sweeper. With access to 30,000 square feet of vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, makeup, grooming products, shoes, hats, bow ties, fab jewelry, and everything else dapper, guests get to live in a bygone era for a weekend. With style seminars, children-friendly events and booths, and entertainment only Disney can offer, this annual and global event is the talk of the town. –DG EXPO PASSES: $12.50 // DAPPERDAY.COM

7128 MIRAMAR RD SAN DIEGO 855 - MANKIND

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sensimag.com APRIL 2019 11

MAGIC F O O D I E F R I E N D LY

AND WINE

Anaheim // Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

We can all use a little more magic, and magician David Minkin is just the person to bring some of that back into your life. Come enjoy two of Minkin’s favorite things: wine and close-up magic. Beginning by indulging your senses with a wine tasting and light bites, the evening evolves into an impressive performance. Minkin is the international champion of close-up magic and one of the nicest guys you’ll meet in the business.

–DG TICKETS: $69–$250 // MAGICANDWINE.COM CANNABIS

CANNAKIDS

CHARITY GOLF INVITATIONAL

Aliso Viejo // April 22 // 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Integrative medicine is essential to quality of life for everyone, but for children with pediatric cancer, it can be the difference between joy and pain.

MaxLove Project is an innovative nonprofit organization advocating for evidence-based measures that give these children the best chances possible. This year, MaxLove invites you to play some golf and support pioneering cancer research, family-centered programs, easy-to-understand health education, and support for complementary and preventive therapies in healthcare settings. Money raised from the tournament will help fund these initiatives aimed to improve quality of life, lowering health risks for childhood cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

–DG REGISTER - $75–$1,000 // CHARITYVALET.COM/MAXLOVEGOLF 12 APRIL 2019 Southern California

SAN DIEGO—CANNABIS

Cannabis Dealmakers

Downtown San Diego // Thursday, April 18 // 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cannabis is a growing industry, and learning from those looking to invest in its growth is instrumental to thriving. People looking to get into the industry or in search of partnership ventures are invited to attend Cannabis Dealmakers where top executives, investors, and decision makers are coming together to talk about business, risks, the industry, capital growth, and the opportunities available through cannabis investments. All verticals, including distribution, cultivation, regulation, manufacturing, banking, and finance, will be represented.

–DG

CANNABISDEALMAKERS.COM

Earth Fair

Balboa Park // Sunday, April 28 // 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Let’s not only celebrate our beautiful planet Earth, but also be grateful for a cleaner and more cannabis-friendly world. This year in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, guests are invited to take part in the largest free annual environmental fair anywhere in the world. The fair will showcase over 300 exhibitors and will include Cannabis Row, devoted to education, awareness, wellness, and some on-site consumption. In addition to exhibitors, there will be a children’s earth parade and child-friendly activities including a wilderness magic show, a cleaner car concourse, the Earth Gallery arts and crafts show, and four venues for live entertainment.

The fair focuses on the importance of conservation, environmentalism, ecotourism, organic gardening, alternative energy vehicles, and more. Experts in government, conservation, cannabis, and forest preservation will be available along with a plethora of engaging organizations. Guests who want the VIP experience will have access to a curated VIP lounge and can enjoy all the general admission perks, along with access to special cuisine and drinks, an official Earth Fair t-shirt, swag bag, admission to consumption buses, and an invitation to hang backstage with the bands and SunStage performers. –DG 1549 El Prado // San Diego // Tickets: $20–$40 // EARTHDAYWEB.ORG/EARTHFAIR.HTML

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 13

A R T S & C U LT U R E

MISSION FEDERAL ART WALK Little Italy // April 26, 27 // 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Who doesn’t love art, dance, and the sound of singer/songwriter Jason Mraz?

This month’s San Diego Art Walk in the epic neighborhood of Little Italy will be unforgettable. Founded with the belief that community cultivates a sense of oneness and that visual and performing art have the power to bring people together in the most profound and lasting ways, the Mission Federal Art Walk offers cultural enrichment leading to an overall increased quality of life. Celebrating 35 years in this old school part of San Diego, Mission Federal Art Walk is raising money in a partnership with Rerip, a nonprofit organization that gives new life to used surfboards repurposed as art to help Title One schools. –DG 1370 India St. // ARTWALKSANDIEGO.ORG /missionfederal

49th Annual Chicano Park Day Califas // April 26 // All Day Event

Celebrate Chicano culture at the historic Chicano Park, established by activists in 1970 as a public art space exhibiting Mexican and Chicano murals giving a voice to an incredible community. This year’s event will have sabroso food and drinks and an astounding lineup of talent, with an Aztec indigenous dance performance, and performances by Ballet Folklorico CalifAztlán, Ballet Folklorico Aztlán de CSUN, La Rondalla Amerindia de Aztlán, Mujeres en Resistencia, DJ Rambo One, Chocolate Revolution, Santana para Ti, Tall Can, Ruby Clouds, Karina Frost & The Banduvloons, Gilberto Rodrigurez & Los Intocables, Quetzalcoatl Band, DJ Viejo Lowbo, and Pancho Villa’s Skull.

–DG CHICANO-PARK.COM

14 APRIL 2019 Southern California

F O O D I E F R I E N D LY

Sunset Wine Tasting And Music Carslbad // April 5 // 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Flower Fields of Carlsbad is a 50-acre burst of color you can spot from the highway. Hills blanketed in spring flowers, from marigolds to ranunculus and more, greet you as a local signifier that spring is finally here.

In honor of the season, you’re invited to sip on premium wines paired with local cuisine and live music. There will also be an opportunity for a wineand-food-pairing course led by advanced sommelier Lamar Engel of the Wine Militia. The evening is situated to be a communal space, making it ideal for meeting new people and having engaging conversation.

–DG

The Flower Fields // 5704 Paseo Del Norte // TICKETS on Eventbrite $65 // More info at THEWINEMILITIA.COM

TEQUILAS AND TACOS, YOU SAY? Marina Park // April 27–28 // 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you’re old enough to remember Pee-wee Herman’s Tequila dance, this one’s for you. In downtown San Diego, you’re invited to partake of the Tacos and Tequila Music Festival. For two marvelous days* of hopeful sunshine, you can feast on gourmet tacos, sip on top-shelf tequila flights, toast with margaritas or craft beer, and get your groove on with live music. *There will be no tequila tasting on Sunday, but it is Mas Margaritas, featuring an assortment of margarita styles and flavors throughout the afternoon.

–DG

TICKETS $10–$40 // TEQUILAANDTACOMUSICFESTIVAL.COM /sandiego

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 15

{greenhouse }

by A . J . H E R R I N G T O N

WHY GROW AT HOME? San Diego local and Oaksterdam University cultivation class valedictorian A.J. Herrington invites you to cultivate your own cannabis curiosities.

To kick off my column on home cannabis cultivation, I’m

six cannabis plants at home, is there any point in doing so?

taking on a fundamental question: Why should you grow

The most obvious advantage is cost; legal pot comes

your own herb at home? With weed now legal in California

with high taxes and a markup at every step in the sup-

since the passage of Prop 64, more and more licensed dis-

ply chain between you and the grower. But beyond saving

pensaries are opening all the time, and quality, lab-tested

money, maintaining your own cannabis garden offers ele-

flower is easy to find in most urban areas. So even though

ments of choice, control, and satisfaction you won’t expe-

the legalization initiative includes provisions to grow up to

rience at the dispensary.

