Sensi Magazine - San Diego (July 2019)

SAN DIEGO

THE NEW NORMAL

IT’S GRILL TIME Light up the barbecue

7.2019

SEXY YOGIS

A week in Jamaica

CIRQUE DU JOY

Scot Nery’s Boobietrap

{plus}

SO-CAL MURALS: COLLECTIVE CREATIVITY

sensimag.com JULY 2019 3

4 JULY 2019 Southern California

sensimag.com JULY 2019 5

6 JULY 2019 Southern California

ISSUE 7 //VOLUME 2 //7.2019

FEATURES SP EC IAL R EP OR T

32 Sexy Yogis and Time Travel A mosaic tapestry through one rip-roaring week in Jamaica.

40 The Year of the Edible

Experts expect infused food and drinks to rule the pot market in the 2020s.

BURGERS are back

22

every issue

26 BOOBIETRAPPED in LA

9 Editor’s Note 11 The Buzz 16 GreenHouse

TAKING IT INDOORS

18 Women, Weed, and Wellness

THE GIRLS CLUB

22 HomeMade

GRILLING WITH FINESSE

24 TravelWell

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

26 HighProfile

GROWNUP FUN

30 LifeStyle

LADIES’ NIGHT

50 HereWeGo

INVOKING INSPIRATION

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

sensimag.com JULY 2019 7

sensi magazine ISSUE 7 / VOLUME 2 / 7.2019

CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

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

Alex Martinez alex@sensimag.com

EDITORIAL 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

IN

Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

sensimediagroup

IS ALWAYS

FOLLOW US

SUM MER SKIN

EXECUTIVE

COLUMNISTS

Eli Dupin

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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

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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 JULY 2019 Southern California

SUMMER ADVISORY BOARD 55 Hydroponics // HYDROPONICS Bailey’s CBD //

PET CBD TINCTURE/PET TREATS

Bees Knees //

CONTROLLED DOSAGE VAPORIZERS

Fiddler’s Greens // CBD TINCTURES Flowerkist // CBD COSMETICS Genius Products T, Inc. //

RECREATIONAL CANNABIS PRODUCTS

LINX Card // MERCHANT SERVICES PNS Ventures // RECREATIONAL DISPENSARY ReNu // NANOEMULSIFIED CBD Therapy Tonics & Provisions // INFUSED DRINKS

Witlon, Inc // PAYROLL

editor’s

HEATS UP

NOTE

Chasing the latest trends can sometimes feel

like Wile E. Coyote chasing the elusive Roadrunner. But it doesn’t

have to. This summer as we gravitate toward what’s next, let’s take a moment to appreciate what’s now.

July signifies record-breaking heat and our deepest desires to stay present. It’s also cause to celebrate, and that includes the all-American pastime of firework watching, hot-dog-eating, redwhite-and-blue themed Fourth of July. With opportunities to watch the fireworks show on the sand in front of the big blue, on a chartered sailboat, with friends in the back of a pickup truck while you tailgate, or playing with sparklers in your own backyard, the start to a full month harkens joy, togetherness, and youth.

This issue as I looked into the theme of what’s hot, it was clear that it means different things to different people. What brings you joy? What makes life more manageable? How can we have a damn good time in the process?

With cirque performer and show producer Scot Nery, we explore the art of laughter and physical comedy. Writer Dan McCarthy talks about a week in Jamaica. Robyn Lawrence gives us the lowdown on edibles. Our in-house grower and cultivator AJ offers the best ways to give life to your grow room; and we ladies find even more ways cannabis improves our quality of life.

I traveled to Texas with my best friend for a short, last-minute escape. While there I discovered two art hubs in Dallas that took me by surprise. From street art to commissioned murals, fascinating eateries, and brisket so good I ate a slab of it with no apology, I got a taste of some real southern hospitality. I also realized that Dallas is a more forward-thinking Texas city, and much like in Austin, there is a thriving LGBTQ and artist community.

In essence, this issue is about finding the surprises all around you. As you turn its pages, our hope is that you get inspired, soak up some sun, and give in to a little creative gluttony. To quote Jennifer Garner, “Beauty comes from a life well lived. If you’ve lived well, your smile lines are in all the right places.”

Be brave and bold,

Dawn Garcia

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R

SENSI SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

sensimag.com JULY 2019 9

10 JULY 2019 Southern California

HERBAL

The New NORMAL

Come meet fellow cannabis lovers and stay for some local fare. // July 13 // 11 a.m.

Every second Saturday at Encinitas Swami’s Café, cannabis advocates get together to discuss the latest in legalization, new legislation, market trends, and business regulation. This is a San Diego NORML-led discussion encouraging the community to stay updated on the latest in cannabis news, laws, vendors, and the like.

Come meet like-minded individuals, network, and enjoy healthful cuisine, local flavors, and awesome ambiance. Swami’s is a family-owned-and-operated restaurant chain located throughout San Diego. –Dawn Garcia Arrive by 10:45 a.m. // Swami’s Café // 1506 Encinitas Blvd. // Encinitas // SWAMISCAFE.COM

Medicinal Cannabis

San Marcos Library hosts a medicinal cannabis talk. // July 24 // 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Learning about the history and value of cannabis’s medicinal benefits is important for those looking for healthy and safe alternatives. Hosting a cannabis course familiarizing attendees with the therapeutic benefits, history, treatment options, health enhancement, best consumption methods, and the current legal issues, the San Marcos Library welcomes Holistic Caring Founder and CEO Elisabeth Mack. This conversation will familiarize and educate people curious about how this magical plant can heal and improve quality of life. –DG San Marcos Public Library // 2 Civic Center Dr. // SDCL.ORG

sensimag.com JULY 2019 11

POPUP ANYONE?

Keen On Keto

Get Your Comic-Con On

One week of healthy choices, designed specifically for you. // July 29 to August 4 // 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Heroes & Villains: A Pop-Up Group Art Exhibition. // Tuesday, June 16 // 7 p.m. to midnight It’s an age-old adage; heroes and villains are two of our favorite things. Throughout the decades, we’ve flocked to comic book stores and theaters to watch tentpole blockbusters with robust excitement to surmise a world where these heroes and villains could be real. Now, thanks to the immortalization of our favorite heroes and villains represented at the world-renowned Comic-Con, access to modern-day takes on old-school art takes the love of dystopia to an all-new level. At the event, hosted by Thumbprint Gallery, you can stuff your face with pizza and beer while digesting some pretty spectacular contemporary culture, a touch of nostalgia, urban art, and pop surrealism by Aaron Summers, Dom Wallflower, Juan Gonzalez, Karl Cossio, Mike Saavedra, Shaena Polly, Vincent Alvendia, and more.

–DG

The event is free, open to the public, and all ages before 9:30 p.m. For more Comic-Con events, check out SDCCBLOG.COM/EVENTS-CALENDAR .

12 JULY 2019 Southern California

The keto lifestyle requires a lot of specified dietary choices, and California Keto has come to SoCal to make that easier. Debuting at the UTC Mall in La Jolla, the first-of-its-kind retail pop-up shop carrying everything keto lovers need, including MCT oils, bone broth, nut butters, ice cream, chocolates, cakes, breads, energy bars, and more—all adhering to the keto lifestyle. All the products are American-made, sugar- and gluten-free, low-carb, diabetic, and Weight Watchers- friendly. WESTFIELD.COM/UTC –DG A Low-Carb/HFLC/Keto Conference will take place at the Wyndham Hotel San Diego July 25 through July 28. Ticket info can be found at LOWCARBUSA.ORG .

Pop The Cork Celebrating the Fourth in Newport Beach.

The Fourth of July is an American pastime, and celebrating this annual day of independence comes with fireworks and festivities we love to partake in. In Newport Beach, the center of gorgeous beaches and luxurious living, the options range from yachts to beach parties.

2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. // July 4th on the Beach featuring DSB and SantanaWays 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. // Fireworks Cruise // Yacht on the Harbor, taco bar, and fireworks

–DG

SAN DIEGO'S FAVORITE STOREFRONT

2 p.m. to 10 p.m. // Independence Day on the Bay with the Journey Tribute Band For a full list of what’s happening: VISITNEWPORTBEACH.COM

7128 MIRAMAR RD SAN DIEGO 855 - MANKIND

MEDICAL & RECREATIONAL OPEN 7am - 9pm DAILY WE ACCEPT DEBIT CARDS ATM MACHINE ONSITE SENIOR, VETERAN & DISABILITY DISCOUNTS #A10-18-0000340-TEMP #M10-17-0000025-TEMP

sensimag.com JULY 2019 13

C R E AT I V I T Y C E N T R A L

Phantom + Cusack Love New York isn’t the only city with theatrical prowess

made bigger and better thanks to director Laurence Con-

anymore. This year the beautifully renovated Sergestrom

nor and the brilliant scenic design of Paul Brown, Tony

Theatre has joined forces with several of the most pop-

Award-winning lighting designer Paule Constable, and

ular, historic Broadway shows. Theatergoers are treated

Tony Award-winning costume designer Maria Björnson

to performances of The Phantom of the Opera as well as

in a critically acclaimed limited run. October rounds out

Miss Saigon happening later this fall. On the roster of in-

with the illustrious love story of Kim, The Engineer, and

credible shows is the wonderfully awkward and poignant

her interlude with an American GI With one of the most

leading legend, John Cusack. In August, Cusack will host

memorable scores ever, Miss Saigon is a powerful display

a screening of Say Anything, along with a post-screening

of song, story, and beautiful set design.

Q and A. Be sure to catch The Phantom of the Opera

For ticketing information, visit SCFTA.ORG

–DG

Family Sunday

Mini Mingei offers story time, art projects, and fun for the whole family. // July 21 // 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

How many times have you seen Japanese Maneki Neko cat clocks?! That cute-yet-creepy little face represents luck in many cultures, and it has become a key part of unique art that has captured cat, superstition, and art lovers around the world. The Mingei International Museum is paying tribute to the Maneki Neko cat with a unique all-day pop-up intended for the whole family, offering interactive activities including story time in the library, a hands-on art project, musical performances, prize giveaways, and a slew of other family-sized fun programming.

The museum partners with artists each month to bring the San Diego community a cultural experience that ties its 14 JULY 2019 Southern California

thematic and permanent collection of Maneki Neko cats.

This July, guest artists from Girl Scouts San Diego invite you to participate in an art project that will use pins, embroidery yarn, and cork to string together a colorful creation.

–DG Mini Mingei Storytime at 1 p.m. // Sounds of Camarada and harpist Scott Paulson at 2:30 p.m. // MINGEI.ORG

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

Broadway and moments of our epic youth come to Segerstrom. // July 1–14 // Times vary.

Liberty Station

HUMBOLDT’S FINEST ®

A platform for art, dance, community, and culture. // Throughout July The opening of San Diego’s ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station launched a swell of creative opportunity in a city known for being a hub of art and culture. Located in the former Naval Training Center San Diego in Point Loma—a legacy steadily being cemented amid the many landmarks in the area—Liberty Station is where you’ll want to be, no matter what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for dance performances, movie nights, dinner, drinks, exploring the local art scene, or attending a creative course, you’re covered. This month continues a series of writing and storytelling with Marni Freedman’s eight-series “Memoir Writing” class and Judy Reeves’ “Hot Summer Nights.”

Freedman’s fourth installment of the series “Voice, Transitions, Symbolism” will be held for four days this month and acts as an individual course. “In this workshop we will uncover the soul of the writing with fun and interactive voice techniques to make the storytelling as dynamic as possible,” Freedman proclaims.

“Students will also learn how to craft smooth transitions as well as how to enter and exit a chapter or scene. We will work on bringing the theme of the piece to life so that the manuscript will resonate with universal meaning.”

Reeves’ “Hot Summer Nights” course will encourage writers with a romantic flair to uncover their passion. “When was the last time you howled at the moon?

Dallied in erotica? Wrote about your skin and bones and wild imaginings?” Reeves asks. “This writing workshop says do it now. Surrender your pen to your outlaw self and write in the language of thunderstorms and sudden passion.” Both courses are ongoing, and prices will adjust depending on availability.

–DG

Hemp Infused Vodka

93 points

MARNI FREEDMAN Course Fee: NTC Members $180 // Non-Members $216 JUDY REEVES Course Fee: NTC Members $225 // Non-Members $270 // LIBERTYSTATION.COM

Oh, Frida!

THE FACTS

An homage to one of the most prolific and thought-provoking artists of all time. // July 6 // 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Made in Humboldt County • Infused with locally grown hemp • THC-free & legal in all 50 states

THE FLAVOR

PHOTO COURTESY OF LA BODEGA GALLERY

Hailing from Coyoacán, Mexican-born artist Frida Kahlo de Rivera was known for her works of art from self-portraits to naïve folk art that questioned the postcolonialism, gender, class, identity, and race in Mexican society. Her work has inspired activism, liberation, passion, and love. This month, La Bodega Gallery presents the fifth-annual Friducha, an art show and market inspired by Frida Kahlo. Honoring one of Mexico’s greatest artists of the 20th century, the festival celebrates her art, her life, and her death through music, art, food, and even a Frida look-alike contest. The show is intended for Frida lovers of all ages, and over 40 artists will be featuring original works inspired by Kahlo.

–DG

Free admission, but there is a $1 fee to enter the look-alike contest, open to all ages. // For more information, visit BARRIOLOGAN.WIXSITE.COM/FRIDA // LABODEGAGALLERY.COM // @LABODEGAGALLERY

Piney

Herbal

ELEVATE YOUR COCKTAILS with the aromatic terpenes of Humboldt’s Finest @humboldtdistillery www.humboldtdistillery.com sensimag.com JULY 2019 15

{greenhouse }

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

TAKING IT INSIDE Setting up your indoor garden

16 JULY 2019 Southern California

One of the first decisions a beginning home grower makes

lights and appliances already on the circuit. Consult a quali-

is where to set up their garden. Unless you live in one of the

fied electrician to determine if your system can safely handle

few jurisdictions in California that allow outdoor personal

the load, and to install your system if you aren’t confident in

cultivation, you’ll have to grow your plants indoors or in a se-

your skills. Improperly installed equipment and overloaded

cure greenhouse. For most apartment dwellers and home-

circuits can have disastrous results. Don’t take chances.

owners, a greenhouse isn’t a viable option, but by dedicating

Climate control for a home grow usually doesn’t require

a small amount of space in a closet or a portion of a garage or

more than a steady supply of fresh air. Commercial cultiva-

bedroom, you can set up an area perfectly suited for growing.

tors will often incorporate air conditioning, humidity controls,

To grow healthy plants, you have to supply them with the

and CO₂ enrichment, but these options are generally not nec-

light, water, nutrients, and CO₂, they need while controlling

essary to grow quality cannabis. Ideal relative humidity levels

temperature and humidity. For your plants to flower success-

for cannabis cultivation range from 40 to 55 percent, and an

fully, you must be able to exclude any stray light from entering

indoor grow will rarely be much drier than that. But excessive

the space while the grow lights are not operating. If you’re not

moisture in the air can cause problems including mold and

using a closet or small room you can exclude all light from, you

fungal infections, so increase ventilation if you’re consistent-

can use a specialized grow tent or other lightproof container

ly seeing levels significantly higher than 60 percent.

(you can find options for $60-$200 on Amazon). Grow tents

By using LEDs and running my lights at night (when elec-

usually come with the infrastructure needed to install lighting

tricity is less expensive and outside air is cool), I maintain

and ventilation, which simplifies setting up the garden.

my grow room at the low 80º F range or cooler. That’s a

A location near a water source and a convenient place

bit high by some recommendations, but I’ve never heard

to mix nutrients will make maintenance much easier. You

any complaints. One of my personal goals in growing pot

don’t want to be lugging buckets up a flight of stairs. Be

is to do so with fewer inputs, particularly by forgoing air

sure your floor is protected from water damage.

conditioning. Inexpensive meters that display the current

PREPPING THE SPACE Paint all walls flat white for maximum light reflection.

To provide a continuous supply of CO₂, include a fan that

temperature and humidity, as well as recent high and low readings, can be purchased at a garden center or online.