16 APRIL 2019 Southern California

While it’s true that a good cannabis retailer can have dozens of strains available, online sources and seed catalogs offer hundreds, if not thousands, of choices. The selection may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little research you can find a strain or two that fits the bill for the effect you’re looking for, be it a light and creative head buzz, a deep couch-lock high, or a specific medical benefit.

Home cannabis cultivation gives you complete control over the inputs used to produce the flower you enjoy. If you’re concerned about chemical fertilizers and pesticides, you can grow organically and avoid them completely, relying on natural nutrients and pest control options instead. If you would like to avoid the carbon footprint associated with conventional indoor-grown cannabis, you can cultivate with efficient LED lighting, in the sun in a secure greenhouse or outdoors in full sun, depending on jurisdictions.

Growing cannabis, like any kind of gardening, gives a sense of satisfaction from working with nature to produce your own harvest and can be an engaging hobby in its own right. Though cultivating on your own, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the plant and a deeper appreciation for its magic as you gain more knowledge. Nurturing a young seedling or clone into a large, mature plant packed with tight clusters of flowers is a deeply rewarding experience for those

Chx & Blnz is a full-service accounting and business consulting group focused on assisting cannabis companies with bookkeeping/accounting, tax services, audits, compliance, first-time business setup for start-ups, product/service consulting and financial analysis software to give business operators the information they need to make decisions with confidence, and manage with success.

Our staff include licensed CPAs, professionals with advanced degrees in Masters of Business Taxation from USC, Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Project Management.

THROUGH CULTIVATING YOUR OWN, YOU’LL GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLANT AND A DEEPER APPRECIATION FOR ITS MAGIC.

with a taste for fine cannabis. Once the fragrant buds have dried and cured, smoking your harvest with like-minded friends strengthens the sense of community and camaraderie that cannabis so famously inspires.

In the months ahead, Green House will explore the ins and outs of growing your own cannabis at home. We’ll dig into the details about different growing media, including soil and hydroponic systems. We’ll learn about the differences between male and female plants and how to induce the ladies to produce flowers sticky with resin and devoid of seeds. We’ll cover how to harvest, dry, and cure the buds to enhance and preserve flavor and effect. Along the way we’ll discuss challenges you’re likely to face in the garden such as pests, disease, and strategies to confront them.

That said, don’t wait to get started. The best teacher for cannabis cultivation, like many other endeavors, is experience. So, get yourself a grow guide, visit your local hydro store, talk to any friends you have who grow, and get your hands dirty. Start gaining and sharing the skills and knowledge needed to grow fine cannabis and check each month as we continue the journey.

AJ HERRINGTON is a writer with a passion for cannabis news, business, and culture who has been growing for more than five years. His devotion to lessening his carbon footprint as a cultivator has led to some rather fascinating discoveries.

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 17

{tastebuds }

by DAW N G A R C I A

A BITE OF LATIN AMERICA Gaslamp and Old Town are serving up tradition with heart.

Wandering the streets of the Gaslamp District or Old Town San Diego is like giving a kid $50 and telling them they

thirsty, do indulge in the margarita la mancha, barbacoa, Oaxacan flower, or the Jalisco margarita.

can get all the candy they want. There are a lot of choices,

Chilean cuisine is known for taking basic ingredients and

and taking advantage of the sensational and eclectic array

utilizing as much of nature as possible. Berta’s Latin Cui-

of Latin-inspired food feeds the inner child of gluttony.

sine (BERTASINOLDTOWN.COM ) gives diners a taste of the

Mexican food is a staple in Southern California, and in

country with all the love of your favorite aunt. Berta—just

the Gaslamp you’ll stumble upon the colorful family eat-

Berta—was born in Chile and is one of 11 children. Her love

ery known as Las Hadas (LASHADASGRILLSD.COM ). This

of cooking comes from culture, and she says it is part of her

family-owned Mexican eatery and bar invites you in with

soul. Berta’s restaurant is the warm place you’ll go to for

the scent of homemade tortillas and spices and the sound

Chile on a plate. While Berta may not be a classically trained

of happy patrons. Owned and operated by Alan Gomez,

chef, she is a home cook who shares classic Chilean dishes

Las Hadas was born out of a love of family cooking. In

while continually modernizing with infusions of other Lat-

fact, Gomez and his father, Fred, opened the restaurant

in American cuisine. With this array of Chilean empanadas,

together. Alan’s mother Ruth and brother Robert help

papas choriadas, plantano frito, Colombian tostones, man-

manage the restaurant, while Alan works in the kitchen

go avocado salad, carne la parilla (Argentinian style), and

crafting traditional and contemporary takes on Mexican

range of Chilean, Spanish, Brazilian, Mexican, and Domin-

favorites. His traditional tacos and in-house nachos are

ican fare—and more—your palate will not be bored.

on point, as are the margaritas.

Maybe the movie The Chef incited a newfound fren-

When you’re ready to depart to the vibrant essence of

zy for Cubano sandwiches, but in the Gaslamp, you’ll be

Spain, Café Sevilla (CAFESEVILLA.COM/SAN-DIEGO ) is calling.

transported to little Havana, thanks to Havana 1920

Located off of Fifth Avenue in the heart of Gaslamp, Café

(HAVANA1920.COM ). Serving up authentic Cubano cuisine,

Sevilla is where to go when tapas, sangria, and flamen-

Havana 1920 has the vibe of Cuba in its heyday, including

co beckon, with the longest-running live flamenco show

the hearty cuisine, rum, and playful personality with which

in Southern California every Friday and Saturday night.

Cubans are synonymous. Whether you’re in the mood for

Guests are treated to traditional upscale Spanish cuisine

arroz con pollo, croquettas, ropa vieja, bistec Havana, or em-

and traditional Spanish dance, eluding to the passionate,

panada vegetariana, Havana 1920 has you covered. Sure, it

robust, colorful Spanish culture. When it comes to cuisine,

also serves traditional Cubano sandwiches, but its menu of-

I highly recommend trying the Journey Through Spain

fers much more than that, including a plentiful amount of is-

menu, as well the extensive menu full of gluten-free, veg-

land-loving rum. With over 100 rums available, this is where

etarian, and vegan options. Café Sevilla offers live Spanish

you’ll want to come to when smoking a hand-rolled Cuban

music nightly at its tapas bar, and should you find yourself

cigar while drinking seems like the right thing to do.

18 APRIL 2019 Southern California

¿SABÍAS?

Little-known facts about Mexico, Spain, Chile, and Cuba.

1. Mexican food hasn’t changed much over time. In fact, most dishes can be traced back over 2,000 years. People continue to live off the land, utilizing beans, corn, peppers, fruits, chocolate, poultry, and pork.

2. In Spain, cine (dinner) is eaten much later than most other cultures. Dinner is traditionally consumed between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., but tapas are served as a snack around 6 p.m.

3. Traditional Chilean curanto is prepared on a lush island on the northern shore of a Chilean archipelago. Meat, seafood, and potatoes are placed in nalca leaves and cooked underground in a wood-fire pit.