ROOM TO GROW

provides fresh air from outside the space. Ventilation will

Once you have your room set up, it’s time to move the

also help keep the garden cool. Lighting emits heat that you

plants in! The size of your room will dictate how large you

don’t want to build up in the space so airflow is important.

can grow your plants. Once you switch from vegetative

An exhaust fan can be also be added to improve ventilation.

growth to the flowering period, you’re likely to see them

There are several different lighting options to choose from

grow another foot or more, so be sure not to wait too long

(more on this in a future column). Many growers are turning

to change light cycles. Plant training and pruning techniques

to LEDs for their efficiency and cooler operating tempera-

can be utilized to make the most of the space you have.

ture. You can still use high-pressure sodium and metal ha-

Growing fine weed starts with good garden design.

lide lights, but you may need to increase ventilation or used

While a productive garden can be achieved through trial

air-cooled reflectors to keep your room from overheating.

and error, putting some thought and planning into setting

Once you’ve decided what equipment you’re planning to

up your grow space will add to your enjoyment and pro-

use, it’s time to seriously consider safety. Before you plug

ductivity. Consult a reputable cannabis growing manual (Ed

anything in, you’ll have to be sure your electrical system is

Rosenthal’s Marijuana Grower’s Handbook is my personal

up to the task. As a rule, you do not want to exceed 80 per-

favorite), your local hydroponics store, or online sources for

cent of an electrical circuit’s rated capacity. This includes any

more detailed information. Happy growing!

sensimag.com JULY 2019 17

{WW&W }

by S E F F R A H O R L A N D O

The link between cannabis and lady parts is closer than you think.

THE GIRLS CLUB

18 JULY 2019 Southern California

There are many reasons I love being a woman. We are powerful—often immeasurably so. We are passionate. We

cannabis was made exclusively for women—thank you, Mother Nature.

are nurturers. We are a force to be reckoned with. It has taken

So, if the connection between cannabis and gynecological

me more years than I care to admit to realize the true power

health is so intimately intertwined, what about reproduc-

of being a woman. And now that I know, I embrace it in all its

tion? Well, developing science around this issue is on the

blazing glory.

rise. Though the research is quite scarce for many reasons,

Now there are plenty of things I can do. Number one, pe-

whether related to ethics or stigma, science is now beginning

riods. Number two, cramps—which suck worse than Aunt

to scratch the surface of how cannabinoids in the plant in-

Flow herself. I could do without the hormone imbalances

teract with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies.

and, when the time comes, menopause. Not to mention all

The human body produces cannabinoid substances that mir-

of the societal stresses.

ror what is derived from the plant, and they play a vital role in

What’s a girl to do? Is it our curse to deal with these mental stressors and physical discomforts, or is there something out

dictating the bodily functions within virtually every mammal, including the female reproductive process.

there designed to assist and relieve us of our ailments? Well,

In an article for Medical Marijuana, Inc., Eve Ripley states:

for the perfect remedy, leave it to the mother of all mothers,

“The ECS regulates these various functions through sub-

the woman in charge, the matriarch of us all: Lady Cannabis.

stances called endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid

The benefits of cannabis to our emotional and physical

receptors in the brain and throughout the peripheral nervous

health are astounding. Cannabis has been used to relieve

system and immune systems—sometimes, however, the

menstrual pain for centuries and has even been shown to

ECS can become deficient in endocannabinoids. This can

alleviate PMS symptoms. According to an article by Melinda

cause endocannabinoid system dysregulation, leading to an

Misuraca in the Emerald Report, cannabis use can be found in

imbalance in the body and eventually health issues.” Studies

ancient texts from China, Egypt, Persia, Israel/Palestine, and

also reveal that a healthy, well-functioning ECS system may

Syria for cramps, bloating, and abnormally heavy or nonex-

help suppress mood swings and depression.

istent bleeding, as well as menopausal symptoms, urinary tract infections, and uterine hemorrhage after childbirth.

There are a growing number of women who are opting to use THC and CBD products, such as bath bombs, tinctures,

Misuraca goes on to state that the US Pharmacopoeia and

and topicals, to relieve the pain of child birthing over phar-

US National Formulary recognized the benefits of cannabis

maceuticals. And to take it a step further, some women are

from the mid-1800s until the 1940s. It was even recognized

using it as a natural alternative to the drug Pitocin, which ac-

by the renowned Journal of American Medical Association as

celerates labor and often leads to C-Sections.

“one of the most valuable and satisfactory drugs” for just about every female reproductive condition.

In the article “10 Surprising Facts about Cannabis and Pregnancy” published by trusted resource Green Flower Me-

Now, let’s talk about mental health. It’s no secret that

dia, author Anna Wilcox writes: “Several cultures around the

women experience higher levels of anxiety and mental stress

world still use cannabis and hemp products during pregnan-

compared with our male cohorts (insert patriarchal-driven

cy. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find medical professionals

social narrative here), and Mary Jane offers relief for these

willing to suggest cannabis as a pregnancy remedy, many

conditions, too. According to a World Health Organization re-

women still turn to the herb for relief from nausea and vom-

port, cannabidiol (CBD) may provide therapeutic benefits for

iting despite a lack of medical research on the topic.”

numerous maladies, including those which are more prone

As testimonials and scientific research continues to grow

to women: cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, Alz-

and cannabis products diversify, it’s not unreasonable to as-

heimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

sume the link between ladies and cannabis will strengthen.

Menopause? Check. Anxiety? Check. Menstrual cramps?

Check. Hormone imbalances? Check.

As research surrounding the many, many medicinal properties continues to surge, it’s hard not to think that

I’m convinced that this natural connection transcends mere coincidence. Mother Nature has had our back the whole time.

Which, in hindsight, isn’t a stretch. After all, us ladies must stick together. sensimag.com JULY 2019 19

20 JULY 2019 Southern California

sensimag.com JULY 2019 21

{homemade }

by DAW N G A R C I A

GRILLING WITH FINESSE Taking your burger game to the next level.

22 JULY 2019 Southern California

Sweet and Savory Burgers and Guacamole INGREDIENTS

Makes 4 burgers

For the Burgers

• 2½ lbs grass-fed ground beef • ½ cup Granny Smith apple, chopped • ¼ cup fresh jalapeño, finely chopped • 1 avocado, sliced • 1 mango, thinly sliced • 1 lime, quartered • 4 large butter leaf lettuce leaves • 2 slices smoked Applewood bacon • 4 slices grass-fed cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 Brioche buns • 4 eggs (optional) For the Guacamole

• 2 large avocados, peeled, seeded, chopped • ½ jalapeño, seeded and chopped • ¼ cup pico de gallo • 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice • ¼ tsp salt • ¼ tsp pepper • ¼ tsp garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Cook bacon (crispy is best).

STEP 2: Put ground beef into large bowl.

STEP 3: Fold chopped Granny Smith apple, chopped jalapeño, and bacon

into ground beef until mixed well.

STEP 4: Add salt, pepper, and lime juice (from ¹⁄₂ a lime).

STEP 5: Shape into four hearty patties.

STEP 6: Heat outdoor barbecue to medium high.

STEP 7: Place patties on grill and cook with lid closed for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through to medium. (Note: You can also lightly toast the buns on the grill to warm and crisp.)

STEP 8: Add cheese and let melt.

STEP 9: Combine all guacamole ingredients in medium bowl. Add freshsqueezed lime, salt, and pepper to taste.

STEP 10: Place burgers on bun. Top each with butter leaf lettuce, 2 to 3 slices avocado, 2 to 3 slices mango, a splash of lime, and guacamole. (You can also add a sunny-side up egg for a little extra oomph.) Put on top bun and enjoy.

Grass-fed beef is a protein that is not only easy on the body but also one of the most insanely tasty versions of red meat you can get. Now, make that grass-fed meat a burger topped with avocado, mango, and a twist of citrus? You’ll have a summer dish that’s beautiful, healthy, and refreshing.

Creating an interesting burger has become my personal grilling challenge, so when Weber Grills came out with its colorful portable grills and wanted a few foodies to get creative with it, I readily answered the call.

This summer when you get ready to light up the grill, don’t be afraid to try new things or to put your spin on a traditional classic. For amazing sides and colorful inspiration, visit my friends Stephanie and Lulu on Instagram @THEDININGDOLLS . sensimag.com JULY 2019 23

{travelwell}

by DAW N G A R C I A

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Dallas is way more than cowboys, big hair, and Texas hospitality.

A week ago, all I knew about Dallas was its football team is the Cowboys, it’s part of tornado alley, there’s a lot

Bishop Arts District (BISHOPARTSDISTRICT.COM ) is a tiny

of wealth in the city, and Nick Jonas and Usher were born

Dallas neighborhood that’s big on character, cuisine, and

there. Now I can say that I’ve discovered arts districts, in-

culture. Located in the center of North Oak Cliff, Bishop Arts

credible food, lovely people, and a deep appreciation for

is home to 60 restaurants, boutique shops, coffee shops,

the locals’ willingness to open their minds.

bars, and independent art galleries. Sprinkled through an active neighborhood comprised of darling turn-of-thecentury homes and modern remodels, the neighborhood boasts sweet stores, businesses, doctors and law offices, and a relaxed vibe. With the Dallas city skyline visible in the Bishops Arts District to be is its own self-contained artist’s haven. Staying in an Airbnb on top of an antique store aptly

R.

called Mantiques (DFWMANTIQUES.COM ), the journey began.

A room designed with all the contemporary modernism I love—modern art adorning the walls, edgy furnishings, and a minimalistic bathroom and deck—this loft was my home for two incredible nights.

Wandering out at night, my friend (a resident of the neighboring small town of Corsicana) and I set out to explore.

Walking by a house with a decorative sign reading, “Taco y Vino” (TACOYVINODALLAS.COM) with picnic tables dressed with succulents in the front yard, we found the concept of tacos and wine too endearing to pass up. The restaurant packed with patrons did not disappoint. I highly recommend ordering three tacos: cochinita pibil (pulled pork), blackened baja (catfish), and nopalitos (prickly pear cactus). The wine selection spans from Europe and South Africa to South America.

The next two days would introduce us to a world of food, including Oddfellows (ODDFELLOWSDALLAS.COM) serving 24 JULY 2019 Southern California

LANDMARK’S EYE (LEFT) COURTESY OF VISIT DALLAS. GRAIN BOWL (TOP) COURTESY OF SERVE.

distance and the scare of tornados safely behind me, I found

TIRES AND MURAL PHOTOS BY DAWN GARCIA

exquisite coffee, cocktails, and meat-eater and vegetarianfriendly fare; Veracruz serving killer margaritas, tacos, mole, and enchiladas; and Tribal (LIVETRIBAL.COM ) serving freshpressed juices and dishes with an emphasis on clean eating.

The last stop on our culinary journey may be my favorite.

Serve (SERVE.HOUSE ) is a beautiful café serving vegan dishes, superfoods, and hearty smoothies, but it’s the design of the space that invites you into a world of creativity and tranquility. With intentional art messages like “Do What You Love,” sprawling displays of greenery, authentic handmade lighting fixtures, local art, and furnishings that lean towards

The white wrap-around porch calls you, and the painted tire succulents on the walls, the flower beds, and random pops of inspiration are exceptional. Should you find yourself in Dallas, this small arts district is the kind of place to get lost in.

post-modernism with a contemporary flare, it’s beautiful.

That said, just outside the double doors you will find a space filled with tables, cornhole, hammocks, massive murals, green grass, and swooning music. Serve’s mantra is “where fast lives slow down,” and it’s heavenly and blissful. Order the charcoal bowl for a tried-and-true tasty hangover cure.

In addition to an impressive selection of restaurants and bars, the quaint shops and art galleries are so interesting, you’ll realize you’ve spent hours in a state of discovery. One such shop is Fete-ish (@FETE_ISH). Curated with works by local artists, quirky novelty items like stoner doormats and f-bomb hand towels, and Texas paraphernalia, this store has wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling gifts and goodies that will make

COCKTAIL (RIGHT) COURTESY OF SERVE

your house smell nice, give you a hearty belly laugh, or tap into creative ways to tell someone to piss off. It’s a must-see.

Bishops Arts District is also home to art galleries like Mercado369 (MERCADO369.COM) featuring Latin American art and gifts; Mosaic Makers Collective (MOSAICMAKERS.CO) featuring only female-designed goods; and Red Pegasus Comics (REDPEGASUSCOMICS.COM) carrying rare comic books.

There is also a gorgeous and genuinely inventive event and wedding space called House of Dirt (HOUSEOFDIRT.COM).

Places To Discover in Dallas

Pecan Lodge // Best brisket you’ll ever have PECANLODGE.COM

Stirr // Amazing mixology program, rooftop bar, and restaurant. STIRRDALLAS.COM Ruins // El Diablo–themed Mexican bar and restaurant with a speakeasy and concert venue in the back.

RUINS.BUSINESS.SITE

Dragonfly Restaurant // Innovative Americanfusion cuisine and cocktails in an art-centric hotel.

HOTELZAZA.COM/DALLAS/DRAGONFLY-DALLAS sensimag.com JULY 2019 25

by DAW N G A R C I A

GROWNUP FUN Let go in a boobietrap you won’t want to escape.

Scot Nery’s Boobietrap

Wednesdays 7–10 p.m. // Tickets: $25 1714 Whitney Ave., Hollywood // BOOBIELA.COM

thought, what if I get goofy? It felt awesome. Engaging in the magic that I loved with my true personality was a blast.”

That essence of professionalism and good old-fashioned joviality is everything Boobietrap embodies. One of Nery’s favorite quotes is by Mario Andretti: “If everything is under control, you are not going fast enough.” Boobietrap reflects that mentality.

If you’ve ever wanted to leave the world behind, if only

“Lots of people will go see concerts, and if they see a

for a couple hours, and indulge in pure cirque-worthy joy

bad one, they will still listen to music again,” he says. “But

with the wit and appeal of Monty Python, Scot Nery’s Boo-

if you see a bad juggler, you’ll likely say jugglers aren’t for

bietrap, located in the heart of Hollywood, is well worth

you. I can’t wait to prove you wrong.”

braving SoCal traffic for.

Having trained as a street performer, Nery traveled the

Nery is an entertainer through and through, but his life as

country setting up public shows for 50 to as many as 300

a performer started before he fully understood his purpose.

guests. Paying close attention to how people responded led

He fell in love with magic at age seven, and it was only up

him to fully understand what audiences want.

from there. “I was taught by a very formal magician, a tuxe-

“Audiences want to be excited, motivated, and chal-

do kind of guy,” he says. “I loved magic early on and started

lenged—and to feel safe,” Nery says. “The other frills in-

doing paid shows at age 11. One day when I was 13, I just

cluded in shows are often useless.”

26 JULY 2019 Southern California

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD M. JOHNSON

{highprofile }

Boobietrap is a variety show featuring an array of performers, many of which Nery has performed with throughout his career. The contagiously energetic show features music, comedy, and acrobatics.

“LA is brimming with world-class talent you’ll never get to see,” Nery says. “These performers are either traveling or working in places that aren’t open to everyone. I wanted to create a world where all of that incredible talent is accessible to audiences that live here.”

While Los Angeles may be plentiful in vacant buildings, finding a home for Boobietrap didn’t come easily. “In the be-

ginning, my friend had access to a warehouse the size of a city block in Echo Park. It was incredible,” Nery says. “We had access to this huge space and a bunch of equipment, including lights, sound, stage—perfect for building an underground show. I brought in my experience of producing theater shows, as well as my network and my friends’ networks of amazing world-class and weird-class entertainers.”

His love of performing started when he was young, and he was open to learning from anyone open to teaching.

“Traveling the world and performing all the time is a crash course in both performance and events,” he says. “Looking at what killed with an audience, what could have helped the performer connect better, it really formed what mattered to me. I learned so much by just watching as much comedy

“If you see a bad juggler, you’ll likely say jugglers aren’t for you. I can’t wait to prove you wrong.”

—Scot Nery

as I could, taking notes, and trying new things all the time. ” No stranger to hard work and excellence, Nery is adamant about hiring the world’s top acts. “In the beginning it was all about texting some friends to come out for the show. Then it became asking them for recommendations, and it just kept growing like that,” he says. “The show has also gained its own momentum, and now people submit their acts to us, and we do our best to find a spot in the show for those. Our lineup spots are usually booked out a month in advance.”

Nery’s ultimate goal is to create opportunity for performers to be seen. “We love to take care of Boobietrap performers and do what it takes to give them a really fulfilling experience,” he says. “A lot of times, we don’t really sensimag.com JULY 2019 27

28 JULY 2019 Southern California

care about the content of the performance—we just look at what the audience is doing. Are they loving it? Is the entertainer doing their job?”