4. Cuba is the world’s second-largest grapefruit producer.

Traditionally, rice and green plantains are served with grapefruit juice. In Cuba, food is served all at once rather than in courses. sensimag.com APRIL 2019 19

20 APRIL 2019 Southern California

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 21

{aroundtown }

by E L I D U P I N

Life in San Diego consists of beautiful sunshine, cool new restaurants, surfers, pretty people, street art for

THE NOTSO-DIRTY DOZEN

days, and a community of culture honoring the diverse

San Diego is budding with proper reasons to get out and muddy up your reputation.

KAIROA BREWING COMPANY // KAIROA.COM // 4601 Park

pulse that courses through the city. I put together 12 options, so as you navigate your way through this remarkable Cali hotspot, you can stop making excuses for why you can’t leave the house.

CRAFTY Blvd. // San Diego No one ever said beer had to be boring, and Kairoa Brewing Company took note. The story of how it began originates from “sweeping landscape with undulating hills, green pastures, lush rainforests, and snow-capped mountains” in New Zealand according to their website.

Kairoa’s brewer Joe Peach is all about bringing his passion for food, beer, and his homeland to thirsty beer lovers in San Diego. With a new rooftop bar that reeks of a good time with an explosion of class, the industrial yet urban farmhouse design invites you to come on in, take a seat, and order a flight or go off script and order some pints.

While you down clean-yet-complex craft brews, you’ll get hungry, and Kairoa has married New Zealand and American favorites for unique food. Serving lamb fries, the kiwi burger, French toast, and a vegan grilled cheese, among other hearty dishes, Kairoa’s new tasting room offers the kind of beer drinkin’ that will make every globetrotting beer lover proud.

22 APRIL 2019 Southern California

CALIFORNIA

TAP

ROOM

CALIFORNIATAPROOM.COM

AND

PRETZELS

//

// 3812 Ray St. // San Diego

Pretzels and beer, you say? That’s like dangling catnip in front of a stray litter. Tap Room and Pretzels is located in North Park’s Art District, and it has the feel of a pub back East where, yes, everyone knows your name. In a non-creepy way. For anyone who isn’t a Philly, New York, GRAVITY HEIGHTS // GRAVITYHEIGHTS.COM // 9920 Pacific

or Munich fan, maybe just don’t make any grand decla-

Heights Blvd. // San Diego

rations. Philly natives Lauren and Boomer were inspired

The long-awaited Gravity Heights is open for busi-

by their hometown when they founded this hand-rolled

ness. Located in the Sorrento mesa, this massive

pretzel joint. There’s that, and there’s an insane amount

12,000-square-foot space doesn’t feel too big or over-

of rotating beers and sours—exceeding 60 options. If you

whelming. Like all things touched by Whisknladle Hospi-

want to appeal to the founders’ throw-caution-to-the-

tality, the vibe is energetic, easy, pretty, and makes you

wind approach to life, just yell, “Go Eagles!” whenever you

want to have a whole lot of beers with the people you

see them. You’re welcome.

actually like drinking with. Its upper-echelon brew lineup consists of over a dozen choices, including collaborations with other brew masters, so whether you opt to do a flight or not, do mix it up. Born from a chance encounter of passionate people with a similar vision, Gravity Heights isn’t keen on being the only show in town. In fact, the partners love the neighborhood, supporting the locals, and serving you all the beer and dirty fries, duck liver bahn mi crostinis, bhel puris, and Mexican “street” cauliflower you can handle. G.H. also serves woodfired pizzas, burgers, tacos, Moroccan-inspired entrées, and enough to make every newfound vegan happy. Did I mention there’s an outdoor beer garden and a happy hour?

Papa Marce’s Cerveceria //

PAPAMARCES.COM

// 5840 El

Camino Real // Carlsbad Located in the old Wiseguy’s space, Papa Marce’s is

LET US BREAK BREAD AND DRINK CASERO TAQUERIA // CASEROTACOS.COM // The Square at Bressi Ranch // Carslbad // Opening this spring

tiny but mighty. With a family vibe and a tap list that won’t

One thing everyone knows about Southern California is,

disappoint, the Cerveceria invites you to appreciate Mex-

aside from Mexico, it’s where all the truly mind-blowing

ican art and crafts sprinkled throughout the space and an

Mexican food exists. Recognizing that Mexican cuisine

old-school artisan feel that makes the mom-and-pop spot

doesn’t always mean fried pork or lard-filled beans, Ca-

so endearing. This is where you go when you don’t want

sero Taqueria is bringing Mexico to San Diegans in its own

fussy, overcomplicated beer, but rather IPAs, lagers, sours,

way. Once it officially opens, it will offer house-made tor-

and dark beers that are as they say. Papa Marce’s has good

tillas, marinades, and Mexican flavors that take you up and

hoppy brews and a brut IPA that’s on point, and while it

down the Mexican region, from infusing dishes with citrus

dabbles in agave with the Agave Caliente and feeds your

to line-caught fish cooked over an open wood flame. If the

need for a little snooty with its Cinnamon Toast Lunch Por-

website is any indication of what’s coming, it’s going to be

ter, it’s a neighborhood brewer worth stopping into.

muy sobroso! sensimag.com APRIL 2019 23

HUNTRESS //

RMDGROUPSD.COM/HUNTRESS

// 376 5th

Ave. // San Diego

Tahona is so much more than an unassuming, well-done taqueria. It’s also where you can taste some of the finest

Tennessee isn’t the only place to get your thirst for

mezcals you’ve always wanted (you can even store your own

whiskey quenched. There’s a new kid in town, and it’s

in the mezcal lockers), and the food is gourmet Mexican in

serving some of the finest whiskey this side of Japan. In

every sense of the word. The tacos will make you lick your

fact, with a menu that embodies the growing love of Japa-

fingers, they’re so damn good. While the term elevated is

nese whiskey, Huntress may be worth putting on a pair of

highly overused, Tahona’s pork belly negro with mole negro,

nice pants for. Dare I say, one may even consider dressing

habanero pickled onions, and smoked apple puree warrants

dapper. While the name implies something primal—and

the descriptor. Point is, get thee to Tahona.

yes, they do serve ample steaks—it’s the contemporary environment and infused music that raises this up a few notches in terms of San Diego bars.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DARING How many times have you watched one of those creepy kidnapping movies where the victims are trapped in an escape room and thought, I could totally get out of that?!

Well, now’s your chance. Escape rooms aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’re definitely fun to do with people who are sure they have what it takes to get out of horrifying situations. San Diego isn’t shy of murder/zombie/science/ voodoo/medieval adventure, and the following escape rooms are ones to scream about.

LOCKDOWN ESCAPE ROOMS //

LOCKDOWNROOMS.COM //

1037 University Ave. // San Diego Lockdown Escape Rooms in San Diego has something to appeal to every escape room novice. It doesn’t matter what RUSTIC ROOT //

RUSTICROOT.COM

// 535 5th Ave. // San

Diego Rooted in tradition with an edge of modern, Rustic Root is a restaurant that serves on its rooftop and in a downstairs space in the Gaslamp District. It’s a aesthetically pleasing place– emerald greens, rustic wood, metals, eye-catching art—but when it comes to the menu, the cocktails match the depth of the cuisine. The indulgent menu is not lacking in girthy portions, and you’ll want to give it a good once-over before deciding.