Nery’s respect and adoration for every performer is palpable. “From Michael Rayner rolling flaming cheeseburgers on a parasol to a contortionist who has trained from basically birth—both can make people feel equally bodacious. When they are supported, loved, and listened to, they make even more amazing audiences and killer performers. Being able to create a culture where that

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT SCOT NERY • He became a fundamentalist Christian to rebel against his atheist/agnostic parents (before performing became his religion).

• He lived in a small town with a lot of old people.

• He ran from the cops for fun.

• He built sled ramps.

• He started a cooking show in San Francisco.

can happen is so important to me—no matter how much growth we encounter.”

While Nery oozes happiness and optimism, producing Boobietrap every Wednesday has meant joy takes on deeper meaning. “Joy comes from so many aspects of my life now,” he says. “I take joy in connecting entertainers with opportunities, and creating fulfilling experiences for everyone involved with show business. I used to be only focused on show craft, performance, and leaving an audience with joy. It consumed me, and it was really unbalanced. Now, I’m married and have a dog, and finding balance with that gives me an even deeper joy.”

Boobietrap is good for the soul and motivates you to laugh out loud and act like a fool—and remember that isolation isn’t what we’re made for. “The show couldn’t be done alone. I feel so thankful that I can call experts about things we need help with,” Nery says. “If we need to sew a stuffed wacky inflatable guy, we call an expert costume designer to see if it would be fun for her to make. It reminds me that isolating yourself is never the answer, and

I isolated myself a lot in the past. Part of that is having fun, even if it seems unrelated, because you never know where your next idea is going to come from.”

Should you still need convincing about whether or not to brave the traffic, Nery, in true form, spouts off things you may not know. “The fingerprints of a koala are so indistinguishable from humans that they have, on occasion, been confused at a crime scene,” he says. “Slugs have four noses; giraffes have no vocal chords; kangaroos can’t fart.

If you don’t believe these wild facts, come to the show this week, and I’ll prove it!”

sensimag.com JULY 2019 29

{lifestyle }

by E L I D U P I N and DAW N G A R C I A

LADIES’ NIGHTS Your summer binge-watching list starring badass female leads.

The options of what to watch on television these days

A concerning computer with feelings, doubt, addiction,

are so bountiful that grains of sand seem easier to count.

dysfunctional relationships, and daunting past can be sort-

The quality of shows is legit changing the way we view

ed out and remedied by participation in a simple drug trial

content. In the wake of a female surge—and a much

led by doctors Fujuita and Mantleray. Not quite that simple,

needed one—there are TV shows streaming with strong,

each participant is given a series of pills causing them to

talented, and kickass ladies you’ll have to hunker down

relive fantastical and painful parts of their lives—including

and watch. So, when the summer swell of blistering heat

some they can’t confirm really existed. Torn between the

finds you, curl up on that couch with your A/C running and

twisted mother/son relationship of the Mantlerays and the

get ready to feed your mind with visual amazement.

painfully desperate belonging of Owen and Annie, Mani-

Killing Eve // Season 1 now on Hulu Sandra Oh has come a long way from playing Christina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy. Fans were longing for a little of

ac takes you on one genuinely effed-up adventure of the mind, desire, and our inescapable world of AI.

Dead To Me // Season 1 now on Netflix

that Oh Effect, and the Emmy-nominated Killing Eve deliv-

Widower and real estate agent Jen Harding (played by

ers. The story of cat and mouse, investigator (Eve, played

Christina Applegate) is doing her best to raise her two teen-

by Oh) and hitwoman (Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer)

age sons and not be pissed that her husband was killed by

unravels so steadily, you find yourself hoping this twist-

a hit-and-run driver. Giving in to her reluctant grief, Jen

ed dance ends in some grand unconventional love story.

attends a grief group in Laguna Beach. Seaside and

Cheering for bad to prevail, Eve is hunting down Villanelle,

surrounded in luxury, this grief group of misfits in-

a profoundly abject killer hired by those they never speak

troduces us to a strange bunch of people facing

of. No, really—they’re just called “them.” It is a remarkably

losses of everything from spouses to animals, but

smart story of two women whose jobs are polar opposite,

it’s the bright optimism of quirky Judy Hale (played by Linda

yet their motivations are strangely on level planes.

Cardellini) that sparks an immediate friendship.

Maniac // Season 1 now on Netflix

An unlikely duo, the two become fast friends, but things get complicated when Judy’s ex-husband Steve (played by

Emma Stone can sing and dance, but she can also do

James Marsden) becomes Jen’s client. Obsessed with find-

crazy with the best of them. Maniac, starring Stone (An-

ing her husband’s killer, Jen is blind to some questionable

nie), Jonah Hill (Owen), Sally Field (Dr. Greta Mantleray),

characteristics of her new bestie until Steve plants the seeds

Justin Theroux (Dr. James K. Mantleray), and Sonoya Mizu-

that Judy’s crazy. With a stellar supporting cast that includes

no (Dr. Azumi Fujita) takes place in a world similar to ours

the incomparable Ed Asher, Dead To Me is the kind of angsty

yet not quite real.

show you’ll want to unpack one misplaced emotion at a time.

30 JULY 2019 Southern California

sensimag.com JULY 2019 31

Russian Doll // Season 1 now on Netflix Imagine dying every day, over and over, reliving the same night, same party, same friends, same song, but each time

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people. The neighborhood seems more like an in-between, leaving her with more questions than she ever had before.

Forever, starring Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen, is a far cry from their SNL skits. This well-written and tragic dark comedy digs deep into societal ideals, the true meaning of love and marriage, and what awaits us when we die. With an incredibly talented cast including the twisted neighbor Kase (played by Catherine Keener), Forever is a clever foreboding look at what comes next. The show will take you through a range of emotions from loneliness and total abandon to curiosity and passion, leaving you with a capricious yet unfortunate impression of what comes next.

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SPEC IAL REPORT

SEXY YOGIS, TIME TRAVEL +CANNABIS FARMS A mosaic tapestry through one rip-roaring week in Jamaica for the multicultural Tmrw.Tday festival.

by DA N Mc C A R T H Y

34 JULY 2019 Southern California

It’s an unusually cold Boston afternoon.

DEADLINE LOOMS, AND THE USUAL

WRITERLY PROCESS OF MINE HAS BEGUN. SPORADIC THOUGHTS GIVE WAY TO IMMERSIVE RECALL, A MUST FOR THE TASK AT HAND. BECAUSE IN SPITE OF A MISHMASH OF G-DOC NOTES AND WILDLY UNORGANIZED VOICE RECORDINGS ON MY PHONE, MAKING CHRONOLOGICAL OR EVEN STRUCTURAL SENSE OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE REPORTORIAL SENSE IS A BIT OF A BLUR. CALL IT ISLAND TIME. Or just call it a week in Jamaica for a cannonball right

personal manifestos (there were more than a few of those...

into the heart of the Tmrw.Tday Festival (TMRWTDAY.COM ).

but that was the energy of the whole festival) is something of

As Tmrw.Today is a multi-focus, multicultural well-

an origin story for the Tmrw.Tday retreat. Founder Andrew

ness, music, art, and dance hootenanny, one can imag-

Christoforou and his wife Stacy Irie Soul (who led both yoga

ine the difficulty in distilling the experience, especial-

and meditation/mindfulness talks through the week) had

ly when it happens to be the first sojourn down to Irie

attended LA-based Oppermann’s five day workshop in Oax-

country in 20 years for your humble servant here. But

aca, Mexico on NYE2018. Later, they took his online Incuba-

with enough mental jujitsu, I’m able to untangle the tap-

tor, which Christoforou claimed transformed them both—so

estry of the week, presented here in a journalistic mo-

much so, that the festival coming to life was the direct result

saic: a sort of impressionistic take on a traditional dis-

of Christoforou and company applying what they absorbed

patch from paradise. It’s starting to come into focus...

from Oppermann’s lessons. Pretty strong pitch, no matter

Scene Report

“It was life changing,” Christoforou told the packed sec-

Geographical backdrops are the first images dissolving into

ond floor of the glimmering expansion and reconstruc-

frame. Montego Bay, Orange Hill, and greater Westmoreland.