TAHONA // TAHONABAR.COM // 2414 San Diego Ave. // San Diego Bring out your dead! Rounding out where to feast and celebrate is Tahona, which also happens to be located next to a historic cemetery. Oh, you heard me. Aside from being in an epic location, Tahona is where you call on your inner tequila and mezcal aficionado, and you dance with the devil. Serving cocktails that might make you think you see the dead— Solyent Green, Head Ancho, Campo Santo to name a few— 24 APRIL 2019 Southern California

you’re into, Lockdown has a room for it. Two rooms— Voodoo and Western—stand out for me. Call it a love of True

Blood and Westworld if you must, but something about being transported to the swampy lands of Gabrielville, Louisiana, or reclaiming the totems stolen from the Kumeyaay tribe makes me have to go all in. In the Voodoo escape room, you have to break out of a shop belonging to the voodoo queen witch Arachne. In the Western escape room, you have to bust out of the cell and escape before the sheriff returns and shoots you like a filthy animal. That said, the most challenging of them all is the Science room, and when you’re told it’s near impossible to escape? You can bet your ass the challenge has been accepted. Either way, it’s game on, and it’s all about keeping your cool and seeing who’s most likely to survive and who will be laughing and cursing the whole time.

SECRET SPOT ESCAPE ROOMS // SECRETSPOTESCAPEROOMS. COM // 4967 Newport Ave. #6 // San Diego

Jack Sparrow kind of brought back the whole pirate thing, so when Secret Spot (not so secret if it’s in the title) opened the Dark Seas Hideout escape room? It was time to down some rum, sing yo-ho-yo-ho, and set sail on a dark and twisted adventure. This escape room is for the escape room pros who’ve done just about everything and need to mix it up. It’s clever, fun, and charges the ole brain cells. It really is themed after the life of a pirate, and who doesn’t want to sport a kickass ponytail and pirate hat—and look cooler than cool doing it?

Now go. Be the daring, bold, non-boring Southern Californians you’re sworn to be.

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 25

{highprofile }

by DAW N G A R C I A

Towne Park Brew TOWNEPARKBREW.COM

// @TOWNEPARKBREW @RANCHOLASLOMAS

PAINT THE TOWNE Brett Lawrence is building community one brew at a time.

Orange County native Brett Lawrence is the kind of guy

mother Jeannie, his late father Rick, and his brother Rich-

you want to drink some beers and talk about life with. His

ard. Brett grew up with Bengal tigers, servals, zebras,

laid-back vibe and million-dollar smile make him one of

parrots and beloved golden retrievers, Skyler and Daisy.

the truly special human beings in Orange County. He grew

It was a childhood full of adventure and love that Brett

up in Silverado Canyon and was raised on Rancho Las Lo-

embraced, and he lives his life with a sense of abandon,

mas (RANCHOLASLOMAS.COM ), which is a beautiful event

following in his parents’ entrepreneurial footsteps.

venue and also now a certified wildlife education center

The ranch now serves as a revered destination for wed-

(RANCHOWILDLIFE.ORG ) called Rancho Wildlife, with his

dings, events, and zoology education. When Brett took

26 APRIL 2019 Southern California

over the day-to-day operations at Rancho Las Lomas, his

their facilities. We’d go in, bring our recipes, put the beer

staff gave him a 5-gallon home brew kit one Christmas in

in kegs, and then self-distribute. Did that for three years

2014 and that sparked a new passion. Lawrence began

and got more clients than we could handle, and I thought,

making his own craft beers, starting with a blonde, which

I’m gonna have the biggest brewery in town. It was am-

remains the biggest seller. As the success of his home

bitious, but I also knew I needed to start small. Gypsy

brews grew, he decided to test out his beers on unsus-

brewing ultimately resulted is us needing more space to

pecting Rancho Las Lomas guests (which happened to be

make more beer, so we opened our own 20,000-square-

a brilliant idea). That led to the opening of the Barn Bar at

foot facility in Anaheim in September 2017. At that time,

the Ranch, serving Brett’s home-brewed beer. “I’d go up to

Anaheim was turning into Brew City, and they were good

random guests and say, ‘Hey, try my beer,’ and they would.

to us. We’re located near Disneyland and all the tourist at-

I’d get immediate feedback, which

tractions, which is awesome because

was really cool.” After a successful run

it means we’re busy.

at the Barn Bar, he was ready to go big. I caught up with Brett for a little Q and A.

What are some of the first brews you played with?

Blonde ale, IPA, lager, pale ale. We

What’s the inspiration behind the company name?

tried making a brown ale at the ranch,

Growing up at the ranch, my dad

It overflowed! Just like cooking, like

had picked up a bunch of old street

chemistry stuff, you gotta work out

signs along his journeys. Those old

the right combo to make it all work

signs were placed all throughout

together.

the ranch. I found one my dad got at the swap meet, and this one in particular was in the area

and it blew up all over the kitchen.

What inspired the mindset behind the brand?

where I was brewing. The sign said Towne Park Circle, and

I believe beer is more than beer, and with me being in

as soon as I saw it, I knew. That was going to be the name

hospitality my whole life, I wanted to make sure we put

of the company. I also found out that exact street sign is

that message out there. Anyone can make beer, but if you

from Pamona off of Route 66, which makes even more

have a solid community with a solid beer, then it reso-

perfect. It’s local.

nates with our fans.

When did you decide to go from home brewing at the Barn Bar to opening Towne Park Brew?

You and your family have always been active in the area. What is your hope for the TPB community?

I think it came from my late father and his ‘why not’

What’s that saying, “No good conversation ever started

mentality. I don’t take no for an answer, but my mom is

over a salad”? I think holding Towne Hall talks is a great

the catalyst that brings me back to reality. I think there’s

way to get the community involved. It’s where we can talk

a good yin and yang between me and my mom that has

about anything from life to friends and family, along with

helped guide me into the person I am today, helping the

charity. I want it to be more than beer and make sure peo-

entrepreneur thrive within me.

ple know that. Our goal is to involve everyone.

The decision to grow was one we had to make after a brewing, where we would have other people brew the beer,

Working with charities runs in your blood. Which ones have Towne Park Brew Company aligned with?

but we wanted to have our hands in the whole process, so

My dad passed away from Alzheimer’s. Our family has

then we did gypsy brewing. That basically means we uti-

supported raising money to put an end to the disease for

lized space from other brewers and made our beers using

as long as I can remember. I’m also running the Ranch now,

few years of home brewing. We graduated into contract

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 27

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“No good conversation ever started over a salad.”

—Brett Lawrence

and the Wildlife Foundation is a huge part of my life, but with Towne Park, we’re releasing a new beer called Resilience. We partnered with Sierra Nevada and are donating 100 percent

with them, and we’ll donate our proceeds to that charity.

What’s on the docket for spring?

of the proceeds to the victims of the camp fires in Paradise.

We have a new team and sales plan to expand our foot-

Moving forward, every other month one of our main

print in Orange County and the neighboring areas, and we

execs on the team will pick their favorite charity, partner

have some new branding and opportunities we’re exploring to get more exposure.

THE TOWNE PARK BREW TEAM

Anything else you want to add?

Brett Lawrence, Founder and CEO

the future brings.

If you’re not having fun doing what you’re doing, then don’t do it. This is a fun project, and I look forward to what

Steve Young, President Andy Marshall, Brewer Justin Draper, Sales Director Brendon Thomas, In-House Marketing Mark Dumoni, Lawyer Southern Glacier Wine & Spirits, Distributor

Towne Park Brew Company is open for business in what is lovingly known as Brew City. Towne Mayor Brett Lawrence is either at the brewery or at the ranch, but you can bet he’ll always be down to pull up a seat, open a beer, and talk about anything.