tion of the Woodstock Beach bar and resort, where the

And there was at least one minor panic attack after being

festival kept its home base for the week.

handed the keys to a new comrade’s rental car at sundown; a

“It’s a true honor for me, since I teach about living the

cheery experiment in left-side road driving to find the area’s

life of one’s future self. I feel spending time here in this

lone ATM still dispensing money to avoid a humid 40 minute

moment with all you beautiful beings is the manifesta-

walk along Norman Manley Boulevard, the main drag flank-

tion of this idea of living the life of your future self,” Op-

ing the heavenly (if tourist-plagued) Seven Mile Beach just

permann crooned into the microphone. And it was about

north of downtown Negril. That one’s hard to forget.

there I turned off the recorder, stretched out on my mat,

Putting it all together requires more digging in the menPHOTOS COURTESY OF TMRW.TDAY FESTIVAL. PURPLE GLASSES PHOTO BY DAN McCARTHY

how you slice it.

tal dust pile: Where was I heaving myself off of a perilous

and realized any traditional reportorial work for this one was going to be futile. Just go with the flow.

spring water cave naturally carved into the earth, with the

That flow involved Bluetooth headphones serenaded

turquoise water and the apparent specter of death at every

by Oppermann’s dulcet Germanic tones, instructing the

leap? Where was that house in the cliffs where I joined a

room to follow him along on a journey to the other side of

small, sexy crew of colorful strangers led by that husband-

reality (in your mind): “You are traveling through dimen-

and-wife team of plant-medicine science for guided psy-

sions now…deep in the universe…past space and time.

chedelic social hours? Was I in front of my hotel when I was

There is a yellow liquid waterfall of light to let in your

alone on a beach chair under a single overhead safety light

mind. Expand your DNA…”

at 3 a.m. at the end of one night? Yes, that I remember. The journey into the mind’s eye—that night and now—comes with an easier takeoff thanks to an earlier trip through inner space at the start of the week…

Meeting Peter Oppermann for the first time, a catalogue-model-handsome life coach and meditation teach-

Steam Team Kevin

Campbell,

owner

of

Steam

Team

JA

(STEAMTEAMJA.COM ), embodies the archetype of a 21st century youthful Rasta carving a life and sustainable career for himself on his native soil in the days of legal green.

er leading a multiday series of guided audio inner-space

Tall and broad, his dense beard and dark eyes frame a

meditations and lectures, you first catch the loose-jawed

face outlined in a lion’s mane of long dreadlocks. And he

Berlin accent you’d expect from someone promising to

is always at the ready to provide hearty blasts of steam

take your consciousness from a state of 3D to 5D.

via the coconut-and-bamboo clay bowl steam chalices

His lecture and involvement in the week’s agenda, a sweep-

he makes and sells. Call it the original vaporizer. Torched

ing wellness series of mixed classes, workouts, lectures, and

coconut shell charcoals sit atop a handmade clay bowl, sensimag.com JULY 2019 35

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PHOTO (TOP) COURTESY OF TMRW.TDAY FESTIVAL AND (BOTTOM) BY DAN McCARTHY

with whole raw flower placed below the small, quar-

all over the US, South America, the Middle East, Africa,

ter-sized clay separator. Water from the base is heated

Europe, and Australia. What started as a raucous get-

as the coals are torched, and the activated flower in the

ting-to-know you evening over Rasta Pasta and quality

bowl steams off all the cannabinoids drawn through the

hash joints eventually gave way to a live acoustic duo

bamboo mouthpiece for a super mellow, terpene-rich

charming the room, closed by an early morning DJ-led

blast of the local crop. The charcoal burns clean and nat-

nighttime dancefest with enough sweaty yogis and oth-

ural, and is hot enough to throw a fresh dab on to really

er acrobatic searchers to make any writer reconsider his

spice up your session.

choice of a Rocket Pop-print cabana shirt (roughly a size

My first steam with Kevin went down the night Chris-

too small, thanks winter) as the night’s swagfest.

toforou and his team led a platoon of festival partiers to

Being in no mood for dance, I spent the evening steam-

local hotspot Pushart—a hot-people ensemble to be sure,

ing with my new company, and later with Marcus “Bubble-

heavy with Canadians, and peppered with people from

man” Richardson (BUBBLEMANBRAND.COM), an OG name in the global hemp game from Canada. For those who know him, he needs no introduction. For those who don’t, consider: Bubble Hash. Have you had it? Good. His is better. The best, actually. And that makes sense, considering he pioneered the art of it, invented his own bags for production (which is how the stuff first came to the island over 20 years ago, according to Richardson). In other words: Best. Bubble Hash. Ever. Ever, ever. A few blasts and I could bite a tiger.

The collective steam-meet with Bubbleman gave way to a weeklong orbit around each other. At times, we were meeting up at Woodstock for lectures or scouring the bazaar on the ground floor. Other times, I was hopping in Bubbleman’s rental to follow Campbell down backcountry roads and Orange Hill’s government-maintained roadways. Not for the faint of heart.

One afternoon of rally-car driving brought us to Waba Claysensimag.com JULY 2019 37

38 JULY 2019 Southern California

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TMRW.TDAY FESTIVAL

ton’s Farm, where natural-wonder swimming attraction The Blue Hole sits at the base of Waba’s hilltop Xanadu, built in the 1940s high in hills, with a finished rooftop lined with pots of cannabis plants overlooking the ocean in the distance. It’s energy is one of a refuge and haven of authentic Rasta life, communal living, and general survival at the hands of random tourists there for an Instagram-perfect attraction, or a walkthrough and sampling of outdoor cannabis of shocking quality, enough to cause any weed snob to reconsider their side of the indoor-vs-outdoor argument.

Speaking to VICE News (which filmed a segment at Waba’s farm recently), Waba laid out the perilous nature of being a celebrated local farmer with the kind of growing skills built over a lifetime of labor in the dawn of national (and international) cannabis legalization. Considering weed was still illegal in Jamaica until 2015 (yes, really), legalization has opened the floodgates for the green gold rush on the island.

With the threat of outside entities moving in and taking over the emerging legal cannabis market from native farmers, the time to be politically cognizant of the changing laws and regulations of Jamaica’s cannabis industry has never been more prescient. For Waba, he’s applied to legally sell his crops, but the local governing board has yet to approve it, so it’s a hurry-up-and-wait game. Even if they do get the nod, the cost of getting licensed to grow and transport product is more than the average annual salary of a Jamaica. High cost of entry, the maw of bureaucratic red tape, and big money muscling in on seasoned farmers in the weed world: sound familiar? Should the governing board simply reject Waba’s application flat-out, all that fire flower and smiling crew at the farm will be either back on the black market, or simply pushed out.

“I would have to stop, because I’m a business person, you know?” Waba told VICE. “I’d have to go do something else. But what about the other person who can’t [do something else]? Ganja is not just a drug. It’s a spiritual

thing that’s sent here to help poorer-class people. Without ganja, I don’t know what this community would be.”

Rooms and Board If you ever find your way to this part of the island, here’s a free tip: Hang out at Seven Mile Beach, of course, but stay in the cliffs. Both spots have their pros, neither, that I could tell, really have their cons.

But then came Tensing Pen (TENSINGPEN.COM ), an otherworldly privately owned resort of grass-roofed bungalows and rock-cliff-connecting foot bridges stretched between points on the cliffs impossible not to leap off of into the Caribbean Sea below. Once settled in the area, you start to understand why a woman I met on an afternoon of meandering along the West End said those who know, know to hit the cliffs versus the beach. I ran into her after the rains started and I popped into a spot called Xtabi for refreshment and new set of views. Earlier in the week, I had bummed a pack of Cheyenne Silver cigarettes off her at the festival where she was working the check in desk. With a touch of a history lesson, mostly about a class of Americans and Canadians who have been coming to Negril as a cultural hippie-haven after the San Francisco 1960s dream of peace, love, and Flower Power died at the hands of American Exceptionalism, she regaled me with stories of the “old days” on the cliffs, and the sheer bacchanal of daily life that it was. And still is (if you know where to find it).

I wasn’t there to find it that day, but good to know where to return to on subsequent journeys to the island. No, I was too busy enjoying the cove views from my chalet at Tensing Pen, which overlooked a portion of limestone cliffs where a set of stairs had been carved into the ancient stone, likely during the island’s colonization by the British and the Spanish in the 17th or 18th century.