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 29

{homemade }

by D AW N G A R C I A and A M A RY L L I S T S E G O U

SAVORING SPRING

“While discussing American biscuits, I elaborately and somewhat clumsily confessed my love of scones,” says Tsegou. “Since then, my passion has turned into a deep affection for these doughy little beauties. I love that they offer comfort, bittersweet memories of times passed, lots of crumbs, and an aftertaste that lingers a little while.”

She has this to say about her scones recipe: “I am not sure why I went the savory way. It may have been guided by what was in my fridge or a craving I had, which I tend to follow enthusiastically. Either way, I very much love a

An introduction to a savory spring meal, perfect for ushering in a new season.

pastry adorned with herbs, and it seems I regularly include salty, crumbly feta cheese, so I went that route. I started with the usual suspects and then incorporated the stars du jour: loads of fragrant thyme and big crumbs of feta. I also love a crunchy addition, which is where the pistachios come in. Lightly toasted, roughly chopped, and generously added, pistachios make these scones extra special.”

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cups plain flour • 1½ tsp baking powder • Pinch of salt • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste • ¾ cup unsalted butter, very cold and cubed • 1 med. egg • ½ tsp honey • ½ cup half-fat Greek yogurt • 2 tbsp almond milk (or any other) • ½ cup crumbled feta • 1 heaping tsp fresh thyme, leaves picked • ¼ cup unsalted pistachios, toasted and roughly chopped • Egg wash (1 med egg and 2 tbsp water) • Nigella seeds and sea salt flakes to finish

Feta, Thyme, and Pistachio Scones Across the pond in the United Kingdom, in the heart of London lives Amaryllis Tsegou, a lovely home cook I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the past few years. Every time I visit her blog, The Tasty Other (THETASTYOTHER.COM), I find myself in a culinary showdown between wanting to jump through the screen to eat everything straight away and wanting to learn how to make everything she cooks up. She’s unpretentious and undeniably talented, but the greatest aspect of her recipes is that they won’t make you want to pull your hair out.

30 APRIL 2019 Southern California

INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Preheat oven to 390°F and line a baking sheet

with parchment paper.

STEP 2: Place flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in

a food processor and pulse to combine. Add cubed butter and pulse a few more times until the mixture is crumbly and small bits of butter are still visible.

STEP 3: Place in a large bowl, make a well in the middle,

and add the egg, honey, yogurt, and milk. Bring together using a fork.

STEP 4: Add feta, thyme, and pistachios. Combine again,

working quickly. The mixture will be quite wet and sticky.

STEP 5: Flour a work surface and add mixture, flouring it

Strawberry, Avocado, and Cucumber Giant Couscous Salad

lightly all around. Using a rolling pin, roll out to a 3-centimeter

“I’ve been in a constant state of excitement over the

thickness and cut round pieces, again working as fast as

beautiful spring ingredients available: crisp and refresh-

possible and avoid touching dough too much.

ing cucumbers, sweet juicy strawberries, and delicate

STEP 6: Place on baking tray. brush with egg wash. Sprinkle

fresh greens, all begging to be left as they are, tossed with

with nigella seeds and sea salt flakes.

some fragrant herbs, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt

STEP 7: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until

flakes, a dollop of honey, or drizzle of thick golden olive oil.”

puffed and golden. Rotate halfway through if necessary.

STEP 8: Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then on a cooling

rack for another 5 minutes. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS // Salad

• 1¹⁄₃ cups giant couscous • 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered • ½ large cucumber, peeled and quartered • 1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped • ½ small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped • 1 ripe avocado, cubed • 3 handfuls lamb’s lettuce Dressing

• ¹⁄₈ cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1½ tablespoons white balsamic vinegar • Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper to taste • ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Cook couscous in plenty of water. Drain and drizzle

with a little olive oil. Fluff with fork and set aside to cool.

STEP 2: Toss strawberries and cucumber with herbs and a

little salt and pepper. When couscous is completely cool, toss gently to combine.

STEP 3: Divide onto four plates. Add avocado and lamb’s

lettuce.

STEP 4: Place dressing ingredients in small jar and shake

to combine; taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

STEP 5: Dress salad and enjoy with crumbled feta. sensimag.com APRIL 2019 31

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CBDo or SPEC IAL REPORT

34 APRIL 2019 Southern California

CBDon’t?

When it comes to cannabidiol, confusion reigns supreme.

We’re going back to the basics to clear it up for you.

by L E L A N D R U C K E R and S T E P H A N I E W I L S O N

Disclaimer: The following conversation didn’t happen—NOT EXACTLY, NOT WORD FOR WORD AS IT APPEARS HERE. BUT IT’S ROOTED IN REALITY. CBD IS ON EVERYONE’S MINDS, BUT INFO ABOUT IT IS ON NO ONE’S RADAR. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS ALONE, WE’VE FIELDED CALLS AND QUERIES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AS FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY REACH OUT FOR ADVICE. The questions below are on the lips of curious consumers who have heard they need to be taking CBDs but

Yes, it’s confusing. Here’s a handy cheat sheet: Cannabis sativa: plant species.

they don’t quite know what this means. We’re here to

cannabis: a subspecies of Cannabis sativa containing

help. First thing’s first: it’s CBD, not CBDs.

more than trace amounts of THC. It remains federal-

Jane Doe: What is CBD? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.

Jane: So it’ll get me high?

ly illegal, classified by the DEA as a Schedule I drug, in the same category as LSD and heroin. The government claims cannabis has no medicinal purposes and a high potential of abuse. hemp: a subspecies of Cannabis sativa with no more

No, that’s what non-psychoactive means. You’re think-

than 0.3 percent THC by weight. When the federal gov-

ing of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. That’s the com-

ernment outlawed “marihuana” in the 1930s, it did so us-

pound associated with feelings of euphoria.

ing broad language that banned all Cannabis sativa—in-

Jane: But you said CBD comes from cannabis.

Isn’t that what weed is called nowadays?

cluding hemp. The prohibition of hemp just came to an end last December, with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.

You are correct. Cannabis is how people refer to what

Jane: What does this have to do with CBD?

used to be called “marijuana,” a word with racist under-

CBD is found in Cannabis sativa varieties, so it can be

tones best removed from the modern lexicon. Cannabis

derived from both cannabis and hemp. But not all types

is short for Cannabis sativa, the scientific name of the

(or strains) of either necessarily have any CBD content at

plant species that includes both cannabis—the kind that

all. Some have a high percentage of CBD. Growers breed

gets you high—and hemp, the kind that doesn’t.

plants to maximize or minimize the cannabinoid content.

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 35

36 APRIL 2019 Southern California

Because cannabis remains federally illegal, CBD de-

Jane: So what are the effects of CBD?

rived from a plant with more than trace amounts of THC

There are all sorts of claims out there. But are any of those

is illegal as well. This doesn’t apply in the 10 states where

claims backed by science or data? Not really. A highly infor-

recreational cannabis is legal. However, it is illegal to

mative deep-dive into CBD published by Vox sums it up per-

take it across state lines—but don’t let that stop you.

fectly: “Anyone who tells you anything definitive about what

As hemp broke free from prohibition late last year, the

CBD—or THC for that matter—does to your body is lying.”

DEA reclassified hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.1 per-

Cannabis prohibition, ongoing since 1937, outlawed more

cent THC from a Schedule I to a Schedule V drug—one with

than personal use; it blocked scientific studies of the plant’s

a low potential of abuse, similar to low doses of codeine.

medicinal properties and potential. Today, there’s a huge

Jane: Are you saying the effects of eating a CBD cookie or two are the same as taking a dose of prescription cough syrup? That’s intense.

void where research should be. That void has to be filled

No. Keep in mind, this classification is from the same agency that still claims cannabis is as dangerous as heroin—that highly addictive drug responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths each year as its popularity grows in the wake of the opioid epidemic. The DEA claims cannabis is just as bad. As heroin. This despite the fact that you are as likely to die from a cannabis overdose as you are from a unicorn attack.

But I digress. No, eating CBD cookies won’t have the same effect as taking a codeine-laced prescription med, despite what the DEA would have you believe.

(The DEA rescheduling allowed for the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for the treatment of a rare seizure disorder to enter the marketplace through typical pharmaceutical channels last fall. There are now two cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals on the market.)

with the very basics that can be built upon. There’s not even an official cannabis seed bank or strain database in existence from which scientists can pull reliable information needed to conduct the studies from which we are so desperate to learn the results. The process is basically just getting started, and it’s going to take awhile. Decades even.

That said, there is strong anecdotal evidence as well as some small studies that point to medicinal properties and health benefits. Secretions from the flower of the cannabis plant contain more than 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids—CBD and THC among them—that interact and bind to receptors within our body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates basic functions like sleep, cognition, and stress. Cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG, CBN, THCa, THCv, and so on are said to provide relief to an array of symptoms and ailments—migraines, insomnia, stress, Crohn’s, PTSD, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, cramps, cancer, and more.

Like magic. Until science tells us otherwise.

CBD is a miracle compound, said to fix whatever ails you.

Or not. Depends on which you trust— science or marketing.

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 37

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Jane: Me too! I think I read the same article.

So, what’s the best kind of CBD? Oh my. There’s only one kind of CBD. But there are all sorts of factors that affect its quality and your experience. Some factors to keep in mind: 1) Is it derived from hemp or cannabis?

2) If it’s derived from hemp, where is the hemp from? The US imports a lot of hemp from China, where the list of approved pesticides is far from safe. You don’t want to be ingesting that.

Jane: So what does taking CBD do?

3) Is it a CBD isolate? Was the CBD isolated from the other plant compounds during the extraction process?

Again, studies are limited, but the ones out there show

This is an important factor for anyone who’s sensitive

that CBD is anti-inflammatory. It also can provide relief

to THC or who may be subject to drug testing

from anxiety and stress, induce calmness, and may even

4) Or is it full spectrum? The opposite of an isolate,

counterbalance anxiety brought on by THC in some can-

full spectrum refers to an extraction method that’s

nabis users. That’s part of something known as the en-

sometimes called “whole plant extract.” These include

tourage effect, but we’ll save that for another day.

all of the cannabinoids found in the plant.

Jane: That’s it? All this hype for something that may reduce anxiety and inflammation?

Yep. There’s a whole lot of anecdotal evidence about it being an effective treatment for other ailments, but there’s not a whole lot of science. Yet.

5) How will you ingest it, or get it into your body? Are you smoking it, putting some drops of a tincture under your tongue, drinking a beverage infused with it?

6) How much are you supposed to take?

There are millions and millions of CBD products being sold

We can thank the prohibition for getting us here—to

today, with more coming out every day. The market is large-

a place where a plant byproduct, federally illegal for all

ly unregulated, although the FDA does prohibit marketing

but the final 10 days of 2018, was a $350 million industry

CBD as a dietary supplement. New York State officials re-

in 2018. And that’s by conservative estimates. The Hemp

cently imposed rules blocking restaurants from serving

Business Journal puts that number closer to $1 billion.

CBD-laced menu items and drinks. Other than that, CBD is

I blame savvy marketing and risk-taking entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the post-prohibition “green rush.”

regulated a lot like the vitamin and supplement industries, which is to say not at all. Companies can’t make claims

CBD is everywhere right now—even in the gift bags at

about health benefits, but can make claims about what’s in

the Oscars in the form of infused chocolate and luxe lo-

the product without any data to back it up. Last month, NBC

tions. You can smoke it, you can ingest it, you can drink

Miami collected an array of CBD products and sent them

it, you can vape it. You can spray it on your face, rub it on

to a third-party lab for testing. The majority had much less

your body, or pay a massage therapist to do that for you.

CBD than the labels claimed. Some had none at all.

You can drop a bomb and soak in a bath of it, you can

Jane: How much CBD should I be taking?

chew gum made with it, you can give it to Fido as a treat.

What you can’t do is ignore it. CBD dominates headlines, piques interest, generates anecdotal testimonies to its healing powers, and is marketed to you hard by a growing range of companies introducing new infused products and new brands in hopes of capitalizing on the buzz. They don’t all have your best interest at heart. Be skeptical.

Jane: But…I should be taking it, right? I’ve heard I should be taking it.

No one knows. This whole CBD thing is an experiment, and we are all the subjects. If you use or are just curious about CBD today, you are at the consumer end of a great trial that includes users, growers, producers, sellers, and now government. Until more extensive research is done— which will take awhile—you’re pretty much on your own to find the right products and dosages that work for you.

You’ve got to separate the hype from the reality. You’ve got to be willing to experiment, which can get pricey. If you

According to articles on the internet, you definitely should.

spend $50 on a bottle of CBD pain cream and it provides no

It’s a miracle compound, said to fix whatever ails you. Or

relief, will you be eager to try a different brand? It’s up to

not. Depends on which you trust more: science or market-

you. And your wallet. If the whole thing stresses you out,

ing. Personally, I’m a sucker for marketing.

try taking some CBD. It’s supposed to be good for stress. sensimag.com APRIL 2019 39

40 APRIL 2019 Southern California

POT Why the History of Eating Cannabis Matters

IN PANS

by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E

From ancient India and Persia

TO TODAY’S EXPLOSIVE NEW MARKET, CANNABIS,

THE HOTTEST NEW GLOBAL FOOD TREND, HAS BEEN PROVIDING HUMANS WITH NUTRITION, MEDICINE, AND SOLACE – AGAINST ALL ODDS–SINCE THE EARLIEST CAVEPEOPLE DISCOVERED ITS POWERS. This is an excerpt from my book, Pot in Pans: A Histo-

alized they could control the commoners by prohibiting

ry of Eating Cannabis Food, which will be released this

a plant that they relied on for food, fiber, medicine, and

month as part of publisher Rowman & Littlefield’s Stud-

mind and mood alteration. For the hard-working class-

ies in Food and Gastronomy series, featuring “the best

es, who often lived in hopeless poverty, cannabis was

in food scholarship, harnessing the energy, ideas, and

magical for its ability to act as both stimulant and sop-

creativity of a wide array of food writers today.”

orific and its promise of gentle relief from the drudgery and humiliations of daily life—a far cry from the sinister

We write history books, in part, so we don’t repeat our

reputation foisted upon it by centuries of propaganda.