“Nobody knows who put it there or when,” said Anne-Marie Petros, part of the husband-and-wife team who own the sensimag.com JULY 2019 39

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resort. Their two Rhodesian Ridgeback doggos patrol the

on someone else’s dime, by the way) and anything that in

grounds for pets and food and company as two dogs living

the end leaves you feeling better than when you arrived.

better than 99 percent of the world’s population do.

For Andrew and Stacy and their realized dream of a festival

Wellness, Fashion, Friends, Smoothies

(which returns next year, so get it on your calendars now if this appeals to you), that result is all that matters.

It wasn’t all a big party. Well, okay, it felt like that, but

And no matter if your entry point is cannabis, psyche-

between the local jewelry makers, Steam Team’s corner

delics, Burning Man-style spiritualism and mysticism,

booth, and the eco-conscious-fashion garments selling as

agnostic-based energy chakra touting this and that, or

a platform for local communities, Tmrw.Tday was a true

just some good old steamin’ and dreamin’, however you

melting pot of island solace, commerce, and storytelling.

get to the place most were at by the time we were at the

There were also a multitude of speeches by wellness entrepreneurs. Downstairs on the ground floor, there was

closing night party, then who cares? Good vibes, good energy, good living, good people.

always available water, farm-to-table vegan food options,

That final night party went down at a jaw-droppingly

and invigorating health shakes made slowly (very slowly)

beautiful private (and for rent!) compound called Llan-

using local island fruits. All of which were easily enhanced

trissant Villa (BEACHCLIFF.COM ), owned by a delightful,

with CBD found all over the festival at Woodstock, includ-

silver-maned septuagenarian and pharmaceutical com-

ing a stand-alone CBD café right in the middle of the beach,

pany CEO, currently at work on getting his synthetic-can-

courtesy of Cafe (IAMCAFE.COM ).

nabinoid-based medicine to create HIV quiescence (read:

Memories Fade But Wisdom Lingers

silencing the thing that makes HIV deadly) to clinical trials.

We talked for a long time after sunset: about his time on the

That week in May at the festival was one of sensory

island, about meeting new people at multicultural festivals,

overload. Honestly I don’t even have the energy to get it all

and about simply not being a shit person. We talked about

right, but for that matter I don’t want to, at least for this one

his work, about cannabis as medicine. And we talked about

(although you can read the full-length version of this nar-

how, in spite of the world changing at a rapid clip, faster

rative at SENSIMAG.COM/DANINJAMAICA ). No, this story is

than ever before, by focusing on the right things—cannabis

really about the takeaway—whatever one got from the fes-

legalization, for one—we have a chance to create a better,

tival, the orbiting pathways to higher living and more en-

healthier, more just world than the one we’re living in.

gaged existing (not hard to do living in paradise for a week

Now that, I remember.

sensimag.com JULY 2019 41

As innovation in cannabis-infusion takes great leaps, most experts expect infused food and drinks to rule the pot market in the 2020s.

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

YEAR OF THE

EDIBLE 42 JULY 2019 Southern California

Fed by the best minds IN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION IN CANNABISINFUSED FOOD AND BEVERAGES IS ENTERING A NEW ERA. BIG AG AND BIG FOOD ARE CIRCLING, DIPPING THEIR TOES IN, READY TO POUNCE AS SOON AS THE US GOVERNMENT LEGALIZES CANNABIS—A MATTER OF WHEN, NOT IF, THAT MANY BELIEVE COULD COME AS SOON AS THIS YEAR OR NEXT. Anheuser-Busch, Molson Coors Brewing Co., Mooseh-

effects. They’ve found a way to make fat-soluble cannabi-

ead, Coca-Cola, Diageo (maker of Smirnoff and Baileys),

noids into water-soluble powders and liquids so that in-

and Mondelēz International (maker of Oreos) have all

fusing anything is a simple matter of adding and stirring.

announced they’re looking into CBD- and THC-infused

And that’s just the beginning. Late last year, the Human

(mostly CBD) food and beverages. CVS and Walgreens

Genome Project, which provides source information for

are planning to sell CBD products in some states. Scotts

gene farming that transforms commercially and thera-

Miracle-Gro is buying up cannabis cultivation companies

peutically valuable segments of the human genetic code

and making moves into genetically modifying cannabis,

into agricultural products, mapped the cannabis genome,

while Monsanto—consistently voted the world’s most evil

opening the door to an even more sophisticated level of

corporation—was one of the first companies to establish

research on par with other economically lucrative crops.

offices in Uruguay after that country legalized adult use.

Citing a study showing that consumers don’t have any

Scientists who honed their skills at the world’s top food

problems with corporations considering cannabis-in-

and pharmaceutical corporations and research institu-

fused products, Nancy Whiteman, CEO of Colorado’s

tions have put their minds to the plant, figuring out how

leading edibles maker Wana Brands, told Paul Barron of

to break cannabis down to its components and put it back

The Barron Report podcast, “My working assumption is

together again to create consistent, measured, predictable

that every major company is looking at this.”

sensimag.com JULY 2019 43

44 JULY 2019 Southern California

Everyone does appear to be eyeing the edibles market,

Mainstream food growers and producers are making

especially since The Arcview Group published a head-

moves. British Columbia-based Village Farms—one of the

line-grabbing report predicting edibles sales would qua-

largest producers, marketers, and distributors of green-

druple in the US and Canada, to $4.1 billion, and global sales

house-grown produce in North America—has already

would reach $32 billion by 2022. They can’t help but notice

converted a large portion of its vegetable greenhouses to

that consumers are gobbling up newly legal CBD-infused ev-

cannabis, and Newstrike Brands is partnering with food

erything—including food and drinks—pushing predictions

company Neal Brothers to produce cannabis edibles.

that CBD sales in the US will hit $22 billion (up from $262 million in 2016) in 2022, according to the New York Times.

Edibles Winning in California

They also like what they see in edible consumer de-

Cannabis legalization in the world’s fifth-largest econ-

mographics. Primarily female with post-secondary ed-

omy and largest legal cannabis market has gotten off to

ucation and high incomes, these shoppers buy edibles

a rocky start as high taxes have forced far too many Cal-

the same way they do groceries, looking for items that

ifornians to hang onto their black-market dealers, but

satisfy their food preferences, tolerances, and flavor

that hasn’t stopped analysts from predicting that $5.1

profiles, according to research firm High Yield Insights.

billion of cannabis edibles would be sold in the state—ri-

These consumers like edibles because they’re discreet

valing the beer market—this year.

and offer longer, more intense highs and better pain and

“While the cultivation and concentrates markets are

anxiety relief than smoking, according to an RTI Interna-

getting most of the buzz, it’s the edibles market that rep-

tional study of cannabis users in legal states.

resents one of the strongest sectors for growth in the can-

Cannabis is taking its rightful place as an established

nabis space,” Investing News reports. “This market sector

and valuable functional food ingredient, and we haven’t

is driven in large part by new users and those focused on

seen anything yet. Sylvan Charlebois, dean of the Fac-

health and wellness who want a smoke-free cannabis ex-

ulty of Management and professor of agri-food distri-

perience. There are signs this consumer segment is al-

bution and policy at Dalhousie University, predicts that

ready flooding into the California cannabis market.”

within 10 years, 5 to 7 percent of all food sold in Canada will contain cannabis.

A number of events and evolutions have converged so that more and more of us will be snacking on CBD-infused gummies and sipping mocktails microdosed with THC in the 2020s.

Canada Opens Up Edibles Market Though Canada’s population pales in comparison to the US’s, the country of 30 million people is the first G-7 nation to legalize, and it’s attracting a lot of attention. The Canadian government kicked the complex undertaking of designing a regulatory system for edibles down the road until this month, and earlier this year it held a two-month public consultation period to help craft those regulations, which were expected to impose tight limitations on potency and packaging. Ignoring consumers’ clear preference for gummies (which make up a quarter of the edibles market in the US), Health Canada is promoting healthier edible options such as cannabis-infused kombucha and protein drinks.