mistakes. The history of cannabis food, rich and deep, is

We are reaching the end of a centuries-long story, born in

marred with the stains of prohibition, propaganda, and

the Mazanderan mountains in ancient Persia in the 12th cen-

persecution—abysmal mistakes we’ve only just begun to

tury and used throughout history in racist campaigns to prove

rectify. This history is a long way from being written—

that cannabis makes people violent, insane, and uncontrol-

though many like to say we’re now on the right side of

lably horny (parents, hold onto your white daughters!). The

it as centuries of fear mongering finally start to unravel.

legend of Hassan-ibn-Sabbah, the Old Man of the Mountain

Finally, but still painfully slowly, cannabis is taking its

who plied his disciples with splendid food, fine women, and a

rightful place as a unique culinary ingredient that has

hashish confection so they would assassinate his enemies—

proven through the centuries that food is medicine.

popularized in the West by explorer Marco Polo—would forev-

Locally, nationally, and globally, we’ve reached a pivot-

er associate hashish with assassins and sinister business.

al moment in the history of a plant that has been beloved

In the 1930s, during his successful drive toward canna-

by the masses, reviled by the elite, and shrouded in con-

bis prohibition, US Federal Bureau of Narcotics chairman

flict and secrecy for centuries. Cannabis has been out-

Harry J. Anslinger masterfully fomented Americans’ rac-

lawed and demonized since the powers-that-be first re-

ist and increasingly moralistic national mentality with a sensimag.com APRIL 2019 41

42 APRIL 2019 Southern California

propaganda blitzkrieg that included a book and motion

remained readily available to those who wanted them. In

picture titled Marihuana: Assassin of Youth—based upon

the early and mid-1970s, several countries and US states

his discovery of the Old Man of the Mountain legend. In

decriminalized cannabis, but this attitude change was

testimony before Congress and in newspaper interviews,

short-lived, squelched by marijuana’s association with dirty

Anslinger said marijuana, a frightening “new” drug used

hippies and the counterculture. The Nixon administration

primarily by Mexicans and African Americans, could

doubled down, sending military helicopters to scorch can-

turn upstanding, middle-class kids into helpless victims

nabis farms from Orange Hill, Jamaica to the mountains of

and raging monsters. His campaign resulted in cannabis

Colombia’s Cauca region and declaring cannabis a Schedule

being effectively outlawed through draconian taxes and

I drug with no medicinal value, alongside heroin and LSD.

regulations in the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

Down through the ages—through multiple prohibitions on every continent, imposed by sultans, colonialists, and a pope—cannabis had managed to somehow

You Can’t Keep a Good Plant Down For a century now, cannabis has

survive, and even thrive. But never had it faced an en-

existed in most parts of the world

emy so formidable or iron-fisted as the United States in

only because humans’ love for it

the mid-20th century. When US Treasury Secretary An-

is so great that they’re willing

drew W. Mellon appointed Anslinger and tasked him, for

to sacrifice being persecuted,

whatever reason—and speculation is rampant—to wipe

imprisoned, having their teeth

out cannabis, he intended the war to be global. Through-

pulled out, and even being put

out the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st, the

to death for cultivating and

United States used its considerable influence to force

nurturing it. The irony of prohi-

cannabis prohibition around the world, leaving people

bition, of course, is that the lucra-

in countries where it had been used and enjoyed for cen-

tive black market made it worth

turies scratching their heads in confusion—and finding

the risk and only drove breeders to

ways around the laws.

develop ever-mightier plants delivering

In Canada in the 1930s, when Royal Mounted Po-

whopping amounts of psychoactive tetrahy-

lice officers told an elderly woman they had to eradi-

drocannabinol, or THC. In the face of adversity, cannabis

cate the hemp plants she grew to

was no shrinking violet. The plant grew stronger, better,

feed her canaries, she chased

faster, and more potent—unstoppable, no matter how

them away with a broom.

much paraquat the DEA threw at it.

cannabis

If the history of cannabis proves anything, it is that you

continued to be a key

can’t keep a good plant down. A cabal of global elites is no

ingredient in the tra-

match for this one, which in its cunning evolved to provide

ditional “happy” soup

humans with nutrition, fiber, medicine, and, if you believe

served at weddings

many ethnobotanists, the ability to make huge mental and

and celebrations, just

spiritual leaps as a species. Had it not been for the latter—

In

Indonesia,

as it always had. In-

all due to the presence of that THC molecule—this would

dia managed to keep

be a boring book about a multifaceted, utilitarian plant that

on the right side of the

served humans in many different capacities for centuries.

United States while quiet-

This is not that.

ly allowing people to drink

This is a story with many layers, spanning many conti-

bhang, a traditional holy drink

nents, held together by the thread of an Islamic confection

made from cannabis. By the 1970s,

created to inspire a band of 12th-century fedayeen, which

the Netherlands had adopted a policy of tolerance to-

was ported throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and

ward retailers and users while making cannabis cul-

beyond, invoking hilarity and hostility wherever it went.

tivation and production illegal, creating a “back door”

Inspired by this legend, Western intellectuals and literati,

problem that no one wanted to replicate.

and then the masses, discovered and enjoyed cannabis,

It was more than clear by the 1970s that the global war

hashish, and majoun (a Moroccan candy mixed with can-

on drugs was a failure. Violent cartels were ravaging South

nabis) for much of the mid-19th century and into the 1930s,

and Central America, and heroin, cocaine, and cannabis

when Anslinger shut that down. sensimag.com APRIL 2019 43

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This is the story of how Brion Gysin, an ex-patriot artist and writer in Tangier, discovered majoun, typed up a recipe, and sent it to Alice B. Toklas, an ex-pat writer in

in legal states. They can buy water-soluble cannabis-infused liquids and powders to stir into beverages or add to any recipe for immediate gratification. With such a wide range

Paris, to include in a cookbook published in New York

of culinary opportunities and resources literally at their

and London, causing a minor scandal in the mid-20th

fingertips, only the laziest or most unimaginative eaters

century and leading to a major mix-up in a major motion

are choosing the brownie.

picture that morphed majoun into the pot brownie, and

We stand on a precipice. Once criminalized, cannabis

turned the pot brownie into a Western icon forevermore.

is now being rapidly commodified, and there’s no putting

It’s the story of the rowdy band of artists, rebels, and intel-

that genie back in the bottle. Analysts predict cannabis

lectuals who partook of majoun’s charms and an activist

will be a global industry worth $57 billion by 2027—in-

who made the pot brownie a symbol of compassion.

vestment firm Cowen and Company suggests that will

Down through the ages, the cannabis plant has gath-

reach $75 billion by 2030—numbers that are respectful

ered about it a charismatic and eclectic assortment of

enough to prevent cannabis haters like US Attorney

protectors and advocates, from the Hindu lord Shiva, who

General Jeff Sessions (the 21st-century’s answer to An-

was said to sustain himself for long periods by eating

slinger) from prosecuting companies working within le-

cannabis, to Brownie Mary, whose insistence on baking

gal state infrastructures. Money talks.

cannabis-laced brownies as medicine for AIDS patients

Money’s talking. Scotts Miracle-Gro and Monsanto are

in San Francisco, despite several arrests, drew huge pub-

circling. Food conglomerates are dipping toes, preparing

lic sympathy in the 1990s and eased the way for Califor-

to jump in when—and everyone now agrees it’s a matter

nia to legalize medical marijuana in 1996.

of when—federal cannabis prohibition ends in the Unit-

And that, really, may have been the beginning of the

ed States. Hemp is legal, and a bill has been submitted to

end of the pot brownie. Several states and countries fol-

Congress to legalize psychoactive cannabis. Cannabis is

lowed California in approving cannabis for medical use,

now the second most valuable crop in the United States

and in 2012, Colorado and Washington voters took the

after corn. Chefs, foodies, and nutritionists are playing

game-changing step of legalizing all adult use. More

with this new functional food ingredient, finding cre-

states followed, then Uruguay, then Canada. Canna-

ative uses for every part of the plant, as the world’s atti-

bis-infused edibles grew into a robust and well-regulat-

tude toward cannabis normalizes.

ed industry with no room for crumbly chocolate cakes

This may sound far-fetched, particularly to peo-

that had miserable shelf lives and were impossible to

ple who live in places where cannabis remains illegal,

imprint with the new THC warning stamp some states

where citizens—inordinately, people of color—are rotting

began requiring.

in jail because of a plant. It will never be okay that (most-

In most cases, pot brownies have evolved into

ly) white men in suits rake in millions of dollars on can-

shelf-stable, easier-to-dose chocolate bars, one skew in

nabis and cannabis products while others go to jail over

a wildly popular category of cannabis-infused products

the very same plant. As we celebrate the strides we’ve

that no one saw coming in the early 2010s. In addition

made toward liberating cannabis, we must never forget

to a range of chocolate products from gourmet truffles

that this progress has been made on the backs of those

to peanut butter cups, today’s cannabis consumers can

willing to pay the price before us.

enjoy infused potato chips, gummies, hard candies, raw cacao butter, soda pop, caramel corn, coffee, tea, cookies, pies, and nuts—all readily available at cannabis stores

ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE (@cannabis_kitchen) is the author of Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and the upcoming Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Cannabis (Rowman & Littlefield, $34).

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 45

46 APRIL 2019 Southern California

4BLOOMS

Find Your Passion And Bring It To Your Brand ONE MARKETING COMPANY IS DRIVEN TO MAKE HUMAN WELLNESS A CORNERSTONE OF THEIR CANNABIS BRAND MARKETING EFFORTS. Susan Rust has a simple mission in her life: end human suffering.

4Blooms is working with a client that is doing two different product lines. One is for convenient stores and the

That personal goal has developed over years of her

other is for upscale health and beauty. “These are prod-

non-profit experience, working with both large and

ucts with very different messaging and very different

small companies.

packaging,” she says. “You can’t mistake one for another.

Now she is leading up her own cannabis marketing

That would be an epic fail.”

company, 4Blooms, a branding, packaging, content and

For another client, Black Rain, a CBD wellness compa-

web development company founded in 2016 to bring

ny making CBD water in three flavors, 4Blooms is in the

new cannabis brands into the world and help her achieve

process of gathering stories about people who use their

her personal mission. Rust is the CEO and founder of the

product and report that it is transforming their lives. “They

16-person company. “I came into the cannabis business

are very clear,” Rust says. “They say that the doctors gave

because it was new and very interesting to me,” she says.

up on me, and I am walking today because of this brand.

Rust says that she wanted to get back to her entre-

We are working on articulating that brand loyalty without

preneurial roots with 4Blooms. “What we do is focus on

trying to make any outrageous claims. It’s a fine line.”

the brand architecture and the origin story for canna-

Her appeal for those looking to market and build a

bis startups, or for cannabis companies that wanted to

brand in the cannabis business is to find people who

rebrand,” she says. “Some of them got somewhere, but

want to fulfill their passion to help people. “Everybody

they stalled in their growth. Everybody just went to mar-

is selling CBD. There used to be a lot of small suppliers

ket right away, and a lot of them didn’t go with a clear

but now they are consolidating. What is going to make

mission, and clear vision, and a clear mandate from the

a difference? It’s your formulation, your origin story and

stakeholders and the team. They didn’t have that voice

your passion that you bring to the product. That is what

and messaging and that origin story – these were things

makes a difference – it’s your commitment to the well-

missing from the cannabis space.”

ness of others.”

4Blooms is so named because they see the marketing

The challenge in the industry for anyone involved in

process as being aligned with the stages of a growing

marketing of cannabis is the framework of legal restric-

cannabis plant: pre-flowering (the product idea), early

tions that they have to work within. “The advertising net-

flowering (brand recognition), peak flowering (organic

works are not as robust and mature in the non-cannabis

ranking) and late flowering (sales).

space,” Rust says. “But it’s a lot about being education-

For client education, Rust and 4Blooms put on the

al in discussions and not about selling first. That is true

Apex Branding Workshop, a half-day workshop to help

about any social media advertising endeavor today. It’s

growing cannabis companies say who they are and what

not about ‘buy this’, it’s about ‘here is why cannabis is

they do. The workshop helps companies “arrive at the

a good idea’ and ‘here is the value proposition that we

truth” about why their brand exists and why a consumer

offer’.

should care. “You might say to an employee, hey, come work for me and make some money,” Rust says. “But

“Today’s audience is so oversold that they don’t want you to sell them. You have to have substance.”

people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. And a brand can start articulating that. Something about it has to resonate with who I am.”

For more information, visit:

4BLOOMS.GURU

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 47

INDIO: KIND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Celebrating cannabis, togetherness, food, drink, music, and taking a break from the daily grind, Sensi partnered with the Kind Music Fest for a one-day

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JADE WILLIS

pop-up music festival. People of all ages gathered to dance, smoke, eat, and play together in the desert, complete with obstacles courses, inflatable rides, bean bags to chill out on, and more—all in the name of kindness.

48 APRIL 2019 Southern California

Where: Tyson Ranch Resort When: February 23, 2019 Insta: @sensimagazine

sensimag.com APRIL 2019 49

{HereWeGo }

by E L I D U P I N

FARMING LEGISLATION The Ins and Outs of the 2018 Farm Bill.

As cannabis legislation gets sorted out, rewritten,

production toward federal tax credits and accelerated tax

amended, rewritten, passed, amended, and on and on,

deductions. This is a huge turning point. With access to

staying in the loop about exactly how the laws affect you

the Solar Investment Tax Credit for example, hemp busi-

is paramount. In 2018, US Congress passed the Farm Bill,

nesses that use solar can get a 30 percent federal tax

de-scheduling industrial hemp and its derivatives. While

credit—while reducing energy costs, saving businesses

this was phenomenal news for anyone working in the

money in the short and long term.

industry, learning the fine print stipulations is like being asked to read War and Peace—for fun. Now that hemp

TAX BENEFITS + POTENTIAL CREDITS

cultivators and CBD manufacturers are no longer subject

- Research and Development Credit

to restrictions from Section 280E of the Internal Reve-

- Work Opportunity Credit

nue Code, it has altered the way they do business. Should

- Solar Investment Credit

the pending bipartisan bill STATES Act—Strengthening

- California Partial Sales and Use Tax Exemption

the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States—also

- California Partial Diesel Fuel Credit

pass, cannabis will finally be treated like a legitimate agri-

- California Manufacturing and Research & Development

cultural business and industry.

Equipment Exemption

The Farm Bill allows industrial hemp to have up to 0.3%

Some deductions for tax purposes can even be acceler-

of THC in dry weight form. The new law allows hemp pro-

ated, such as the 100 percent depreciation deduction. To

ducers to write off expenses related to cultivation and

learn more, visit CDFA.CA.GOV/FARM_BILL

50 APRIL 2019 Southern California

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