Marijuana Policy Group co-founder Miles Light told

CBC News that edibles and non-flower products are the ultimate end-game for cannabis companies in Canada

A number of events and evolutions have converged so that more and more of us will be snacking on CBD-infused gummies and sipping mocktails microdosed with THC in the 2020s

because food is a friendlier niche for new, smaller companies than cannabis production, which is already dominated by a handful of mega-producers. sensimag.com JULY 2019 45

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“People will never trust products that don’t deliver consistent experiences. We can take the plant components apart and put them back together, literally at will, to drive those experiences.”

—Jon Cooper, Ebbu

Better Eating Through Chemistry?

ing oils, and brewers such as Heineken-owned Lagunitas

A couple years ago, Jon Cooper, CEO of Colorado-based

are giving beer a dank edge by adding common cannabis

cannabis research company Ebbu—which industry gi-

terpenes pinene and myrcene. Terpenes were among the

ant Canopy Growth Corporation acquired last year as

most studied compounds last year, Analytical Cannabis

part of its efforts to build a collection of patented, stan-

reports, and that research is now shaping the industry

dardized products that deliver specific outcomes—told

as companies like Steep Hill Laboratories establish data-

me that trust, control, responsibility, and safety would be

bases of terpenes and their usefulness for growers.

the cannabis industry’s defining message as it evolved.

Synthetics—CBD and THC created in a lab from organic

“People will never trust products that don’t deliver con-

hosts such as yeast, sugar, or petroleum-based chemicals—

sistent experiences,” he said. “Big companies coming

will also play a big role. Hyasynth Bio, a Montreal-based

into this space will have no choice but to achieve that.”

startup recently acquired by Organigram Holdings, plans to

His prediction is proving to be prescient, and you can ex-

produce thousands of kilograms of CBD powder made from

pect to see more and more edibles designed to promote spe-

yeast for pharmaceuticals and packaged goods within two

cific effects such as relaxation, focus, energy, stress-relief,

years. (Organigram is investing heavily in edibles innova-

and sleep on cannabis store shelves. “We can take the plant

tion, including a $15 million fully automated production line

components apart and put them back together, literally at

that can produce 4 million kilograms of chocolate cannabis

will, to drive experiences,” Scott Riefler, vice president of sci-

edibles per year using advanced engineering and robotics.)

ence for cannabinoid company Tarukino, marveled during a “Smart Kitchen Summit” podcast sponsored by The Spoon.

David Kideckel, managing director and senior equity research analyst at investment firm AltaCorp Capital, told

Tarukino, Ebbu, and several other companies have de-

The Growth Op that the ability to make cannabinoids in

veloped processing techniques that emulsify cannabi-

bulk in a lab allows for more consistency in the produc-

noids into nano-size particles that dissolve into water and

tion of all cannabinoids and will open up a whole world

mix more easily into blood. These water-soluble concen-

beyond THC and CBD. “As soon as cannabis is descheduled

trates are game changers, making it a breeze for food and

as a controlled substance on a federal level in the United

beverage manufacturers to infuse products with dose- and

States, you’re going to start seeing research dollars pouring

effect-specific formulations of cannabinoids and terpenes.

in from Big Pharma and CPG [consumer packaged goods]

Terpenes are a big factor here, and they’ve become all

companies,” he predicts. “They’re going to work on figuring

the rage—expect to see more and more of them. Dispensaries and retail stores offer everything from terpene concentrates and vaping liquids to terpene-infused cook-

out the potential of every cannabinoid in the plant.”

ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE is the author of the best-selling Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and the newly released Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Cannabis.

sensimag.com JULY 2019 47

48 JULY 2019 Southern California

4BLOOMS

Making Headway in Advertising and Promoting Cannabis HELPING CANNABIS CLIENTS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS OF PROMOTING AND ADVERTISING PRODUCTS IS GETTING EASIER–AND MORE TECH-SAVVY.

Susan Rust, CEO and founder of 4Blooms.Guru, a

use of synthetic fertilizers harms people and the en-

San Diego-based cannabis marketing agency for retail,

vironment. The client just completed the Apex Brand

products and services, is working with some interest-

Strategy Workshop, and we are building their brand-

ing clients right now.

ing architecture and strategy now.”

One is VitalGrown, a company that plans to teach

Marketing cannabis-related products and services

farming best practices and certify farms that follow the

can be a tough slog. 4Blooms has battled to find ad-

VitalGrown process. “They have a farm that showcases

vertising and promotion channels for its clients. “We

and teaches best organic grow practices with their

do content marketing/SEO and display marketing

products from Vital Garden Supply,” Rust says. “Most

with geo-targeting and, of course, Instagram,” she says.

farming, unless people are re-trained, tends to be with

For one cannabis retail client, 4Blooms has display

destructive modern practices, synthetic products, con-

advertising within the store’s footprint so consumers

taminated run-off, inefficient water and electricity use,

can receive a product coupon on their phone when

and other detrimental farming habits. VitalGrown will

they are in the building. “You can target very specific

use their high-quality organic product line and farm

areas, as tight as a building and as wide as the country.

to grow bigger, higher-yield cannabis crops, which can

It’s basically non-Facebook Facebook advertising, but

demand premium prices while being eco-friendly.”

using different networks. We can target demographics

Regenerative farming is the future for hemp and

like illnesses, specific sports fans, zip codes, and more.”

cannabis and hopefully for all crops someday. “We re-

For dispensaries and cannabis services, 4Blooms.

ally love that their business makes a difference,” Rust

Guru is a Yelp-certified partner, which is an excellent

says. “Our mission is to end human suffering and the

platform to generate leads for canna-businesses. Their clients have access to enhanced profiles with platform functions such as a photo slide show instead of static gallery, call-to-action button, removal of competitor ads, video hosting, photo arrangement, and the ability to respond to reviews. “Yelp has its own organic search system, and properly writing and optimizing a listing can add a lot of leads per month. It’s an excellent, cost-effective and canna-friendly strategy,” Rust says.

“Dispensaries and those providing ancillary canna-services can find it very effective, and it provides strong return on investment.”

For more information, visit:

4BLOOMS.GURU

sensimag.com JULY 2019 49

{HereWeGo }

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

INVOKING INSPIRATION Public mural projects make art accessible.

Public art has the power not only to beautify a neighborhood but to unite a community. When the residents of Barrio Logan learned in the early 1970s that a park they were promised during highway construction would instead be used for a California Highway Patrol station, they rebelled. Demonstrators held bulldozers at bay until government officials relented, and Chicano Park was born. Now resplendent with murals of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary themes, Chicano Park was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2017 and continues to be the cultural heart of Barrio Logan.

San Diego’s City Heights have also been renewed with original art through The Avenue Mural Project. Begun in 2017 to dissuade taggers from defacing local businesses, the campaign has adorned buildings such as the Treasure Trove antique store and the Disfrutalas restaurant façade with whimsical teacups and flowers, fruits and vegetables painted by high school student Mimi Gonzalez Martinez with the mentorship of a professional artist. The project has raised $13,000 and plans to enlist local graffiti artists to join and take ownership of the neighborhood’s aesthetics.

Community leaders in Long Beach also turn to art to strengthen relationships and strengthen civic pride. Local works will be the focus of the International Mural Festival, July 21 through 28. The week-long event is produced by Pow! Wow! (POWWOWLONGBEACH.COM ), a group dedicated to beautification and community pride. The festival is part of the internationally acclaimed Pow! Wow! Worldwide, a series of street art events that has brought murals to public spaces in Washington, D.C., Honolulu, Tokyo, Seoul, and more. In 2018, Pow! Wow! unveiled 18 new murals in Long Beach, many of them in the downtown area. One piece by the artist Never 50 JULY 2019 Southern California

Made (NEVERMADE.COM ) features a pair of eyes gazing at a horizon filled with oil wells silhouetted by the California sunset.

Pow! Wow! artist and Long Beach local Jason Keam (JASONKEAM.COM ), who has done animation work for Disney and the Cartoon Network, also painted a mural for another city artwork series, the Cambodia Town Mural Project. Unveiled in 2017, the collection of eight murals was funded by the Arts Council for Long Beach with grants from the California Arts Council, the California Community Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Neighborhoods can reveal their character through their art, and Southern California communities are no exception. Next time you’re driving through San Diego or Long Beach, take time to appreciate the beauty that local artists have created for all to share. ARTSLB.ORG/PROGRAMS/PUBLIC-ART/CTMP

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